What it is
BS 5839-1 recommends that fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises are inspected and serviced by a competent person at intervals not exceeding six months, with a weekly user test carried out by the responsible person. Our service visit checks the control panel, detectors, call points, sounders and batteries, and records the results in the logbook. Systems in homes, HMOs and some blocks are designed to BS 5839-6, which has several grades and categories; we'll confirm which applies to yours. Fire alarm servicing is separate from emergency lighting testing.
What's included
- Control panel and power supply checks
- Detector, call point and sounder testing
- Battery checks
- Logbook entries and defects list
Not included
- Repairs and replacement parts (quoted)
- Monitoring contracts
- Emergency lighting
Who needs it
- Businesses with a fire alarm system
- HMO landlords and managing agents
- Responsible persons for communal areas
What you'll receive
Fire alarm inspection and servicing certificate and logbook entries.
How often
At intervals not exceeding six months for systems covered by BS 5839-1; weekly user tests by the responsible person. Follow your fire risk assessment for your premises.
What the rules say
Each point is labelled so you can tell what's law, what's a British Standard, and what's good practice or comes from your lease, licence or insurer.
- Legal requirementEngland and WalesAwaiting professional review
Fire safety equipment must be maintained
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for non-domestic premises (and the common parts of HMOs and flats) must keep fire detection and warning systems in good working order.
- Technical standardUK (British Standard)
Current standards
Non-domestic systems follow BS 5839-1, revised in 2025. Systems in homes and many HMOs follow BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020.
Sources: NSI (BS 5839-1) (opens external site): Publication of BS 5839-1:2025 for fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises; BSI (BS 5839-6) (opens external site): BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020 fire detection and alarm systems in domestic premises
- Technical standardUK (British Standard)Awaiting professional review
Weekly user tests and servicing at least every six months
BS 5839-1 has long recommended a weekly test by the user (a different call point each week) and inspection and servicing by a competent person at intervals of no more than six months.
- Lease, licence or insurerNottingham
HMO licences
Nottingham HMO licence conditions require fire alarms to be tested and serviced to the current British Standards, with certificates covering the previous 12 months supplied within 28 days of a request.
Before your appointment
- Have the fire alarm logbook, zone chart and previous service certificate to hand.
- Warn occupants and, if the system is monitored, the alarm receiving centre before testing.
- Give access to the panel and all detectors, sounders and call points.
If something's found
- Faults and failed devices are recorded in the logbook and on the service certificate.
- Repairs are quoted separately and re-tested once complete.
- Variations from the standard are recorded so your fire risk assessor can see them.
What affects the price
- Number of devices and zones
- Conventional or addressable panel
- Monitoring and access
- Out-of-hours servicing
Read more
- Commercial electrical compliance: a practical checklist
The inspections and records most commercial premises need, which are law, which are British Standards, and which come from your lease or insurer.
- HMO electrical and fire safety in Nottingham: what the council asks for
The national rules for HMOs, Nottingham's HMO licensing documents and conditions, and how to keep the records straight.
Questions
Do you install fire alarms?
We install smoke, heat and CO alarms in homes and HMOs. For larger or addressable commercial systems, ask for a quote and we'll confirm whether it's work we deliver.