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Fire alarm help: silencing, resetting and faults
How to reset a fire alarm is the question we're asked most. The answer starts with safety: find out why it went off first. Then pick your panel below.
Pick your make
The make is usually printed on the panel, keypad, recorder or motor cover. If you can't find it, call us and we'll tell you.
C-TEC
CFP conventional panels (2, 4 and 8 zone)
Advanced
MxPro 5 panels
Morley-IAS
Dimension DX panels
Haes
Fusion and conventional panels
How it works
Most fire panels work the same way. Mute quietens the panel's own buzzer. Silence stops the sounders around the building, needs a key or your user code, and should only be used once the cause is known. Reset clears the alarm, but only once the cause has gone.
A fault is different from a fire alarm. The panel has found a problem it can't fix itself, such as a wiring fault, a flat battery or a detector that isn't responding. Mute the buzzer, write it in your log book and call us. Pressing reset won't fix a fault.
Keep it working
Simple checks between services catch most problems early. See how to look after your fire alarm system.
Printable help sheets
Book a service or repair
Tell us what you need and when suits you. It goes straight to our office and we'll confirm the details with you.
Book a serviceCall 01635 938998Common questions
How do I reset my fire alarm?
Find the cause first. Once the building is confirmed safe, silence the sounders with your key or user code, press reset and call us. Our brand guides show the steps for C-TEC, Advanced, Morley and Haes panels.
Why won't my fire alarm reset?
Usually the cause is still there, such as a pressed call point or smoke or steam near a detector. Some panels also won't reset until the sounders are silenced. If you can't find the cause, call us.
What's the difference between a fire and a fault?
A fire alarm means a detector or call point has triggered. A fault means the panel has found a problem with itself or its wiring, so part of the building may not be protected.
The panel keeps beeping. How do I stop it?
Press the mute or buzzer silence button. That quietens the panel but the fault is still there, so call Fortline on 01635 938998.
Can I turn off a zone that keeps going off?
No. A disabled zone can't detect a fire. Call us and we'll find the cause.