Fire Alarm Zone Charts
A fire alarm zone chart (also called a zone plan or zone map) is a diagrammatic representation of a building showing its division into fire detection zones.Sited adjacent to the control panel, the function of a fire alarm zone chart is to ensure that the person responding to an alert at the control panel is able to quickly match the indicated zone on the control panel with its geographical location within the building. Evacuation and firefighting operations can then be quickly directed to the zone of the alert.
The following design parameters should be met for compliance with IS 3218:
- They should be a simplified drawing of the layout and not an architectural or mechanical drawing.
- They should clearly identify the building layout, entrances, stairwells, circulation areas, designated escape routes, and the division of the system into zones.
- They should be correctly orientated.
- They should include a ‘You Are Here’ locator icon, so the responder can identify where he/she is located in relation to the indicated zone.
- The zones should be clearly identifiable. (Individually labelled zones or a legend of colours or both should be used)
- All zones should be shown on the plan.
Fire alarm zone plans can also include the following information:
- For remotely monitored systems, the contact number for the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
- Issue date and revision number.
- Control and indicating equipment operating instructions or specific procedures, e.g reset.
Clause 23 of BS 5839-1:2017 provides the following guidance on the importance of providing a suitable fire alarm zone plan:
"In at least one multiple-fatality fire, it has been determined that some or all of the deaths could have been avoided if a diagrammatic representation of the premises (commonly described as a zone plan) had been provided in close proximity to the CIE. Accordingly, it is important to ensure that a suitable zone plan is provided adjacent to all CIE (including any repeat control and/or indicating equipment), unless the CIE incorporates a suitable display (e.g. an illuminated mimic diagram). The objective is to ensure that those responding to a fire alarm signal (including staff on the premises and firefighters) are given unambiguous information as to the location of a fire."
"In at least one multiple-fatality fire, it has been determined that some or all of the deaths could have been avoided if a diagrammatic representation of the premises (commonly described as a zone plan) had been provided in close proximity to the CIE. Accordingly, it is important to ensure that a suitable zone plan is provided adjacent to all CIE (including any repeat control and/or indicating equipment), unless the CIE incorporates a suitable display (e.g. an illuminated mimic diagram). The objective is to ensure that those responding to a fire alarm signal (including staff on the premises and firefighters) are given unambiguous information as to the location of a fire."
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