How much does it cost to test fire alarms?

Up to 10 detectors £80
Up to 20 detectors £140
over 20 please contact us for a quote.
This includes a thorough inspection and testing of each alarm, compliance assessment, and issuance of the certificate.
At Fire Safety Suffolk, we take pride in providing value-for-money services without compromising on the quality of our work. 
These pricing options are designed to be inclusive, allowing a wide range of properties—from residential homes to larger commercial spaces—to benefit from our expertise.
Certifying your fire and smoke alarms is a vital investment in the safety and compliance of your property. 
You’re not just paying for a piece of paper; you’re investing in peace of mind, assured that your property meets or exceeds all the relevant safety standards. 
Trust Fire Safety Suffolk for transparent, competitive pricing and comprehensive certification services.
We can test all systems M, P, L5, L4, L3, L2 & L1
BS 5839 states that all the detectors, call points, panels, and circuits must be tested every six months by a competent person.

Fire Alarm & Smoke Detectors Faq's

Do I need a Fire Alarm?

Current UK fire alarm regulations state that all business premises must have ‘an appropriate fire detection system’.

This basically means that an outbreak of fire can easily be detected and occupants can easily be warned.

This does not necessarily mean that all business premises will need a fire alarm system.

You are unlikely to need a fire alarm system if all of the following statements are true:

  • Your premises are small, simple, and single-storey or open-plan
  • You don’t store any high-risk substances, such as chemicals
  • You don’t undertake any high-risk activities, such as cooking
  • You don’t have any vulnerable occupants, such as the very young, elderly or disabled
  • A fire would be easily spotted if it broke out anywhere in the premises
  • A shout of ‘fire!’ would be easily heard by all occupants

If one or more of these statements does not apply to your business, then you probably need a fire alarm system.

If you are in any doubt, then your Fire Risk Assessment should specifically state whether you should or shouldn’t install automatic fire detection.

If you don’t have a Fire Risk Assessment then we would recommend you carry one out first, as this is the cornerstone of your business’s fire safety plan, more info here

What type of fire alarm do I need?

There are 3 main types of fire alarm system: conventional, addressable, and wireless:

Conventional Fire Alarm

  •  divides your premises into broad zones 
  •  in the event of an alert, the fire alarm panel identifies the zone, but not the precise area 
  • most suitable for smaller or lower risk environments

Addressable Fire Alarm

  • each individual device has its own unique electronic address
  •  if one activates, the fire alarm panel tells you precisely where the problem is
  •  most suitable for larger or higher risk environments – e.g schools, care homes, hospitals

Wireless Fire Alarm 

  • uses a secure wireless link between the sensors and the fire alarm panel
  • typically works like an addressable system, just without the wires
  • most suitable for premises which don’t want lots of cable – e.g. churches, historic buildings

UK fire alarm legislation doesn’t specify exactly which each type of fire alarm system should be used in which types of premises, again, it comes down to what is ‘appropriate’ for your particular business.

To make sure you get the right fire alarm system to meet UK fire alarm regulations, it is recommended that you use a reputable fire safety company to design it.

You should also make sure they design to BS 5839 specifications (the relevant British Standard), otherwise, you may not be covered for regulatory or insurance purposes.

Who can install a Fire Alarm?

UK fire alarm regulations make no requirement as to who can install a fire alarm, other than that they must be ‘competent’.

This therefore means that the person or company who installs your fire alarm should:

  • understand the various types of fire alarm system and how they work
  • be familiar with the main makes and model of fire alarm
  • be able to identify which grade and category of fire alarm system you need
  • be able to design a fire alarm system to meet the grade and category requirements
  • have a good understanding of British Standard BS 5839
  • be able to design a system to meet BS 5839 requirements
  • have sound electrical knowledge
How often should a fire alarm be serviced?

UK fire alarm regulations only state that your fire alarm system must be ‘adequately maintained’, however BS 5839 recommends that a fire alarm system should be inspected by a competent person at least every 6 months and the government recommends following this standard.

