How often should a fire alarm be serviced?
Every six months, give or take a month, plus a weekly test by the premises and every device tested each year. The full BS 5839-1:2025 schedule, and what each visit should include.
BS 5839-1:2025 · Clauses 42 and 43BS 5839-1:2025: what changed?
Variations that are no longer acceptable, a new section on extensions and modifications, simpler call point siting, and smoke detection where people sleep.
BS 5839-1:2025 · Foreword and clause 6Fire alarm false alarm rates: when does BS 5839-1 say act?
The clause 31 triggers for a preliminary or in-depth investigation, how the rate per 100 detectors is worked out, and a worked example.
BS 5839-1:2025 · Clause 31 and Annex FFire safety checks for responsible persons, daily to yearly
A checklist of what to check and when: fire alarm, emergency lighting, fire doors, sprinklers, smoke control, fire mains and extinguishers.
BS 9999 · BS 9991 · Annex IWhat goes in a fire alarm O&M manual?
What Clause 38 actually asks for in the documentation handed over with a system, the acceptance check that puts the responsible person in charge of confirming it, and the one item almost every handover pack is missing.
BS 5839-1:2025 · Clause 38What is a G6 certificate?
The certificate your fire alarm contractor issues after every routine service visit — what BS 5839-1:2025 requires it to cover, and what a responsible person should actually check for on the copy they're given.
BS 5839-1:2025 · Clause 43What is a special inspection?
The full compliance audit a new fire alarm contractor must carry out before they can take over your routine servicing: why it exists, what it actually covers, and why it matters if you're changing providers.
BS 5839-1:2025 · Clause 44.1