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Fire alarm servicing and maintenance requirements (commercial)

Guidance on commercial fire alarm servicing and maintenance to BS 5839-1: weekly responsible-person testing, log book and periodic competent-person servicing.

Direct answer

A commercial fire detection and alarm system to BS 5839-1 should be maintained by a competent person and tested regularly. As general guidance, the responsible person carries out a weekly test of a manual call point and keeps a log book, and a competent service organisation carries out periodic servicing (typically at least two service visits per year for many systems). Confirm the exact servicing regime against the current BS 5839-1 recommendations and any requirement of the authority having jurisdiction for your premises.

Applies to

  • Products / Models: All Hochiki Europe addressable and conventional systems (general guidance)

  • Firmware / Version: Not applicable

  • Region: UK

  • Standards: BS 5839-1 (commercial premises)

Who is responsible

  • The responsible person for the premises is accountable for routine testing, the log book and arranging servicing.

  • Servicing is carried out by a competent person / service organisation (third-party certification such as a recognised maintenance scheme is commonly required).

Routine testing (responsible person)

  • Test a manual call point weekly (a different call point each week is commonly recommended).

  • Confirm the panel and sounders respond, and record the test in the system log book.

  • Report and log any faults shown on the panel.

Periodic servicing (competent person)

  • Periodic inspection and servicing is carried out at intervals recommended by BS 5839-1 (commonly multiple visits per year).

  • Servicing covers panel checks, battery condition, a sample of devices, and the overall integrity of the system.

When to contact technical support

  • If the panel shows a persistent fault after testing.

  • If you are unsure of the servicing regime appropriate to your premises.

Safety note

This article is general guidance for Hochiki Europe products. Installation, commissioning, maintenance and modification of fire detection and alarm systems must be carried out by a competent person in accordance with the applicable standards (for example BS 5839-1 in the UK) and the requirements of the relevant authority having jurisdiction. Always refer to the current product manual and data sheet for the exact model before carrying out any work.

References

  • BS 5839-1 (current edition) — system maintenance recommendations

  • System log book

Last reviewed: 2026-06-16 — Reviewed by: Takashi Ishikawa