Smoke Alarm FAQs

The type of smoke alarm you should install depends on several factors, including the accessibility of mains power in your home, state regulations, and the age and layout of your property.

In newer homes, hard-wired smoke alarms are generally required and must be installed by a licensed electrician. In older homes, where accessing mains power can be difficult, battery-powered or long-life lithium models are often the most practical and compliant option.

When choosing a smoke alarm, always ensure it is a photoelectric alarm (Type A). These are the only type recommended and required under most Australian state regulations, as they respond more quickly to smouldering fires common in homes. Ionisation alarms (Type B) are no longer recommended due to their slower response to such fires and their potential to cause nuisance alarms.

For the most up-to-date information, check your state’s smoke alarm regulations here. If you’re unsure which model is right for your home, a licensed electrician can help you choose the safest and most compliant MATelec Australia smoke alarm.

If your smoke alarm displays a solid green light on the cover, it indicates a hardwired model, meaning it is connected directly to mains power.

The placement of smoke alarms depends on your state’s legislation, as different states have specific requirements, in conjunction with the National Construction Code (NCC).

For the most up-to-date information, check your state’s smoke alarm regulations here. You can also watch our video on: Choosing the Right Location to Install Your MATelec Smoke Alarm for practical guidance on safe installation.

Yes, smoke alarms can be mounted on the wall, but the exact placement should follow the National Construction Code (NCC) and any relevant state legislation.

For the most up-to-date information, check your state’s smoke alarm regulations here and for practical guidance, watch our video on: Choosing the Right Location to Install Your MATelec Smoke Alarm.

Yes, smoke alarms can be installed on a sloped ceiling, but placement must follow the National Construction Code (NCC). Be mindful of ‘dead air’ spaces near the ceiling apex, where smoke may not be able to reach the alarm quickly, or at all.

For practical guidance on selecting the safest location, watch our video on: Choosing the Right Location to Install Your MATelec Smoke Alarm.

The number of smoke alarms required depends on state legislation, which can vary across Australia. For example, a three-bedroom house in Queensland may be required by law to have more alarms installed compared to a three-bedroom house in Tasmania.

For up-to-date requirements, check your state’s smoke alarm regulations here and if you’re unsure, consult a licensed electrician.

Whether smoke alarms must be interconnected depends on your state's legislation. Requirements can vary depending on the age of your property and whether it is a new build or renovation. Interconnected alarms are generally recommended because they provide a more effective early warning system by sounding all alarms in a connected network simultaneously if smoke is detected from any of the connected alarms.

For full, up-to-date requirements, check your state’s smoke alarm regulations here, and if you’re unsure, consult your local licensed electrician.

No. MATelec Australia Smoke Alarms must not be interconnected with smoke alarms from other brands. Different manufacturers use unique communication protocols and technologies, which means cross-brand interconnection is not compatible or reliable and could result in alarms failing to activate as intended.

For safety compliance and warranty protection, only interconnect MATelec Australia Smoke Alarms with the same brand and compatible models.

Yes. The FSA-90000 Remote Controller offers a smart and convenient way to manage your MATelec Australia smoke alarms. It pairs with compatible radio-frequency models, letting you test alarms, silence nuisance alerts, and even includes an SOS feature for extra safety in the event of a non-fire emergency.

For a step-by-step guide, watch our video: Using the MATelec FSA-90000 Remote with FSA-30000, DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms.

AS/NZS 4268:2017 is the Australian and New Zealand standard that sets the rules for how wireless products send signals. It makes sure devices use the right frequencies, stay within safe power limits, and don’t interfere with other equipment.

For the FSA 90000 Smoke Detector Remote Controller, it means the wireless connection meets local requirements, is approved for use, and won’t cause interference with other devices.

If mains power is not accessible in your home, such as in older properties, there are wireless smoke alarm options available, including the MATelec Australia FSA-30000 Smoke Alarm. These alarms offer reliable protection without the need for hardwiring. Wherever possible, mains-powered alarms are recommended for optimal safety. If you’re unsure which solution is best for your home, it’s always a good idea to consult a licensed electrician.

