Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Logbook
A Complete Guide to AS 1851—2012 Fire Alarm Service Records
Fire detection and alarm systems play an essential role in identifying fire conditions, providing alarm indications, activating occupant warning functions and communicating with other building fire safety systems.
Their reliable operation depends on regular inspection, functional testing, preventive maintenance and accurate service records.
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Logbook provides a structured hardcopy format for documenting routine servicing of fire detection, alarm and associated control equipment.
Developed around the applicable requirements of AS 1851—2012 (Incorporating Amendment No. 1), Section 6, the logbook includes dedicated service schedules, test records and measurement fields for:
- Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
- Smoke & Heat Alarms
- Smoke Hazard Management – Detection & Control Functions
- Fire Detection & Control Equipment Associated with Special Hazard Systems
The product provides Monthly, Six-Monthly, Yearly and Five-Yearly record sections, depending on the system being serviced.
It also includes dedicated areas for detector testing, battery capacity, occupant warning sound pressure levels, system interfaces, defects and corrective actions.
Designed to support routine service and record keeping in accordance with the relevant requirements of AS 1851—2012 Section 6.
View the Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Logbook
What Does the Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Logbook Cover?
The logbook brings together four related categories of fire detection and control equipment.
| System or Function | Included |
|---|---|
| Fire Detection & Alarm Systems | ✓ |
| Smoke & Heat Alarms | ✓ |
| Smoke Hazard Management – Detection & Control Functions | ✓ |
| Special Hazard Systems – Fire Detection & Control Equipment | ✓ |
These categories have different service schedules and recording requirements.
Importantly, the logbook covers the applicable detection, indication and control functions associated with Smoke Hazard Management and Special Hazard Systems.
It does not replace the service records for the complete mechanical smoke-control system or the complete special hazard suppression system.
AS 1851 Section 6 – Fire Detection & Alarm System Servicing
Section 6 of AS 1851—2012 addresses fire detection, alarm and associated systems.
Depending on the installed equipment, routine service activities can include:
- Visual inspection
- Functional testing
- Preventive maintenance
- Fire detector testing
- Battery testing
- Alarm indication testing
- System interface testing
- Survey activities
- Service record documentation
The applicable frequency depends on the particular system or function.
The Fire Factory Australia logbook provides separate schedules rather than applying the same service interval to every equipment category.
Routine Service Frequency Summary
The logbook includes the following service record sections.
| System or Equipment | Monthly | Six-Monthly | Yearly | Five-Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Detection & Alarm Systems | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Smoke & Heat Alarms | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Smoke Hazard Management – Detection & Control Functions | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Special Hazard Systems – Fire Detection & Control Equipment | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
These frequencies describe the dedicated schedules included in this product.
They should not be interpreted as service schedules for the complete special hazard suppression system, mechanical smoke-control equipment or Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems.
Those systems have separate applicable service requirements.
Monthly Fire Detection & Alarm System Service Records
The Monthly Service Schedule focuses on the basic condition and operation of the installed fire detection and alarm system.
The logbook includes checks relating to:
- External alarms, bells and strobes
- Designated building entry point indication
- Fire Indicator Panels
- Sub-Indicator Panels
- Repeater panels
- Fire Brigade Panels
- Mimic panels
- Fire Fan Control Panels
- Panel accessibility and visibility
- Dust and contamination
- Panel-door identification and labelling
- Manual Call Point replacement elements
- Vented battery enclosures
- Simulated alarm conditions
- Visual and audible alarm indications
- Alarm Signalling Equipment
- Occupant warning system activation
- Visual Warning Devices
- Isolate and disable functions
- Monitoring-service indications
- Filament-type visual indicators
- Zone block plans
- Supplementary drawings
These records provide a chronological history of routine fire alarm inspections and functional checks.
Fire Indicator Panel & Control Equipment Records
The Fire Indicator Panel (FIP) is a central component of many fire detection and alarm installations.
The Monthly Service Record includes inspection of applicable:
- Fire Indicator Panels (FIP)
- Sub-Indicator Panels (SIP)
- Repeater panels
- Fire Brigade Panels (FBP)
- Mimic panels
- Fire Fan Control Panels (FFCP)
The schedule addresses conditions such as:
- Accessibility
- Visibility
- Contamination
- Identification
- Labelling
These activities provide dedicated FIP and associated control-equipment service records within the broader fire detection logbook.
