Smoke alarms that meet the law and actually work

Hardwired, interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms — compliant with AS 3786 and Victoria's rental minimum standards.

Call 0418 576 387 Request a quote
Photoelectric smoke alarm installed by Elecool Electrical — AS 3786 compliant, Victorian rental-standard

Smoke alarms are the cheapest electrical work you'll ever pay for, measured against what they protect. Modern photoelectric alarms detect smouldering fires earlier than older ionisation models, and interconnected alarms — where one trigger sounds them all — give people in the far end of the house critical extra seconds to escape. Elecool installs hardwired, interconnected, photoelectric alarms compliant with AS 3786 and the Victorian rental minimum standards.

What the law requires

In Victoria, every home built or significantly renovated must have a smoke alarm in or near every bedroom and on every level. From March 2021, rental properties must have alarms tested annually, replaced when faulty or past their 10-year mark, and interconnected if installed in a substantial renovation. Photoelectric alarms (rather than ionisation) are now the recommended standard.

What we install and recommend

Quality hardwired photoelectric alarms (Brooks, Emerald, Clipsal) with 9-volt battery backup, wirelessly interconnected so a smoke event in any room sounds every alarm. For owner-occupied homes, we recommend a check at every annual electrical service. For rentals, we provide an annual compliance certificate and tag every alarm with the install date.

How we work

Four steps. No surprises.

01 STEP 1

You call or message us

0418 576 387, glenn@elecool.com.au, or use the form. Most enquiries get a same-day response.

02 STEP 2

We quote — fixed price

On-site assessment for larger jobs, fixed-price quote on the spot or by email within a working day.

03 STEP 3

We do the work

Booked time, tidy work, full safety check. Certificate of Electrical Safety issued where required.

04 STEP 4

You pay once you're happy

Single invoice, no hidden extras. We don't leave until the job is signed off.

Support

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions?

Ask the team
How much does smoke alarm installation cost?
Direct replacement of existing hardwired alarms typically runs $90–$140 per alarm. Full new install with cabling (for homes with battery-only alarms) is $180–$280 per alarm. A standard 3-bedroom house usually has 3–5 alarms; budget $500–$1,000 for a full upgrade.
Do I need interconnected smoke alarms?
Required for new builds and substantial renovations. Strongly recommended for everything else — when an alarm in the kitchen sounds, the alarm in the back bedroom sounds too. We use wireless interconnection so older homes can be upgraded without new cabling between rooms.
Photoelectric or ionisation — which is better?
Photoelectric, by a wide margin. Photoelectric alarms detect smouldering fires (the kind that kill people in their sleep) 15–50 minutes earlier than ionisation alarms. Australian fire authorities now recommend photoelectric. Ionisation alarms are being phased out of new installs.
How often should I replace my smoke alarms?
Every 10 years — non-negotiable. The sensor degrades over time and an alarm older than 10 years is unreliable. Most modern alarms have the manufacture date printed on the back; if you can't find it, it's overdue.
What about smoke alarms in rental properties?
Since March 2021, Victorian rental minimum standards require working smoke alarms tested annually with documentation. We provide annual compliance certificates with photos, alarm location records, and replacement schedules. Many landlords now hold an annual contract with us for this.
Do you also install carbon monoxide alarms?
Yes — carbon monoxide alarms are recommended for homes with gas heating, gas cooktops in poorly-ventilated kitchens, and attached garages. Often installed alongside smoke alarms during a compliance upgrade.
Can you install smoke alarms in heritage homes?
Yes — heritage and period homes often have lath-and-plaster ceilings or limited ceiling access. We use wireless interconnection to avoid running new cables through inaccessible ceilings, and we use surface-mount alarms in tight spots rather than damaging fragile ceilings.
Will the alarms go off when I cook?
Properly placed alarms shouldn't false-trigger from normal cooking. We position alarms outside kitchens (in the hallway, not the kitchen itself) and use photoelectric sensors which are less sensitive to cooking steam. If you've had nuisance alarms, repositioning usually solves it.

Related services

Other electrical work we handle

Air Conditioning

Split system supply, installation, service and repairs across Melbourne.

Learn more

Commercial Electrician

Shop fit-outs, office electrical, restaurant kitchens. 200+ fit-outs since 2008.

Learn more

EV Charger Installation

Home & business EV chargers — Tesla, BYD, Chery and all major brands.

Learn more

Request a quote

Tell us what you need. We'll come back within a working day.

Real humans, real responses — not a chatbot queue. Most quotes go out the same day.

  • Fixed-price quotes, no hourly surprises
  • Same-day callouts for emergencies
  • Fully licensed (A-grade) and insured ($20M)
  • Servicing all of South East Melbourne
0418 576 387 glenn@elecool.com.au

Enquire now

We respond within 4 business hours. Your details stay private — see our privacy policy.

Protected by reCAPTCHA — Google Privacy & Terms apply.