Locations were fire detectors are not required

Detectors are not required in certain areas under specific conditions as outlined in the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022. Here are the key instances where detectors are not required:

1. Kitchens and Areas Likely to Cause Spurious Signals:
   In kitchens or other areas where the use of the area is likely to result in smoke detectors causing false alarms, detectors need not be installed if the area is protected with a sprinkler system that complies with Specification 17 (other than FPAA101D or FPAA101H systems)​​.
2. Buildings with Sprinkler Systems:
   In Class 2 or 3 buildings, or Class 4 parts of buildings that are protected with a sprinkler system complying with Specification 17 (other than FPAA101D or FPAA101H systems), smoke detectors are not required in public corridors and other internal public spaces​​.
3. Class 9a Health-Care Buildings:
   In areas of Class 9a health-care buildings where the use of the area is likely to result in smoke detectors causing spurious signals, and if the area is protected with a sprinkler system complying with Specification 17, smoke detectors need not be installed​​.

These provisions ensure that smoke detection systems are not unnecessarily triggered in areas where other fire protection measures, such as sprinklers, are already in place, thereby preventing false alarms and ensuring the effectiveness of the fire safety systems in place.

Australian Standard AS 1670.1:2018 specifies additional locations where detectors are not required. These include:

1. Air Locks:
   1. Open on both sides into protected areas, less than 3.5 m², do not contain electrical equipment, and are not used for storage or washrooms.
2. Concealed Spaces:
   1. Less than 800 mm high, no electrical lighting or power equipment, and not used for storage.
   2. No access and fire-isolated with a minimum fire-resistance level of 60/30/-.
   3. No access and less than 350 mm high.
   4. Less than 3 m³, no electrical lighting or power equipment, and not used for storage.
3. Open Areas:
   1. Verandas, balconies, colonnades, breezeways, open-sided covered walkways, overhanging roof areas, ramps, and similar spaces not used for storage or as a car park.
4. Cupboards Containing Water Heaters:
   1. If solely for a water heater and less than 3 m³, protection is not required.
5. Exhaust Ducts:
   1. In ducts exhausting from toilets or rooms containing single ironing and laundry facilities.
6. Sanitary Spaces:
   1. Any water closet, shower recess, or bathroom with a floor area less than 3.5 m² and opening off a protected area.
7. Skylights:
   1. With openings of less than 1.5 m², not used for ventilation.
   2. Installed in areas not requiring detection (e.g., sanitary spaces).
   3. Less than 4.0 m², recess height not more than 800 mm, and not used for ventilation.
   4. Openings of less than 0.15 m².
8. Switchboards:
   1. Non-recessed or freestanding switchboards or switchboard cubicles protected by the normal protection of the area in which it is contained.

These specific locations are outlined in Section 3.28 of the AS 1670.1:2018 standard​​.