The alarm that actually wakes you up. We install, replace, and interconnect photoelectric smoke alarms for homes and businesses across Sydney. NSW compliant. Licensed electricians, fixed price.
Verify our NSW Contractors Licence 493243C on the official NSW Trades register.
NSW changed its smoke alarm requirements in January 2022 under amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation and the Smoke Alarms standard (AS 3786:2014). The key change is the type of detector required. Ionisation alarms, which were common in older homes, must be replaced with photoelectric alarms.
Photoelectric alarms are more effective at detecting the slow-burning, smouldering fires that are most common in residential fires. Ionisation alarms respond faster to flaming fires but are significantly slower at detecting smouldering fires and are prone to false alarms from cooking.
For all NSW homes, smoke alarms must now be: photoelectric (not ionisation), interconnected so all alarms sound when one activates, and installed in every bedroom, in hallways adjacent to bedrooms, and on every level of the home.
Hard-wired interconnected smoke alarms, connected to the home's mains power with battery backup, must be installed in new homes, significantly renovated homes, and when replacing existing hard-wired alarms. Connecting a smoke alarm to mains wiring is licensed electrical work in NSW. We carry out the installation and issue a CCEW for notifiable work. We are licensed under Contractors Lic 493243C.
NSW fire statistics consistently show that working smoke alarms reduce the risk of death in residential fires. Getting the correct alarms installed is a straightforward job we complete every week across Sydney.
Photoelectric alarms detect smoke particles by sensing changes in a light beam inside the alarm chamber. They are effective at detecting slow-burning, smouldering fires early. Ionisation alarms use a small radioactive source to detect fire by-products and respond faster to flaming fires, but are significantly slower to respond to smouldering fires and false alarm more frequently from cooking. NSW law now requires photoelectric alarms in all residential properties.
Interconnected alarms communicate with each other so that when one alarm activates, all alarms in the home sound. This is critical in larger homes where a bedroom is at the other end of the house from where smoke is detected. Interconnection can be achieved through hard wiring or through RF (radio frequency) wireless communication between alarms.
Hard-wired smoke alarms are connected to the home's 240V mains supply and include a battery backup so they continue to function during a power failure. They must be installed by a licensed electrician. The battery backup is typically a 9V or lithium 10-year sealed battery. A CCEW is required for installation of mains-powered alarms.
AS 3786 and NSW regulations require alarms in every bedroom, on every level, and in hallways connecting bedrooms to living areas. Alarms should not be placed in kitchens, bathrooms, or garages where steam, cooking fumes, and exhaust can cause false alarms. We determine compliant placement as part of every installation.
5.0 · 7 Google reviews
“Sam is an absolute legend. He fixed my hot water system this afternoon. He didn’t charge me a lot and he done a great job”
“Couldn’t be happier with Electrosurge Solutions. I had a full house rewire done and a bunch of upgrades like downlights, pendant lighting, new powerpoints, ethernet/data cabling, and exterior sensor lights. Sam is very tidy and everything looks and works perfectly. Really easy to deal with and you can tell they take pride in doing things properly. Definitely recommend if you want a quality electrician.”
“Sam is professional, courteous and honest. He is upfront with the costs and does everything per the book. He was a pleasure to work with and gave us exactly what we wanted. Highly recommended. Wish every tradie was like Sam”
“Sam is an absolute legend. He fixed my hot water system this afternoon. He didn’t charge me a lot and he done a great job”
Yes. From January 2022, all NSW homes must have photoelectric alarms. Ionisation alarms must be replaced. The requirement applies to all residential properties, including rental properties, under amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000. Failure to comply can affect your insurance coverage in the event of a fire.
It depends on the type of alarm. Battery-only alarms can be replaced by the homeowner. Mains-powered (hard-wired) smoke alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician, as connecting an alarm to fixed wiring is licensed electrical work. Interconnecting alarms through house wiring is also licensed work. We are licensed under Contractors Lic 493243C.
AS 3786 and NSW regulations require an alarm in every bedroom, on every level, and in hallways connecting bedrooms to living areas. A typical three-bedroom single-storey home commonly requires four alarms. A two-storey home with bedrooms on both levels may require more. We assess the layout and confirm the required number and placement during the quoting stage.
Hard-wired interconnection connects alarms via a dedicated wire run between alarm units, so when one alarm activates, all sound. Wireless (RF) interconnection achieves the same result using radio frequency signals between alarms. Wireless systems are easier to retrofit in existing homes where running additional wire is difficult. We recommend and install both types depending on the property.
Kitchens are not a recommended location for smoke alarms. Cooking steam and fumes frequently cause false alarms in standard smoke alarms. A heat alarm (not a smoke alarm) can be installed in a kitchen if coverage of that area is required. We advise on placement to ensure coverage without frequent false activation.
AS 3786 recommends replacing smoke alarms after 10 years from the date of manufacture, not the date of installation. The manufacturing date is printed on the back of the alarm. After 10 years, the sensor may degrade and the alarm may no longer respond reliably. We check manufacturing dates during installation and advise on any alarms approaching end of life.
Describe your electrical issue or project and we'll schedule a time to assess the situation.
Our technician examines the work required and gives you a transparent price before anything begins.
We finish on time, clean up after ourselves, and ensure everything meets code and your expectations.
From booking through to final checks, we manage the details so you can get the job finished right.
Send a message and we'll respond as soon as possible.
