Fire Alarm Testing

A fire alarm is a system which is installed within every type of premises to give an early indication of fire so that all occupants within the installation can make a safe exit. The requirements are that the building shall be designed and constructed so that there are appropriate provisions for the early warning of fire, and appropriate means of escape in case of fire from the building to a place of safety outside the building. The systems vary from site to site and from domestic, commercial and industrial premises. Alarms are graded from A through to F dependant on the type of premises.

As a basic guide, all but the simplest, small, single-storey, open-plan premises with minimal risks require some form of electronic fire alarm and detection system. The relevant fire alarm regulations (Section 13-1a of 'Fire-fighting and Fire Detection') stipulates that: 'the premises are, to the extent that it is appropriate, equipped with appropriate fire-fighting equipment and with fire detectors and alarms'. Government guidelines go into more detail, recommending that fire alarm and detection systems should comply with BS 5839 fire alarm regulations.

All of our Facit Testing electricians work in full compliance with the standards BS5839-1 (for Commercial Buildings) and BS5839-6 (for Dwellings), and have proven competency within these fields.

All fire alarms and detection systems should be maintained by a competent professional. The government guidelines on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 strongly recommend that your fire alarm should be maintained to BS5839-1 (commercial property) or 6 (residential property) and that it should be inspected every six months (minimum), and more frequently if your site is classed as a high risk building or where the possibility exists of the fire system being tampered with. Regular fire alarm maintenance is therefore crucial.