Requirements for smoke alarm types and placement vary across Australian states and territories. For up-to-date information, check your state’s smoke alarm regulations here. If you’re unsure how the rules apply to your property or which alarms to install, it’s always best to consult a licensed electrician.

For MATelec Australia smoke alarms with a one-year replaceable battery, the battery should generally be replaced every 12 months, and the alarm unit will notify you with audible chirps and a flashing LED when this needs to happen. For models with a 10-year non-replaceable battery, the entire smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years after the manufacture date to ensure continued protection.

For guidance on battery replacement and maintenance, watch our videos: Battery & Unit Replacement for MATelec DET-SMK AC & RF Smoke Alarms (1-Year & 10-Year Models)

Battery & Unit Replacement for MATelec DET-SMK AC & RF Smoke Alarms (1-Year & 10-Year Models)

Replacing the battery in MATelec DET-SMK/AC/1 and DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 Smoke Alarms

How to Replace a MATelec Smoke Alarm Battery

Replacing the battery in your MATelec Australia smoke alarm is straightforward.

For step-by-step guidance, watch our videos:

• Battery and Unit Replacement Guidelines for MATelec Australia Smoke Alarms - DET-SMK/RF/AC/1, DET-SMK/RF/AC/10, DET-SMK/AC/1 & DET-SMK/AC/10
• Replacing the Battery in DET-SMK/AC/1 & DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 MATelec Australia Smoke Alarms.

These demonstrate how to safely remove the old battery, insert a new one, and ensure your alarm is working correctly afterwards.

For the FSA-26000, and older models, check the user manual for further details.

It's recommended to test your MATelec Australia smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are functioning correctly. Regular testing helps identify any issues early, ensuring your safety in case of an emergency.

To test your MATelec Australia smoke alarm, press and hold the Test/Hush button on the cover for at least 5 seconds. The alarm will sound if it is functioning correctly. In interconnected systems, all linked alarms will sound when one is tested.

For step-by-step guidance, watch our videos:

How to Test MATelec DET-SMK/AC/1, /10 & DET-SMK/RF/AC/1, /10 Smoke Alarms, and How to test MATelec FSA-30000 Smoke Alarms.

For guidance on other models, refer to your smoke alarm user manual.

If your MATelec Australia smoke alarm is chirping, it could mean different things depending on the timing of the chirps and the corresponding flashing of the LED lights. Often, it signals a low battery, a need for cleaning, or a minor fault. For guidance on interpreting the chirps and LED signals, watch our videos:

• Understanding the LED signals and audible alarms on MATelec DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms
• Understanding the LED signals and audible alarms on MATelec DET-SMK/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms
• Understanding the LED signals and audible alarms on MATelec FSA-30000 Smoke Alarms.

If your smoke alarm is sounding without any visible smoke or cause of alarm, it may be responding to dust, steam, or other environmental factors.

To better understand what’s triggering your alarm and how to manage it, watch our helpful videos:

• Using HUSH mode on MATelec FSA-30000 Smoke Alarms
  
• Using HUSH mode & locating triggered alarms on MATelec DET-SMK/AC/1 /10 and RF/AC/1 /10 Smoke Alarms

Yes, as does any smoke alarm, MATelec Australia smoke alarms do require regular maintenance to ensure they continue working effectively. Cleaning your alarms helps remove dust and debris that could affect their performance.

For a step-by-step guide, watch our video:

• How to clean and maintain MATelec Smoke Alarms.

If your MATelec Australia smoke alarm is flashing, the LED signals can indicate a few different things depending on the pattern and frequency. It could be alerting you to a low battery, a minor fault, or normal operation.

For detailed guidance on interpreting the LED signals and understanding your alarm’s features, watch our videos:

• Understanding the LED signals and audible alarms on MATelec DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms
• Understanding the LED signals and audible alarms on MATelec DET-SMK/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms
• Understanding the LED signals and audible alarms on MATelec FSA-30000 Smoke Alarms.

