Fire Alarm Testing and Servicing Requirements Under BS 5839-1:2025
BS 5839-1 is the code of practice for fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises. The 2025 edition replaced the 2017 version and is the benchmark fire risk assessors, insurers and enforcing authorities now use. This guide covers what the Responsible Person needs to do, and when.
The legal duty
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person for a non-domestic building must keep fire safety systems in efficient working order and good repair. Following BS 5839-1 is the accepted way of demonstrating that for a fire alarm system.
Testing and servicing schedule
- Weekly: a user test from a different manual call point each week, at roughly the same time, recorded in the logbook.
- Six-monthly: servicing by a competent person, with the visits falling within a five to seven month window.
- Annually: every detector, call point and sounder must have been functionally tested across the year's visits.
- After any fault or false alarm: investigate, record and rectify.
What a service visit should cover
- Review of the logbook, false alarm records and any changes to the building.
- Control panel indications, fault and disablement functions.
- Standby batteries and charger performance.
- Functional testing of the scheduled detectors, call points, sounders and visual alarm devices.
- Checks of any interfaces, such as door releases, lift recall or alarm receiving centre signalling.
- A certificate and logbook entry listing what was tested and any recommended actions.
HMOs and residential blocks
Domestic and HMO systems are typically designed to BS 5839-6, and many HMO licences ask for an annual certificate. Check your licence conditions, and pair the alarm servicing with your HMO EICR and emergency lighting tests.
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Frequently asked questions
How often should a commercial fire alarm be serviced?
BS 5839-1:2025 recommends servicing by a competent person at intervals not exceeding six months, within a five to seven month window.
How often should a fire alarm be tested?
A weekly user test from a different manual call point each week, recorded in the logbook, in addition to professional servicing.
Who is responsible for fire alarm maintenance?
The Responsible Person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, usually the employer, owner or managing agent.