How Often Should Fire Alarms and Emergency Lighting Be Tested

Testing fire alarms and emergency lighting is not optional.
Both systems must work every single time you need them, and the law requires responsible persons to ensure regular testing, maintenance and accurate record keeping.

Across the buildings we support in Chester, the North West and North Wales, most enforcement issues arise not from broken equipment but from missing tests, poor records or inconsistent checks.

This page sets out exactly how often you must test these systems and what good compliance looks like.

Fire Alarm Testing Requirements

Fire alarms have two types of testing:

  1. Routine weekly testing

  2. Periodic inspections and servicing

Both are required. One does not replace the other.

1. Weekly Fire Alarm Test (Responsible Person)

Every building with a fire alarm system must complete a weekly test, conducted by the responsible person or someone they appoint.

A proper weekly test should include:

  • Activating at least one manual call point

  • Rotating call points weekly so all are tested over time

  • Checking the panel responds correctly

  • Confirming the alarm is audible where expected

  • Resetting the system correctly

  • Recording the test in the logbook

Small residential blocks and simple buildings still need this, unless the FRA specifically says otherwise.

Common problems we see

  • Tests not logged

  • Same call point tested every week

  • Sounders not checked

  • Staff unsure how to reset the panel

  • No nominated tester during holiday periods

Fire services regularly ask to see weekly test records during audits.

2. Six Monthly Fire Alarm Service (Competent Engineer)

A qualified alarm engineer must service the system every six months.

The servicing should include:

  • Testing detectors

  • Checking manual call points

  • Examining sounders

  • Checking battery condition

  • Verifying the panel is functioning correctly

  • Testing interface devices (such as magnetic fire door releases)

  • Reviewing fault logs

  • Ensuring compliance with BS 5839

This is where deeper technical issues are identified.

Annual vs Six Monthly

Some small, simple systems can be serviced once per year, but most buildings — especially HMOs, conversions, multi storey buildings and commercial sites — require six monthly servicing.

Across the region, six monthly servicing is the standard expected by insurers.

Emergency Lighting Testing Requirements

Emergency lighting supports safe evacuation if the mains lighting fails.
It requires two types of testing:

  1. Monthly flick test

  2. Annual full duration test

1. Monthly Flick Test (Responsible Person)

Every month, the responsible person must:

  • Briefly interrupt the power supply to the emergency lighting circuit

  • Check each luminaire illuminates

  • Restore power

  • Record the test in the logbook

The test only needs to last a few seconds — it is a simple functionality check.

Common mistakes

  • Failing to test all circuits

  • Not checking remote or basement areas

  • No records or inconsistent documentation

  • Lights left in emergency mode too long

Even a small missed step can result in non compliance.

2. Annual Full Duration Test (Competent Engineer)

This is a more thorough test carried out by a competent contractor.

It involves:

  • Running the emergency lighting on battery backup for the full rated duration (usually three hours)

  • Confirming that all luminaires remain illuminated for the full duration

  • Identifying any failures or weak batteries

  • Providing a service report and any remedial recommendations

If the lights fail before the required duration, the system is considered non compliant.

Record Keeping Is a Legal Requirement

During fire service audits, inspectors will ask for:

  • Weekly fire alarm test logs

  • Monthly emergency lighting test logs

  • Six monthly fire alarm service records

  • Annual emergency lighting service reports

  • Fault logs

  • Completion certificates

  • Evidence of any corrective work

If records do not exist, the system is considered not tested, even if tests were carried out.

Signs Your Testing Arrangements Need Reviewing

You may need to update your testing regime if:

  • Tests are not recorded consistently

  • Staff do not know how to perform tests

  • You rely solely on maintenance firms for compliance

  • The panel has recurring faults

  • The FRA has identified issues

  • Parts of the building are never checked

  • No one is nominated to test during staff absence

These are common reasons for enforcement notices.

The Fletcher Risk approach

We help responsible persons achieve full compliance by providing:

  • Fire risk assessments

  • Fire alarm and emergency lighting reviews

  • Competence guidance for staff testers

  • Logbook templates

  • Contractor oversight

  • Pre audit preparation

  • Remedial action tracking

If you manage buildings across Chester, the North West or North Wales, we can help ensure your testing regime meets legal and practical expectations.

Book a fire risk assessment or speak to the team:
https://www.fletcherrisk.co.uk

Disclaimer

This page provides general guidance only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for a full fire risk assessment or professional consultation. Fire safety requirements depend on building type, condition and occupancy. Fletcher Risk Management Ltd accepts no liability for decisions made based on this content. Always consult a competent professional for guidance on your property.

Fletcher Risk Team - 27 November 2025

Tim Fletcher