Weekly Fire Alarm Testing — How to Do It Right
Weekly fire alarm testing isn’t just a formality — it’s a vital routine that ensures your system is ready to protect lives and property. Whether you're a building manager, office administrator, or responsible for fire safety in any capacity, knowing how to conduct a proper weekly test is essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the correct procedure, common mistakes to avoid, and how to make testing part of your building’s safety culture.
Why Weekly Testing Matters
Fire alarm systems are complex, and even small faults can compromise their performance. Weekly testing helps:
- Confirm that manual call points and sounders are working
- Identify faults early before they become failures
- Ensure occupants recognize the alarm sound
- Maintain compliance with international fire safety standards
What Should Be Tested Weekly?
The weekly test focuses on manual call points — also known as break glass units — and the system’s ability to respond correctly.
Key components to check:
- One manual call point (rotate weekly)
- Sounders and visual alerts
- Control panel response
- Any linked systems (e.g., door releases, smoke vents)
Step-by-Step: How to Conduct a Weekly Fire Alarm Test
1. Notify Occupants
Let everyone in the building know when the test will occur. This avoids panic and ensures people recognize the alarm sound.
2. Disable External Alerts (if applicable)
If your system is connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), contact them and place the system in test mode.
3. Activate a Manual Call Point
Use a test key to trigger one call point. Rotate locations weekly to ensure full coverage over time.
4. Confirm System Response
Check that:
- The alarm sounds throughout the building
- The control panel displays the correct zone or device
- Any linked systems (e.g., door releases) activate properly
5. Reset the System
Use the test key to reset the call point. Silence and reset the control panel.
6. Record the Test
Log the date, time, location, and result in your fire alarm logbook. Consistent documentation is key for audits and maintenance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Testing the same call point every week
- Forgetting to notify occupants or ARC
- Failing to reset the system properly
- Skipping documentation
- Ignoring feedback from occupants (e.g., poor audibility)
Learn How to Operate Fire Alarm Systems with Confidence
If you're responsible for a fire alarm system but unsure how to interpret panel messages, reset alarms, or run weekly tests, our How to Operate a Fire Alarm module is designed for non-technical users. It’s perfect for building managers, office staff, and anyone who needs hands-on confidence.
Want to Understand Fire Alarms from the Ground Up?
Our Fire Alarms for Beginners course is the ideal starting point for anyone looking to learn how fire alarm systems work, how to test them, and how to troubleshoot faults — no prior experience required.
Final Thoughts
Weekly fire alarm testing is simple, but powerful. Done correctly, it builds trust in your system, keeps your building compliant, and ensures everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Make it part of your routine — and make it count.