Detectors may develop faults which might result in repeated unexplained automatic fire alarms. A competent person should check the fire alarm system and carry out any necessary corrective work such as replacing the faulty detector head.
Before testing or doing any maintenance work your alarms you must, if your system is monitored, inform your alarm centre that the testing and maintenance is taking place and inform them when it is completed.
If you have an automatic alarm system, make sure it is installed properly, that you know how it works and it is serviced regularly by a competent person.
Arrange a visit to confirm that the system is still suitable for the premises and that any changes in the use of rooms have not had a detrimental effect on the type of detectors installed.
The British Standards Institutes' BS 5839 has recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of these systems.
Contact your fire alarm maintenance company for advice on reducing the number of false alarms.
Resetting alarms
UK Fire & Rescue Services do not re-set fire alarm systems, resetting the alarm system without proper investigation could also reduce the effectiveness of the subsequent investigation into the cause of the false alarm by a competent engineer.