How to reset a fire alarm panel (and what to do first)

Direct answer

Before resetting a fire alarm panel, first identify why it activated — do not reset simply to clear an alarm or fault you cannot explain. Silence the system if appropriate, investigate the cause (which device or zone triggered it, and whether there is a genuine fire condition), and only reset once the cause is known and the area has been confirmed safe. The exact key sequence or menu steps to reset a panel are specific to the panel model; refer to the manual for your specific Hochiki panel for the precise procedure.

Applies to

• Products / Models: Hochiki Europe control panels (general guidance — see your panel manual)
• Firmware / Version: Not applicable
• Region: UK / Europe
• Standards: BS 5839-1

Before you reset: identify the cause

• Note which zone, loop or device address the panel indicates triggered the condition.
• Check the area indicated for a genuine fire condition, smoke, or an obvious cause such as steam, dust or work activity (for example hot work or cleaning).
• If you cannot identify a clear, safe explanation for the alarm, treat it as a possible genuine alarm and follow your premises fire procedure rather than resetting the panel.
• For a fault (rather than a fire alarm) condition, see Why is my fire alarm panel showing a fault or beeping? before resetting.

Steps (general)

1. Silence the system if appropriate
   • Use the panel's silence/accept control to stop the audible signal while you investigate, in line with your premises procedure.
2. Investigate the cause
   • Go to the indicated zone/device location and confirm whether there is a genuine fire condition or an identifiable non-fire cause.
3. Confirm the area is safe
   • Only proceed to reset once you are satisfied there is no fire and the area is safe.
4. Refer to your panel manual for the reset procedure
   • The exact key, code or menu sequence to reset is specific to your panel model. Refer to the current manual for your specific Hochiki panel; do not guess at the sequence.
5. Confirm the panel returns to normal
   • After resetting, confirm the panel display returns to the normal/quiescent state with no outstanding fault or alarm indication.
6. Log the event
   • Record the date, time, cause, and action taken in the fire log book.

Do not

• Do not repeatedly reset or silence the panel to clear an unexplained alarm or fault without identifying the cause first.
• Do not reset a genuine fire alarm condition to "make it stop" — follow your premises fire procedure instead.
• Do not attempt a reset sequence from memory or guesswork if you are unsure of the correct procedure for your panel model.

When to contact technical support

• If you cannot identify the cause of the activation.
• If the panel will not reset, or returns to an alarm or fault state immediately after resetting.
• If you are unsure of the reset procedure for your specific panel model.

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

• Control panel user manual (for the exact reset procedure for your model)
• System log book

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