Definition
False Alarm
A false alarm, or unwanted fire signal (UWFS), is an activation of a fire alarm system that does not result from a genuine fire. False alarms waste fire and rescue service resources, desensitise occupants to alarm signals, and reduce the effectiveness of the fire safety system. BS 5839-1 requires responsible persons and their engineers to investigate and address recurring false alarms by reviewing detector siting, type selection, and building processes.
Terms mentioned in this definition
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- Fire Alarm Control PanelFire Alarm SystemsA fire alarm control panel (FACP) is the central processing unit of a fire alarm system, receiving signals from detectors and manual call points, triggering sounders, and indicating the zone or device address of an alarm or fault. It must be installed, commissioned, and maintained by a competent engineer in accordance with BS 5839-1:2017, and must be accessible to the fire and rescue service on arrival.View definition
- Smoke DetectorFire Alarm SystemsA smoke detector is an automatic fire detection device that senses airborne combustion particles and transmits an alarm signal to the fire alarm control panel. The two principal types are optical (photoelectric) detectors, suited to slow-smouldering fires, and ionisation detectors, suited to fast-flaming fires. Both types must be selected, positioned, and maintained in accordance with BS 5839.View definition
- Heat DetectorFire Alarm SystemsA heat detector is an automatic fire detection device that triggers an alarm when ambient temperature exceeds a fixed threshold (fixed-temperature type) or rises faster than a set rate (rate-of-rise type). Heat detectors are used in environments unsuitable for smoke detectors — such as kitchens, garages, and dusty plant rooms — and must be selected and maintained in accordance with BS 5839.View definition
- BS 5839Fire Regulations & StandardsBS 5839 is the British Standard covering the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in the UK. It is published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and is divided into multiple parts, each covering specific building types or system components.View definition
- Addressable Fire Alarm SystemFire Alarm SystemsAn addressable fire alarm system is a type of fire detection network in which every device — including detectors, call points, and sounders — is assigned a unique electronic address, enabling the fire alarm control panel to identify the exact location of an alarm or fault within a building.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
A false alarm, or unwanted fire signal (UWFS), is an activation of a fire alarm system that does not result from a genuine fire. False alarms waste fire and rescue service resources, desensitise occupants to alarm signals, and reduce the effectiveness of the fire safety system. BS 5839-1 requires responsible persons and their engineers to investigate and address recurring false alarms by reviewing detector siting, type selection, and building processes.
Requirements for false alarm in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
False Alarm and Fire Alarm Control Panel are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to false alarm. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.