Fire · Australian guide
Fire Services Technical Submissions in Australia: What to Include
Quick answer
A fire services technical submission holds the data sheet for each fire product — sprinkler heads, valves, pumps, detectors, panels, hydrants and fire stopping — plus evidence it meets the Australian Standard the job calls for. Reviewers look for listings and test reports, not just brochures. Fire stopping needs a tested system with a fire resistance level (FRL) that matches the wall or floor it goes through.
What belongs in a fire services submission
Fire packages follow the NATSPEC 10 group (1033 Sprinklers, 1072 Fire detection and alarms, 1014 Fire services pumps) plus 0182 Fire stopping. For each item, include:
- The manufacturer's data sheet with the exact model, finish and options marked
- Evidence the product meets the nominated Australian Standard, such as a certificate or listing
- Sprinklers: type, K-factor, temperature rating and finish
- Valves, alarm valves and fittings, with pressure ratings
- Fire pump sets: duty point, pump curve, driver and controller
- Detectors and fire panels, with compatibility between devices and the panel
- Fire stopping: the tested system for each penetration type, its test report and FRL
- Hydraulic calculations and layout drawings where the specification asks for them
- Warranties and maintenance information
Standards reviewers check against
The NCC and your specification name the standards that apply. These come up on most jobs:
- AS 2118.1 — automatic fire sprinkler systems
- AS 2419.1 — fire hydrant installations
- AS 2441 — fire hose reels
- AS 2941 — fire pump sets
- AS 1670.1 — fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems
- AS 1530.4 and AS 4072.1 — fire resistance tests and service penetrations
- AS 1851 — routine service of fire protection systems
Fire stopping: match the test to the job
Every penetration through a fire-rated wall or floor must be sealed with a system that was tested for that situation: the same wall or floor type, the same kind of service (pipe, cable, duct) and the same size range. The test report gives the FRL, written like -/120/120.
In the submission, list each penetration type, the system you will use, and the test report that covers it. The FRL must be at least the rating of the wall or floor. A sealant with a good rating in one wall type doesn't cover a different wall type.
Common rejection reasons
Fire reviewers send packages back for these first.
- No certificate or listing showing the product meets the Australian Standard
- Fire stopping test report doesn't match the wall type, service or size
- FRL lower than the wall or floor it penetrates
- Detectors not compatible with the fire panel
- Sprinkler K-factor or temperature rating differs from the design
- Overseas approvals only, such as UL or FM, where the specification asks for Australian evidence
Let the builder put the submission together
List the products on your schedule — or upload the worksection — and Submittal.app finds the data sheets, adds a cover and transmittal, and lets you refine it in chat. First packages are free.
Start freeCommon questions
What is an FRL?
A fire resistance level: three numbers in minutes for structural adequacy, integrity and insulation, such as -/120/120. A dash means that criterion doesn't apply.
Are UL or FM approvals accepted in Australia?
Sometimes, if the Australian Standard or specification allows them. Many Australian jobs ask for evidence against the Australian Standard, so check the specification before you rely on an overseas listing.
Who signs off fire services at the end of the job?
Usually the fire services contractor certifies the installation, and the building certifier relies on that and the fire engineer's report. The exact forms vary by state.