LE18 · South Wigston
Fire Alarm Servicing
in South Wigston
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.
Building owners and managers responsible for premises in the borough of Oadby and Wigston have a clear duty to ensure their life safety systems are functional. If you are responsible for a property, arranging professional fire alarm servicing in South Wigston is a practical necessity to ensure your detection system operates as intended during an emergency. The local landscape is defined by its industrial heritage, consisting of dense terraced housing originally built for former factory and barracks workers, alongside a busy local high street and various light industrial premises. Within the LE18 postcode district, these diverse building types—ranging from converted workshops to retail units and houses in multiple occupation—all require tailored maintenance schedules. A fire alarm servicing in South Wigston typically costs £90 to £250 per service visit. This figure is a general guide and the final cost depends entirely on the specific layout and complexity of your building; the firm we pass your enquiry to will provide a formal quote based on your requirements. By so that these systems are checked, you protect both the building fabric and the people living or working within these historic and commercial spaces.
What is included in a fire alarm service
The service visit carried out by the company we put you in touch with is designed to verify that every component of the system responds correctly. The scope of work and the eventual cost are influenced by several technical factors. The number of devices, such as smoke detectors, heat sensors, and manual call points, along with the number of control panels, dictates the time required on-site. The system category also plays a role; a simple Category M manual system involves less testing than automated Category L1 to L5 systems designed for life safety, or P1 and P2 systems intended for property protection.
The physical nature of the site is also relevant, specifically whether the system covers a single building or is networked across several units. The age of the control panel is a significant factor, as older systems may require more intensive testing or face challenges regarding the availability of spare parts. Finally, the frequency of visits—typically two per year for most commercial premises—will be reflected in the service contract provided by the local firm.
How the enquiry works
Leicester Fire Risk Assessment operates as a dedicated enquiry service to bridge the gap between property owners and technical specialists. It is important to understand that we are not the ones doing the work, nor do we employ the technicians. The process follows four straightforward steps:
- You submit your property details and requirements through our enquiry form.
- We pass these details to a local fire safety firm that covers the South Wigston area.
- That firm contacts you directly to discuss your system and provide a specific quote.
- You deal with the firm directly to arrange the service and handle payment.
The legal position for property holders
Fire safety legislation in England and Wales places the burden of responsibility on the ‘Responsible Person’ or duty holder. Under Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, there is a mandatory requirement to ensure that fire safety assets, including fire detection and alarm systems, are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair. This is complemented by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which requires employers to ensure the safety of employees and visitors.
To meet these legal obligations, work is normally carried out against specific British Standards. BS 5839-1:2025 provides the code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises. For domestic properties and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), BS 5839-6 is the relevant guidance. BS 5839-1 recommends that the system is inspected and serviced by a competent person at intervals not exceeding six months. This professional servicing is intended to sit alongside the weekly call point test, which is usually carried out by the occupier or building manager to ensure the panel triggers the sounders.
It is a requirement that these assessments and maintenance tasks are carried out by a competent person with the necessary tools and knowledge. The information provided on this page is for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice for a specific building. In South Wigston, enforcement of these regulations sits with the local fire and rescue service for commercial properties, or the local authority in matters relating to certain housing standards. Failure to maintain a system can lead to enforcement notices or prosecution if the safety of relevant persons is put at risk.
Questions duty holders ask
7 answers
How often should a fire alarm be serviced?
According to the recommendations in BS 5839-1, a fire alarm system should be serviced by a competent person at least every six months. For larger or more complex sites in South Wigston, a risk assessment might suggest more frequent quarterly visits. These professional inspections ensure that the internal components, batteries, and sensors are functioning correctly, which is a separate requirement from the routine checks performed by the building's own staff.
What is the weekly call point test?
The weekly test is a brief check carried out by the building user to ensure the fire alarm system is capable of operating. It involves activating a different manual call point each week using a test key to check that the control panel receives the signal and the sirens sound. The results must be recorded in the fire alarm logbook. This does not replace the six-monthly professional service provided by the local firm we put you in touch with.
What is a category L2 system?
A Category L2 system is an automatic fire detection system designed for the protection of life. It includes smoke or heat detectors in all escape routes and rooms that open onto escape routes, but also adds detection in specific high-risk areas, such as boiler rooms or kitchens. The complexity of an L2 system means that the firm who contacts you will need to test a wider array of sensors compared to a basic manual-only system.
Do I need a fire alarm logbook?
Yes, maintaining a logbook is a critical part of your fire safety record-keeping. The logbook should contain records of all weekly tests, any false alarms, faults, and the certificates issued following six-monthly professional servicing. When a local firm carries out fire alarm servicing in South Wigston, they will usually ask to see this logbook to understand the system's history and will provide the necessary documentation to keep your records up to date.
Can any electrician service a fire alarm?
While many electricians are highly skilled, fire alarm servicing requires specific knowledge of British Standards and the use of specialised testing equipment, such as calibrated smoke dispensers. The person performing the work must be 'competent', meaning they have sufficient training and experience. The service we provide ensures your enquiry is passed to a firm that specialises in fire safety systems rather than general electrical wiring, so that the work meets the required safety standards.
How much does fire alarm servicing cost?
A fire alarm servicing in South Wigston typically costs £90 to £250 per service visit. This price range serves as a guide for standard commercial or residential blocks. The actual price you pay is determined by the firm we put you in touch with and will depend on the number of devices on your system, the age of the equipment, and the travel time involved. You will receive a direct quote from the contractor after they have assessed your requirements.
Is Leicester Fire Risk Assessment a contractor?
No, we are an enquiry service and not a firm of contractors or assessors. We do not attend your premises, we do not carry out the servicing ourselves, and we hold no individual accreditations. Our role is to take the details of your enquiry and pass them to a local fire safety company. That company is then responsible for providing the quote and carrying out the technical work on your fire alarm system.
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.