What is a Fire Alarm Zone Plan?

If you’re responsible for a building with a fire alarm system, one of the most important tools for emergency response—and compliance—is a fire alarm zone plan.

It’s something every fire panel should have, but it’s often overlooked or poorly implemented.

So, what is a zone plan, why is it needed, and what does compliance look like under current UK fire safety law?

A Fire Alarm Zone Plan Explained

A fire alarm zone plan is a clear, accurate diagram that shows the layout of your building and how it’s divided into fire alarm detection zones.

Each zone corresponds to a specific area covered by part of the fire alarm system—such as a floor, wing, or section of a building.

When the alarm activates, the fire panel will display the zone in which the fire has been detected.

The zone plan allows building users, fire wardens, and the fire service to quickly locate that zone, reducing time and confusion during an emergency.

What Should a Zone Plan Include?

A compliant fire alarm zone plan must include:

• A simple layout of the premises (floor-by-floor if needed)
• Clear boundaries of each detection zone
• Zone numbers or identifiers matching those shown on the fire alarm panel
• A “you are here” marker to orient the user
• Key features like stairs, fire exits, lifts, and main doors
• A legend or colour key if zones are shaded
• Any area not covered by detection should be shown in a contrasting colour or shaded out

This plan should be mounted next to the fire alarm control panel, and be easily visible and legible to users and attending firefighters.

Here’s an example of a simple fire alarm zone plan:

Why Are Zone Plans So Important?

Zone plans help first responders and responsible persons react quickly and appropriately in a fire situation. Without one, even a trained fire warden might waste precious minutes trying to locate the area shown on the fire panel—particularly in larger or more complex buildings.

They’re also critical during drills, evacuations, and maintenance. Engineers and fire risk assessors use them to verify coverage and confirm whether the alarm system complies with British Standards.

Legal Requirements Under the RRO

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), the responsible person must take general fire precautions to ensure the safety of anyone lawfully on the premises. This includes:

• Installing and maintaining suitable fire detection and alarm systems
• Providing clear information and instruction
• Ensuring safe evacuation procedures can be followed

A missing or inaccurate fire alarm zone plan can make your evacuation plans ineffective, which may be flagged as a compliance failure during a fire risk assessment or enforcement visit.

BS 5839-1: What the British Standard Says

BS 5839-1:2017 is the British Standard for fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises. It makes specific reference to zone plans in clause 23.2, stating that:

“A clear and accurate zone plan should be prominently displayed adjacent to the fire alarm control panel.”

It further recommends that:

• The plan should show all building levels covered
• Zone identifiers must match those used on the control panel
• The layout must be intuitive and easy to interpret

Failing to comply with BS 5839-1 may not be a criminal offence in itself, but it can be used as evidence of non-compliance under the RRO if something goes wrong.

Who Needs a Fire Alarm Zone Plan?

If your premises has a conventional or addressable fire alarm system divided into two or more zones, then you must have a zone plan in place.

This includes:

• Schools and nurseries
• Offices and commercial buildings
• Factories and warehouses
• Care homes and supported living facilities
• Hotels and guesthouses
• Community centres, shops, and places of worship

Even smaller buildings with only a few zones still require a plan if one isn’t already in place.

Let ESI Help You Get It Right

At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we support business owners, landlords, and building managers across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and the wider Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire region.

We can:

• Review or create a compliant fire alarm zone plan
• Update existing plans to reflect changes in layout or alarm zones
• Check your fire alarm system and signage for compliance with BS 5839-1
• Include zone plan checks as part of your fire risk assessment

If you’re not sure whether your building’s zone plan meets the current standard—or if you don’t have one at all—get in touch with ESI today. We’ll help you stay safe, compliant, and well-prepared.