Photoelectric vs Ionisation
When it comes to protecting your home and family, choosing the right smoke alarm is one of the most important safety decisions you can make. While all smoke alarms are designed to alert you to a fire, not all technologies perform the same.
Today, photoelectric smoke alarms are the preferred technology across Australia. In some states and territories, they are now the only type permitted for installation under legislation. Walk into Bunnings today and you’ll find almost every smoke alarm on the shelf is already photoelectric. So, the real question isn’t which technology to choose—it’s which photoelectric smoke alarm is right for your home.
This guide explains the different types of photoelectric smoke alarms available and how to choose the best option for your needs.
What type of smoke alarm is best for me
With so many options available, we’ve listed the benefits and features of different smoke alarms to help with your selection process.
9V Battery
A practical and affordable option for homes where mains-powered alarms aren’t required. Easy to install without wiring, 9V battery smoke alarms provide reliable early detection of slow-smouldering fires while allowing for quick battery replacement during routine maintenance. They’re ideal for existing homes, rental properties and replacing older smoke alarms.
10-year Sealed Lithium Battery
Designed for convenience, these alarms provide long-lasting protection without the need for annual battery replacement. With a sealed lithium battery that lasts the life of the alarm, they’re easy to install and require minimal maintenance while delivering reliable early warning of slow-smouldering fires. They’re an excellent choice for new and existing homes, as well as rental properties, helping you stay up to date with modern fire safety requirements.
240V Hard-wired
Installed by a licensed electrician, 240V mains-powered smoke alarms provide continuous protection with a backup battery to ensure they continue operating during a power outage. Ideal for new homes and major renovations, these alarms can also be interconnected so every alarm sounds if smoke is detected anywhere in the home.
Interconnected
Interconnected smoke alarms provide enhanced whole-home protection. When one alarm detects smoke, every interconnected alarm throughout the home sounds simultaneously. This ensures everyone in the home receives an early warning, regardless of where the fire starts, providing valuable extra time to evacuate safely. Interconnected smoke alarms are available in both wireless and mains-powered options, making them suitable for both existing homes and new builds.
From 1st January 2027, new legislation becomes law, requiring all existing private homes, townhouses and units in Queensland to be fitted with interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.
Room-specific protection made simple
Once you’ve chosen the type of smoke alarm that’s right for your home, selecting the right model is easy. Quell’s room-specific packaging is clearly labelled for bedrooms, hallways, living areas and kitchens, making it easier to choose the most suitable smoke alarm for every area of your home.
Look for AS3786 Certification
When purchasing a smoke alarm, always check that it complies with Australian Standard AS 3786:2014 (or later). Smoke alarms sold through reputable Australian retailers will typically meet this standard, but it’s always worth checking the packaging—particularly when purchasing online.
Room-specific protection made simple
Choosing the right alarm for each area of your home is easy with Quell’s room-specific packaging. Each Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm is clearly labelled for its recommended location—such as bedrooms, hallways, living areas or kitchens—helping you quickly identify the most suitable product for every space. This simple, application-based packaging removes the guesswork out of home fire safety, making it easier to protect your family with the right alarm in the right place.
Where should my new alarms be installed?
From 1st January 2027, Queensland will become the first Australian state to require interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all private homes, townhouses and units. Smoke alarms must be installed:
- Every bedroom
- Hallways connecting bedrooms
- At least one alarm on every level of the home
While legislation varies across Australia, these requirements provide an excellent benchmark for achieving the highest level of protection. For the best protection, Quell recommends:
- Install at least one photoelectric smoke alarm on every level of your home.
- Position alarms in hallways or areas connecting bedrooms to the rest of the home.
- Keep alarms away from cooking appliances, bathrooms, ceiling fans and air-conditioning vents to reduce nuisance alarms.
- Mount alarms on the ceiling at least 300 mm away from walls, corners and light fittings.
Testing and maintenance
Regular testing and maintenance help ensure your smoke alarm performs when you need it most. Follow these simple steps:
- Test monthly by pressing and holding the test button until it sounds
- Vacuum it every six months to clear dust from the sensor
- Replace the alarm every 10 years – check the manufacture date printed on the unit, though many modern alarms will also give an end-of-life warning (a distinct chirp or indicator light) when they’re due for replacement, so you don’t have to keep track yourself
- Replace 9V batteries yearly, or the moment you hear the low-battery chirp (10-year sealed alarms skip this step entirely)
To watch our helpful maintenance videos and safety tips in the Quell Video Library.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question? Visit the Quell FAQ page for answers the most commonly asked questions.
Where can I buy Quell smoke alarms
Quell smoke alarms are stocked at major retailers right across Australia, including
- Bunnings
- Mitre 10
- Kmart
- Coles
- Woolworths
- BigW
You can pick one up next time you’re already out shopping.
You can also find your nearest retailer by visiting our Stockist page.