Most fire alarm systems in non-domestic buildings should be serviced by a competent engineer at least every six months, and tested by the user every week by operating a different manual call point each time. These intervals come from BS 5839-1, the code of practice for fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises. The legal duty to keep the system in efficient working order comes from article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Testing and servicing at a glance
| Who | How often | What |
|---|---|---|
| The Responsible Person or a nominated member of staff | Every week | Operate a manual call point, a different one each week, and check the alarm sounds and the panel responds. Record it in the log book |
| A competent fire alarm engineer | At least every six months | Inspect and service the system, test devices, check the batteries and panel, and issue a servicing certificate |
| A competent fire alarm engineer | Over each 12-month period | Make sure every detector and manual call point has been functionally tested |
The weekly test is the user's job. The six-monthly service needs an engineer with the right training, equipment and access to the panel's engineering functions.
The weekly test
The weekly test checks that the system can raise the alarm. It should be done at roughly the same time each week, so that people in the building recognise it as a test, and it should be kept brief.
To carry out the test:
- Tell anyone who needs to know, such as the alarm receiving centre if the system is monitored
- Operate a manual call point with the test key, working through the call points in rotation so that each is used in turn
- Check that the sounders operate throughout the building and the control panel shows the correct call point
- Reset the system and confirm it has returned to normal
- Record the date, time, call point and result in the log book
If the test shows a fault, record it and arrange a repair. If a sounder cannot be heard in part of the building, that needs fixing promptly.
What a six-monthly service covers
A service visit is a detailed inspection by a competent engineer. It usually includes:
- Reviewing the log book, including faults and false alarms since the last visit
- Checking the control panel's functions, indicators and fault warnings
- Checking the standby batteries and charger, and that the batteries are in good condition
- Functionally testing a proportion of detectors and manual call points with the right test equipment, so that every device is tested over the year
- Checking that the sounders and visual beacons work
- Checking connections to other systems, such as door releases, ventilation shutdown, lifts and the alarm receiving centre
- Looking for changes to the building, such as new partitions or changes of use, that affect the system's coverage
- Recording any defects and issuing a servicing certificate
If the engineer finds that the building has changed and detectors are now in the wrong place or missing, they should tell you. The fire risk assessment should be reviewed as well.
The log book
Every system should have a log book, kept on site, usually near the control panel. It should record:
- Weekly tests
- False alarms and their causes
- Faults and the action taken
- Service visits and certificates
- Any alterations or extensions to the system
The fire and rescue service may ask to see it during an inspection, and an engineer will review it at each service. A complete log book is one of the clearest ways of showing that the system is being maintained.
System categories
BS 5839-1 describes systems by category, which sets out what the system is designed to protect.
| Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| M | Manual system, with call points only |
| L1 | Life protection, with automatic detection throughout the building |
| L2 | Detection in escape routes and in rooms with a higher risk |
| L3 | Detection in escape routes and rooms that open onto them |
| L4 | Detection in escape routes only |
| L5 | Detection designed to meet a specific risk identified in the fire risk assessment |
| P1 and P2 | Property protection, throughout or in defined areas |
The fire risk assessment should say which category the building needs. If the use of the building changes, the category may need to change too.
Houses and HMOs usually have systems designed to BS 5839-6, the code of practice for domestic premises, which uses grades and categories of its own. See our guide to HMO fire safety for landlords.
False alarms
Repeated false alarms disrupt the building, and people start to ignore the alarm. They also put pressure on the fire and rescue service. Many fire and rescue services now have policies that limit their attendance at automatic fire alarms from some types of premises unless a fire is confirmed, so check your local service's policy and make sure your emergency plan reflects it.
Common causes include the wrong type of detector for the area, such as a smoke detector near a kitchen or shower, dust from building work, and poor maintenance. A good engineer will review the false alarm record at each service and recommend changes where they are needed.
Choosing a servicing company
Look for a company with relevant third-party certification for fire alarm maintenance, such as BAFE SP203-1, LPCB or NSI. Membership of the Fire Industry Association is also a useful sign. Certification means the company's work and competence are checked independently.
When comparing maintenance contracts, check:
- How many visits a year are included, and which devices are tested at each
- Whether call-outs for faults are included, and the response time
- Whether parts such as batteries and detectors are included or charged separately
- Whether visits can be made out of hours if needed
FireBid checks each firm's certification with the scheme before it can quote. You can get quotes for fire alarm servicing, upgrades and installation, and see how we vet firms.
Emergency lighting
Emergency lighting has its own testing schedule, with a monthly functional test and an annual full-duration test. Many firms service both systems on the same visit. Read our guide to emergency lighting testing.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements depend on your building, and they differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Last updated 21 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.