Test a fire alarm system that follows BS 5839-1 once a week by operating a manual call point. Use a different call point each week so that every one is tested in rotation, test at about the same time during normal working hours and record each test in the fire alarm log book. A competent person should also inspect and service the system at intervals of approximately six months.
Why fire alarm testing matters
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must make sure fire safety equipment and devices are "subject to a suitable system of maintenance" and kept "in efficient working order and in good repair" where needed to protect people. Regular user testing, professional servicing and a well-kept log book are how most premises show they are doing this. The routine is set out in BS 5839-1, the code of practice for fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises. Our guide to BS 5839-1 fire alarm categories explains how these systems are specified.
How often should you check your fire alarm?
| Frequency | Check | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Look at the control panel to confirm it shows normal operation. Record and report any fault. | Responsible person or nominated user |
| Weekly | Operate a different manual call point and confirm the panel and sounders respond. Record the result. | Responsible person or nominated user |
| Monthly (where fitted) | Run standby generators and check vented standby batteries | Responsible person or competent person |
| About every six months | Inspection and servicing of the whole system | Competent person, such as a fire alarm engineer |
Fire and rescue service guidance notes that if staff work outside normal hours, an extra test at least once a month helps them become familiar with the sound of the alarm.
How to carry out the weekly fire alarm test
- Warn people first. Let occupants know a test is about to happen. If the system is monitored by an alarm receiving centre (ARC), contact the centre immediately before the test so that the fire and rescue service is not called out.
- Pick the next call point on the rotation. Keep a numbered list of every call point so that none is missed. There is no fixed limit on how long a full rotation takes, but each week should use a different call point.
- Operate the call point with its test key. Most resettable call points have a test key that simulates the glass or element being broken, so nothing needs replacing.
- Check the response. The panel should show a fire condition in the correct zone or address, and the sounders and beacons should operate. Keep the alarm brief, just long enough to confirm the sounders are working, so that occupants can still tell a test from a real alarm.
- Reset. Reset the call point with the key, then silence and reset the panel. Most panels need a key or access code before these controls will work.
- Confirm with the ARC. Contact the ARC again straight after the test to take the system off test and to check that the signal was received correctly.
- Record the result in the log book, including any problem found and what was done about it.
Door releases and other interfaces
If door hold-open devices or other equipment are linked to the fire alarm, check them during the weekly test. Doors should release and close fully onto their rebates. See our guide to fire door regulations and hold-open devices for more detail.
What if the test fails?
If the panel does not respond, shows the wrong zone, or any sounders do not operate, record it in the log book straight away. Tell the responsible person and call your fire alarm maintenance company. Do not leave a fault waiting for the next service visit.
The fire alarm log book: what to record
BS 5839-1 recommends that the user keeps a log book. The FIA advises that every event on the system should be written down, including tests, false alarms, faults and disablements. It is normally the premises management's job to keep the log book up to date.
Weekly test entries
- Date and time of the test
- Call point number and location (and zone)
- Whether the panel and sounders operated satisfactorily
- Any remedial action taken
- Name or signature of the person testing
Other events to log
- False alarms: date, time, device and location, cause, and action taken. Log books often sort them into unwanted alarms, equipment false alarms, false alarms with good intent and malicious false alarms.
- Faults: what was shown on the panel, when it was reported and the date it was put right.
- Disablements: which zones or devices were disabled, why, and when they were restored.
- Service visits: the date, the engineer and the work carried out.
Fire safety log book vs fire alarm log book
A fire alarm log book covers the detection and alarm system only. A fire safety log book is broader. It usually adds emergency lighting tests, fire extinguisher checks, fire drills, staff training and other fire safety records in one place. Several fire and rescue services publish free fire safety log book templates.
Six-monthly servicing by a competent person
Alongside your weekly tests, a competent person, normally your fire alarm maintenance company, should inspect and service the system. BS 5839-1:2025 recommends visits at intervals of approximately six months. It accepts a visit carried out any time between five and seven months after the previous one, with the date the system was accepted as the starting point for the schedule.
Across each year of servicing, every part of the system should be tested. Engineers use specialist detector testers, such as smoke, heat and CO test equipment on access poles, to check detectors without damaging them.
What is a fire alarm key?
"Fire alarm key" can mean one of two things:
- Call point test key: a small key that fits a resettable manual call point so it can be operated for the weekly test and then reset. Keys are usually specific to the call point manufacturer, so match the key to the call points on your site. Spare call point test and reset keys are listed in our manual call points collection.
- Panel key: the key (or access code) that enables the controls on the fire alarm panel so that authorised users can silence, reset or disable. Keep panel keys secure and only with trained staff.
For engineers and in-house maintenance teams, our test and service equipment range covers detector test kits, smoke test aerosols, access poles and panel programming leads. All products are genuine, brand new and factory sealed, with fast, tracked UK delivery.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the same "convenient" call point every week
- Forgetting to tell the ARC, which can lead to an unnecessary fire and rescue service call-out
- Silencing a fault buzzer without recording or reporting the fault
- Gaps in the log book, or a log book nobody can find when the fire officer or insurer asks
Frequently asked questions
How often should you check your fire alarm?
In non-domestic premises covered by BS 5839-1, check the panel every day, test the system once a week using a different manual call point each time, and have it serviced by a competent person at intervals of approximately six months.
Can I test the same call point every week?
No. Use a different call point each week so that every one is tested in rotation, and record which one you used.
Is a fire alarm log book a legal requirement?
The Fire Safety Order requires fire safety equipment to be suitably maintained. BS 5839-1 recommends a log book as the record of tests, faults, false alarms and servicing. In practice, a complete log book is the main evidence that the system is being looked after.
How long should the weekly fire alarm test last?
Only as long as it takes to confirm the panel and sounders are working. A brief test helps occupants tell a weekly test from a real alarm.
Who can service a fire alarm system?
A competent person with the right knowledge and equipment for your type of system, usually a fire alarm maintenance company.
This guide is general information; follow your fire risk assessment and a competent person's advice.