Engraved Fire Panels

Engraved fire panels—also known as mimic panels or fire index panels—are specialised display boards used in buildings and facilities to show the layout of fire safety systems.

These panels are often mounted near fire alarm systems or control rooms and help firefighters, building managers, and emergency responders quickly understand where alarms are coming from and what areas may be affected.

They’re called “engraved” because the information—like zone names, equipment locations, and building layouts—is permanently etched and paint filled into the surface of the panel. This makes the details easy to read and long-lasting, even in tough environments.

Why Are They Important?

In an emergency, time is everything. Engraved fire panels give a clear visual overview of the building’s fire zones, detectors, and alarms. Instead of guessing where a fire might be, responders can look at the panel and see exactly which area is affected.

For example, if a smoke detector in Zone 3 triggers an alarm, the engraved panel will show where Zone 3 is located—whether it’s a storeroom, office, or hallway. This helps emergency crews act faster and more accurately.

These panels are also useful for routine maintenance, safety checks, and training, making them a valuable tool for building managers and health & safety teams across Aotearoa.

How Are They Made?

Engraved fire panels are custom-made to suit each building’s layout and fire system. Here’s how the process usually works:

Design Stage: The panel starts with a design (like a CAD file or sketch). This design includes the building layout, fire zones, detector locations, and any other important details.
Material Selection: Panels are usually made from durable materials like acrylic, or laserable plastics. These materials are chosen for their strength, insulation properties, and ability to hold fine engraving.
Engraving: Using laser or mechanical engraving tools, the design is etched into the surface. Panels are then colour-filled to make the text and graphics stand out more clearly.
Finishing Touches: Panels may be mounted onto backing boards or fitted with frames for easy installation. Some are designed to be backlit or paired with strobe lights to improve visibility in emergencies
Installation: Once complete, the panel is installed near the fire alarm system, usually in a control room, entranceway, or other accessible location.

Where Are They Used in New Zealand?

Engraved fire panels are used in a wide range of Kiwi settings, including:

Commercial buildings – offices, retail stores, and shopping centres
Industrial sites – factories, warehouses, and processing plants
Hospitals and aged care – where quick response is critical
Schools and universities – for safety and compliance
Marine and transport hubs – including ports and rail stations

They’re also common in multi-storey buildings, where knowing which floor or zone is affected can make a big difference during an evacuation.

Benefits of Engraved Fire Panels

Clear and Permanent: Engraving doesn’t fade or peel like stickers or printed signs. The information stays readable for years.
Customisable: Panels can be made to match your building’s exact layout and fire system. You can include logos, colour coding, and even bilingual text.
Durable: Made from tough materials that resist heat, moisture, and wear—ideal for New Zealand’s varied climate and building conditions.
Professional Appearance: Engraved panels look tidy and well-organised, helping meet health & safety standards and building compliance.
Fast Response: Helps emergency crews quickly locate hazards and respond effectively.

Looking for Printed Fire Panels?

Unlike engraved panels, printed fire panels use full-colour digital printing to display detailed diagrams, zone names, and other important information. They’re laminated for durability and mounted near fire alarm systems or control rooms.

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