One of the most common questions we receive from Somerset businesses is: how often should our fire alarm system be serviced? The answer is clearly defined in BS 5839-1 and reinforced by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Getting the frequency right is essential for both compliance and life safety.
Weekly Testing
The responsible person should carry out a weekly test of the fire alarm system. This involves activating a different manual call point each week on a rotational basis to confirm the system activates correctly. The test should:
- Be carried out at the same time each week so occupants recognise the test
- Rotate through all call points over a period of approximately 13 weeks
- Be recorded in the fire alarm logbook with the date, time, and call point tested
- Include a check that the correct sounders and visual indicators operate
For more detail on testing procedures and common mistakes, see our article on why regular fire alarm testing is critical.
Quarterly Professional Inspections
BS 5839-1 recommends that a competent fire alarm engineer inspects and tests the system every three months. During each quarterly visit, approximately 25% of the system's devices are tested, ensuring the entire system is checked over a 12-month period. A quarterly inspection typically includes:
- Functional testing of detectors, call points, and sounders
- Visual inspection of all accessible equipment
- Checking battery condition and standby power supplies
- Reviewing and clearing any fault conditions
- Checking cause and effect programming
- Providing a detailed service report
Annual Comprehensive Inspection
Once per year, a comprehensive inspection should be carried out covering the entire fire alarm system. This includes all devices, wiring, control equipment, and associated systems. The annual inspection is the most thorough check and typically results in a compliance certificate confirming the system meets BS 5839-1. Read our BS 5839 compliance guide for a full explanation of the standard.
Why Regular Servicing Matters
Regular servicing is not just a legal obligation — it directly impacts the reliability of your fire alarm system. Dust accumulation in detectors, battery degradation, and environmental changes can all affect system performance. Planned maintenance identifies and resolves these issues before they compromise safety. Neglecting servicing can lead to the compliance failures our engineers encounter regularly during inspections.
Servicing Contracts for Somerset Businesses
We provide planned preventative maintenance contracts for businesses across Somerset. Our contracts include all quarterly visits and the annual comprehensive inspection, with emergency call-out support available when needed. All visits are carried out by BS 5839-1-qualified engineers. If you manage multiple buildings, our multi-site maintenance contracts simplify compliance across your entire estate.
Talk to a Local Engineer
If you would like honest advice, a clear written quote, or help with compliance paperwork,get in touch with our team. We are a small, experienced South West team, and we look after every customer properly — no pushy sales, no hidden extras, and documentation you can rely on.
