FAQ
What is a fire alarm system?
As stated in BS 5839, "A fire detection and alarm system is a combination of devices, equipment, and controls designed to detect the presence of fire and alert occupants and/or emergency services." Ultimately, a fire alarm system is designed to provide the earliest possible warning of fire within a property. Fire alarm systems fall into two main categories: Domestic (Part 6) and Non-Domestic (Part 1). Within each, there are subcategories that define different levels of detection and alarm coverage.
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How do I know if I require a fire alarm system in my premises?
You can determine this by:
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Consulting the relevant British Standards (BS 5839-6:2019 for domestic properties and BS 5839-1:2025 for non-domestic properties)
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Having a fire risk assessment carried out by a qualified assessor
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Contacting your local authority, council, or insurer
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How do I know if I require a fire alarm system in my premises?
You can determine this by:
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Consulting the relevant British Standards (BS 5839-6:2019 for domestic properties and BS 5839-1:2025 for non-domestic properties)
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Having a fire risk assessment carried out by a qualified assessor
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Contacting your local authority, council, or insurer
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How often does a fire alarm system require testing and servicing?
Weekly: One manual call point (MCP) should be tested each week to confirm proper operation and logbook documentation.
Bi-annually: (every 6 months): Two service visits per year should be completed by a competent technician, with every device tested, including batteries, sounders, and control panel functions.
Quarterly (optional): In larger or higher-risk sites, quarterly visits may be more appropriate.
What is an ARC?
An Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) is a continuously manned remote facility that receives signals from systems such as fire alarms via a secure communication link. These signals typically relate to fire alarm activations, faults, or status changes.
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When is an ARC required?
ARC connection is not mandatory in all buildings but may be required or recommended in line with the fire strategy, BS 5839-1:2025, or insurance requirements. Common examples include:
• Care homes
• Schools
• High-rise residential buildings
• Unoccupied/vacant properties
• Premises where early fire service attendance is critical (e.g., data centres, museums, high-risk warehouses)
• Where specified by insurers or risk assessors
• Remote or isolated sites
When is an AOV system required?
An Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) is required where smoke control is needed to protect escape routes or assist firefighting, as set out in Approved Document B, BS 9991 (for residential), and BS 9999 (for non-residential) buildings. In residential buildings over 11 metres, AOVs are typically required in lobbies or corridors, especially in single-staircase designs. BS 9991 recommends a 1.0 m² vent at the top of the stair and 1.5 m² in each lobby. In non-residential settings, AOVs may be required in protected stairwells, dead-end corridors, or where travel distances exceed allowable limits.
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What is an AOV?
An Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) is a mechanical or natural ventilation system component that opens automatically in a fire to release smoke and heat. AOVs are commonly installed in stairwells, corridors, lobbies, or atria to keep escape routes smoke-free, aiding evacuation and firefighting efforts.
What is considered a domestic or non-domestic property?
Domestic:
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Individual flats/apartments
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Houses (owner-occupied or rented)
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Bedsits and shared housing/HMOs (small properties with fewer than five unrelated occupants and up to two storeys)
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Sheltered housing (with self-contained access)
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Non-Domestic:
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Offices
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Shops
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Schools
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Hospitals
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Residential care homes
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Factories and warehouses
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Larger HMOs
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Blocks of flats (communal areas)
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Prisons
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How often do emergency lights need servicing?
Monthly: A brief power interruption test should be carried out to confirm that emergency lights switch to battery power and illuminate correctly. The charge indicator should extinguish when power is cut and re-illuminate once power is restored. Results must be logged.
Annually: A full 3-hour discharge test should be conducted to ensure the lights remain operational for the required duration. Any faults must be addressed immediately.
When are fire extinguishers required?
Fire extinguishers are required in nearly all non-domestic premises to allow occupants to deal with small fires safely, including offices, shops, schools, factories, hotels, public buildings, and HMOs (depending on risk).
The type and number of extinguishers depend on the size, layout, and specific risks of the premises, as guided by BS 5306-8:2012.
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How often do extinguishers need servicing?
Annually: All extinguishers require a basic service every 12 months, including a visual check for damage, corrosion, pressure (if applicable), hose/nozzle integrity, and replacement of safety pins and seals.
Every 5 years: Water, foam, powder, and wet chemical extinguishers require an extended service or replacement.
Every 10 years: COâ‚‚ extinguishers must be overhauled or replaced due to pressurised cylinder testing requirements.
More frequent servicing may be needed in harsh or high-risk environments.