Commercial Fire Alarm Testing: The Trade Guide

Commercial fire alarm testing splits into two jobs: the routine test the people responsible for a building carry out themselves, and the periodic servicing done by a competent engineer. BS 5839-1, the code of practice for fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises, sets out both. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for a building has a duty to keep its fire alarm system maintained in working order, and routine testing is how that duty is met in practice. This guide explains the weekly test, who does what, the logbook, and the test keys and equipment used on site. It is written by Midland Fire Direct, a BAFE SP203-1 certified fire detection supplier — we supply the equipment, so the CTA here is a quote for testing supplies, not a maintenance contract. If you need to check which category your system is specified to, see our BS 5839 fire alarm categories guide.

The weekly call-point test

BS 5839-1 recommends that a fire alarm system is tested every week. The test itself is simple: with the alarm receiving centre and building occupants warned first, a single manual call point is operated to confirm the panel registers the alarm and the sounders operate. A different call point is used each week, rotating through them so that over time every call point on the system is tested. The point is to prove the system still responds and to catch faults early — a call point that has failed, a zone that does not register, a sounder that has gone quiet.

Manual call points are operated with a test key rather than by breaking the glass, so the same point can be tested repeatedly without consuming a frangible element. The key fits the call point's test mechanism, and it is specific to the range: the S4-34899 is the test key for the Gent S4-34800 range of manual call points, supplied in packs of 25 — it fits that Gent range, not call points from other manufacturers, so match the key to the equipment on site. Resettable-element call points, such as those in the Gent resettable MCP range, can be tested and reset without a separate key or a replacement element. If you are not sure which key or element your call points use, send us the model and we will confirm it.

Testing the detectors

Detectors are function-tested to confirm they still sense smoke, heat or flame and signal the panel. Traditionally that means applying a test stimulus to each detector in turn, which on a large or high-level system is slow and needs access equipment. Two things make it easier. First, self-test detectors run an internal functional check and report the result back, cutting the manual testing burden — see the Gent S4 self-test detector range and the S-Quad self-test range. Second, for detectors at height a telescopic access pole and head lets an engineer reach them from the ground: the telescopic access pole extends from 1.5 to 5.2 m, with the cup head for setup and maintenance of Agile wireless detectors, and the Solo pole adapter for use with No Climb Solo poles. Detector testing should follow the manufacturer's instructions and the site's maintenance regime.

The logbook

Every system should have a logbook, and BS 5839-1 recommends keeping one. It is the written record of the system's life: the weekly tests and who did them, any faults found and how they were dealt with, false alarms and their causes, servicing visits, and any alterations to the system. A well-kept logbook is what lets the next engineer — or a fire officer — see at a glance whether the system has been looked after, and it is often the first thing asked for after an incident or during an inspection.

We do not sell logbooks; this is a description of what one is for, not a product. A simple bound book kept by the panel, or the log function built into many modern panels, does the job — what matters is that the entries are made and kept up to date, and that the logbook stays with the system documentation so it is to hand when needed.

Panel checks, keys and standby batteries

Beyond the devices, routine testing covers the panel itself and its power. The weekly test confirms the panel registers alarms and faults and drives the sounders; periodic servicing checks the wider functions. Access to the panel and to some equipment needs the right key, and panel and cabinet keys are specific to the range — for example the VS-KEY spare key for Vigilon and Compact outer doors, the VSINT-KEY key pack, and the 14115-KEY Bulgin spare key. Standby batteries are the other routine check: a fire alarm panel runs its load from the mains and holds the battery in reserve for a mains failure, so battery condition is part of periodic service. We stock replacement panel batteries in the flame-retardant batteries range — match the capacity to the panel when one is due for replacement.

Testing supplies by system

The right test key and spares depend on the manual call points installed. Across the systems we supply: Gent manual call points (with the resettable range that tests without breaking glass), conventional manual call points, Morley-IAS addressable call points, and intrinsically safe call points for hazardous areas. Tell us the panel and the call points on site — or browse the wider Gent by Honeywell and product ranges — and we will point you to the test key, spares and any access equipment you need.