LE12 · Mountsorrel
Fire Alarm Servicing
in Mountsorrel
Fire detection and alarm systems must be maintained in efficient working order. BS 5839-1 recommends servicing by a competent person at intervals not exceeding six months, alongside the weekly call point test carried out by the occupier.
Duty summary
England & Wales
- Duty
- Fire Alarm Servicing
- Instrument
- article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Also
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Standard
- BS 5839-1:2025 for non-domestic systems and BS 5839-6 for domestic and HMO systems
- Frequency
- At intervals not exceeding six months, alongside the occupier's weekly call point test
- Carried out by
- A competent person
- Enforced by
- Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
- Guide price
- £90 – £250 per service visit
Guide price only. The firm we pass your enquiry to sets its own price once it knows the building.
Managing a commercial property or a multi-occupancy building requires a consistent approach to safety, particularly regarding the maintenance of life-safety systems. If you are responsible for a premises, arranging regular fire alarm servicing in Mountsorrel ensures that your detection system remains functional and compliant with current standards. The village, situated along the old main road, features a diverse architectural landscape, from the historic core and traditional pubs to the industrial facilities associated with the large granite quarry. These varied structures, spanning the LE12 postcode district, present different challenges for fire safety. For instance, the dust and vibration from quarrying activities can affect the sensitivity of smoke detectors, while older pubs may have complex layouts that require specific sensor placements. Whether you manage a small retail unit or a large industrial site, the system must be tested to ensure it will perform in an emergency. A fire alarm servicing in Mountsorrel typically costs £90 to £250 per service visit, although this figure depends entirely on the size of the building and the complexity of the installation. The final quote will be provided directly by the local firm we put you in touch with.
What the service visit involves
The scope of a fire alarm service visit is determined by the size of the system and the category of protection required for the building. A technician from the local firm will typically test a representative sample of devices during each visit to ensure the control panel receives the correct signals. The cost and duration of the work are influenced by the number of smoke detectors, heat sensors, and manual call points installed across the site. The category of the system—such as M for manual systems, L1 to L5 for life protection, or P1 and P2 for property protection—dictates the complexity of the testing process.
Other factors that affect the service include whether the site consists of a single building or multiple interconnected structures. The age of the control panel is also a consideration, as older systems may require more intensive testing or the sourcing of obsolete spare parts. Most service agreements are based on two visits per year, though high-risk sites may require more frequent inspections. The firm will check the battery backup levels and ensure that the sounders are audible throughout the designated areas.
How the enquiry works
Leicester Fire Risk Assessment operates as a dedicated enquiry service to help you find a suitable provider for your maintenance needs. The process follows these four steps:
- You provide the details of your building and the type of fire alarm system currently installed via our enquiry form.
- We pass these details to a local fire safety firm that covers the Mountsorrel area.
- That firm contacts you directly to discuss your requirements and provide a formal quote for the work.
- You deal with the firm directly to schedule the service and settle the payment.
We do not carry out the assessments ourselves, nor do we employ the engineers who attend your site.
The legal position for duty holders
The maintenance of fire detection systems is a statutory requirement under article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation dictates that fire safety equipment must be subject to a suitable system of maintenance and be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair. Furthermore, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a general duty on employers to ensure the health and safety of employees and others on the premises, which includes providing functional warning systems.
For non-domestic systems, the work is normally carried out against the guidance found in BS 5839-1:2025. For domestic premises and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), the relevant guidance is BS 5839-6. These British Standards recommend that a fire alarm system should be inspected by a competent person at intervals not exceeding six months. This professional servicing is intended to complement the weekly call point test, which must be carried out by the occupier or a designated staff member to ensure the system triggers correctly.
It is essential that these inspections are performed by a competent person with the necessary tools and technical knowledge. Failure to maintain a system can lead to enforcement action by the local fire and rescue service or the local authority, depending on the type of premises. Please note that the information provided here is for general guidance and does not constitute specific legal advice for your particular building.
Questions duty holders ask
7 answers
How often should a fire alarm be serviced?
Under the recommendations of BS 5839-1, a fire alarm system in a non-domestic building should be serviced by a competent person at least every six months. Some high-risk buildings or very large sites may require quarterly visits to ensure all components are tested within a twelve-month cycle. The firm we put you in touch with will be able to advise on the appropriate frequency based on the specific risks present in your Mountsorrel premises.
What is the weekly call point test?
The weekly test is a brief check carried out by the building user to ensure the system is operational. It involves activating a different manual call point each week during normal working hours to confirm the control panel triggers the alarm and the sounders activate. This is a separate requirement from the professional six-monthly service. The results of these weekly tests must be recorded in the fire alarm logbook to demonstrate ongoing compliance to fire inspectors.
What is a category L2 system?
An L2 system is a type of automatic fire detection system designed for the protection of life. It includes smoke or heat detectors in all escape routes and rooms opening onto escape routes, but also adds detection in specific high-risk areas, such as boiler rooms or kitchens. Because L2 systems involve more devices than a basic L5 or M system, the time required for a technician to test every component may be longer, which can influence the service cost.
Do I need a fire alarm logbook?
Yes, maintaining a fire alarm logbook is a critical part of your fire safety records. It serves as a formal history of the system, where you record weekly tests, false alarms, faults, and the details of professional service visits. When a local firm completes a service in Mountsorrel, they will sign the logbook to confirm the work has been done. If the fire and rescue service inspects your building, the logbook is often the first document they will ask to see.
Can any electrician service a fire alarm?
While many electricians are highly skilled, fire alarm servicing requires specific knowledge of the BS 5839 standards and the ability to test the software and battery components of the alarm panel. The person carrying out the work must be a 'competent person', meaning they have the appropriate training and equipment. The company we pass your enquiry to will be a specialist firm that focuses on fire safety systems rather than general electrical wiring.
How much does fire alarm servicing cost in Mountsorrel?
The cost of a service visit typically ranges from £90 to £250. This range covers the majority of small to medium-sized commercial properties in the village. However, the final price is determined by the number of devices on the circuit and the complexity of the panel. As an enquiry service, we do not set these prices; the local firm we put you in touch with will provide a specific quote after reviewing your details.
What happens if a fault is found during the service?
If the technician from the local firm identifies a fault, such as a failing battery or a defective detector, they will inform you immediately. They will usually provide a separate quote for the repairs, as these are generally not included in the standard service fee. Because we are an enquiry service and not the contractor, any follow-up repairs or replacement parts are handled directly between you and the fire safety company you have chosen to work with.
Sources and review
Checked against Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 art.17, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, BS 5839-1:2025 and BS 5839-6 on . We recheck this page against the legislation quarterly, and sooner if the law changes. Spotted something wrong? Tell us at enquiries@leicesterfireriskassessment.co.uk and we will correct it.
Fire Alarm Servicing nearby
Other duties at the same premises
This page is general information about fire safety law in England and Wales. It is not a fire risk assessment and it is not legal advice. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 the Responsible Person must ensure an assessment is carried out by a competent person.