Smoke Alarms That Actually Protect Your Family
Modern interconnected alarms that meet Victorian requirements — properly installed by licensed electricians. Photoelectric alarms with 10-year batteries, full compliance documentation, and installation across Point Cook, Werribee, Geelong, and Melbourne's Western Suburbs.
Proper Protection, Properly Installed
Smoke alarms save lives — but only if they're the right type, correctly positioned, properly maintained, and actually working. Old, expired, or poorly located alarms give false confidence without real protection.
Victorian law requires working smoke alarms in all homes, with specific requirements for rental properties, sold properties, and new builds. Non-compliant alarms don't just fail to protect — they can void your insurance and expose you to legal liability.
At Power Amp Electrical, we supply and install quality smoke alarms that meet current Victorian standards. We ensure correct positioning, proper interconnection, and full compliance. Serving Melbourne's Western Suburbs and Geelong.
Modern Smoke Alarm Solutions
Quality photoelectric alarms with proper interconnection and full Victorian compliance
Victorian Compliant
All installations meet current Victorian regulations and Australian standards for smoke alarm coverage and positioning.
Interconnected Systems
When one alarm detects smoke, all alarms sound simultaneously throughout the home for maximum safety.
10-Year Sealed Battery
Modern photoelectric alarms with sealed lithium batteries that last the entire 10-year life of the alarm.
Compliance Documentation
Complete written compliance reports for landlords, property sales, and insurance requirements.
Victorian Smoke Alarm Requirements
Understanding your legal obligations for smoke alarm compliance
All Homes
- At least one working smoke alarm on each level
- Alarms must be less than 10 years old
- Must be tested regularly and maintained
Rental Properties (Landlords)
- Working smoke alarms on every level
- Tested and confirmed working at start of each tenancy
- Landlord responsible for installation, replacement, and repair
- Tenant responsible for testing and battery replacement
Properties Being Sold
- Working smoke alarms required before settlement
- Non-compliance can delay or void sale
New Builds & Major Renovations
- Interconnected photoelectric alarms required
- Specific positioning per building code
- Must be hardwired with battery backup
Types of Smoke Alarms
Not all smoke alarms are created equal — here's what you need to know
Photoelectric Alarms
RecommendedPhotoelectric alarms detect smouldering fires that produce large smoke particles — the type of fire most likely to occur at night whilst you're sleeping.
Benefits:
- Faster response to smouldering fires
- Fewer nuisance alarms from cooking
- Required for new installations in Victoria
- Industry best practice
We install: Photoelectric alarms exclusively.
Ionisation Alarms
Not RecommendedIonisation alarms respond quickly to flaming fires but are slow to detect smouldering fires. They're also prone to nuisance alarms from cooking.
Issues:
- Poor response to smouldering fires (the most common type)
- High nuisance alarm rate
- Often disconnected by frustrated homeowners
- No longer meet best practice standards
Our approach: We replace ionisation alarms with modern photoelectric units.
Interconnected vs Standalone Alarms
Interconnected Alarms
When one alarm detects smoke, all alarms in the house sound simultaneously.
Why it matters:
- • Fire starting in garage alerts bedrooms instantly
- • No delay waiting for smoke to reach distant alarms
- • Particularly important in multi-storey homes
- • Required for new builds and major renovations
Standalone Alarms
Each alarm operates independently — only the alarm that detects smoke sounds.
Limitations:
- • Delayed warning in rooms far from fire
- • May not wake occupants if fire starts in distant area
- • Single point of failure if alarm malfunctions
Our Smoke Alarm Installation Services
Comprehensive installation, replacement, and compliance services across Melbourne's Western Suburbs
Smoke Alarm Pricing
Transparent pricing for professional smoke alarm installation and compliance services
| Service | Price Guide |
|---|---|
| Single photoelectric alarm (supplied & installed) | From $150 |
| 10-year sealed battery alarm | From $150 |
| Hardwired alarm installation | From $200 |
| Wireless interconnection upgrade (per alarm) | From $180 |
| Smoke alarm compliance inspection | $99 |
| Full home smoke alarm upgrade (3-5 alarms) | From $500 |
*Final pricing depends on alarm type, quantity, and installation complexity.
