At TEIGE Electrical Services, we’ve checked hundreds of smoke alarms across Warrnambool, Hamilton, Portland, and surrounding towns over the last few months. Disturbingly, we’ve found that a large number of alarms were either completely non-functional or well past their use-by date. Some had flat batteries, others had the batteries removed entirely, and many had simply reached the end of their 10-year lifespan without being replaced. These are not just minor issues — they’re serious safety risks.

In Victoria, it’s a legal requirement for every home to have a working smoke alarm installed on or near the ceiling of every storey. For rental properties, smoke alarms must also be located outside sleeping areas, such as in hallways near bedrooms, and in any part of a house that could become a sleeping space. For larger homes or multi-level properties, that means multiple alarms are required to ensure early detection and warning.

Another key consideration is the type of alarm installed. All new homes or those undergoing major renovations must have hardwired (240V) smoke alarms with a backup battery. While battery-powered units are still allowed in older homes, they must be well maintained and ideally interconnected, especially in rental properties. Hardwired alarms offer better reliability and reduce the chance of being forgotten — but only if they’re tested regularly.

Batteries are the most common reason smoke alarms fail. Whether it’s a 9V battery or a backup lithium cell, it’s critical that batteries are replaced as needed. Even sealed lithium alarms, which are designed to last 10 years, should still be checked periodically. For battery-operated models, we recommend changing the battery every 12 months — even if it still seems to be working — to stay on the safe side.

Testing your smoke alarms monthly should be part of your household routine. Simply press the test button until you hear the alert sound. If it’s weak, delayed, or silent, that’s a red flag. Dust can also affect the sensors over time, so give alarms a gentle vacuum or wipe down during regular cleaning. Remember, a silent alarm is not a safe alarm.

Over the last three months, our team has found far too many smoke alarms that either failed to activate or had been disconnected entirely — some with the batteries removed by tenants, others with expired units dating back more than a decade. It’s an alarming trend and a sobering reminder that simply having an alarm installed isn’t enough.

At TEIGE Electrical Services, we take fire safety seriously. As part of our rental safety inspections and general electrical services, we can test, clean, and replace smoke alarms to make sure they’re up to code and ready to respond in an emergency. Whether you’re a landlord managing compliance, a property manager overseeing multiple dwellings, or a homeowner looking for peace of mind — we’re here to help.

Don’t leave it until it’s too late. A working smoke alarm could save lives — but only if it’s there, powered, and functional.