Comprehensive Testing for Maximum Protection

Protect your property or building with compliant fire detection and alarm systems. At Wade Electrical and Fire we are experienced in fire detection equipment and are qualified to design, install, certificate and test your premises.

At Wade Electrical and Fire we can assist in a number of fire related works including-

– Domestic fire alarm installations

– Commercial fire alarm installations

– Testing and inspections – semi annual and annual

– Communal or block fire alarm testing

Contact us to enquire about our fire detection services

How often do fire panels need testing?

Fire alarms testing should be completed every six months as well as a yearly test. These will be semi-annual and annual tests to ensure suitability and correct operation of the current fire detection system

What is a semi-annual fire alarm test?

A semi annual fire alarm test is completed every 6 months and is less in depth than annual fire alarm testing. The works involved include:

• Visual inspection of system
• Battery fault and capacity test
• Testing of 1 point per zone of panel
• Recording of log book information

What is an annual fire alarm test?

An annual fire alarm test is a is a more in depth first alarm inspection and test and will involved testing of:

• Testing of all detector heads and call points
• External stimulus of smoke or heat for relevant detectors
• Call points engaged and tested
• Battery capacity testing
• Inspection and confirmation of compliance with relevant documents

Who is responsible for fire safety in commercial premises?

It is the responsibility of the:

• an employer
• the owner
• the landlord
• an occupier
• anyone else with control of the premises, for example a facilities manager, building manager, managing agent or risk assessor

What fines can be enforced if we do not comply with fire safety?

Fines for not complying with fire safety can be severe including a financial penalty or potentially a prison sentence. These may be imposed even if there has been no actual case of fire, if a regulatory body such as a local council or fire marshall find that you are not complying with fire regulations they can issues penalties and even cease trading at a commercial premises.

Landlords fire responsibilities for non HMO housing:

Landlords as part of there duty of care to there tenants must provide:

• A smoke alarm on every liveable floor
• Provide buildings with clear access to escape routes
• All furniture and furnishing are ‘fire safe’ and have suitable fire safe labelling
• Provide a carbon alarm for any solid fuel burning appliance and boiler

Landlords fire responsibilities for HMO housing:

Landlords who rent a house of multiple occupancy must comply to more stringent standards than non HMO properties. Each local authority have their own regulations regarding categorisation of what constitutes a HMO, please refer to relevant council information for classification. Their responsibilities will be detailed In the Lacors Fire Safety Guidelines. Depending on the number of floors and number of residents.

What are some of the most common issues found during testing of fire alarms?

Some of the common issues found during fire alarm testing are:

• Incorrectly sited fire detector heads
• Damaged or painted detectors
• Defective head not operating with external stimulus
• Out of date accessories
• Fault codes on panel

Can anyone do a fire alarm test?

Fire alarm testing should be completed by a competent person with relevant knowledge of BS 5839

What certificate do I receive with a fire alarms test?

You will receive a relevant fire certificate with any recommendations to bring the system up to standard or a compliant report.