Smoke alarms are now compulsory in all residential buildings in South Australia.
All new homes must have mains powered alarms with battery backup. Mains powered alarms must also be installed when a residential property is sold, and when substantial alterations or additions are being made to the building. Existing dwellings must have at least battery powered smoke alarms installed by 1 January 2000 at the latest. There are two types of smoke detectors in common use. The ionisation or radioactive type, and the photoelectric type.