Australian Standard compliant Archives - Interconnected Smoke Alarms Queensland

Interconnected Smoke Detectors

And Australian Standard 3786:2014

Before buying interconnected smoke detectors you should do your due diligence to ensure it is compliant to Australian Standard 3786:2014. The full name of the standard which encompasses smoke alarms in Australia is ‘Australian Standard 3786:2014 Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization’ (incorporating amendment 1 and 2). This article will review Australian Standard 3786:2014 to assist your purchasing decision.

Standards are documents that set out specifications, procedures and guidelines to ensure products are safe, consistent, and reliable. Australian Standard 3786:2014 is referenced by QLD’s Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008 – when a standard is referenced by state or national legislation, compliance with it becomes mandatory. It is interesting to note that although there is a newer Australian Standard 3786:2023 – it is not yet referenced by legislation – therefore Australian Standard 3786:2014 must still be complied with in the eyes of the law.

Interconnected smoke detectors and Australian Standard 3786:2023

Interconnected smoke detectors and Australian Standard 3786:2014

Australian Standard 3786:2014 is divided into several key components – the area of interest that will be reviewed today is section 4.17 – ‘general requirements’.

Section 4.17 of the Australian Standard states that; ‘The smoke alarm shall be so designed that a sphere of diameter larger than 1.3 ±0.05 mm cannot pass into the sensor chamber(s)’. This requirement is intended to restrict the access of foreign bodies such as insects into the sensitive parts of the smoke alarm (to prevent nuisance alarms).

It is known that this requirement is not sufficient to prevent the access of all insects; however, it is considered that extreme restrictions on the size of the access holes may introduce the danger of clogging by dust, which could compromise the alarm’s functionality. Therefore, manufacturers must strike a balance between preventing false alarms caused by insects and ensuring the smoke alarm remains effective by allowing airflow for proper smoke detection. This balance is key for maintaining the reliability and performance of interconnected smoke detectors in real-world conditions.

Interconnected Smoke Detectors – Mesh Screen

How does this requirement translate into the design and manufacture of photoelectric interconnected smoke detectors? The image below shows the compliant internal component from one of our ZEN wireless interconnected smoke detectors. The polymer mesh surrounding the sensitive photoelectric chamber within the alarm contains thousands of tiny holes, each perfectly engineered, no larger than 1.3mm in diameter. The tiny holes prevent insects from accessing the internal chamber whilst still allowing air (and smoke) to pass through.

Mesh screen surrounding the photoelectric smoke alarm internal sensor chamber

As per Australian Standard 3786:2014 – holes are no larger than 1.3mm diameter

In addition to this internal mesh screen around the perimeter of the photoelectric chamber, ZEN wireless photoelectric interconnected smoke detectors also have an external housing that forms part of the smoke alarm itself. This external housing acts as a crucial barrier, preventing larger foreign bodies from entering the alarm. Foreign bodies such as insects and small house geckos are a leading cause of false alarms, as they can interfere with the sensitive photoelectric light beam, triggering unnecessary alerts.

By incorporating both an internal mesh screen and an external housing, ZEN Smoke Alarms are designed to minimize false alarms while maintaining optimal smoke detection performance. This level of attention to detail reflects our commitment to quality and compliance with Australian Standard 3786:2014.

Many retailers may claim their smoke alarms meet the standard, but few have truly studied it in depth. At ZEN Smoke Alarms, we don’t just sell interconnected smoke detectors—we are industry experts who ensure every product is rigorously tested and fully compliant. Choose ZEN for reliable, high-quality protection you can trust.

Want to know more? Watch our ZEN Smoke Alarm YouTube channel or call us on 0478 596 402 today

We love talking smoke alarms!

ZEN Interconnected Smoke Alarms

New Farm, QLD, 4005

Australian Standard 3786:2014 – Smoke Alarms Using

Scattered Light, Transmitted Light or Ionization

All photoelectric interconnected fire alarms sold within Australia must comply with Australian Standard 3786:2014.

Section 4.22.1 of the Australian Standard describes the markings and types of information that must be included on the interconnected fire alarm itself. This ensures consumers can verify compliance and make informed purchasing decisions. If the interconnected fire alarm does not have all this required information on it—such as model number, manufacturing details, and compliance markings—then technically, it is non-compliant with the standard. Purchasing non-compliant smoke alarms can lead to safety risks, legal issues, and potential insurance claim complications in the event of a fire. Always choose Australian Standard certified alarms for peace of mind and total protection.

Required Information To Be Printed

On An Interconnected Fire Alarm

Have a look at the photoelectric interconnected fire alarm on your ceiling to double check if it has the following information.