In fact, if you work out of large premises, we would recommend a quarterly service, as there are many more components to your fire alarm system, and therefore more opportunities for something to go wrong.

Why is servicing important?

There are 2 main reasons to keep your fire alarm in working order: 

  1. To alert occupants in the event of fire and so prevent loss of life
  2. To prevent false alarms

Whilst the 1st reason may seem obvious, the 2nd reason is less well known.

The fact is that false alarms account for a huge number of fire brigade call-outs.  This incurs a lot of expense and, more importantly, could mean that the fire brigade is otherwise occupied when a real emergency arises.

The fire brigade has now imposed charges for call-outs at premises which have a high number of false alarms, as an incentive for businesses to keep their fire alarms better maintained.

What is weekly alarm testing and do I have to do it?

Weekly testing is different to fire alarm servicing, which we described earlier.  

Both are required.

Whilst a fire alarm service is a thorough investigation of the whole fire alarm system, weekly testing is more of a ‘spot check’.  It’s purpose is to quickly test that your fire alarm is in working order and help identify any issues.

Having a fully operational fire alarm is a regulatory requirement for those premises that need them, which is why regular testing is important.

The guidance to test weekly comes from British Standard BS 5839.  This is the standard that the UK government recommends should be followed with regards to fire alarm maintenance.

You could decide to test less frequently, however you would need to explain why you’ve deviated from BS 5389 to any investigating fire officers, should they pay a visit.

How do you carry out a weekly fire alarm test?

Your ‘responsible person’ can carry out your weekly fire alarm test, although if you look after a number of properties, you may prefer to ask your fire alarm company to do this for you.

In each weekly test, you should activate at least one fire alarm call-point and check that the alarm sounds and the panel receives the signal.

Each week you should test a different call-point.

Once you’ve performed a successful check, you can re-set your fire alarm panel (on the other hand, if you encounter a problem, contact your fire safety company).

Finally, record the test in your fire alarm log book, including the location of the call-point(s) that you tested.

What should I do if something goes wrong with my fire alarm?

If your fire alarm goes wrong, for example: 

  • an alarm is sounding but there’s no fire
  • a light on your fire alarm panel says there is a fault
  • your fire alarm panel is beeping
  • there’s no power going to your fire alarm panel

Then you must report it immediately to your fire protection company.  This is because the system can’t be considered to be ‘adequately maintained’ if there is a fault and you would therefore be non-compliant with fire alarm regulations.

Why choose Fire safety Suffolk for fire alarm & smoke detector servicing in & around Lowestoft?

The safety of your property and its occupants is not something to be taken lightly, and neither do we at Fire safety Suffolk. So, why should you entrust us with servicing your fire and smoke alarm systems? Here are compelling reasons that set us apart:

Expertise and Experience:

I am an engineer trained in fire safety regulations and standards. With years of experience under my belt, and understand the intricacies of inspecting and certifying fire and smoke alarm systems.

Comprehensive Inspection:

Our methodical approach ensures that every fire and smoke alarm system component is thoroughly inspected and tested. This includes sensitivity tests, battery checks, sound level tests, and more, all aimed at guaranteeing the highest level of safety.

Transparency and Affordability:

We believe in offering quality services without hidden fees. Our pricing is transparent and competitive, ensuring you receive comprehensive certification services without breaking the bank.

Quick Turnaround:

We understand that time is of the essence when it comes to safety compliance. Our efficient processes and scheduling flexibility make obtaining your Fire Alarm and Smoke Alarm Certificates easier with minimal disruption to your routine.

Compliance Assurance:

In an area like Suffolk, where fire safety regulations are strict, we ensure that your property meets or exceeds all local and national standards. Our certification process is aligned with British Standards BS 5839 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, among others.

After-Service Support:

Our commitment to your safety continues after the certificate issuance. We offer post-certification support, including email renewal reminders and updates on any changes in fire safety regulations that may affect you.