Fire Alarm System

A fire alarm system is one of the most critical safety features in any building. It provides the early warning needed to save lives, minimise damage, and ensure safe evacuation in the event of a fire. But simply installing a fire alarm isn’t enough; regular testing is essential to confirm the system works correctly and complies with UK fire safety regulations. 

At CTE Electrical Contractors, we provide professional fire alarm testing, servicing, and installation for businesses across Yorkshire, helping them stay safe, compliant, and prepared. In this guide, we’ll explain how to test a fire alarm system properly, how often it should be tested, and why professional support is often the best option. 

Why Fire Alarm Testing Matters 

Over time, fire alarm systems can develop faults. Dust, environmental conditions, electrical failures, or even simple wear and tear can stop the alarm from working correctly. Without regular testing, you may not discover a fault until it’s too late. 

Testing ensures that: 

• The alarm activates when needed. 
• Staff recognise the sound of the alarm. 
• Control panels, detectors, and call points all work correctly. 
• Faults are spotted and fixed before they become dangerous. 

Legal Requirements for Fire Alarm Testing in the UK 

Fire alarm testing is not optional—it’s required by law. Several regulations apply: 

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – Requires the “responsible person” to ensure fire alarms are properly maintained and tested. 
• BS 5839-1:2017 – The British Standard for fire detection and alarm systems, outlining design, installation, and maintenance requirements. 
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Obligates employers to keep staff and visitors safe, which includes maintaining working fire alarms. 

Failure to test your fire alarm system could result in fines, legal action, or invalidated insurance. 

How Often Should Fire Alarms Be Tested? 

Testing frequency depends on the type of test: 

• Weekly Test – A short test to check the system works and familiarise staff with the alarm. 
• Six-Monthly Inspection – A professional check of the system’s components and wiring. 
• Annual Service – A full service to BS 5839 standards, ensuring the system is compliant and reliable. 

How to Test a Fire Alarm System 

Testing should be carried out carefully to avoid unnecessary disruption. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 

1. Preparation 

• Notify staff and visitors about the test to prevent panic. 
• Inform your alarm monitoring company (if applicable) so they don’t alert the fire brigade. 
• Choose a consistent time each week for testing (e.g. Monday at 10 am).

2. Weekly Fire Alarm Test 

• Select a different manual call point (break glass unit) each week to ensure all points are tested over time. 
• Activate the call point—the alarm should sound immediately. 
• Check that the fire alarm control panel receives the signal correctly. 
• Reset the alarm system after the test. 
• Record the test results in your fire alarm logbook. 

3. Six-Monthly Professional Inspection 

• A qualified fire alarm engineer will check detectors, call points, sounders, and control panels. 
• Wiring, battery backup, and power supplies are tested. 
• Any necessary repairs or replacements are identified. 

4. Annual Service 

• A full system test lasting several hours. 
• All detectors, alarms, and call points are tested. 
• Batteries and backup systems are checked for performance. 
• Certification is issued to confirm compliance with BS 5839. 

Common Problems Found During Fire Alarm Tests

During testing across Yorkshire businesses, CTE Electrical Contractors often find:

• Faulty detectors blocked by dust or dirt.
• Damaged or unresponsive manual call points.
• Control panels showing unresolved fault codes.
• Backup batteries that fail under load.
• Alarm sounders that are too quiet in certain areas.

Catching these problems early ensures the system works properly when needed.

Who Can Test a Fire Alarm System?

• Weekly tests can be carried out by the “responsible person” (such as the building manager or health & safety officer).
• Six-monthly and annual tests must be done by a qualified fire alarm engineer to ensure compliance with BS 5839.

At CTE Electrical Contractors, we provide professional fire alarm testing, servicing, and certification for businesses across Barnsley, Sheffield, Leeds, Doncaster, Wakefield, and the wider Yorkshire area.

Benefits of Professional Fire Alarm Testing 

• Legal compliance with UK fire safety regulations.
• Peace of mind that your system works when it’s needed most.
• Early fault detection reduces costly repairs.
• Reduced false alarms, saving time and avoiding disruption.
• Comprehensive reports for your fire alarm logbook and insurance.

Why Choose CTE Electrical Contractors in Yorkshire? 

We provide tailored fire alarm services to businesses of all sizes, from small offices to large industrial facilities. With a reputation for reliability and professionalism, we ensure your fire alarm system is always compliant and operational. 

• Experienced, qualified electricians. 
• Flexible scheduling to minimise disruption. 
• Competitive pricing with no hidden extras. 
• Serving the whole of Yorkshire with safety-first solutions.