4.22 Markings

4.22.1 Smoke alarm

Each smoke alarm shall be legibly and indelibly marked with the following:

(a) The number and date of this Standard (i.e. AS 3786:2014).

(b) The name or trademark and address of the manufacturer or supplier.

(d) The type of smoke alarm (type A or type B), e.g. photoelectric or ionization.

(e) The alarm condition aural signal pattern (ISO 8201 or ISO 7731).

(f) The date of manufacture which may be coded into a serial number or the batch

number.

(g) The recommended date for replacement, subject to normal, regular maintenance

NOTE: Provision may be made for a place to note the date for replacement of the smoke

alarm.

ZEN interconnected fire alarm with required markings as per Australian Standard 3786:2014

Interconnected Fire Alarm With

10-year Non-Replaceable Battery

For an interconnected fire alarm incorporating non-replaceable batteries (i.e. 10 year lithium long life batteries sealed inside the unit), the following warning is also required:

WARNING: BATTERY NOT REPLACEABLE—SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

ZEN Smoke Alarm with 10-year battery and markings as per Australian Standard 3786:2014

Interconnected Fire Alarm ‘DO NOT PAINT’ Marking

Additionally, a notice on the outer surface of the enclosure marked ‘DO NOT PAINT’ is required. The letters shall be not less than 3 mm high and must remain plainly visible after the smoke alarm is installed in its intended manner. This warning is critical, as painting over a smoke alarm can interfere with its functionality and compromise its ability to detect smoke effectively.

Be wary of many cheap ‘knock-off’ smoke alarms sold in online marketplaces—they often lack essential compliance markings, even though they claim to meet Australian Standard 3786:2014. Without these markings, there is no guarantee that the alarm has been properly tested or certified, putting your home and family at risk.

Whilst it may seem trivial whether the interconnected fire alarm has this information on it or not, in the event of a house fire and subsequent insurance claim, your insurer could be double-checking this same information before approving any pay-out. Investing in fully compliant, high-quality smoke alarms—like those from ZEN Smoke Alarms—ensures both safety and peace of mind.

ZEN interconnected fire alarm with DO NOT PAINT marking as per Australian Standard requirement

Smoke Alarm Point Of Sale Packaging – Essential Info

Section 4.22.2 of the Australian Standard identifies the information and data that must be incorporated into the smoke alarm’s point-of-sale packaging (i.e., the box it comes in) and also within the user manual. This ensures consumers receive clear instructions and essential safety details for proper installation and use.

As before, if the information below is not included, then technically, the smoke alarm is non-compliant with the standard. Missing or incomplete packaging details may indicate that the product has not undergone proper testing or certification, putting homeowners at risk. Always check for these required details to ensure you’re purchasing a fully compliant and reliable smoke alarm.

4.22.2 Packaging

The point-of-sale packaging shall be marked with the following:

(a) The model designation (type or number).

(b) The type of smoke alarm (type A or type B) and an explanation of the meaning of the type designation (e.g. photoelectric or ionization).

(d) The alarm condition aural signal pattern (ISO 8201 or ISO 7731).

(e) For smoke alarms using 520 Hz alarm condition signal frequency, the nominal frequency.

(f) For type B smoke alarms, permanently marked with the trefoil symbol, and name of

radionuclide and activity. The markings shall be visible from the outside of the packaging.

(g) The maximum number of interconnectable smoke alarms.

(h) Statement if the smoke alarm is suitable for wall (vertical) mounting.

ZEN interconnected fire alarm packaging with required information as per Australian Standard 3786:2014

Interconnected Fire Alarm And The Australian Standard – Summary

In summary, section 4.22 of the Australian Standard describes the necessary information which must be included on the alarm, packaging, and in the instruction manual. This ensures consumers have all the relevant details needed for proper installation, operation, and compliance. It is a requirement that both manufacturers and retailers must adhere to, helping to maintain safety standards across all interconnected fire alarms sold in Australia.

Queensland legislation mandates that all smoke alarms must be photoelectric, interconnected, and fully compliant with Australian Standard 3786:2014. Failure to meet these requirements could have serious consequences, including potential issues with insurance claims in the event of a house fire.

At ZEN Smoke Alarms, we take compliance very seriously. Our wireless interconnected fire alarms are rigorously tested to meet and exceed Australian safety standards. Plus, with every ZEN smoke alarm bundle pack, you receive a bonus smoke alarm remote control and a free fire blanket—giving you even more value and protection for your home. Trust ZEN for reliable, fully compliant fire safety solutions – why not check us out today!