If your MATelec Australia smoke alarm sounds, first make sure there is no smoke or fire present. To temporarily silence a MATelec Australia smoke alarm, use the HUSH button which is located on the front of the alarm. This feature pauses the alarm for a brief period in the event of a false trigger, such as smoke from cooking.

For a step-by-step guide, watch our video:

Using HUSH mode & locating triggered alarms on MATelec DET-SMK/AC/1 /10 and RF/AC/1 /10 Smoke Alarms

MATelec Australia does not provide testing or maintenance services, but keeping your MATelec Australia smoke alarms in good working order is simple.

You can follow the steps in our videos:

• How to Test MATelec DET-SMK/AC/1, /10 & DET-SMK/RF/AC/1, /10 Smoke Alarms
• How to test MATelec FSA-30000 Smoke Alarms
• How to clean and maintain MATelec Smoke Alarms

If your alarms require maintenance beyond these basic tasks, we recommend consulting a licensed electrician for assistance.

Every MATelec Australia smoke alarm has a sticker on the back or inside the unit. This sticker shows the manufacture date, which can be used to determine when the alarm needs replacing. Some installers also write the installation date on the sticker. If this is present, the replacement date is calculated from that instead of the manufacture date.

For more guidance, watch our related video:

• Battery and Unit Replacement Guidelines for MATelec Australia Smoke Alarms - DET-SMK/RF/AC/1, DET-SMK/RF/AC/10, DET-SMK/AC/1 & DET-SMK/AC/10
• Replacing the Battery in DET-SMK/AC/1 & DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 MATelec Australia Smoke Alarms.

Yes. All MATelec Australia smoke alarms include a battery (either as the primary power source, or as a battery back-up) to ensure they continue to operate during power outages.

Pairing your DET-SMK/RF/AC smoke alarms is simple. For step-by-step guidance, watch our related videos:

• Pairing MATelec DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms
• Pairing MATelec DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms with a MATelec FSA-30000 Smoke Alarm
• Pairing MATelec DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms to a MATelec FSA-60000 Smoke Alarm

It’s easy to pair your FSA-60000 smoke alarms containing the FSA-50000 Module. For detailed instructions, watch our related videos.

• How to pair MATelec FSA-60000 Smoke Alarms
• How to pair a MATelec FSA-60000 Smoke Alarm with FSA-30000 Smoke Alarms
  
• Pairing MATelec DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms to a MATelec FSA-60000 Smoke Alarm

Adding another smoke alarm to your existing MATelec Australia wireless network is quick and easy to do yourself.

For detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch our related videos:

• Pairing MATelec DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms
• Pairing MATelec DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms with a MATelec FSA-30000 Smoke Alarm
• Pairing MATelec DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms to a MATelec FSA-60000 Smoke Alarm

Using the FSA-90000 Remote Controller with your MATelec Australia smoke alarms is simple and user-friendly. The remote lets you test and silence your alarms conveniently, without having to physically reach each alarm.

For a step-by-step demonstration, watch our video:

• Pairing the MATelec FSA-90000 Remote as the Master Controller for MATelec Smoke Alarms

You can easily factory reset your MATelec Australia smoke alarm to restore it to its original settings.

For step-by-step instructions, watch our related videos:

• How to Factory Reset MATelec DET-SMK/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms
• How to Factory Reset MATelec DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms
• How to Factory Reset FSA-30000 MATelec Smoke Alarms
  

If your MATelec Australia smoke alarm is behaving unexpectedly, start by checking the LED indicators and listening to any audible alerts to identify the issue.

For guidance, watch our videos:

• Understanding the LED signals and audible alarms on MATelec DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms
• Understanding the LED signals and audible alarms on MATelec DET-SMK/AC/1 and /10 Smoke Alarms
• Understanding the LED signals and audible alarms on MATelec FSA-30000 Smoke Alarms.

