How to carry out the weekly fire alarm test

Direct answer

The weekly fire alarm test confirms that the system can detect an alarm condition and that the panel and sounders respond correctly. As general guidance, the responsible person (or a person nominated by them) tests a different manual call point each week, confirms the panel registers the alarm and the sounders operate, resets the system, and records the result in the fire log book. Confirm the exact frequency and method 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 (routine testing)

Purpose of the weekly test

• Confirms the system can still raise and process an alarm signal end to end (call point, panel, sounders).
• Builds a documented history of testing in the fire log book, which supports the fire risk assessment and any inspection by the authority having jurisdiction.
• Is separate from periodic servicing by a competent person — see How often should a fire alarm system be serviced?.

Who carries out the weekly test

• The responsible person for the premises is accountable for the weekly test, or nominates a suitable person to carry it out.
• No special qualification is required for the routine weekly test itself, but the person should know the system and the log book procedure.

Steps

1. Choose a different manual call point each week
   • Rotate through the call points on the premises so that, over time, every call point is exercised.
2. Operate the test key or test facility at the chosen call point
   • Use the manufacturer's test key or resettable test glass/element as appropriate for the call point type.
3. Confirm the panel registers the alarm
   • Check that the panel displays the correct zone/device and goes into the alarm condition.
4. Confirm the sounders operate
   • Listen for the alarm sounders (and check any visual alarm devices) operating as expected.
5. Reset the system
   • Once the test is confirmed, reset the call point and the panel following the panel's normal reset procedure.
6. Log the result
   • Record the date, the call point tested, and the outcome in the fire log book.
7. Report any faults
   • If the panel does not register the alarm, sounders do not operate, or any other fault is shown, report it and log it as a fault rather than a successful test.

What to record in the log book

• Date and time of the test.
• Which call point was tested.
• Confirmation that the panel and sounders responded correctly.
• Name of the person carrying out the test.
• Any faults found and the action taken (for example, reporting to the service provider).

When to contact technical support

• If the panel does not register the test or sounders do not operate.
• If you are unsure how many call points your system has or how to rotate testing across them.

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) — routine testing recommendations
• System log book

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