5.0★★★★★62 Google reviews
Since 2014Family-run in Kew
LicensedElectricians
AS 3786Compliant alarms
Smoke alarms that are installed in the right places, connected to each other, and actually working when it matters. Supplied, installed, tested and replaced by licensed electricians, for homeowners and rental providers.
A working smoke alarm gives you the precious extra minutes to get everyone out safely, especially at night, when a fire can spread while the household is asleep. But many Melbourne homes still have alarms that are past their 10-year life, in the wrong places, or not connected to each other, so an alarm at one end of the house can’t be heard in the bedrooms at the other.
The Electric Crew is a family-run team of licensed electricians based in Kew. We install, test and replace smoke alarms for homes and rental properties across Melbourne’s inner east and north, and make sure they meet the current Victorian requirements.
Our Smoke Alarm Services
New hardwired alarms
240V photoelectric smoke alarms connected to mains power, with a backup battery in case of a blackout.
Interconnected alarms
Alarms linked together, so when one goes off they all sound, and everyone hears it wherever they are in the house.
10-year replacements
Expired or faulty alarms replaced with new photoelectric models, so you’re covered for the next decade.
Testing and servicing
Alarms tested, cleaned and checked, with batteries replaced and any faults fixed on the spot.
Beeping and false alarms
Alarms that chirp, beep or go off for no reason diagnosed and fixed, whether it’s a battery, dust, a faulty unit or the wrong location.
Rental compliance checks
Annual testing for rental properties, so landlords and property managers can meet their obligations.
What Victorian Homes Need
The rules depend on when your home was built:
- Built before 1 August 1997: working smoke alarms are required, and battery-powered alarms are allowed
- Built after 1 August 1997: alarms must be hardwired to mains power with a backup battery
- Built after 1 May 2014: hardwired alarms must also be interconnected
All smoke alarms must meet Australian Standard AS 3786 and should be replaced every 10 years. Fire services recommend going beyond the minimum, with interconnected alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway.
Rental providers and property managers
Under Victoria’s rental minimum standards, rental providers must make sure smoke alarms are correctly installed, in working order, and tested at least once every 12 months, with batteries replaced as needed. Repairs to smoke alarms are urgent repairs. We can test and service the alarms in your rental properties each year, replace any that are faulty or expired, and send you a record of the work.
Which Smoke Alarm Is Best?
We recommend photoelectric smoke alarms. They’re better at detecting the smouldering, smoky fires that often start at night, and they’re less prone to nuisance alarms from cooking.
We usually install Clipsal 240V photoelectric alarms, because they’re reliable, well supported and easy to interconnect. Happy to talk through other options, such as wireless interconnection for homes where running new cables would be difficult.
How It Works
Book a check
Call Tom or send your details, and we’ll arrange a time that suits you or your tenants.
Inspect and test
We check the age, location and condition of every alarm, and test that they work and are connected.
Fix and replace
Faulty, expired or missing alarms replaced, with your approval before any extra work.
Peace of mind
Everything working, explained, and a record of the work for your files.
Ready to talk it through?
Book a free consultation. Tom will come out, look at your home and talk you through your options.
Smoke Alarm FAQs
How often should smoke alarms be replaced?
Every 10 years. Check the date on the back or side of each alarm. If it’s more than 10 years old, or you can’t find a date, it’s time to replace it.
Why does my smoke alarm keep beeping?
A regular chirp usually means a low backup battery. If it keeps beeping after you change the battery, or it goes off for no reason, the alarm may be dusty, faulty or past its 10-year life. Give us a call and we’ll sort it out.
Do smoke alarms need to be hardwired?
In Victorian homes built after 1 August 1997, yes. They must be connected to mains power with a backup battery. Older homes can use battery alarms, but hardwired, interconnected alarms are recommended for every home.
What are interconnected smoke alarms?
Interconnected alarms are linked together, so when one detects smoke, they all sound. That means you’ll hear an alarm in the kitchen even if you’re asleep in a bedroom at the other end of the house. They’re required in homes built after 1 May 2014.
Where should smoke alarms be installed?
At a minimum, on every level of the home and in hallways outside sleeping areas. Fire services recommend installing them in every bedroom and living area too. Alarms should be on the ceiling, away from corners, kitchens and bathrooms.
What are a landlord’s smoke alarm responsibilities in Victoria?
Rental providers must make sure smoke alarms are correctly installed, in working order, and tested at least once every 12 months, with batteries replaced as needed. Faulty alarms must be repaired urgently. We can look after this for you.
How often should I test my smoke alarms?
Press the test button once a month (a broom handle makes it easy), and vacuum around the vents every six months to keep dust out.
Smoke Alarm Installation Near You
Related services:
Book your free consultation
Tell us a bit about your home and what you’d like to improve. Tom will be in touch to arrange a time to come out.
- Send your details or give Tom a call
- Tom visits and walks through your home with you
- You get honest advice and a clear quote
Prefer to talk? 📞 0404 828 977
★★★★★ 5.0 from 62 Google reviews · Licensed electricians · Family-run since 2014