What is fire alarm system commissioning and why is it critical for building safety?
- Agatha CandyKitty
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
What is fire alarm commissioning and why is it critical for building safety?
When a fire alarm system is installed, the work doesn’t end with connecting wires and fitting detectors. The most important stage comes afterwards: fire alarm commissioning. It’s the process of checking, testing, and documenting that your fire alarm setup works exactly as it should — protecting both people and property.
What is fire alarm commissioning?
Commissioning fire systems means systematically testing every part of the installation: detectors, manual call points, control panels, sounders, and interfaces with other safety systems. This isn’t just a quick test. It follows a detailed fire system commissioning checklist to confirm that the system complies with BS 5839-1 standards and is safe to hand over to the client.
Why is commissioning critical?
A fire alarm that hasn’t been commissioned is like a car without an MOT — it might work, or it might fail when you need it most. Proper commissioning:
Proves the system meets building safety compliance requirements
Ensures detectors are sensitive enough without causing nuisance alarms
Confirms integration with lifts, doors, smoke vents, or sprinklers
Provides official fire alarm system certification
Fire alarm setup UK: who is responsible?
In the UK, commissioning should be carried out by a competent fire alarm engineer, independent from the installation team where possible. This separation ensures the system is tested objectively before being signed off.
Final handover
Once testing is complete, the building owner receives a full commissioning certificate and documentation — proof that the system has been designed, installed, and tested to standard. Without this, insurers and local authorities may question compliance.
If you’re planning a new fire alarm installation or need your system commissioned, get in touch with us today. We’ll ensure your building is safe, compliant, and certified.
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