Sections on this page
- Selecting your smoke alarms
- What you’ll need before you start
- Where should my new alarms be installed?
- Mounting a replaceable battery or 10-year sealed smoke alarm
- How to install interconnected smoke alarms
- Instructional videos at your fingertips
- Frequently asked questions
- Where can I buy Quell smoke alarms
Selecting your smoke alarms
Choosing the right smoke alarm depends on your home, local regulations, and the level of protection you want. Here are the main options to consider:
Replaceable Battery
A practical and affordable choice for homes where mains-powered alarms aren’t required. These alarms are easy to install yourself, with the replaceable battery needing replacement at least once a year.
10-year Sealed Lithium Battery
Designed for convenience and long-term reliability, these alarms feature a sealed lithium battery that lasts for the life of the alarm. They’re simple to install and require minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice for many homeowners.
240V Hard-wired
240V mains-powered smoke alarms provide continuous protection with a backup battery allowing them to operate even during a power outage. Installation must be carried out by a licensed electrician in accordance with Australian regulations.
Interconnected
When one alarm detects smoke, every interconnected smoke alarm throughout the home sounds simultaneously. Available in both wireless and mains-powered options, interconnected smoke alarms are 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.
What you’ll need before you start
For a DIY installation, you’ll need:
- Pencil
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Ladder or step stool
If you’re replacing an existing alarm, check the manufacture date on the old unit. If it’s more than 10 years old, replacement is overdue regardless of whether it still appears to work.
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.
Mounting a replaceable battery or 10-year sealed smoke alarm
Step 1 – Choose the location of the smoke alarm using the placement guide provided.
Step 2 – Use the mounting base ring to mark the screw holes.
Step 3 – Drill the holes and insert wall plugs if required.
Step 4 – Screw the mounting bracket to the ceiling using the screws and plugs provided.
Step 5 – Insert replaceable battery or follow the activation instructions supplied on the 10-year sealed alarm mode
Step 6 – Twist clockwise or clip the alarm onto the mounting bracket until it locks into place.
Step 7 – Press and hold the test button. The alarm should sound within a few seconds. If it doesn’t, remove the unit and check the battery or activation procedure.
How to install interconnected smoke alarms
Connect up to 32 Quell Q5000 wireless interconnected smoke alarms to create a fully wireless linked network.
Step 1 – Unpack each wireless interconnected smoke alarm that you plan to install
Step 2 – Choose the location of the smoke alarm using the placement guidance provided.
Step 3 – Use the mounting base ring to mark the screw holes.
Step 4 – Drill the holes and insert wall plugs if required.
Step 5 – Screw the mounting bracket using the screws and plugs provided.
Step 6 – Turn on the interconnect feature of each wireless interconnected smoke alarms, turn each alarm over and slide the switch to LEARN mode
Step 7 – Press the button on the top of 1 alarm only. This alarm will become the HOST and will start to transmit a specific code to each of the other wireless interconnected smoke alarms. As these alarms receive the code, they will flash red.
Step 8 – Once all alarms are flashing red, the interconnect feature is complete.
Step 9 – It is important to remember which alarm is the HOST alarm. Mark it with a sticker or label on the back as a reminder.
Step 10 – Turn over each alarm and turn off LEARN mode.
Step 11 – Now, you’re ready to install each individual wireless interconnect smoke alarm. Place unit on the mounted base and twist clockwise until it clicks and is locked into place. Repeat for each individual alarm.
Instructional videos at your fingertips
Visit the Quell Video Library for the full range of instructional videos on our range of photoelectric smoke alarms to ensure help is at hand, 24 hours a day.
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.