Fire Detection & Alarm Systems (FDAS): Why Regular Servicing Matters More Than Ever
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems are the first line of defence
A Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS) is often the first system to respond when a fire occurs. Its purpose is simple but critical—to detect a fire in its earliest stages, alert occupants, activate emergency procedures and, where required, interface with other Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) such as occupant warning systems, smoke control systems, lift recall and fire sprinkler systems.
Like any life safety system, an FDAS is only effective if it is properly designed, installed, maintained and tested throughout its service life.
At VERST Fire Services, we regularly encounter systems that appear operational but have hidden faults, ageing components or maintenance deficiencies that could significantly impact their performance during an emergency.
What standards apply to Fire Detection & Alarm Systems?
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems in Victoria are governed by several important standards and regulations.
AS 1670.1 – Fire Detection, Warning, Control and Intercom Systems
AS 1670.1 is Australia’s primary design and installation standard for Fire Detection and Alarm Systems. It provides detailed requirements for:
- Detector selection and placement
- Manual Call Points (MCPs)
- Fire Indicator Panels (FIPs)
- Occupant Warning Systems
- Cable installation
- System zoning
- Interface with other building services
- Commissioning and acceptance testing
The objective is to ensure that every building has an appropriately designed system capable of providing reliable early warning while minimising unwanted alarms.
AS 1851-2012 – Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems
Once commissioned, the ongoing maintenance of an FDAS is governed by AS 1851-2012.
This standard establishes the inspection, testing and preventative maintenance required to ensure the system remains compliant and operational throughout its life.
Routine servicing typically includes:
- Inspection of the Fire Indicator Panel
- Testing of smoke and heat detectors
- Testing Manual Call Points
- Verification of alarm signals
- Battery condition and load testing
- Fault monitoring
- Interface testing with connected fire protection systems
- Inspection of detector contamination
- Confirmation of correct operation of warning devices
- Recording all service activities within the system logbook
These inspections are carried out at prescribed frequencies including monthly, six-monthly, yearly and longer-term intervals depending on the component being tested.
Routine servicing is not simply about compliance—it is about ensuring that every detector, circuit and interface will perform correctly when it is genuinely needed.
The National Construction Code (NCC) and Victorian Regulations
The National Construction Code (NCC), together with the Victorian Building Regulations, requires Essential Safety Measures to be maintained so that they continue to perform to the standard to which they were originally designed and approved.
Building owners have legal responsibilities to ensure their fire protection systems remain operational and compliant throughout the life of the building.
This includes:
- Maintaining all Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
- Completing routine inspections and testing
- Keeping accurate maintenance records
- Rectifying defects in a timely manner
- Ensuring Annual Essential Safety Measures Reports (AESMRs) are completed where required
Failure to maintain these systems may expose building owners and occupiers to increased life safety risks, regulatory action and potential insurance implications.
Understanding Nuisance Alarms
One of the most common challenges we see across commercial and residential buildings is nuisance alarms.
A nuisance alarm is an alarm that occurs without the presence of an actual fire emergency.
These alarms can be caused by:
- Dust contamination
- Steam
- Cooking fumes
- Aerosols
- Construction activities
- Insects entering detectors
- Ageing detection equipment
- Incorrect detector selection
- Poor detector location
- Environmental changes within the building
While a single nuisance alarm may appear insignificant, repeated unwanted alarms often lead occupants to ignore alarms altogether—creating a genuine life safety concern.
Frequent false alarms can also result in:
- Business interruption
- Evacuations
- Fire Rescue Victoria call-out costs
- Loss of occupant confidence
- Reduced detector reliability
Modern Technology Has Improved Detection Performance
Today’s Fire Detection technology is significantly more advanced than systems installed twenty or thirty years ago.
Modern addressable detection systems now incorporate:
- Multi-criteria detection technology
- Optical and thermal sensing combinations
- Intelligent algorithms
- Drift compensation
- Automatic contamination monitoring
- Adjustable sensitivity profiles
- Event logging and diagnostics
Rather than relying solely on smoke density, many detectors analyse multiple environmental factors before determining whether an alarm condition exists.
This greatly reduces unwanted alarms while maintaining rapid response to genuine fire events.
Best Practices to Reduce Nuisance Alarms
Reducing nuisance alarms begins long before maintenance—it starts with proper system design and continues throughout the life of the building.
Some of the most effective strategies include:
Selecting the correct detector
Not every environment is suited to a standard smoke detector.
Areas such as commercial kitchens, warehouses, workshops and plant rooms often require alternative detection technologies to minimise unwanted alarms while maintaining compliance.
Regular cleaning and servicing
Dust and airborne contaminants gradually accumulate inside detectors, affecting their sensitivity.
Routine servicing under AS 1851 includes inspection for contamination and replacement where necessary.
Reviewing building changes
Changes in tenancy, renovations, HVAC modifications or altered building use can all affect detector performance.
Fire systems should be reviewed whenever the building environment changes.
Upgrading ageing systems
Older conventional systems may lack the intelligence available in modern addressable systems.
Where nuisance alarms become frequent, upgrading the detection technology can often deliver significant improvements in both reliability and ongoing maintenance efficiency.
Working with experienced fire protection specialists
Proper diagnosis of nuisance alarms requires more than simply replacing detectors.
Experienced technicians investigate environmental conditions, detector history, programming, system configuration and building operations to identify the true cause of repeated alarms.
Why Routine Servicing Matters
Routine servicing is not simply about meeting legislative obligations.
It provides confidence that:
- occupants receive early warning during an emergency
- emergency services receive reliable alarm information
- interconnected fire protection systems operate correctly
- costly faults are identified before they become major failures
- nuisance alarms are minimised
- compliance obligations are maintained
A well-maintained Fire Detection & Alarm System protects lives, property and business continuity.
How VERST Fire Services Can Help?
At VERST Fire Services, we provide comprehensive inspection, testing and maintenance of Fire Detection & Alarm Systems in accordance with AS 1851-2012 and applicable Victorian legislative requirements.
Our experienced technicians work across commercial, industrial, education, healthcare, retail and residential buildings, providing practical advice that balances compliance, reliability and operational efficiency.
Whether your building requires routine preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis, nuisance alarm investigations or advice on upgrading ageing fire detection systems, our team is committed to delivering technically sound solutions backed by industry experience.
If you’d like to discuss the performance of your Fire Detection & Alarm System or arrange a system health assessment, contact VERST Fire Services today. Our team is always happy to help ensure your building remains safe, compliant and protected.