Hard Wired Smoke Alarms

According to the new Memorandum on who is responsible for what, they will come under common property. Have a look HERE for more information.

The Memorandum refers to: “smoke detectors connected to the fire board in the building” as being common property while “smoke detectors within a lot and are stand alone (not connected to the fire board in the building)” are individual owners responsibility.  As I said elsewhere, the Memo is not law (although it may cover elements that are) but it's a good guide until such times as your OC adopts it as a by-law.

Dear All,
Smoke detectors step a little further outside the Strata Act, an as such when considering who is responsible for the fire safety measures within any building, you need to consider the responsibilities under the Enivornmental Planning and Assessment Act, which is the one that requires a good majority of buildings in NSW to complete an Annual Fire Safety Statement.

Under the EPA act, the Building Owner (ie the Owners Corporation) has ultimate responsibility for maintaining the essential fire safety measures in the building.

Mr S

sarahs said:

Regarding smoke alarms and fire safety compliance (I read another post but cannot locate it now), we have been advised today that the OC is responsible for all internal smoke alarms in our complex of 26 townhouses.
Of greater concern is that we have been told that annual inspections are mandatory, and one has been arranged by our Strata Manager for this week at a cost of $1200.
I have been an owner here for 6 years, and have NEVER had an inspection. Our SM assures me that we have always had compliance certificates issued.
Just me or does this seem a little suspect…?? Any thoughts as to our position as a member of the EC?

Are you sure?  We have had this requirement (in Victoria) for years and the demarcation is clear – hard wired smoke detectors inside a lot are compulsory (for new buildings) but are the owners responsibility to maintain.  (And also in NSW that is the recommendation of the Land and Property Information). They usually are only hard wired for 240V power – they usually have no other connection to a Fire Panel.  The smoke detectors on common property are however an OC responsibility. 

How has the OC arranged access to all the lots?  That in itself is nearly mission impossible for our OC!

Hi All, Yes agree with Jimmy, you are now having your fire safety checks so be relieved.

We have our inspections twice a year, I don't care what the cost is, we are talking about fire! Could destroy your life and dear possesions,pets, including your property! How is your insurance? A notice is sent to all to be available or pay yourself if you are not for an extra visit as is Jimmys. The inspections are held in the morning before most head off for work and take 5 minutes and the hard wired smoke alarms inside lots are taken on as OC responsibility. If the battery is flat most replace at their own expense I think they are around $8, but faults and replacement OC covers. I recently had a faulty alarm and sent an email to the strata manager who promptly sent out a technician and replacement alarm. This works well for our building. Mind you I have been working hard over a few years to make our plan functional and harmonious and some are not so.

Cheers CBF