How Often Should Fire Alarms Be Tested in Commercial Buildings?

How Often Should Fire Alarms Be Tested in Commercial Buildings?

Fire alarms are one of the most critical safety systems in any commercial property. From offices and warehouses to HMOs and retail units, a reliable alarm system can be the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.

At Pace Fire Ltd, we often get asked: “How often should my fire alarms be tested?” The answer depends on a few factors — but the key is regular, consistent maintenance in line with UK standards.

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Why Regular Fire Alarm Testing Is Essential

Fire alarm systems save lives — but only if they’re fully operational. Over time, dust, humidity, electrical faults, or tampering can affect sensors and connections. Regular testing ensures your system:

Detects fire early and accurately

Meets legal and insurance requirements

Prevents costly downtime or false alarms

Protects staff, tenants, and property

A faulty or untested system could lead to prosecution under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 if it’s found that proper maintenance was neglected.

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UK Fire Alarm Testing Standards: BS5839

In the UK, the standard that governs fire alarm installation and maintenance is BS5839-1:2017 (for non-domestic premises).

This standard sets out the minimum testing requirements to ensure fire detection and alarm systems operate correctly.

Here’s what BS5839 recommends:

Weekly User Test:

A designated “responsible person” (often a building or facilities manager) should test at least one manual call point each week. Rotate the call points so all are checked over time.

👉 This quick check confirms the system’s ability to operate the sounders and alert panel.

Six-Monthly Inspections:

A qualified technician (such as Pace Fire Ltd) should perform these tests to check detectors, control equipment, batteries, and power supplies.

👉 These inspections identify hidden faults that simple weekly tests may not reveal.

Annual Service:

Once a year, every device in the system — detectors, sounders, call points — should be inspected and tested. Any faults must be corrected immediately.

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Who Is Responsible for Fire Alarm Testing?

Under UK law, every workplace and commercial property must have a “Responsible Person” who ensures fire safety compliance.

That includes arranging testing, keeping records, and hiring competent professionals.

For HMOs or multi-occupancy buildings, landlords share this duty and must keep written evidence of all inspections.

Pace Fire Ltd works closely with landlords, property managers, and business owners across Nottingham, Derby, and the Midlands to ensure compliance with BS5839 and local fire authority standards.

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Common Testing Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-intentioned businesses sometimes slip up with their fire alarm testing routines. Here are the top mistakes to avoid:

Forgetting to log weekly tests in a fire safety record book

Testing only one call point repeatedly (instead of rotating)

Ignoring false alarms without investigation

Delaying professional servicing due to cost or scheduling

Not checking standby power supplies (especially batteries)

These small oversights can create big liabilities if a fire occurs.

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Benefits of Partnering with a Professional Fire Safety Company

Working with a certified fire safety provider like Pace Fire Ltd ensures:

Full compliance with BS5839-1:2017

Proper documentation for audits and insurers

Minimal disruption during testing

Expert maintenance using industry-grade equipment

We provide regular service contracts tailored to your property type — from small offices to large industrial sites.

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Stay Safe and Compliant with Pace Fire Ltd

Regular testing is not just a legal requirement — it’s peace of mind for you, your staff, and your tenants.

At Pace Fire Ltd, we offer:

Weekly testing support and maintenance plans

Comprehensive fire alarm inspections and servicing

Fast fault diagnosis and repairs

24/7 emergency call-outs across Nottingham and the Midlands

📞 Contact Pace Fire Ltd today to schedule your fire alarm testing or request a free site compliance review.

Stay protected. Stay compliant. Stay safe.