Monthly Fire Alarm Function Testing
The Monthly Service Schedule includes simulation of a fire alarm condition.
The applicable test checks whether the system responds correctly, including:
- Visual alarm indications
- Audible alarm indications
- External alarm operation
- Alarm Signalling Equipment activation
- Alarm indication from a SIP at the FIP
- Occupant warning system activation
- Visual Warning Device operation
Recording these activities provides a history of basic alarm-system response during routine servicing.
Six-Monthly Smoke & Heat Alarm Service Records
The logbook includes a dedicated Six-Monthly Smoke & Heat Alarm Service Schedule.
It provides records for:
- Physical damage
- Excessive dust or contamination
- Battery indication
- Mains-power indication
- Alarm test function
- Audible alarm activation
- Other sensory warning devices, where fitted
These activities are recorded separately from the main Fire Detection & Alarm System Monthly Schedule.
Yearly Smoke & Heat Alarm Service Records
The Yearly Smoke & Heat Alarm Schedule provides more detailed inspection and testing.
The logbook includes activities relating to:
- Interconnected alarm testing
- Testing 100% of applicable smoke alarms
- Testing 100% of applicable heat alarms
- Other sensory warning devices
- Alarm cleaning
- Battery replacement requirements
- Replacement of alarms that have reached the end of their service life
- Alarm spacing
- Alarm location
Together, the Six-Monthly and Yearly schedules provide a structured service history for applicable smoke and heat alarms.
Six-Monthly Special Hazard Detection & Control Records
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Logbook includes a dedicated Six-Monthly schedule for Fire Detection & Control Equipment Associated with Special Hazard Systems.
This section covers the electrical detection and control functions associated with the suppression system.
Applicable records include:
- Local Control Stations (LCS)
- Visual Warning Devices
- Discharge inhibit controls
- Automatic/manual controls
- Suppression discharge prevention
- Normal discharge sequence reset
- LCS and FIP indications
- Audible indications
- Manual discharge controls
- Manual initiation controls
- Service switches
- Discharge actuator circuit faults
- Lock-off valve indications
- Manual inhibit controls
- System-inoperative warning indications
- Supervised actuator circuits
- Actuator functions
- System logic
These records relate to the detection and control equipment, not the complete suppression installation.
For applicable servicing of gas cylinders, extinguishing agent, pipework, nozzles and other suppression components, use the dedicated Special Hazard Fire Suppression Systems Logbook.
Yearly Fire Detection & Alarm System Service Records
The Yearly Service Schedule provides more detailed inspection, testing and survey activities than the Monthly Schedule.
It includes records relating to:
- Manual Call Points
- Panel switches and keypads
- Visual indicators
- Alphanumeric displays
- Battery capacity
- Fire detectors
- Alarm-zone indication
- Occupant warning systems
- Sound Pressure Levels
- Alarm acknowledgement facilities
- Alarm investigation facilities
- Battery discharge testing
- Detector and equipment service life
- Changes to the fire detection system
- Detector suitability
- Nuisance alarm conditions
- Cabling
- Conduits
- Junction boxes
- Control and Indicating Equipment
- System interfaces
Dedicated measurement tables and additional records are provided for several of these activities.
Fire Detector & Sampling Point Test Records
The Yearly Service section includes a dedicated Fire Detector & Sampling Point Test Record.
The record provides fields for:
| Record Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Test date |
| Loop No. | Detector loop identification |
| Alarm Zone | Relevant alarm zone |
| Detector / Sampling Point | Equipment identification |
| Detector Type | Type of detector |
| Lower Response Limit | Applicable lower limit |
| Upper Response Limit | Applicable upper limit |
| Reference | Relevant reference information |
Detector testing is associated with the applicable requirements of Appendix G of AS 1851—2012.
The dedicated table allows individual detector and sampling-point test results to be recorded separately from the main Yearly checklist.
Where detectors form part of a special hazard detection system, their Section 6 testing remains a detection-system activity and should not be confused with servicing the suppression equipment itself.
Occupant Warning System Sound Pressure Level Records
The Yearly Fire Detection & Alarm System Schedule includes dedicated fields for Occupant Warning System Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measurements.
| Measurement | Unit |
|---|---|
| Location of Reference Point | Location |
| Required SPL | dBA |
| Measured SPL | dBA |
These measurements provide a reference for comparing occupant warning performance during subsequent servicing.
The record relates to the occupant warning functions included in the Fire Detection & Alarm System schedule.
