Fire alarm testing
For a commercial fire alarm system the recognised standard is BS 5839-1: test the alarm every week from a different manual call point, have it serviced at least every 6 months by a competent person, and record everything in a fire log book.
The weekly fire alarm test
- Pick a time that stays the same each week, so people recognise it as a test, ideally during working hours when staff are present.
- Tell the alarm receiving centre first if the system is monitored.
- Activate one manual call point with the test key. Use a different call point each week and rotate through them all.
- Check that the sounders work throughout the building and that the panel shows the right zone.
- Reset the panel and the call point.
- Record the date, time, call point number, result and your name.
Keep the test short, around a minute, so staff do not treat it as a real alarm.
Other routine checks
| Check | How often | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Fire alarm call point test | Weekly | BS 5839-1 |
| Fire alarm service by a competent person | At least every 6 months | BS 5839-1 |
| Domestic-type smoke alarms (Grade D, for example in small HMOs) | Monthly test button | BS 5839-6 |
| Emergency lighting flick test | Monthly | BS 5266-1 |
| Emergency lighting full-duration test | Yearly | BS 5266-1 |
| Fire extinguisher visual check | Monthly | BS 5306-3 |
| Fire drill | At least yearly | Gov.uk guidance |
Is weekly testing a legal requirement?
The Fire Safety Order requires fire-fighting and detection equipment to be maintained in efficient working order. It does not name a frequency; the British Standards do. Enforcing fire services and insurers expect BS 5839 to be followed, and a missing test record is one of the most common findings in a fire safety audit.
False alarms and faults
Write every false alarm and fault in the log book with the cause and what was done. Repeated false alarms from one detector are a sign it is in the wrong place or needs replacing.
Keep the log book without paper. Print the free log book sheets, or use Pro (£9/month) to record weekly alarm tests, monthly emergency lights, drills and servicing online with reminders.
Free fire log book See ProQuestions
How long should a weekly fire alarm test last?
Usually under a minute: long enough to confirm the sounders work everywhere, short enough that people do not start to evacuate.
Can I do the weekly test myself?
Yes. The weekly test is normally done by the Responsible Person or someone they nominate. Servicing must be done by a competent person.
How long should I keep fire alarm records?
Keep them for at least the life of the current fire risk assessment; many businesses keep them for several years so they can show a history to inspectors and insurers.
Checked against BS 5839-1, BS 5266-1 and gov.uk fire safety guidance, October 2026. Related: fire extinguisher types · fire door regulations.