Fire Panel Batteries & AS1851 Requirements
If you’ve recently had your fire panel serviced and noticed a non critical defect or non-conformance relating to the batteries, you’re not alone.
Wireless Interlink Modules and Bases in Smoke Alarms
What Are Wireless Modules and Bases? Modern smoke alarms in multi-level homes or properties with multiple smoke alarms (inside sole occupancy units or
Lithium Ion Batteries & Fire Compliance
While there are currently no requirements under the National Construction Code (NCC) for the storage or charging of lithium-ion batteries, fire risks associated
Deferred Implementation of AS1851 (Feb 2026)
NSW has deferred mandatory compliance with AS 1851 until 13 February 2026, but fire safety obligations remain. Learn what this means for building owners, how to stay compliant, and why early action is key to protecting your property and occupants.
Vegetation Management – Hydrants
Ensure fire safety in your strata building by maintaining vegetation clearances & visibility around hydrant boosters and valves. Learn about essential standards, real-life examples, and tips for keeping hydrants accessible and vegetation managed. Prioritize safety with expert advice from Civil Fire.
5-Yearly Servicing of Hydrant & Sprinkler Systems
With the legislation of AS1851 in NSW coming into force in 2025, the 5-yearly service of the fire hydrant system and sprinkler system
Fines from FRNSW for false alarms
We often take calls from residents (fire alarm blaring in the background) who are afraid to call 000, because they think their building will be fined if it turns out to be a false alarm.
This is a common misconception.
FACT:
FRNSW cannot issue fines for any calls made to 000. Â When a fire alarm is activated in your building, you should always call 000.
The Fire and Rescue NSW Act 1989, Sect 42 allows FRNSW to charge for attending false alarm call-outs that are generated from MONITORED fire detection systems only.
What is a monitored system?
A monitored system automatically calls the fire brigade when an alarm is activated.Â
The fire indicator panel has an ASE (alarm signalling equipment) installed that monitors the system status. If an alarm is activated this devices transmits a signal to the monitoring company, who in turn dispatches FRNSW.
If your system is not monitored, the fire brigade will only attend if someone calls 000.
Fines for false alarms for monitored systems
The current charge by FRNSW for false alarms (for monitored systems only) is $1,600. + GST.
But… not all false alarms are chargeable:
- The first false alarm in a 60 day period will not be charged. Any false alarms that occur within 60 days of the first alarm will be charged.
- Only the first alarm will be charged in a 24 hour period. If multiple alarms occur after the first, they are considered a single event.
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FRNSW invoices the monitoring company, who in turn invoices building owners or managers.
FRNSW does not support charges being passed on to individual occupants, although exceptions may apply.
Why is there a charge for false alarms?
False alarms divert precious FRNSW resources that would otherwise be available for genuine emergencies. Not to mention, responding to false alarms costs us tax payers a whole lot of money!!!
False alarm charges are fines intended to encourage building owners to maintain fire alarm systems efficiently and effectively and to educate occupants of common causes of false alarms (cooking, aerosols etc).
Can the false alarm fine be waived under any circumstances?
Yes, under certain circumstances, the fine can be waived.
Pursuant to section 43 of the Fire Brigades Act 1989, waiver or reduction of AFA false alarm charges is at the discretion of the Commissioner.
A building owner or manager can seek a waiver for the false alarm charge through their monitoring company. The monitoring company will provide advice on the process and documentation required to request a waiver.
The application for waiver must be made not more than 180 calendar days from the FRNSW invoice date.
Read this guide from FRNSW for more details.
I don’t think we’ve had contractors come through before who were so clean and tidy, helpful and responsive with ideas about how to better maintain the heritage and be compliant and generally respectful of the property.
He was so thoughtful, he stopped the really noisy part of the repair so I could answer calls. I went out at lunch, and he was on his hands and knees washing the floor in the entry because he’d brought in some debris from the street.
