Darker evenings, wet weather and busier trading periods put extra pressure on your security systems. Use this UK-specific checklist to prepare your sites before the clocks go back on 26 October 2025.
Before the clocks go back (do this by 26 October 2025)
Access control:
- Update door unlock/lock times, holiday calendars and time zones.
- Review visitor/contractor windows and any out-of-hours lockdown profiles.
CCTV/NVR/DVR time settings:
- Verify device time sources, time zone and DST rules.
- Confirm recording schedules align with any new business hours and patrols.
- Spot-check footage timestamps against a known time source.
CCTV (VSS): Night-time performance & weatherproofing
- Optics & enclosures: Clean lenses; check housings and seals.
- Low-light quality: Test IR (infared) and WDR (wide dynamic range) in night conditions; refocus if images are soft at night.
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Coverage & lighting: Walk the site at dusk. Identify dark areas in yards, car parks and footpaths. Adjust camera angles and add/repair lighting as needed.
- Monitoring & response: If you use remote monitoring, test alarm rules, audio challenge and escalation paths.
Fire detection & alarms: Stay compliant with BS 5839-1
- Six-monthly service: Arrange your routine inspection by a competent provider and keep service records updated.
- Changes on site: If shelving layouts, doors or work areas have changed, reassess detector coverage.
- Evacuation planning: Shorter daylight can slow evacuation. Check signage, external lighting and assembly points.
Intruder alarms & monitoring
- Detectors & batteries: Test key zones, especially external beams and outbuildings; replace old batteries ahead of winter.
- False alarm reduction: Clean detectors and check door contacts to reduce user-error alarms.
- Dual-path monitoring: Ensure your ARC path is resilient. Plan any PSTN → IP migrations to avoid loss of signalling.
- Keyholder details: Confirm contact numbers and response instructions are current.
Access control
- Time profiles: Align opening/closing times with seasonal trading, shift patterns and school terms.
- Permissions audit: Remove any old users.
FAQs
How often should our fire alarm be serviced in the UK?
At least every six months by a competent provider, plus weekly call-point tests logged internally.
Do the clocks going back affect CCTV and access control?
Yes. Update device time settings and access control schedules before 26 October 2025 to avoid incorrect timestamps and door timings.
We still rely on PSTN for alarm signalling—what next?
Plan an upgrade to IP/dual-path monitoring to maintain resilience and insurer compliance. Get a Quote
Our engineers will check CCTV (VSS), intruder alarm, access control and fire alarm systems and schedule any upgrades.
Call: 02476 341809 or Get a Quote
About MES Systems
SSAIB-certified fire and security specialists, protecting UK businesses for 35+ years from our base in Nuneaton. We design, install, monitor and maintain a wide range of modern security and fire safety systems for businesses and homes.
