Fire alarms can develop faults over time, from battery degradation to dust buildup or wiring issues. Without regular checks, a fault might go unnoticed until it’s too late. That’s why UK fire safety regulations, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, require that fire alarm systems be inspected and tested at least every six months by a competent person.
Regular servicing ensures that:
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Your system will detect a fire and alert occupants effectively
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Any faults are found and fixed before they become dangerous
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You remain compliant with fire safety regulations
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Your insurance cover stays valid in the event of a fire
Step-by-Step: How Fire Alarm Servicing Works
1. Initial System Check
The fire safety engineer will begin by reviewing:
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The type of fire alarm system installed (conventional, addressable, wireless, etc.)
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The site layout and zone plan
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The logbook or service history for past issues or recorded faults
This sets the groundwork for a systematic inspection.
2. Visual Inspection
Next, a thorough visual inspection of all fire alarm components is carried out. This includes checking:
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Manual call points (break glass units)
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Sounders and sirens
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Smoke and heat detectors
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Control panel condition
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Batteries and power supply connections
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Cabling and fixings for signs of damage, wear, or tampering
Any signs of corrosion, dirt, or obstruction (e.g. furniture blocking detectors) are noted for correction.
3. Functional Testing
A key part of the service is testing whether each part of the system responds properly:
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At least one call point in each zone is activated manually
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Smoke or heat detectors are tested using specialist test aerosols or heat tools
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Sounders and strobes are triggered to ensure they can be heard and seen throughout the building
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Control panel response is observed — it must show the correct zone, issue alerts, and allow manual resets
4. Battery and Power Supply Test
If the mains power fails, the system relies on its battery backup. The engineer will check:
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Battery condition and voltage levels
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Whether the battery is charging properly
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The power supply unit for faults or instability
This step is vital to ensure the system works during a power cut or fire emergency.
5. Logbook and Records Update
The engineer will then:
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Record all tests and findings in the fire alarm logbook
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Note any faults, repairs, or recommendations
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Provide a servicing certificate for your records and for regulatory compliance
This documentation is essential if you’re ever audited, inspected, or need to prove compliance to insurers.
6. Recommendations and Remedial Actions
If any faults are found, the engineer will recommend:
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Immediate repairs (if safety is compromised)
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Replacement of outdated or non-functional parts
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Future upgrades (e.g. converting to addressable systems or adding coverage)
Some issues may be resolved on the spot; others may require a follow-up visit.
How Often Should Fire Alarms Be Serviced?
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Non-domestic premises (offices, warehouses, schools, etc.): Every 6 months
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High-risk premises (care homes, hotels): Quarterly inspections recommended
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Domestic alarms (in HMOs or rental properties): Annually at a minimum, or as advised by the manufacturer
If your system has frequent faults or your building layout changes, more frequent servicing may be needed.
Who Can Perform Fire Alarm Servicing?
Servicing must be carried out by a competent person — typically a trained fire safety engineer or a BAFE-accredited technician. DIY checks aren’t acceptable for formal servicing, although regular weekly user tests are encouraged between visits.
Final Thoughts
Fire alarm servicing isn’t just ticking a box; it’s a vital safety step that ensures your system will respond when it matters most. From routine checks to fault finding and full system testing, every part of the process contributes to keeping your building and its occupants protected.
For expert advice on fire protection and prevention measures, contact Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy on 07585 896648