How Often Should A Fire Alarm Be Tested: Fire Alarm Testing UK

One of the things you should know as a landlord or business owner is that fire alarm testing in the UK is mandatory. Moreover, it must be done following the BS5839 and BS5839 regulations for fire alarm and fire detection systems. Those are the same regulations that cover the design, maintenance, and commissioning of fire alarms in buildings. Consider having your fire alarms tested in your premises at the time you require the UK electrical certification, especially when the necessity coincides with it.

The electrical certificate of compliance is often obtained every three to five years. If your property is an HMO (house of multiple occupation), you are required by law to conduct the testing every five years. Fire alarm testing in the UK is best done every six months. Just make sure that it is conducted by a competent electrician who knows how to do it in accordance with part 1 section 6 of BS5839. After the test, log the results and the date in your log book. A fire alarm certificate will be given to you by the electrician once the testing is complete.

You should also do your part in ensuring that your fire alarm is looking and working well. A daily visual inspection will do. As you this, make sure that the fire alarm panel is operating normally and that fault warnings are rectified immediately. You should also consider weekly testing, especially if you have different alarms installed. If you spot any defects, record them and contact an electrician immediately. Electricians who can provide the UK electrician certification can carry out inspections and testing of different kinds of fire alarm systems.

Let a specialist fire alarm engineer perform the test as you have a qualified electrician inspect your premises for the electrical certificate of compliance, so you can determine if the systems can still respond to smoke. The testing can depend on the type and extent of your fire alarm system.