Is a five-yearly fire panel test mandatory in strata?

NSW

Maintenance & Common Property

This article discusses the five yearly fire panel testing requirement and whether it is compulsory for strata buildings.

Our fire provider says we must undertake a five yearly fire panel review/test. Is it a requirement or a recommendation?

I live in an older six lot apartment block. We have monthly fire alarm tests and follow the AFSS tests and reporting. Our provider says we must undertake a five yearly fire panel review/test. The fire panel was replaced five years ago by the same company. Is the five yearly test a requirement or a recommendation?

AS1851-2012; whilst the only standard for maintenance of fire systems, is listed, but not directly enforceable, by law, until February 2025.

Five yearly testing is required by AS1851-2012 – the Australian Standard for maintenance of fire protection systems. It’s an important and far more extensive test than the annual test to ensure the quality and reliable operation of the systems for the future.

The owners of a strata building are required, by law, to maintain their buildings and the systems within, so it is reasonable to make a connection that these five yearly tests must take place.

AS1851-2012; whilst the only standard for maintenance of fire systems, is listed, but not directly enforceable, by law, until February 2025.

Hence, until Feb 2025, the decision to proceed is the owners and should be decided based on the level of risk to the lives of their families and the building’s safety they are willing to accept.

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Published: 6 Apr 2026

Last Updated: 10 Sep 2026

This post appears in The NSW Strata Magazine October 2023

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Answer by

Rob Broadhead

2020 Fire Protection

Rob Broadhead, CEO of 2020 Fire Protection.

I've been involved in strata since 2001, spoken at events, written training courses and been involved in committees. I am a regular contributor to SCA, FMA, OCN, LookUpStrata and Your Strata Property.

I’ve been in fire protection since 1992, a graduate of the Institute of Fire Engineers and an Accredited Practitioner (Fire Safety).

I’ve served voluntarily as VP of FPA Australia and on SCA’s NSW State Committee. I've represented FMA on the Building Commission’s Fire Safety Steering committee, and listed in the 2021 report into Fire Safety Reform. I am co-chair of the Strata sector of the Fire Safety Industry Reference Group.

I bring timely fire and related legislative knowledge transparently to the strata industry.