Fire detection is one of the few building systems where a single compliance gap can result in loss of life, criminal liability, and the complete invalidation of your insurance policy simultaneously. Queensland and New South Wales legislation mandates interconnected smoke alarms in all residential dwellings, and for commercial and strata buildings, the requirements under the Building Code of Australia and AS 1670 are considerably more demanding. VOLTCITY SURGE is equipped to navigate every level of that regulatory landscape — from a single-dwelling alarm upgrade to a multi-building monitored detection network.
Residential Smoke Alarm Compliance
Queensland's updated smoke alarm legislation requires all homes — including those being sold or leased — to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed in every bedroom, in hallways serving bedrooms, and on every level of the dwelling. Alarms must be hardwired with battery backup in new builds and renovations, and battery-powered alarms in existing homes must meet the photoelectric requirement. VOLTCITY SURGE conducts a room-by-room compliance audit, installs alarms to AS 3786 in the correct locations, interconnects them so that one alarm activates all others, and provides a written compliance certificate for landlords, vendors, and managing agents.
- Photoelectric smoke alarm supply and installation to AS 3786
- Hardwired mains-powered alarms with 10-year lithium battery backup
- Interconnected alarm networks — bedroom, hallway, and every level
- Heat detector installation in kitchens and garages where smoke alarms are unsuitable
- Addressable commercial detection systems to AS 1670.1
- Monitored system connection to 24/7 monitoring centre with direct emergency service notification
- Annual inspection and routine service under AS 1851 — documented and logged
Commercial & Strata Detection Systems
Commercial fire alarm systems must be designed, installed, and commissioned in accordance with AS 1670.1 — a far more detailed standard than the residential requirements. It specifies detector types, spacing, coverage zones, manual call point locations, control panel specifications, and integration with building management, suppression, and evacuation systems. VOLTCITY SURGE works with a fire system engineer on all commercial projects to produce a compliant design documentation set before a single cable is pulled, which is what your building certifier requires to issue an occupation certificate.
Monitored Systems & Central Station Connectivity
An alarm that triggers but only alerts occupants is limited in its value when a fire starts in an unoccupied building at 3 am. VOLTCITY SURGE can connect your detection system to a 24/7 monitoring centre via IP or PSTN. In the event of alarm activation, the monitoring centre attempts contact with your nominated keyholders and, if unresolved, dispatches the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services or NSW RFS automatically. Monitoring connections comply with the grading requirements of AS 2201 and are documented in your system logbook. We manage the monitoring centre relationship, the connection commissioning, and the ongoing annual certification.
Routine Service & AS 1851 Maintenance
Installed but unserviced fire detection systems fail silently. Under AS 1851:2012, all fire protection equipment — including detection systems — must be routinely inspected and tested at defined intervals, with results recorded in an asset logbook kept on site. VOLTCITY SURGE offers annual service contracts that include detector sensitivity testing, battery voltage checks, control panel self-diagnostic review, manual call point testing, and full logbook completion. Clients on a maintenance contract receive a service reminder 30 days before the inspection is due and a digital copy of the completed AS 1851 inspection report within 24 hours of the visit.
System Upgrades & Non-Compliant Alarm Replacement
Ionisation-type smoke alarms are no longer compliant in Queensland residential applications, and many older commercial systems use detector technologies that fall short of current AS 1670 expectations. If your building has an existing detection system, VOLTCITY SURGE will audit it against the current standard, identify deficiencies, and provide a staged upgrade path that prioritises life-safety critical zones first. We document every item of non-compliance, the relevant standard clause it breaches, and the remediation timeline — giving you a defensible position with your insurer and building manager from day one.
Frequently Asked
Are interconnected smoke alarms now mandatory for all Queensland homes?
Yes. Queensland legislation requires all homes — including rental properties and homes being sold — to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed in all bedrooms, in hallways between bedrooms, and on every storey. Landlords had a compliance deadline of 1 January 2022 for existing rentals, and all remaining owner-occupied dwellings must be compliant by 1 January 2027. We can audit and certify your property at any stage.
What is the difference between AS 3786 and AS 1670?
AS 3786 is the product standard for smoke alarms — it governs how an individual alarm unit must be designed, tested, and marked. AS 1670 is the systems installation standard — it governs how detection systems in buildings must be designed, installed, and commissioned. Residential installations typically reference AS 3786; commercial, strata, and industrial installations must meet AS 1670.1 for detection systems.
How often does a commercial fire alarm system need to be serviced?
Under AS 1851, the routine service frequency for most commercial detection equipment is six-monthly for the basic inspection and annually for the full-function test. Your specific system may have additional requirements depending on the equipment type and site classification. We document the applicable schedule in your system logbook and manage the calendar on your behalf.