Why Quality Smoke Alarms Matter
Cheap Alarms May:
- • Have shorter lifespans
- • Be less sensitive to smoke
- • Produce more nuisance alarms
- • Use inferior battery technology
- • Lack interconnection capability
Quality Alarms Provide:
- • Reliable 10-year performance
- • Accurate smoke detection
- • Reduced false alarms
- • Sealed lithium batteries
- • Full interconnection support
We install quality alarms from reputable manufacturers with appropriate certifications. The difference in cost is minor; the difference in protection is significant.
Smoke Alarms and Your Insurance
Most home insurance policies require working smoke alarms. If a fire occurs and your alarms weren't compliant:
- Claims may be reduced or denied
- Insurers may argue negligence
- You may be liable for damages to others
Compliant, tested smoke alarms protect your family AND your financial security.
What Our Customers Say
Real feedback from customers who trust us with their family's safety
"Needed compliant smoke alarms before selling our home. Power Amp installed interconnected photoelectric alarms quickly and provided the compliance certificate we needed for settlement. Professional service!"
Jennifer Thompson
Point Cook
"As a landlord, I needed all my rental properties updated to meet current requirements. Josh handled multiple properties efficiently, provided compliance reports, and ensured everything was properly documented. Highly recommend."
Marcus Chen
Werribee
Smoke Alarm FAQs
Common questions about smoke alarm installation and compliance
How often should smoke alarms be replaced?
Every 10 years maximum. Most alarms have an expiry date printed on them. If you can't find a date and don't know when it was installed, replace it. The sensors degrade over time, making older alarms unreliable even if they still chirp during testing.
What's the difference between hardwired and battery alarms?
Hardwired alarms are connected to your home's electrical system with battery backup for power outages. Battery-only alarms run solely on batteries. New builds require hardwired alarms. Existing homes can use either, though we recommend 10-year sealed battery units for retrofits to eliminate battery replacement hassles.
Why are my smoke alarms beeping randomly?
Usually indicates a low battery (replace immediately) or end-of-life warning (alarm needs replacing). Alarms near kitchens or bathrooms may also respond to cooking steam. If beeping continues after battery replacement, the alarm has likely reached its 10-year expiry and needs replacing.
Can I install smoke alarms myself?
Battery-only alarms can be installed DIY, though proper positioning is critical for effectiveness. Hardwired alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician as they connect to mains power. For rental properties and pre-sale compliance, professional installation with documentation is strongly recommended.
How many smoke alarms do I need?
Minimum one per level of your home. Best practice is one in every bedroom and living area, plus hallways serving bedrooms. We assess your home layout and recommend appropriate coverage to meet requirements whilst providing optimal protection for your family.
Are smoke alarms tax deductible for landlords?
Smoke alarm installation and replacement is generally tax deductible for rental properties as a maintenance expense. Keep all receipts and compliance documentation. Consult your accountant for specific tax advice regarding your rental property expenses.
Do you dispose of old alarms?
Yes. Old ionisation-type alarms contain small amounts of radioactive material and shouldn't go in regular bins. We dispose of all old alarms correctly as part of our replacement service, ensuring safe and environmentally responsible disposal.
Why Choose Power Amp for Smoke Alarms?
Professional service, quality products, and full compliance documentation
Licensed & Insured
Fully qualified electricians with comprehensive insurance coverage
Compliance Reports
Written compliance documentation for landlords and property sales
Upfront Pricing
Clear quotes before work begins, no hidden surprises
Quality Products
Premium photoelectric alarms from reputable manufacturers
Ready to Upgrade Your Smoke Alarms?
Don't trust your family's safety to old, expired, or poorly positioned alarms. Get proper protection with quality interconnected smoke alarms professionally installed.
Smoke Alarm Installation Across Melbourne's Western Suburbs
Professional smoke alarm services throughout Western Melbourne and Geelong