Smoke alarms are one of the simplest safety devices in a home, but they still need to be installed in the right place and kept working. Old, chirping, damaged or poorly located alarms should not be ignored.
For hard-wired alarms, use a licensed electrician so the circuit, interconnection and testing are handled correctly.
When to replace smoke alarms
Replace alarms that are out of date, damaged, unreliable, repeatedly chirping after battery replacement, painted over, contaminated with dust, or no longer test properly. If you are unsure of age, check the manufacture date on the unit.
- End-of-life date reached
- False alarms or failure to test
- Renovations have changed room layout
- Battery chirping continues
- Unit is yellowed, cracked, painted or contaminated
Placement matters
Smoke alarm location affects how early it detects smoke. Bedrooms, hallways, stairs, ceiling fans, air-conditioning outlets and kitchen proximity all influence placement. The right answer depends on the home layout.
Hard-wired versus battery alarms
Existing hard-wired alarms must be replaced with hard-wired alarms by a licensed electrician, not downgraded to standalone battery alarms. The required supply, location and interconnection depend on the building and work being done. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and have the requirements checked for the property.
Testing after installation
After installation, alarms should be tested with the customer shown how to test and silence them. For rental or compliance-related work, keep records of what was installed and when.
Need help with smoke alarms?
LWElectrical handles residential, commercial and industrial electrical work across Warrnambool and South West Victoria. Call Luke directly for practical advice and a clear next step.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace a hard-wired smoke alarm myself?
No. Hard-wired electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician.
Why does my smoke alarm keep chirping?
Common causes include low backup battery, end-of-life warning, dust or a fault.
Should smoke alarms be interconnected?
CFA recommends interconnected alarms, including in existing homes. Interconnection is required for new homes and significant renovations after May 2014 where multiple alarms are needed; have the requirements checked for your property.
Smoke alarm care and Victorian rentals
CFA’s installation and maintenance guidance recommends monthly push-button testing and replacement after about 10 years. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and batteries; do not remove a sealed long-life battery. Replace an alarm earlier if it is faulty or past its stated replacement date.
Consumer Affairs Victoria’s smoke alarm guidance states that annual smoke alarm safety checks apply to all Victorian rental properties from 25 November 2025. Rental providers must ensure alarms work and are tested at least every 12 months in accordance with manufacturer instructions. A non-working alarm is an urgent repair; renters should report it immediately and must not disconnect or remove it.
If there is a fire, get out, stay out and call 000. This is general guidance, not a property-specific compliance assessment. Sources checked 16 September 2026.
For rental work, see our rental electrical safety checks service; smoke alarm checks and electrical safety checks have different requirements.