Education
Fire Equipment Servicing in Singapore: What’s Required, How Often, and Why It Matters
Published on 04 Nov 2025
Fire protection equipment can be seen all around us, it lives in the background until the moment they are needed. When they fail, the results can be severe, resulting in injuries, loss of property, business interruption, or worst fatality.
Did you know? In Singapore, as part of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)’s Code of Practice, the registered owner, occupier or facility manager must ensure that all fire protection systems are maintained in working condition.
That means your fire extinguishers, hose reels, fire alarms, sprinklers, suppression systems, emergency lighting and more must not only be installed correctly but they must be serviced and maintained. Servicing is not an optional extra but a foundational part of your fire safety strategy and your regulatory duty.
At Asiatic Fire System, we bring over six decades of experience working across Singapore’s commercial, industrial, marine and residential sectors. With thousands of partners and customer trusting us in their servicing needs, we’ve developed deep expertise in maintaining fire protection systems at every scale. From small retail outlets to large-scale industrial facilities, our teams of qualified engineers and technicians apply proven procedures and compliance best practice. We believe that effective servicing isn’t simply about ticking a compliance box but rather we focus on providing true readiness, peace of mind and protection when it matters most.
Understanding Preventive and Corrective Maintenance
Fire systems need regular care to perform when it matters. That’s where preventive and corrective maintenance come in.
Preventive maintenance focuses on routine checks and servicing done at a certain period. It helps detect damages and faults early, keeping systems reliable and extending their lifespan. Examples include checking extinguisher pressure, testing alarms, and inspecting hose reels or sprinklers for leaks or corrosion.
Corrective maintenance takes place after a problem is found or when the system has been activated. This could involve refilling discharged cylinders, replacing damaged parts, or repairing faulty components. The goal is to restore full functionality and compliance as quickly as possible.
Both types are essential. Preventive work keeps your systems ready, while corrective work brings them back to readiness.
So, When Is It Time to Service?
In Singapore, the maintenance of fire protection systems isn’t just good practice, it’s part of responsible building management. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Fire Code requires all fire protection systems in commercial, industrial, and public buildings to be properly maintained and kept in full working condition.
But do note that different equipment types have specific servicing intervals:
- Portable fire extinguishers: serviced once a year in accordance with SS 578, with hydrostatic testing every five years.
- Fire hose reels: inspected and tested annually following SS 575.
- Automatic fire alarm systems: tested quarterly and annually under SS 645.
- Emergency lighting and exit signs: checked monthly and tested yearly as per SS 563.
- Sprinkler and suppression systems: inspected quarterly and annually.
- Fire hydrants and dry risers: pressure tested annually.
For residential properties, the rules differ slightly. While private homeowners aren’t legally required to service firefighting equipment inside their homes, the SCDF strongly encourages maintaining basic fire safety tools such as portable extinguishers and smoke alarms. In condominiums and other shared residential estates, however, fire protection systems in common areas must still be regularly serviced by qualified contractors in accordance with SCDF guidelines.
Tips For Your Next Servicing
In Singapore, fire protection servicing must be handled by qualified professionals who are trained and certified to meet regulatory standards. Always ensure that only recognised contractors/technician perform this work because when it comes to life safety, precision and accountability matter.
For example, portable fire extinguishers must be serviced by companies approved by recognised certification bodies such as TÜV SÜD PSB. These providers follow strict quality and testing procedures, including the use of calibrated tools and proper documentation. Likewise, commercial, industrial, and shared residential buildings are required to engage SCDF-recognised fire protection contractors to maintain systems such as alarms, sprinklers, hose reels, and suppression systems. Every service must be recorded in a Fire Safety Register or logbook, ready for inspection when needed.
When servicing is carried out, there are a few key things to look out for:
• Servicing tags and documentation: Each piece of Fire Protection equipment should have a valid tag with the company’s name, service date, and technician’s initials.
• Clear inspection process: Technicians should visually check, test, and verify that all systems operate correctly and safely.
• Traceable reporting: Ask for a service report or inspection checklist that outlines what was done, what was replaced, and any follow-up actions.
• Hydrotesting and cylinder lifespan: Cylinders such as extinguishers require hydrostatic testing every five years to confirm their structural integrity. During servicing, check the cylinder’s manufacturing year and next test due date printed on the body to ensure it remains within its safe operating life.
Choosing the right partner goes beyond compliance. It’s about trust and assurance. At Asiatic Fire System, we hold all relevant registrations and approvals, and our servicing teams are trained to the highest professional standards. With over six decades of experience, we provide complete transparency in every inspection and service, ensuring that your fire protection systems are maintained correctly, safely, and to the highest level of readiness.
If you have any questions about your current fire protection systems or would like to review your servicing schedule, reach out to us. Our team will be happy to arrange a free consultation to help assess your equipment, answer your questions, and guide you on how to keep your fire equipment compliant and ready when it matters most.