It does not replace dedicated servicing of a complete Emergency Warning & Intercom System where one is installed.
Fire Alarm Battery Capacity Records
Battery capacity is an important part of fire detection and alarm system servicing.
The logbook provides a dedicated battery capacity section with fields for:
| Measurement | Unit |
|---|---|
| Quiescent Current (IQ) | A |
| Maximum Alarm Current (IA) | A |
| Calculated Capacity | Ah |
| Installed Capacity | Ah |
These fields allow the relevant current measurements and capacity calculations to be documented.
Battery Condition & Discharge Test Records
The logbook also provides battery condition fields for:
- Date Last Replaced
- Test Load Current – A
- Final Test Voltage – V
These records allow battery replacement information and applicable discharge test results to be retained alongside the fire alarm service history.
Yearly Smoke Hazard Management – Detection & Control Records
The logbook includes a dedicated Yearly schedule for Smoke Hazard Management detection and control functions.
These records focus on the electrical control and indication functions associated with smoke hazard management.
The schedule includes checks relating to:
- Fire Fan Control Panel remaining in fire mode after initiation from the FIP
- Manual ON–AUTO–OFF override operation
- Airflow fault indication
- Air-handling equipment interconnecting cable open-circuit faults
- Interconnecting cable closed-circuit faults
- Electricity phase-fail indication
- Fan-running indication
- Fan-stopped indication
- Fan-fault indication
These are detection, indication and control functions only.
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Logbook does not replace the routine service records for the mechanical components of a smoke-control installation.
For fans, dampers, fire and smoke curtains and other mechanical fire/smoke control equipment, use the Mechanical Services Logbook – Fire/Smoke Control Features.
Yearly Special Hazard Detection & Control Records
The Yearly Section 6 schedule includes additional records for fire detection and control equipment associated with Special Hazard Systems.
Applicable activities include:
- Suppression-system status monitoring
- Container-level monitoring
- Pressure-switch monitoring
- Pump-controller monitoring
- Electrical directional valves
- System discharge sequence
- Discharge time delay
- Agent-release detection
- Agent-release indication at the FIP
These records document the applicable electrical monitoring, detection and control functions.
They do not replace the routine service records for the complete suppression system.
For the relevant suppression equipment, use the Special Hazard Fire Suppression Systems Logbook.
Fire Detection System Interface Records
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems can interface with multiple building fire safety systems.
The Yearly Service Record provides a dedicated interface checklist covering applicable functions such as:
- Fire Door Release
- Security Door Release
- Roof Vents
- Warning System / Intercom
- Plant Shutdown
- Fuel Shut-off
- Elevator Override
- Exit Pressurisation
- Smoke Control
- Smoke Exhaust
- Air Handling / HVAC
- CIE Fault Indication
- Special Hazard Systems
- Notification / Alert Systems
- Other applicable interfaces
These records document the testing of relevant transmission paths and the responses of connected systems.
The logbook provides a structured way to retain interface test results within the Fire Detection & Alarm System service history.
Annual Fire Detection System Survey
The logbook includes an Annual Survey section.
The survey considers changes that may affect the installed Fire Detection & Alarm System, including:
- Building additions
- Building alterations
- Changes in occupancy
- Changes to fire safety systems or equipment
- Major repairs
The survey provides a record of relevant building or system changes identified during the yearly service.
Five-Yearly Fire Detection & Alarm System Service Records
The logbook includes a dedicated Five-Yearly schedule for the main Fire Detection & Alarm System.
The schedule provides records for:
- Supervised input-circuit testing
- Supervised output-circuit testing
- Simulated circuit faults
- FIP visual fault indications
- FIP audible fault indications
- Monitoring fault transmission
- Short-circuit isolation functions
- CIE power-supply supervision
- Collective detection circuits
- Functional system interface testing
- Loudspeaker circuit impedance
- Monitoring-link testing
- Alarm verification facilities
This Five-Yearly schedule applies to the Fire Detection & Alarm System itself.
It should not be interpreted as a Five-Yearly schedule for the separate Smoke Hazard Management or Special Hazard detection/control functions included elsewhere in the logbook.
Occupant Warning Speaker Circuit Impedance Records
The Five-Yearly Service Record includes a dedicated loudspeaker circuit table.
| Record Field | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Circuit | Circuit identification |
| Required Impedance | Reference value |
| Measured Impedance | Test result |
This allows applicable loudspeaker circuit impedance measurements to be recorded and compared with reference values.
