Understanding Zone Diagrams: A Guide to AS 1670.1 Compliance

Builders Industry Blog Hub | February 6, 2025

Understanding Zone Diagrams: A Guide to AS 1670.1 Compliance

Fire safety is a critical aspect of building design and management. One key element in ensuring buildings and their occupants are protected is the development and maintenance of zone diagrams. These diagrams communicate how a building is divided into zones for the detection and control of fire and smoke, and they play a vital role in emergency planning and response. Here Design Assist Partners P/L will walk you through the basics of Zone Diagrams and how they should comply with AS 1670.1 – the Australian Standard for fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems

1. What Are Zone Diagrams?

A Zone Diagram is a schematic representation (usually a floor plan or site plan) that visually identifies distinct areas or “zones” within a building or complex. These zones are based on factors such as:

  • Fire compartmentation
  • Occupancy or usage type
  • Alarm detection and signaling requirements
  • Smoke control

The primary goal is to indicate how each zone is protected by the building’s fire detection and suppression systems. A clear, accurate zone diagram is essential to help firefighters, facility/safety managers and other immediate staff quickly identify and respond to potential fire incidents.

 

2. Relevance of AS 1670.1

AS 1670.1 sets out the minimum requirements for:

  • The design of fire detection and alarm systems
  • Equipment selection and installation
  • Commissioning and documentation requirements

This standard is part of the broader suite of Australian Standards covering fire protection systems. Compliance with AS 1670.1 ensures that fire safety installations meet a uniform level of quality and reliability nationwide.

Zone Diagrams are referenced in AS 1670.1 as key documentation. In general, they must:

  1. Clearly identify the location of fire detection devices (e.g., smoke detectors, heat detectors, visual alarm device, etc).
  2. Show the layout of alarm zones, specifically referencing zone numbers that align with the fire alarm panel programming.
  3. Aid in ensuring that maintenance and inspection personnel can easily navigate systems and devices.
  4. Provide clarity to the fire brigade or responding emergency services during an incident.

 

3. Key Components of an AS 1670.1-Compliant Zone Diagram

To ensure compliance with AS 1670.1, include the following elements in your zone diagram:

  1. Legible Floor Plans
    • Use a clear, scaled plan (if possible) with orientation (e.g., a north arrow or reference).
    • Ensure the plan is large enough to distinguish individual rooms, corridors, and boundaries.
  2. Distinct Zoning Boundaries
    • Draw bold or clear outlines to separate individual detection zones.
    • Label each zone consistently (e.g., Zone 1, Zone 2, etc.) in alignment with the fire indicator panel (FIP).
  3. Detector and Device Locations
    • Mark all detector points (smoke, heat, visual alarm device) with standardised symbols.
    • Include manual call point locations (break-glass alarms).
    • Identify any special detectors (e.g., aspirating systems, beam detectors).
  4. Fire Indicator Panel (FIP) and Other Panels
    • Show the location of the main fire indicator panel (FIP).
    • Where relevant, show repeater panels, mimic panels or sub-panels, especially in large complexes.
  5. Sounders, Visual Alarms, and Speakers
    • Indicate the location of sounders, visual beacons (strobe lights), and speakers if a staged or occupant warning system is installed.
  6. Emergency Exits and Paths of Travel
    • Although primarily covered under Evacuation Plans, indicating main egress routes can help emergency responders.
    • Show doorways and emergency exit points if available (helpful even if not strictly required for zone diagrams).
  7. Legend/Key
    • Provide a clear legend indicating what each symbol, colour, or boundary line represents.
    • List abbreviations or acronyms for quick reference.
  8. Revision and Date
    • Include a revision block or date so users know they are referring to the latest version.
    • AS 1670.1 stipulates that documentation must be updated when any system modifications are made.

 

4. Best Practices for Creating and Maintaining Zone Diagrams

  1. Consult Experienced Professionals
    • Engage fire engineers or consultants familiar with AS 1670.1 requirements.
    • Work collaboratively to identify the correct zoning strategy, especially in complex buildings with multiple floors or various occupancy types.
  2. Use Consistent Symbology
    • Align with Australian Standard symbol references, such as those in AS 1670.1, AS 1603, or other relevant codes.
    • Maintain consistency across all your fire-related drawings (zone diagrams, evacuation diagrams, mechanical system schematics, etc.).
  3. Keep Diagrams Accessible
    • Store diagrams in fire control rooms, near the main fire indicator panel, or other clearly marked areas.
    • Ensure copies are provided to building management and relevant maintenance personnel.
  4. Regularly Update and Review
    • Reflect any renovations, system upgrades, or layout changes that affect zoning in updated diagrams.
    • Schedule periodic reviews alongside system inspections (quarterly or annual).
  5. Coordinate with Other Fire Safety Documents
    • Zone Diagrams should align with occupant warning system designs, sprinkler zone diagrams, and emergency evacuation plans.
    • Discrepancies between different fire safety documents can cause confusion during an emergency.

 

5. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

  • Overlapping Zones: Ensure each zone has a distinct boundary. Overlaps or ambiguous lines can delay emergency response.
  • Incorrect or Outdated Labelling: Zone labels must match exactly what is programmed into the fire alarm control panel. A mismatch leads to false assumptions during emergencies.
  • Too Much or Too Little Detail: Strike the right balance. Provide enough detail for first responders and inspectors without overcrowding the diagram.
  • Lack of Routine Updates: Building layouts and fire safety systems change over time. Failing to keep the diagram current can invalidate compliance status.

 

6. Conclusion

Zone Diagrams are an integral part of any comprehensive fire detection and alarm system in Australia. By adhering to AS 1670.1, you’ll not only maintain compliance with national standards but also help ensure the safety of building occupants and assist emergency services in the event of a fire. The diagram must be accurate, easily understood, and always up to date. Working with qualified professionals, using proper symbology, and reviewing your diagrams regularly are the best ways to stay both compliant and prepared.

If you’re looking to implement or update your Zone Diagrams to meet the AS 1670.1 standard, feel free to contact us. Investing in safety today could save lives tomorrow.

Disclaimer: Please be advised in preparing these blogs, articles, FAQ’s and definitions we’ve drawn from various sources including Australian Standards and industry information, research and knowledge. These responses and English language may undergo subtle changes over time. Therefore, users are exclusively responsible for independently evaluating the definition and are strongly encouraged to verify all pertinent representations, statements and information.