David Hendleman
Business Transformation Manager
Dave is a highly experienced professional with a diverse career in construction, security management, and fire safety, known for his exceptional communication skills, creativity, and expertise, culminating in his role as a CPD accredited trainer and former board member of the Fire Industry Association. Meet the full team here.
In the United Kingdom, maintaining and testing commercial smoke detectors and fire alarms is a critical responsibility for ensuring the safety of building occupants and compliance with national safety standards. Regular testing is mandated by UK law under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to all non-domestic premises, including offices, shops, and public spaces. In this article, we’ll explore how to professionally test commercial fire alarms and provide you with the knowledge on how to keep your company, employees and building a safe environment.
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Introduction to Commerical Fire Alarm Systems
Commercial environments pose unique challenges for fire safety, with factors such as larger spaces, complex architectural designs, and a variety of occupational activities that can affect the efficiency of smoke and fire detection systems. The correct function of these systems is essential not only for alerting occupants in the event of a fire but also for enabling timely intervention to prevent disasters.
The UK standards for the installation, maintenance, and testing of fire detection and alarm systems are detailed in British Standard BS 5839 Part 1:2017. This standard provides comprehensive guidance on how systems should be designed, installed, and maintained. They also detail the frequency of tests.
For example, commercial fire alarms should be tested weekly. Test a different manual call point each week to ensure all call points are tested over time. By law, a professional fire safety company must conduct an annual inspection. For larger or more complex buildings, quarterly or biannual checks are recommended.
By understanding the legal requirements and the necessity of routine checks, facility managers, Landlords and other stakeholders can better implement safety protocols that protect both people and property. We will also touch on the implications of non-compliance, which can include severe legal penalties and increased risk to life and property.
Types of Commercial Smoke Detectors and Alarm Systems
Understanding the different types of commercial smoke detectors and fire alarms is essential for selecting the right systems for different areas of a building and for ensuring that these systems are tested and maintained appropriately. In the UK, the two primary types of smoke detectors used are ionization and photoelectric detectors, each suited to detecting different types of fires. Additionally, there are combined systems that feature both technologies, known as dual-sensor detectors.
Conventional Fire Alarm Systems
Conventional Fire Alarm Systems operate by dividing a building into multiple zones, with each zone representing a specific area of the building. Within each zone, detectors are hardwired into a dedicated circuit, allowing the control panel to identify the general area where an alarm was triggered.
These systems are especially effective for smaller or less complex buildings such as small offices, shops, or low-rise residential buildings.
Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
More advanced than conventional systems, addressable alarms are connected in a loop around a facility with each alarm having a unique address. This setup allows for easier identification of the specific detector that has been triggered, facilitating quicker response times and easier maintenance. They are ideal for larger, complex buildings.
They are ideal for larger, complex buildings such as hospitals, shopping centers, and high-rise office buildings, where quick and precise identification of an alarm’s location is crucial.
Wireless Fire Alarm Systems
Utilising wireless technology, these systems offer flexibility and ease of installation and are particularly useful in historic buildings where wiring installations are restricted.
Optical Smoke Detectors
More responsive to slow-burning, smoldering fires that produce a lot of smoke, optical smoke detectors use a light source and a Photodiode Receiver.
The principle for operation of the smoke sensor is based around the “Scatter Ray Principle”.
When smoke particles enter the optical chamber, they scatter the light beam, redirecting it onto the Photodiode Receiver, which then activates the alarm. These detectors are ideal for, living areas, and hallways and general areas in commercial settings, where there may be a chance of a smoldering before actual ignition.
Heat Detectors
The heat detectors in a commercial fire alarm system react to fire based on two principles: fixed temperature and rate-of-rise temperature.
Fixed Temperature Detector
A Fixed Temperature Detector activates an alarm when the temperature reaches or exceeds a set threshold. This detector is less sensitive to rapid temperature fluctuations, making it well-suited for environments like large industrial kitchens, where ovens and other heat-generating equipment are often in operation. Its stability helps prevent false alarms from brief temperature
Rate of Rise Temperature Detector
A Rate-of-Rise Detector, on the other hand, is designed to respond to a rapid increase in temperature over a short period of time. This type of detector is more sensitive to sudden temperature changes, making it better suited for areas that contain highly combustible materials.
In either case the prevalent areas of us include Kitchens or where other operations such as welding, or other areas where the chance of false alarm phenomena are high. They can also be used where was down procedures occur as the unit is sealed.
Multi Criteria Detectors
Offering the advantages of housing different sensor media technologies, multi-criteria detectors are considered the most comprehensive option for fire detection. They are recommended for specific areas where false alarm phenomena may be prevalent or where the risk is deemed high enough to warrant this type of detector. An example could be student accommodation, where the “sleeping risk” is significant. In this context, “sleeping risk” refers to the increased danger present when occupants are asleep, as they are less likely to be aware of early fire cues and may require additional time to respond to an alarm.
