18/12/2025
How Often Should Commercial Intruder Alarms Be Serviced?
A reliable intruder alarm isn’t optional for any business that cares about protecting its premises, staff and assets. But even the best system won’t perform properly without regular servicing. UK standards and insurer expectations both make routine maintenance essential, not just a polite suggestion.
Most commercial intruder alarm systems should be serviced at least once a year, but many sites require twice-yearly maintenance depending on risk, system complexity and insurance terms.
This guidance follows industry standards including BS EN 50131, PD 6662, and expectations set by certification bodies such as the SSAIB.
- Low to medium risk sites: 1 service visit per year
- High risk or high-value sites: 2 service visits per year
- Systems with police response (URNs): Insurers often expect 2 visits per year to maintain compliance
Regular intruder alarm maintenance helps ensure:
- Detectors maintain correct sensitivity
- Backup batteries still hold capacity
- Signalling paths (IP, GSM or dual-path) meet performance levels
- Time, date, logs and user codes are correct
- Faults are identified before they cause failures
- The system continues to meet British Standards and insurer requirements
A poorly maintained intruder alarm can invalidate insurance claims. Many insurers explicitly state that systems must be installed and maintained in accordance with PD 6662 and relevant British Standards.
Alongside professional servicing, staff should carry out weekly or monthly user tests, depending on the site. This often includes:
- Testing the alarm’s ability to arm and disarm
- Checking entry/exit routes
- Making sure users know how to operate the system
- Noting and reporting any obvious faults
Servicing helps you keep a system running, but it won’t fix outdated tech. You should consider upgrading if:
- The system is over 10 years old
- You still rely on old PSTN telephone signalling (being phased out)
- The business has expanded and added new security risks
- The system generates regular false alarms
- Insurers request updates to maintain policy validity
Need Support?
Sygma Fire, Security & Electrical provides installation, monitoring and maintenance for commercial intruder alarm systems across the UK. If your intruder alarm is due a service or you want help bringing an older system back up to standard, the team can carry out compliant servicing aligned with BS EN 50131 and PD 6662.
Speak to our Security Team today
Call:
0800 043 6728
Email:
info@sygma.co.uk