Fire Alarm FAQs — Answers to the Questions Staff Ask Most

Fire alarms are everywhere — in offices, schools, shops, and apartment buildings. But most people still have questions about how they work, what to do when they go off, and how to stay safe. This post answers the most common fire alarm questions asked by non-technical staff, with clear, simple explanations.

1. What’s the difference between a smoke detector and a fire alarm?

A smoke detector senses smoke and may beep locally. A fire alarm system connects multiple detectors, manual call points, sounders, and a control panel — and alerts the whole building when triggered. In commercial buildings, they’re often linked to emergency services or monitoring centers.

2. What does it mean when the fire alarm panel is beeping?

A beeping panel usually means there’s a fault or trouble condition — not a fire. It could be:

  • A disconnected device
  • Low battery
  • Dirty detector
  • Power issue

Don’t ignore it. Report it to your fire alarm service provider.

3. Can I reset the fire alarm panel myself?

Only if you’ve been trained. Resetting the panel without checking the cause can hide real problems. If you’re responsible for the system, learn how to reset it safely with our How to Operate a Fire Alarm Course.

4. How often should the fire alarm be tested?

  • Weekly: Activate one manual call point and check the system
  • Monthly: Inspect batteries and power supply
  • Annually: Full system test by a qualified technician

Local regulations may vary, so check with your building manager or fire safety provider.

5. What should I do when the alarm goes off?

  • Stop what you’re doing
  • Leave the building immediately
  • Use the nearest safe exit (not the lift)
  • Go to the assembly point
  • Wait for instructions

Even if you think it’s a false alarm, treat it seriously.

6. What does “FAULT” or “DISABLEMENT” mean on the panel?

  • FAULT: Something isn’t working properly
  • DISABLEMENT: A part of the system has been turned off (e.g., for maintenance)

Both should be logged and reported. Don’t assume it’s fine just because the alarm isn’t sounding.

Want to Understand Fire Alarms from the Ground Up?

Our Fire Alarm Courses are perfect for anyone curious about how fire alarm systems work, how to test them, and how to troubleshoot faults — no prior experience required.

Final Thoughts

Fire alarms don’t need to be mysterious. With a little knowledge, you’ll know how to respond, what to report, and how to keep your building safe. If your team still has questions, consider printing this FAQ or including it in your next safety briefing.