Weekly Fire Alarm Testing: A Complete Guide for Businesses (BS 5839-1 Explained)

Regular fire alarm maintenance is essential for keeping people safe and ensuring businesses comply with UK fire safety regulations. One of the most important parts of fire alarm maintenance is weekly fire alarm testing, which confirms that the system can detect and signal a fire correctly.

Under BS 5839‑1, routine testing should be carried out by the responsible person or building management to ensure the fire detection and alarm system is working properly.

This guide explains how to perform a weekly fire alarm test correctly, why it matters, and what businesses must record.

Why Weekly Fire Alarm Testing Is Important

Weekly testing is designed to verify that the control equipment, alarm devices, and signal transmission systems are operating correctly.

Routine tests help to:

• Confirm the fire alarm panel processes alarm signals correctly

• Ensure sounders operate and are audible

• Verify signals reach any monitoring centre

• Identify faults before they become serious

• Familiarise building occupants with the fire alarm signal

Regular testing is a critical component of ongoing fire alarm maintenance, ensuring the system works if a real fire occurs.

Fire Alarm Weekly Testing Requirements (BS 5839-1)

According to BS 5839‑1, the fire detection and alarm system should be tested once every week during normal working hours.

The purpose of the test is to confirm:

1. The control panel can process a fire signal

2. The alarm devices activate

3. Signals are transmitted to the alarm receiving centre (ARC) where applicable

The weekly test does not need to activate every sounder circuit, but it should verify the system responds correctly to an alarm trigger.

Occasionally missing a weekly test or delaying it by a few days is not considered a non-conformity, but regular testing should be maintained wherever possible.

Step-by-Step Guide to Weekly Fire Alarm Testing

1. Inform Staff and Building Occupants

Before starting the test:

• Notify staff that a fire alarm test will occur

• Confirm it is a test and not an emergency

• Ensure testing takes place at roughly the same time each week

Consistency helps occupants recognise routine testing and prevents confusion.

2. Notify the Alarm Receiving Centre (If Monitored)

If your system is connected to a monitoring centre:

• Contact the monitoring provider

• Inform them you are carrying out a weekly fire alarm test

• Confirm they have placed the system on test mode

This prevents false emergency responses.

3. Activate a Manual Call Point

In most buildings, the weekly test should be carried out by operating a manual call point (break glass unit).

Important guidance:

• Use a different call point each week

• Rotate through all call points over time

• This ensures all devices are periodically tested

Large buildings may take many months to cycle through all call points, which is acceptable.

4. Confirm the Alarm Operates

When the call point is activated, check that:

• The fire alarm panel registers the alarm

• Alarm sounders activate

• The alarm is audible throughout the building

Occupants should also report any areas where the alarm cannot be clearly heard.

For weekly tests, the alarm should typically sound for:

• At least 5 seconds

• No longer than around 60 seconds

This confirms the system operates without causing unnecessary disruption.

5. Reset the Fire Alarm Panel

Once the test is complete:

• Reset the activated call point

• Reset the fire alarm control panel

• Ensure the system returns to normal operating mode

Check that no faults remain on the panel.

6. Notify the Monitoring Centre Again

If the system is monitored:

• Contact the monitoring centre again

• Confirm the test is complete

• Ask them to return the system to normal operation

7. Record the Test in the Fire Alarm Log Book

Every weekly test must be recorded.

Your logbook entry should include:

• Date of test

• Time of test

• Call point used

• Name of person carrying out the test

• Any faults or issues identified

Keeping accurate records is a key part of fire alarm maintenance compliance.

Additional Considerations for Weekly Fire Alarm Testing

Rotating Call Points

Using a different call point each week ensures that all manual call points are periodically tested.

Example:

If a building has 40 call points, it will take around 40 weeks to test each device once.

This approach is recommended within BS 5839-1 guidance.

Buildings With Staged Alarm Signals

Some systems use two-stage alarms, such as:

• Alert

• Evacuate

Where possible, both signals should be tested during routine tests so occupants recognise the difference between them.

Buildings With Shift Workers

If some employees work outside normal hours, additional testing should occasionally occur at different times so all staff become familiar with the alarm signal.

Monthly Fire Alarm Checks

In addition to weekly testing, some systems require monthly checks, particularly if standby generators or specific battery systems are used.

These checks may include:

• Testing automatic standby generators

• Inspecting vented standby batteries

• Checking battery connections and electrolyte levels

These tasks should only be carried out by competent persons with appropriate technical knowledge (i.e. us - Solid State).

Common Mistakes During Weekly Fire Alarm Testing

Businesses often make mistakes that undermine fire alarm maintenance compliance.

Common issues include:

• Always using the same call point

• Forgetting to inform the monitoring centre

• Failing to record the test in the logbook

• Not investigating reported audibility issues

• Allowing faults to remain unresolved

A professional fire alarm maintenance company should investigate any ongoing faults.

Solid State offer comprehensive Fire and Security Maintenance services to ensure your site is meeting its regulatory compliance requirements please contact our team sales@solidstatesecurity.co.uk