Recording Defects & Corrective Actions
The logbook provides dedicated fields for:
Item No. | Defect Type | Results / Comments | Corrective Action | Completed Repairs
These fields allow technicians to document:
- The relevant service item
- The defect identified
- Inspection observations or test results
- Corrective action required
- Repairs completed
A separate Notes section also provides space for:
- Associated Logbook Sheet ID / Report No.
- Activity Performed
- Additional defects
- Corrective actions
This helps link additional findings or rectification work to the relevant service record.
Why Use a Dedicated Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Logbook?
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems require a wide range of routine service activities and measurements.
A generic maintenance checklist may not provide suitable fields for:
- Fire Indicator Panel inspections
- Alarm simulation
- Detector and sampling-point testing
- Smoke and heat alarm servicing
- Battery capacity calculations
- Battery discharge measurements
- Occupant warning SPL measurements
- System interface testing
- Smoke Hazard Management control functions
- Special Hazard detection and control functions
- Five-Yearly circuit testing
- Speaker circuit impedance
- Defects and corrective actions
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Logbook brings these records together in a structured format.
This provides technicians and building managers with an organised history of the applicable routine servicing carried out on the system.
Related Fire Protection Service Records
Some equipment connected to a Fire Detection & Alarm System requires separate service records.
Special Hazard Fire Suppression Systems
This Fire Detection logbook covers applicable electrical detection and control functions associated with Special Hazard Systems.
It does not replace servicing of the suppression equipment itself.
For applicable gaseous, fixed aerosol and open-nozzle water mist suppression records, use the Special Hazard Fire Suppression Systems Logbook.
Mechanical Fire & Smoke Control Systems
The Fire Detection logbook covers certain smoke hazard management detection and control functions.
For physical mechanical equipment such as fans and dampers, use the Mechanical Services Logbook – Fire/Smoke Control Features.
Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems
For a complete Emergency Warning & Intercom System requiring dedicated service records, use the Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems Logbook.
For sites requiring both Fire Detection and Emergency Warning/Intercom records in one book, see the Fire Detection & Alarm Systems and Emergency Warning & Intercom Systems Logbook.
AS 1851—2012 Requirements in NSW
From 13 February 2026, NSW requires applicable essential fire safety measures in new and existing Class 1b and Class 2–9 buildings to be maintained in accordance with AS 1851—2012, subject to applicable alternative maintenance arrangements specified by a Performance Solution.
The requirements depend on the essential fire safety measures installed in the particular building.
They do not mean every building in these classifications must contain every system discussed in this article.
For Fire Detection & Alarm Systems, the relevant servicing requirements apply where the system or equipment forms part of an applicable essential fire safety measure.
Building owners should refer to their Fire Safety Schedule and other applicable fire safety documentation to identify the measures requiring maintenance.
NSW Government – Building fire safety requirements under AS 1851—2012
Keeping Fire Detection Service Records in NSW
Fire Detection & Alarm System service records can include:
- Monthly routine servicing
- Six-Monthly Smoke & Heat Alarm records
- Six-Monthly Special Hazard detection/control records
- Yearly fire alarm testing
- Detector test records
- Battery records
- Annual survey information
- Five-Yearly testing
- Interface testing
- Defects and corrective actions
NSW also places record-keeping responsibilities on building owners for applicable essential fire safety measures.
A structured fire detection logbook helps keep the relevant service history organised and accessible.
NSW Government – Responsibilities of Building Owners under AS 1851—2012
Who Should Carry Out Fire Detection & Alarm System Servicing?
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems may incorporate specialised electrical, communication, monitoring, detection and control equipment.
The required competency and licensing depend on the particular activity.
Building owners and responsible entities should ensure that applicable servicing is performed by suitably competent persons and appropriately licensed personnel where required.
NSW Government – Good Practice Guide for Implementing AS 1851—2012
About the AS 1851 Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Logbook
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Logbook is a dedicated hardcopy service record for fire detection, alarm and associated control equipment.
