AS 1670
Fire Alarm Block Plans
A fire alarm block plan (zone plan) documents the layout of a building's fire detection and alarm system. It shows detector zones, manual call point locations, sounder circuits, the Fire Indicator Panel (FIP) configuration and zone/device mapping — critical information for emergency response and routine maintenance.
What is a fire alarm zone plan?
A fire alarm zone plan (or fire detection block plan) is a schematic showing how a building's detection system is organised. It maps detector zones to physical areas, shows MCP locations, identifies sounder circuits and documents how the FIP addresses relate to building areas. It is used by fire brigades to locate alarms, by technicians during AS 1851 testing, and by certifiers during audits.
Why do you need one?
AS 1670.1 requires that zone information be available at the FIP to enable rapid identification of alarm locations. Fire brigades rely on zone plans to find activated detectors. Without accurate zone documentation, false alarms cannot be investigated efficiently and genuine emergencies may face delayed response.
What the standard requires
The zone plan should show: zone boundaries mapped to building areas, detector types and locations within each zone, manual call point positions, sounder and warning device circuits, FIP zone/address allocation, and any cause-and-effect relationships (e.g., detection triggering EWIS or suppression).
Common problems we solve
Detection systems are among the most frequently modified fire services. Common issues include: zone plans that no longer match the FIP programming, undocumented zones added during fitout works, addressable systems with no address-to-location mapping, and completely missing zone documentation in older analogue systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a zone plan and a cause-and-effect matrix?
A zone plan shows the physical layout and zone allocation of the detection system. A cause-and-effect matrix documents the programmed responses — which detection zone triggers which output (e.g., EWIS alert, door release, sprinkler valve trip). Both may be required.
Do you document addressable systems?
Yes. For addressable panels, we document the loop structure, device addresses and their physical locations — not just zone groupings.
Can you reconcile our zone plan with the FIP?
Yes. We physically verify zone allocations against the installed FIP programming and produce updated documentation that accurately reflects the system as installed.
Do you cover aspirating smoke detection (ASD)?
Yes. We document aspirating detection systems including pipe routing, sampling point locations and zone allocation.