BS 5839-1 & BS 5266-1 Compliant

Fire Alarm Installation & Emergency Light Testing

Professional fire alarm system design, installation, and maintenance. Comprehensive emergency lighting testing and smoke control inspections. All services compliant with British Standards and backed by experienced engineers.

Active Fire Protection Systems You Can Rely On

Fire alarm systems and emergency lighting are critical active fire protection measures that provide early warning and safe evacuation routes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure these systems are properly installed, regularly tested, and maintained in working order.

Firesurv Group provides comprehensive fire alarm and emergency lighting services from initial design through installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. Our systems are designed to BS 5839-1 (fire detection and alarm) and BS 5266-1 (emergency lighting), ensuring full compliance with building regulations and fire safety requirements.

Whether you need a new fire alarm system for a commercial building, emergency lighting testing for your workplace, or ongoing maintenance contracts, our experienced engineers deliver reliable solutions tailored to your needs.

Our Fire Alarm & Emergency Lighting Services

Complete active fire protection solutions from design to ongoing maintenance

Fire Alarm System Inspection & Testing

Planned fire alarm inspection and testing aligned to BS 5839-1, with clear reporting of defects, faults, and recommended corrective actions to maintain system integrity.

What's Included:

  • Weekly alarm tests coordination and verification
  • Monthly cause and effect testing
  • Quarterly visual inspections of all devices
  • Six-monthly functional testing of detectors
  • Annual comprehensive system inspection
  • Battery and power supply testing
  • Control panel function verification
  • Sounders and visual alarm device testing
  • Fault finding and diagnosis
  • Detailed test certificates and reports
  • Compliance with BS 5839-1:2017
  • Maintenance log book management

Fire Alarm Installation

Professional fire alarm installation and fire alarm system installation services. Commercial fire alarm installation for businesses of all sizes, covering London and UK-wide with systems designed to BS 5839-1.

What's Included:

  • Fire alarm system design to BS 5839-1
  • Category L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 systems
  • Category M (manual) systems
  • Category P1 and P2 property protection
  • Conventional fire alarm systems
  • Addressable fire alarm systems
  • Wireless fire alarm solutions
  • Aspirating smoke detection (ASD)
  • Beam detectors for high ceilings
  • Integration with sprinkler systems
  • Connection to alarm receiving centres
  • Full commissioning and handover
  • Third-party certification available
  • Ongoing maintenance packages

Emergency Light Testing

Comprehensive emergency light testing and testing of emergency lighting to meet emergency lighting regulations. Regular checking of emergency lighting to confirm escape routes remain suitably illuminated during power loss.

What's Included:

  • Monthly functional flick tests
  • Annual full duration discharge tests
  • Three-hour duration verification
  • Lux level measurements on escape routes
  • Battery condition assessment
  • Lamp and LED output verification
  • Charging system functionality checks
  • Self-test unit verification
  • Exit sign illumination testing
  • Central battery system testing
  • Detailed test certificates
  • Compliance with BS 5266-1
  • Maintenance log book entries
  • Remedial recommendations

Smoke Control & AOV Visual Inspections

Condition and functionality checks of smoke control measures, including AOV (Automatic Opening Vent) systems, smoke ventilation, and basic compliance observations with detailed reporting.

What's Included:

  • AOV window and vent operation testing
  • Manual override function verification
  • Automatic trigger testing from detectors
  • Control panel function checks
  • Battery backup verification
  • Smoke shaft and lobby ventilation assessment
  • Natural ventilation system checks
  • Mechanical smoke extract inspection
  • Environmental conditions assessment
  • Integration with fire alarm testing
  • Compliance with BS EN 12101
  • Visual condition reporting
  • Remedial recommendations
  • Test certificates provided

Fire Alarm System Categories (BS 5839-1)

We design and install fire alarm systems across all categories to match your building's requirements

Category L1

Full coverage - all areas protected

Category L2

Coverage of escape routes plus high-risk rooms

Category L3

Coverage of escape routes only

Category L4

Coverage of escape routes (residential)

Category L5

Custom system to specific requirements

Category P1

Property protection - full coverage

Category P2

Property protection - defined areas

Category M

Manual system - call points only

Fire Detection & Alarm System Types

Conventional Fire Alarms
Addressable Fire Alarms
Wireless Fire Alarms
Aspirating Smoke Detection
Beam Detectors
Heat Detectors
Multi-Sensor Detectors
Carbon Monoxide Detection
Sprinkler Integration
Voice Alarm Systems
Disabled Refuge Systems
Central Battery Systems

Testing & Maintenance Schedules

Fire Alarm Testing (BS 5839-1)

  • Weekly: Call point test
  • Monthly: Cause & effect
  • Quarterly: Visual inspection
  • 6-Monthly: Detector testing
  • Annual: Full inspection

Emergency Lighting (BS 5266-1)

  • Daily: Visual check (indicators)
  • Monthly: Brief function test
  • Annual: Full duration test (3hr)
  • 3-Yearly: Full photometric test

Areas We Cover

London
Essex
Kent
Surrey
Hertfordshire
Suffolk
Norfolk
Cambridgeshire
South East England
UK Nationwide

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should fire alarms be tested?

BS 5839-1 requires weekly testing of the fire alarm system (typically a different call point each week), monthly cause and effect testing, quarterly visual inspections, six-monthly detector testing, and annual comprehensive inspections. We can provide all levels of testing and maintenance.

What fire alarm category do I need?

The required category depends on your premises type, use, and risk level. Category L1 provides the highest level of life protection (all areas), while L3 covers escape routes. Your fire risk assessment should specify the required category. We can advise on the appropriate system for your building.

How often should emergency lighting be tested?

BS 5266-1 requires monthly functional tests (brief operation check) and annual full-duration tests (complete battery discharge). The annual test must verify the system operates for its rated duration, typically 3 hours. Records of all tests must be maintained.

Why is my fire alarm beeping?

Fire alarms beeping intermittently usually indicates a fault condition such as low battery, detector contamination, or system fault. Our engineers can diagnose and resolve fire alarm faults quickly. Never ignore a beeping fire alarm - contact us for prompt assistance.

Do I need third-party certification for my fire alarm?

While not always legally required, third-party certification provides independent verification that your system has been designed, installed, and maintained to recognised standards. Many insurers and building control authorities require or prefer certified systems.

Need Fire Alarm or Emergency Lighting Services?

Contact our expert team for system design, installation, testing, or maintenance.