When was the last time your fire alarm system was properly tested?
It’s a question most business owners can’t answer with confidence. And that’s a problem – because under UK fire safety law, regular testing and maintenance of your fire alarm isn’t optional. It’s a legal duty.
At RJ Wilson, we make fire alarm checks straightforward. No fuss. No jargon. Just thorough, professional testing carried out by qualified engineers who know exactly what they’re looking for – and what to do if they find a fault.
Why Regular Fire Alarm Testing Matters
A fire alarm system is only as good as its last test. Components fail over time. Sensors get dusty. Batteries degrade. Control panels develop faults. None of that is obvious until something goes wrong – and by then, it could be too late.
Regular fire alarm checks ensure your system will actually do its job when it’s needed most.
Beyond safety, there’s also the legal side to consider. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the ‘responsible person’ for any non-domestic premises is required to ensure that fire detection and alarm systems are properly maintained. Failure to do so can result in enforcement action, significant fines – and in the worst cases, criminal liability.
Your insurer may also require documented proof of regular maintenance. Without it, a claim following a fire could be refused.
What's Included in Our Fire Alarm Checks
Every fire alarm check carried out by RJ Wilson is thorough, systematic and fully documented. Here’s what we cover:
Weekly User Tests We can advise and support you in carrying out the simple weekly tests that you’re responsible for as the building occupier – helping you understand what to check and how to record it correctly.
Six-Monthly Service Visits In line with BS 5839 Part 1 (the British Standard for fire detection and alarm systems in buildings), we recommend a minimum of two service visits per year. During each visit, our engineers will:
- Test every detector, call point and sounder in the system
- Inspect the control panel and check for faults or warning indicators
- Test the battery backup to confirm it meets required standby times
- Check all wiring and connections for signs of damage or deterioration
- Verify that the system responds correctly and that outputs (including door releases and remote monitoring signals) are functioning
- Review the system logbook and update it with a full service record
Fault Investigation & Remedial Work If we find a fault, we won’t just flag it and leave. We’ll explain what it is, what caused it, and give you a clear, honest quote to put it right. Most minor faults can be fixed on the same visit.
Compliance Certificates Following every service visit, we issue a full service report and compliance certificate. This gives you documented evidence of maintenance – essential for insurance purposes, fire risk assessments and any inspection by the fire authority.
How Often Should a Fire Alarm Be Tested?
The short answer: more often than most people realise.
| Check Type | Frequency | Who Carries It Out |
|---|---|---|
| Manual call point test | Weekly | Building occupier / responsible person |
| Full system service | Every 6 months | Qualified engineer (us) |
| Battery & standby power check | Every 6 months | Qualified engineer (us) |
| Full system inspection | Annually (minimum) | Qualified engineer (us) |
If your system is older, covers a larger or more complex building, or operates in a higher-risk environment, more frequent checks may be required. We’ll give you an honest assessment based on what we find.
Who We Work With
Our fire alarm check service covers a wide range of premises across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. We regularly service fire alarm systems in:
- Commercial offices and business parks
- Retail units and shopping areas
- Schools, colleges and educational facilities
- Warehouses and industrial units
- HMOs and residential blocks
- Healthcare settings and care homes
- Hospitality venues, pubs and hotels
Whether you have a small conventional system or a large addressable network covering multiple buildings, we have the expertise to service it correctly.
Why Choose RJ Wilson for Fire Alarm Checks?
Why Choose RJ Wilson for Fire Alarm Checks?
We’re BAFE Registered
BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) registration is the recognised mark of quality in the fire protection industry. It means our engineers are qualified, our processes are audited, and our work meets the standards set by BS 5839. When you use a BAFE-registered company like RJ Wilson, you can be confident the job’s done properly.
We Know the Systems
Over 20 years of experience in fire alarm installation and maintenance means we’ve worked on virtually every system type and brand out there. Whatever you’ve got, we’ll know it.
We’re Local
We’re based in Lincolnshire and work across the East Midlands and East of England. That means faster response times, local knowledge, and engineers who are part of the same communities as our clients.
No Hard Sell
We’ll tell you what your system needs. If it’s fine, we’ll say so. If it needs attention, we’ll explain why and give you a fair price. Simple as that.
Planned Maintenance Contracts
For businesses that want complete peace of mind, we offer planned maintenance contracts that cover all scheduled visits throughout the year. A contract means:
- Regular visits are automatically booked in – no chasing required
- Priority response if a fault is reported between visits
- Full documentation for every visit, available on request
- A single, predictable annual cost
Planned maintenance contracts are available for standalone sites or multi-site businesses. Get in touch to discuss what would work best for you.
Get in Touch for a Free Quote
If your fire alarm hasn’t been serviced recently – or you’re not sure when it last was – now’s the time to sort it.
Get in touch with the RJ Wilson team for a no-obligation quote on fire alarm checks and servicing. We’ll take a look at what you have, tell you what needs doing, and give you an honest, straightforward price.
📞 01522 427 113