How Do You Test a Fire Alarm System?
Testing a fire alarm system properly involves two different levels of activity: routine weekly checks carried out by staff, and thorough professional inspections by qualified engineers. Understanding what each involves helps you stay compliant and know what to expect when an engineer visits.
Weekly Call Point Tests: What You Need to Do
Every week, a designated responsible person should activate one manual call point (break-glass unit) to confirm the alarm sounds and the control panel logs the activation correctly. You should rotate which call point you test each week so that all zones are tested over time. Before starting, notify anyone in the building so they are not alarmed. Record the test in your fire log book, noting the date, time, zone tested, and whether the alarm functioned correctly.
Monthly Checks: Battery and Visual Inspection
Once a month, check that the fire alarm control panel shows no fault indicators. Visually inspect visible detectors and call points for obvious damage, obstructions, or tampering. Check that emergency battery backup indicators are normal. These checks take only a few minutes and should also be recorded in the fire log book.
Six-Monthly Professional Inspection: What the Engineer Does
A qualified fire alarm engineer carries out a thorough system inspection every six months. This involves testing every detector individually (using aerosol test sprays for smoke detectors and heat sources for heat detectors), activating every call point, testing every sounder and visual warning device, checking the control panel and repeater panels, and inspecting battery backup systems. The engineer will produce a written report noting any faults, recommendations, or items that need attention.
Annual Servicing: Full Certification
The annual service is a more detailed version of the six-monthly inspection. The engineer cleans detector heads, checks wiring and connections, tests the communications link to the monitoring centre (if applicable), and verifies the system complies with BS 5839-1. On completion, a fire alarm certificate is issued confirming the system's compliance. Any identified faults must be remedied before the certificate is issued.
What Happens If a Fault Is Found?
If the engineer identifies a fault during testing, you will receive a written report detailing the problem and a recommended fix. Minor issues (a single faulty detector, a dirty sensor) can usually be resolved during the same visit. More significant problems may require follow-up works. Until faults are resolved, the system may not be compliant, and your insurance cover could be at risk.