BS 5839‑1 Fire Alarm Maintenance Training — Complete Course Guide

Professional training in fire alarm inspection, servicing, and routine testing aligned with BS 5839‑1 for non‑domestic buildings.

1. Introduction to Fire Alarm Maintenance

Fire alarm systems are life‑safety systems that must remain operational at all times. Even a single fault can compromise evacuation, delay detection, or cause system failure during a fire. Regular maintenance ensures that the system continues to operate correctly, remains compliant with BS 5839‑1, and provides reliable protection for building occupants.

BS 5839‑1:2025 outlines the maintenance requirements for:

Routine inspection frequencies
Weekly user testing
Periodic servicing
Detector testing and cleaning
Battery testing
Fault investigation
Documentation and logbooks
System modifications and updates

This course provides maintenance engineers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to keep fire alarm systems safe, reliable, and compliant.

2. Who This Course Is For

This BS 5839‑1 Maintenance Training Programme is ideal for:

Fire alarm maintenance engineers
Facilities managers
Fire alarm installers transitioning into servicing roles
Electrical contractors
Responsible persons under fire safety legislation
Building services engineers
Fire safety consultants
Anyone responsible for maintaining fire detection and alarm systems

No prior maintenance experience is required, but basic knowledge of fire alarm systems is recommended.

3. Course Overview (Launching Autumn 2026)

The BS 5839‑1 Maintenance Training Programme will be delivered through structured modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of maintenance. The course will include video demonstrations, downloadable checklists, real‑world examples, and assessments.

Module 1 — Understanding BS 5839‑1 Maintenance Requirements

Legal responsibilities
Competence and training
System categories and maintenance implications
Documentation requirements

Module 2 — Weekly User Testing

How to perform weekly tests
Manual call point testing
Panel checks
Logging results

Module 3 — Periodic Inspection and Servicing

Quarterly inspections
Six‑monthly inspections
Annual servicing
Testing detectors, sounders, and interfaces

Module 4 — Detector Testing and Cleaning

Smoke detector testing
Heat detector testing
Multi‑sensor testing
Cleaning and contamination control

Module 5 — Battery Testing and Power Supplies

Standby battery testing
Load testing
Charger testing
Replacing batteries

Module 6 — Fault Finding and Troubleshooting

Common faults
Open and short circuits
Earth faults
Device failures
Panel diagnostics

Module 7 — Documentation, Logbooks, and Reporting

Logbook requirements
Maintenance certificates
Fault reports
Client communication

Module 8 — System Modifications and Updates

Adding devices
Replacing obsolete equipment
Updating cause & effect
Re‑commissioning after modifications

4. Weekly User Testing

BS 5839‑1 requires that the responsible person performs a weekly test of the fire alarm system. This ensures that the system is operational and that faults are identified quickly.

Weekly Test Procedure

Operate a different manual call point each week
Verify that the alarm sounds correctly
Check that the panel receives the signal
Reset the system
Record the test in the logbook

Weekly testing is simple but essential for ongoing compliance.

5. Periodic Inspection and Servicing

Periodic inspections must be carried out by a competent person. The frequency depends on system size and risk, but BS 5839‑1 recommends:

Quarterly Inspections

Check panel indicators and functions
Test a sample of detectors and call points
Inspect batteries and power supplies
Review fault logs

Six‑Monthly Inspections

Test at least 50% of devices
Test interfaces and outputs
Check cable fixings and containment
Inspect system integrity

Annual Servicing

Test 100% of detectors, call points, and sounders
Clean detectors where required
Perform battery load tests
Verify cause & effect
Update documentation

6. Detector Testing and Cleaning

Detectors must be tested using appropriate equipment and methods.

Smoke Detectors

Use approved smoke test aerosols
Do not use open smoke sources
Check response time
Clean detectors if contaminated

Heat Detectors

Use heat test equipment
Verify correct activation temperature
Check for environmental damage

Multi‑Sensor Detectors

Test both smoke and heat elements
Verify correct mode settings

7. Battery Testing and Power Supplies

Standby batteries are critical for system reliability during power failures.

Battery Testing Requirements

Measure battery voltage
Perform load tests
Check charger output
Inspect for corrosion or swelling

Batteries must be replaced at recommended intervals or when test results indicate deterioration.

8. Fault Finding and Troubleshooting

Faults must be investigated promptly to maintain system integrity.

Common Faults

Open circuits
Short circuits
Earth faults
Device failures
Communication faults
Power supply faults

Fault Investigation Steps

Review panel fault logs
Inspect wiring and connections
Test suspect devices
Check for environmental issues
Document findings

9. Documentation, Logbooks, and Reporting

BS 5839‑1 requires detailed documentation to demonstrate compliance.

Logbook Entries

Weekly tests
Faults and rectification
Servicing visits
Modifications
False alarms

Maintenance Certificates

Issued after each service visit
Detail work completed
List outstanding issues

Reporting to Clients

Provide clear explanations
Highlight urgent issues
Recommend improvements

10. System Modifications and Updates

Systems must be updated when building layouts change or when equipment becomes obsolete.

Modification Requirements

Update drawings
Update cause & effect
Re‑commission affected areas
Issue updated certificates

Modifications must be carried out by competent persons and documented thoroughly.

11. Course Launch Timeline

Lunching Autumn 2026

12. Register Your Interest

Early access
Pre‑launch discounts
Free maintenance checklists
Priority enrolment

13. Related Training

To support practical competence, BH Courses delivers advanced fire‑alarm technical training on leading control panels and equipment

This helps engineers apply BS 5839‑1:2025 principles on real systems and strengthen their operational skills.

14. Summary

This BS 5839‑1 Fire Alarm Maintenance Training page provides a complete overview of the upcoming course, covering weekly testing, periodic servicing, detector testing, battery maintenance, fault finding, documentation, and system updates.

Course coming online Autumn 2026. This page will be updated with final course details, pricing, and enrolment information as development progresses.

Course Status

This course is currently in development and will be available online in Autumn 2026.

BH Courses is developing a complete BS 5839‑1 Maintenance Training Programme covering routine inspections, servicing procedures, fault finding, documentation, and legal responsibilities. This page serves as the official course overview and a comprehensive technical guide for maintenance engineers and responsible persons.