TLDR
- Passive systems are built into the structure, helping contain fire and smoke while protecting the building’s integrity.
- Active systems detect and respond in real time, using alarms, sprinklers, and suppression systems to control flames.
- Passive and active fire protection serve different purposes but work best together to keep people safe and minimise damage.
- Combining both systems is essential for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and AS 1851-2012 maintenance standards.
- Advanced Insulation & Fabrications helps manage fire hazards across industrial and commercial buildings through reliable passive fire protection solutions.
Protecting Industrial and Commercial Buildings with Proper Fire Safety Systems
Fire protection in industrial and commercial buildings is about more than just preventing damage. It’s about protecting people, protecting the building’s structure, and staying compliant with Australian standards. In places like warehouses, factories, and processing facilities, having the right fire systems can make all the difference when a fire breaks out.
At Advanced Insulation & Fabrications, we’ve built a reputation for delivering insulation and fire safety solutions that stand up under pressure. Our experience in passive fire protection helps businesses create a safer workplace by limiting how fast a fire can spread.
In this article, we’ll break down the difference between passive and active fire protection, how each one works, and why both are important aspects of an effective fire safety plan.
What Is Passive Fire Protection (PFP)?
Passive fire protection is built into a building’s structure to help contain and control a fire at its source. Unlike active systems that rely on alarms, sprinklers, or power, passive protection works in the background without anyone even realising. It’s always on and always ready to kick in when needed most. Its purpose is to slow the spread of flames, protect structural integrity, and give people time to evacuate safely.
In commercial and industrial settings, passive fire protection systems include fire-rated walls, ceilings, and steel structures, along with fire doors, fire-resistant glazing and coatings such as intumescent paint. Other fire resistance measures such as firestops, dampers, and compartmentation are used to seal off gaps and prevent smoke and heat from making its way through a building.
To make sure your passive fire protection works as it should, only minimal maintenance is needed to keep it performing over time. These systems don’t rely on sensors or activation, and their effectiveness remains consistent throughout the life of the building. We recommend annual inspections and periodic maintenance to identify and repair any wear or damage. Our team provides general maintenance and compliance inspections to help maintain the system’s effectiveness.
What Is Active Fire Protection (AFP)?
Active fire protection looks a little different to passive, as it refers to systems that detect, alert, or suppress a fire through some form of activation, either automatic or manual. Unlike passive systems that are always working behind the scenes, active systems rely on movement, sensors, or human action to respond to a fire outbreak.
You’re probably already familiar with these systems, as smoke detectors and alarm systems are a legal requirement in residential homes across Australia. They’re designed to alert people to danger, while in commercial and industrial buildings, sprinkler systems and gas or foam suppression systems are commonly used to respond quickly and control or extinguish flames. Manual equipment such as fire extinguishers, hose reels, emergency lighting, and exit signs also form a part of the fire protection plan.
The main benefit of active fire protection is its ability to react in real time. Early fire detection can save lives, limit property damage, and signal safe evacuation procedures. It’s important to note that these systems generally rely on sensors and power, so they require regular maintenance to stay operational. When active fire protection works as it’s supposed to, it provides immediate response needed to support a building’s overall safety plan.
Feature
Passive Fire Protection (PFP)
Active Fire Protection (AFP)
Activation
Primary Function
Examples
Dependence
Maintenance Needs
Role in Safety Plan
Why You Need Both: A Layered Strategy
It’s best to think of active and passive protection measures as two players on the same team, both working towards the common goal of limiting the impact of a fire. Although they both have their own role, when working together they create a stronger, safer building.
So, when passive protection needs support after shielding the impact, active protective systems come in as backup as the first responder. One holds the fire in place while the other acts fast to put it out and alert those who need to respond.
In Australia, combining both systems is an important step toward building compliance. The National Construction Code (NCC) requires buildings to protect occupants from harm by providing early warning of a fire, allowing safe evacuation, and limiting its spread. In terms of ongoing maintenance, the AS 1851-2012 Standard for the routine service of fire protection systems and equipment helps maintain all fire safety systems in good working condition at all times.
Advanced Insulation & Fabrication's Role in Passive Fire Protection
At Advanced Insulation & Fabrications, we’ve been helping Australian commercial and industrial facilities maintain, upgrade and install passive fire protection measures for over 20 years. Using high-performance materials such as fire sprays, intumescent coatings, and FireWrap® insulation, we help prevent heat transfer, smoke spread, and structural damage.
We also install fire-rated seals, service penetrations, and compartment systems around beams, pipes and ductwork to help contain fires at their source. Every solution is installed to meet Australian building and fire codes, and is backed by a fire year product warranty.
We stay up to date with the latest regulatory changes, including the latest Queensland’s Building Reg Reno Reforms. Introduced in 2021, these updates modernised the state’s fire protection licensing system to strengthen safety standards and simplify licensing requirements. The recent extension to 1 May 2030 gives the industry more time to meet the new upskilling and occupational licensing requirements for passive fire protection work.
A Safer Future Starts with the Right Fire Protection Systems
In summary, passive and active fire protection form two layers of defence within any building. Passive systems strengthen the structure and slow the spread of fire, while active systems detect and suppress flames through alarms, sprinklers, and emergency response features.
Together, they give buildings a complete layer of defence that works before, during, and after an incident. It’s this balance that makes a strong fire safety plan so effective.
At Advanced Insulation & Fabrications, we’ve helped businesses across Australia put that balance into practice with trusted passive fire protection solutions. If you’re planning a new project or reviewing your current safety setup, our team can help you build a system that’s reliable, compliant, and built to last.
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