Do smoke alarms really expire after 10 years?

Yes. Queensland law requires every smoke alarm to be replaced before it is 10 years old, measured from the manufacture date printed on the unit. The sensing element degrades over time whether or not the alarm has ever been triggered, so a 10-year-old alarm can no longer be relied on even if it still beeps when tested.

Where is the manufacture date on a smoke alarm?

It's printed on the back or side of the alarm, usually as a date or an expiry date. You may need to twist the alarm off its base to read it. If there's no legible date, treat the alarm as due for replacement.

Does the 10-year rule apply to owner-occupied homes?

Yes. The 10-year replacement rule applies to all Queensland dwellings. For rentals and homes being sold it's already enforced, and from 1 January 2027 every home must meet the full interconnected photoelectric standard, which includes replacing any alarm over 10 years old.

The 10-Year Smoke Alarm Rule in QLD

The 10-year
smoke alarm rule.

Short answer

Every smoke alarm must be replaced before it turns 10, from the manufacture date, even if it still passes the test. The sensor wears out regardless.

Why alarms expire

The sensing element degrades slowly, whether or not it's ever detected smoke. After a decade it can't be relied on to respond quickly, which is why Queensland law sets a hard 10-year limit from the manufacture date, not the install date. Passing the test button isn't proof it'll perform in a real fire past that date.

How to find your alarm's date

01Twist the alarm anticlockwise to remove it from its mounting base.
02Look on the back or side for a manufacture date or "replace by" date.
03Count 10 years forward from the manufacture date: that's the deadline.
04No legible date? Treat it as expired and due for replacement.

Replace with the 2027 standard while you're at it

Alarms near 10 years? It's the ideal moment to move to the interconnected photoelectric standard every Queensland home needs by 1 January 2027. Rather than swap one alarm for another standalone unit, upgrade the whole home in one visit: from $125 per alarm, certificate included. Try the estimator.

When to call an electrician

Can't reach it safely, can't read the date, or want the home up to standard? That's us: we'll check every alarm's age, replace what's expired with compliant interconnected photoelectric units, and certify it.

Alarms near 10 years? Upgrade once.

Replace expired alarms with the 2027 standard: certificate included.

Book an upgrade (07) 4159 1997

The 10-yearsmoke alarm rule.