The manner in which these types of detectors operate can be quite complex; for more information, please contact a member of our team here or call us on 0161 244 8689. There are a number of other detectors used within the fire alarm arena, which are more specialised, such as:
Preparing for the Test: Safety Measures and Protocols
Before commencing the testing of commercial smoke detectors and fire alarms, it is crucial to ensure that all safety measures are in place and protocols are followed to avoid any false alarms or mishaps. Proper preparation not only ensures the safety of the personnel involved in the testing but also minimizes any disruption to the building’s normal operations.
Notification and Coordination: Begin by notifying all relevant parties about the planned testing. This includes informing your alarm receiving Centre (ARC) to avoid unnecessary emergency responses, as well as building occupants so they can prepare for potential noise and brief disruptions. Coordination with the building’s security team is also vital to ensure that the test is conducted smoothly without compromising building security.
Review of Documentation: Before testing, review all available documentation related to the fire alarm systems. This includes manufacturer’s guidelines, previous test results, and maintenance records. Understanding the history and specifics of the system will help identify any recurrent issues or areas that might require special attention during the test.
Assembly of Tools and Equipment: Ensure that all necessary tools and equipment are available and in good working order. This typically includes testing instruments, replacement batteries, manuals, and any specialized tools recommended by the manufacturer. It’s also important to have personal protective equipment (PPE) ready for testers, such as ear protection if needed.
Establishing a Clear Testing Procedure: Develop and review the testing procedure that complies with the British Standard BS 5839 Part 1:2017. This procedure should outline the steps to be taken during the test, detailing how each component will be tested, the order of testing, and how to document the results. Clear procedures help prevent errors during testing and ensure that all components are thoroughly checked.
Safe Testing Environment: Ensure that the testing area is safe for both the testers and the building occupants. This involves securing any high-risk areas, verifying that escape routes are clear, and ensuring that the testing equipment is set up safely to avoid any tripping hazards or electrical issues.
Communication Setup: Set up a reliable means of communication among the testing team members, especially in larger buildings where team members might be out of sight from each other. Walkie-talkies or other communication devices can be critical in coordinating the process and addressing any immediate issues that arise.
Step-by-Step Guide to Testing Fire Alarms
Testing commercial smoke detectors and fire alarms is a critical task that must be performed with precision to ensure all components of the fire safety system are functioning correctly and capable of alerting occupants in an emergency. Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to testing these systems in compliance with British Standard BS 5839 Part 1, 2017:
Step 1: Initial Setup and System Isolation
Consult the Log Book: Review records of false alarms, identify any patterns, and note the number of incidents.
Enquire About Building Changes:
Check for new partitions.
Identify newly created rooms.
Verify changes in room use (e.g., a classroom now containing a pottery kiln or other potential causes of false alarms).
Check for any disablements.
Notify All Relevant Agencies: Ensure the Alarm Receiving Centre and the control room are informed that testing will be carried out and sounders will activate, specifying the start and end times.
Engage Test Switch/Isolate the System: Make sure the test switch is engaged, or the necessary system isolations are completed.
For further details, click the link below to download our handy PDF outlining tasks for each maintenance visit.
Ensure Compliance with Our Free Maintenance Testing Checklist
Download this essential checklist to guide your regular fire alarm maintenance checks. Stay compliant and keep your systems operating effectively with our easy-to-follow steps.
Trust in Defensor Life Safety
At Defensor Life Safety, we recognize the complexities involved in maintaining and testing commercial fire alarm systems. To assist in evaluating your system, we have created an expert-driven checklist tailored specifically for commercial fire alarm systems. We encourage you to download our comprehensive Fire Maintenance Testing Checklist—a valuable tool designed to guide you through a meticulous assessment covering all essential aspects of system functionality and regulatory compliance.
This checklist includes detailed sections, practical examples, and additional insights crucial for a thorough evaluation of your system’s compliance and effectiveness. Our commitment at Defensor Life Safety is to ensure that your premises fully adhere to UK fire safety regulations. Through precise and detailed audits, our team of experts is proficient in managing the entire process, from the initial assessment and review to implementing necessary updates and confirming ongoing compliance.
If you’re seeking specialised advice on commercial fire alarm systems or need to discuss the specific needs and challenges of your facilities, please contact our UK fire safety experts today. You can reach us by phone at 0161 244 8680 or via email at hello@defensorlifesafety.com. Alternatively, complete the contact form below to discover how our expert audit services can enhance the safety and compliance of your environment, ensuring that your commercial fire alarms are optimally configured for both safety and efficiency.
