Fire alarms & emergency lighting
For commercial premises and HMOs, fire alarm and emergency lighting compliance is not optional. We install and maintain BS 5839-1 fire detection systems and BS 5266 emergency lighting across offices, retail, healthcare, hospitality and HMO landlord stock. Annual testing certification provided for insurance and licensing.
- Site fire risk consultation (we work alongside your fire risk assessor)
- Conventional or addressable systems — Apollo, Hochiki, Kentec
- Wireless options for retrofit where wiring is impractical
- Emergency lighting design to BS 5266
- 6-monthly inspection contracts and emergency response cover
- BS-compliant log books and digital certification
Commercial landlords, HMO owners, care homes, schools, hospitality (pubs, hotels, restaurants), healthcare premises and any property with a fire risk assessment that mandates a Grade A1, L2 or D1 system.
Most insurance policies and most local authority HMO licences require a "competent person" to install AND maintain the system. We are NAPIT registered and our testing equipment is calibrated annually — both are commonly demanded by insurers when claims are investigated.
For HMO landlords specifically: the standard requirement under the 2018 HMO regs is a Grade D1 LD2 system in shared houses up to 3 storeys. We can survey and quote a compliant install that satisfies your selective-licensing scheme.
Frequently asked
How often does a fire alarm need testing?
BS 5839 requires a weekly user test (one call point per week, rotated), a 6-monthly competent-person inspection, and an annual certification. Our maintenance contracts cover the latter two and provide guidance on the weekly test.
What grade of system do I need?
It depends on your property type. HMO up to 3 storeys: Grade D1 LD2. Commercial offices: typically L2. Care homes: L1. Your fire risk assessment is the legal document that specifies the grade — if you don't have one, that's a more pressing issue than the alarm itself.
Can I install a wireless system?
Yes, for retrofit projects where wiring would be invasive. Modern wireless systems (Hyfire, EMS) are BS 5839 certified and often the only practical option in listed or occupied buildings. Slightly higher cost up front, faster install, no chasing.
Do you cover emergency lighting too?
Yes — fire alarm and emergency lighting compliance go together for most commercial premises. We design to BS 5266, install self-test or addressable systems, and include the 3-hour discharge test in our maintenance contracts.
What happens during your annual inspection?
Full check of every detector, sounder, call point and battery. Visual inspection of cabling. Verification of the panel log. Battery load test. We provide a digital certificate and a list of any defects with quoted remedials.