Inspection & maintenance
Defective fire-installation notices: a follow-up guide for managers and owners
A defect notice on a hose reel, alarm or sprinkler means the equipment needs attention. Find out what is affected, who is repairing it and what to ask for when it returns to service, including the 2026 notice and power-seal requirements.
Quick answers
Can the notice come down once the repair quote is approved?
Leave the notice in place until the work is complete and normal operation is confirmed, then have the contractor handle it as required. Once the quote is approved, confirm the repair date.
Legal information
Requirements vary by premises. Confirm the work with the responsible professional using the premises use, approved plans, licence conditions and any written directions.
The notice identifies an unavailable installation
A defect notice tells users that the fire equipment is not operating normally and needs follow-up. Circular 1/2026 requires visible notices near the affected equipment, with notices on both the hose reel and cabinet door for concealed hose reels.
Ask management which locations are affected, which contractor is handling repairs and when completion is expected. Leave the notice in place for the contractor to handle after confirming normal operation; do not remove or cover it yourself.
Report damaged seals and power faults
The circular requires contractor details on fire-installation power seals: green indicates normal power and red indicates power cut off. Read the seal wording and ask management to confirm the equipment status and latest inspection results.
If a seal is damaged or equipment repeatedly trips or shows a fault, record the issue and notify the responsible person. Do not break seals or repeatedly switch power in an attempt to clear the fault.
Confirm the repair date and ask for test results
For each fault, record when and where it was found, the contractor and the expected repair date. If parts or tenant access are holding up the work, ask what is needed and when the next update will come.
After repair, ask the contractor to confirm test results, restored operation and what will happen to the notice. Keep any unfinished items and their next follow-up dates with the service report and relevant certificate.
Practical checklist
- Record the notice and equipment location
- Identify failed functions and affected areas
- Confirm the repair contact and next update
- Do not remove notices or operate power controls
- Keep repair and test results
Request a fire-installation repair quotation
Tell us the equipment location, fault and notice details. Photos or recent service reports help us review the repair needs.
- Fault diagnosis and affected-equipment inspection
- Repair, parts and retest quotation
- Restoration records coordinated with management
Official sources
The official documents below provide the full requirements and any updates.
Related reading
Fire-system shutdowns in Hong Kong: reporting, notices and reinstatement
Before a fire system is shut down for repairs, management and the contractor should confirm which equipment will be affected, the notices needed and tests to restore service. This guide explains what to follow up before, during and after the work.
Read articleFire alarm false alarms: causes and safe fault follow-up
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Read articleTMFAD temporary manual alarms: arrangements during fire-alarm downtime
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Read articleRELATED SERVICE
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