If you need further assistance, contact our MATelec Australia Smoke Alarm Experts or a licensed electrician.

In Australia, smoke alarms must meet the relevant Australian Standards (AS 3786:2023) to ensure safety and reliability. These standards cover aspects such as alarm type, installation requirements, power source, and testing.

For up-to-date information, check your state’s smoke alarm regulations here as requirements can vary depending on your location and property type.

The AS3786:2023 standard replaced AS3786:2014, but the 2014 standard is still accepted for certification purposes, as Activfire certification renewals last five years.

• Compliant with AS3786:2014:
  • FSA-30000
  • FSA-60000

These models were tested and certified to AS3786:2014, which was the current standard at the time of their last certification.

• Compliant with AS3786:2023:
  • DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 & DET-SMK/RF/AC/10
  • DET-SMK/AC/1 DET-SMK/AC/10
  • DET-SMK/RF/AC/1 and DET-SMK/RF/AC/10 paired with an FSA-30000

These models were tested and certified to AS3786:2023, ensuring compliance with the latest safety requirements.

Yes. In Australia, smoke alarms are legally required in all rental properties. Landlords must ensure that alarms are installed, maintained, and in working order throughout a tenancy.

Requirements can vary by state or territory, including the type of smoke alarm, placement, and power source.

For up-to-date requirements, check your state’s smoke alarm regulations.

In most cases, tenants should not install or replace smoke alarms themselves. Installation and replacement are usually the landlord’s responsibility to ensure compliance with safety regulations and Australian Standards. However, tenants are responsible for reporting any issues with smoke alarms promptly so the landlord can arrange repairs or replacements.

For more information, check your state’s smoke alarm regulations.

No. Landlords must not remove smoke alarms from a rental property. Smoke alarms are a legal safety requirement and removing them can put tenants at risk and breach fire safety regulations. If a smoke alarm needs maintenance or replacement, it should be done in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards and state or territory legislation.

For more information, check your state’s smoke alarm regulations.

A smoke alarm Compliance Certificate is an official document that confirms a property meets all legal smoke alarm requirements. It shows that alarms are installed correctly, are functioning properly, and comply with Australian Standards and relevant state or territory regulations. Landlords often need this certificate when renting out a property or during property inspections.

You can obtain one from:

• A licensed electrician who installs or inspects your smoke alarms.
• Some certified fire safety companies that provide inspection and compliance services.
• In some states, building surveyors or local councils can issue a certificate after inspection.

While it may not be legally required, having a smoke alarm Compliance Certificate can help support your insurance claim in the event of a fire. It provides proof that your property met all legal smoke alarm requirements at the time of the incident.

Check with your insurance provider to see if they specifically request this documentation.

• Install smoke alarms that meet the specific requirements of your state or territory.
• Choose alarms certified to Australian Standard AS 3786.
• Position alarms correctly according to regulatory guidelines, as set out by state regulations and the National Construction Code (NCC).
• Test alarms regularly and replace batteries as required.
• Keep records of installations and Compliance Certificates as proof.
  

Check your state’s smoke alarm regulations, and if you’re unsure, consult a licensed electrician.

Yes. MATelec Australia provides warranties on all smoke alarms and related products to give you peace of mind, including a generous 7-year warranty for smoke alarm models.

For details about warranty periods or to make a claim, contact our helpful smoke alarm experts.

Your MATelec Australia Smoke Alarm warranty may be void if the product has not been used or maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Common reasons include:

• Improper installation – such as incorrect wiring or not following the installation instructions.
  
• Unauthorised modifications or repairs – any tampering or repair work not carried out by an authorised technician.
  
• Improper use or maintenance – including failure to clean or test alarms regularly.
  
• Damage from external factors – such as power surges, water ingress, or physical damage.
  
• Expired or transferred warranty – warranties are valid only for the original purchaser and within the specified warranty period.

To ensure ongoing coverage, always follow the installation, maintenance, and usage instructions as set out in the user manual. In the event of a warranty issue, please contact MATelec Australia.