Developed around the applicable requirements of AS 1851—2012 Section 6, it provides structured records for:
- Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
- Smoke & Heat Alarms
- Fire Indicator Panels
- Fire Detectors and Sampling Points
- Manual Call Points
- Alarm Signalling Equipment
- Occupant Warning Systems
- Visual Warning Devices
- Battery testing
- System interfaces
- Smoke Hazard Management detection/control functions
- Special Hazard detection/control functions
Key Record Areas
| Service Record | Included Information |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fire Detection & Alarm | Panel inspections and alarm function testing |
| Six-Monthly Smoke & Heat Alarm | Condition and alarm testing |
| Six-Monthly Special Hazard Detection/Control | Local control stations, release controls and indications |
| Yearly Fire Detection & Alarm | Detectors, batteries, interfaces and survey |
| Yearly Smoke & Heat Alarm | Comprehensive alarm testing and inspection |
| Yearly Smoke Hazard Management | Detection and control functions |
| Yearly Special Hazard Detection/Control | Monitoring, release sequence and indications |
| Five-Yearly Fire Detection & Alarm | Circuit supervision, fault testing and interfaces |
| Detector Test Records | Detector and sampling-point measurements |
| Battery Records | Capacity and condition |
| Occupant Warning Records | SPL and speaker impedance |
| Defect Records | Findings, corrective actions and completed repairs |
The logbook provides one organised location for maintaining applicable Section 6 service records.
Designed to support routine service and record keeping in accordance with the relevant requirements of AS 1851—2012 Section 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Logbook?
It is a dedicated record book for documenting applicable inspection, testing, preventive maintenance and survey activities for fire detection and alarm systems.
This product is developed around AS 1851—2012 Section 6.
What systems and functions are included?
The logbook includes Fire Detection & Alarm Systems, Smoke & Heat Alarms, Smoke Hazard Management detection/control functions and fire detection/control equipment associated with Special Hazard Systems.
Does the logbook include Fire Indicator Panel servicing?
Yes.
The Monthly Schedule includes inspection and functional testing of applicable Fire Indicator Panels and associated control equipment.
What service frequencies are included for the main Fire Detection & Alarm System?
The main system has dedicated Monthly, Yearly and Five-Yearly service records.
How often are Smoke & Heat Alarm records provided?
The logbook includes Six-Monthly and Yearly Smoke & Heat Alarm schedules.
Does the logbook include Special Hazard detection and control records?
Yes.
It includes Six-Monthly and Yearly records for applicable electrical detection and control equipment associated with Special Hazard Systems.
Does it cover the complete Special Hazard Fire Suppression System?
No.
The logbook covers the applicable detection and control equipment under Section 6.
The complete suppression system requires separate applicable service records.
Does it cover mechanical Smoke Hazard Management equipment?
Not completely.
It covers applicable detection, indication and control functions.
Mechanical equipment such as fans and dampers requires separate servicing and records.
Does the logbook include fire detector testing?
Yes.
A dedicated Fire Detector & Sampling Point Test Record is provided for applicable detector testing.
Does it include battery capacity records?
Yes.
The logbook provides fields for quiescent current, maximum alarm current, calculated capacity and installed capacity.
Does it include battery condition records?
Yes.
Fields are provided for replacement date, test load current and final test voltage.
Does it include Occupant Warning System testing?
Yes.
The Yearly Schedule includes applicable occupant warning testing and Sound Pressure Level measurements.
The Five-Yearly Fire Detection Schedule includes applicable loudspeaker circuit impedance records.
Does the logbook include system interface testing?
Yes.
The Yearly and Five-Yearly Fire Detection & Alarm System records include applicable interface testing.
Does it include Five-Yearly circuit testing?
Yes.
The Five-Yearly schedule includes supervised circuit testing, simulated faults, power-supply supervision and other applicable activities.
Does using this logbook guarantee compliance with AS 1851—2012?
No.
The logbook provides a structured format for documenting applicable routine service activities.
Compliance also depends on the installed system, approved design, actual servicing performed, test results, competent personnel, identified defects, corrective actions and applicable regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Logbook provides a structured format for documenting routine servicing of fire detection, alarm and associated control equipment under AS 1851—2012 Section 6.
It combines the main Fire Detection & Alarm System records with dedicated sections for Smoke & Heat Alarms, Smoke Hazard Management detection/control functions and Special Hazard detection/control equipment.
With applicable Monthly, Six-Monthly, Yearly and Five-Yearly schedules, detector test records, battery measurements, occupant warning results, interface checks and defect records, it provides an organised history of fire alarm inspection, testing and maintenance.
Designed to support routine service and record keeping in accordance with the relevant requirements of AS 1851—2012 Section 6.
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