NBN S 21-100-1:2025 · BELAC ISO 17020

Fire detection inspection

Acceptance of a new system, then periodic inspection at least every three years under the standard. Whether a building needs detection depends on the texts that apply to it.

From

€ 266.20

incl. VAT

Average duration

60-120 min

Validity

At least every 3 years (periodic inspection)

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Fire detection systems are inspected under NBN S 21-100-1:2025, valid since 14 July 2025, which replaced the 2021 edition with no period of coexistence. Since 2025 that standard covers detection only: alarm systems fall under NBN S 21-112. Whether a building must have detection depends on the building and the texts that apply to it: there is no single rule.

The standard provides for an initial inspection of every new system, called acceptance, then a periodic inspection at least every three years (9.3 and 9.4). Each tests at least 20 % of the point detectors (9.2.4 and 9.2.5).

ⓘ Language of the report: the official report is issued in French or Dutch, as Belgian law requires. An English summary is available on request, free of charge.

Acceptance (new installation)

The initial inspection of a new system, once it has been placed and commissioned: at least 20 % of the point detectors, at least 20 % of the manual call points on each circuit and every fire scenario, up to the receipt of the control signal by the controlled systems, are tested (9.2.4). This is what lets you hand the building over with a compliant detection system.

Periodic inspection

At least every three years under the standard (9.4), by an accredited Type A inspection body, on a representative sample. Other texts set their own checks, for example for hospitals and workplaces.

Additional inspection after extension

An adaptation that changes how controlled equipment is triggered, the signalling or the surveillance level calls for a specific inspection within 12 months. Other adaptations are checked at the next periodic inspection (9.5).

Public premises & HORECA

Restaurants, shops, offices, schools, hotels, venues. Hotels are held to stricter requirements because people sleep on the premises.

Care homes & industry

Care homes, nurseries and higher-risk industrial sites. What is required depends on the building, the planning permit, the fire service and your insurer.

Maintenance and logbook

We also verify what you are required to do between our visits: the operator’s own daily, monthly and quarterly checks, and the annual preventive maintenance — the logbook is checked when we attend.

Emergency lighting alongside

A separate but complementary inspection (NBN EN 1838 / NBN EN 50172, General Regulation for Occupational Protection), carried out outside the scope of our BELAC accreditation. We carry out both — ask for a combined visit.

Transparent pricing

Prices include VAT, no surprises. Personalised quote within 24h.

Acceptance (new installation) — initial inspection

From € 450 incl. VAT

Periodic inspection — operation + maintenance check, on quote

From € 266.20 incl. VAT

Additional inspection after extension — added zones / detectors

From € 195 incl. VAT

Re-inspection after compliance work, within one month of our inspection

From € 125 incl. VAT

Emergency lighting (add-on) — NBN EN 1838 / NBN EN 50172, outside the BELAC accreditation, on quote

From € 150 incl. VAT

Re-inspection: this rate applies within one month of our inspection. After that, the new visit is a full inspection at the full rate.

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✅ What's included

▸ Functional test of the detectors and the alarm devices
▸ Verification of the control panel and the zones
▸ Check of the batteries and the backup power supply
▸ Verification of alarm transmission
▸ Review of the documentation (logbook, as-built plans)
▸ Check of the operator’s own periodic verifications
▸ Verification of the annual preventive maintenance record
▸ Official report compliant with NBN S 21-100-1:2025
▸ Findings listed with what has to be corrected, and by when

⚖️ Legal framework

▸ NBN S 21-100-1:2025 — Fire detection systems (in force since 14 July 2025)
▸ NBN S 21-112 — Alarm systems (separated from detection in the 2025 edition)
▸ NBN EN 1838 / NBN EN 50172 — Emergency lighting (complementary inspection, outside the BELAC accreditation)
▸ General Regulation for Occupational Protection — employer’s obligations
▸ BELAC accreditation No. 663-INSP (ISO/IEC 17020) — covering the fire detection inspection

Atlas Contrôle ASBL is accredited by BELAC under No. 663-INSP (ISO/IEC 17020) for the initial and periodic inspection of fire detection systems (NBN S 21-100-1 and -2).

Frequently asked questions

Which standard applies to a fire detection inspection? ▾

NBN S 21-100-1:2025, in force since 14 July 2025. It replaced the 2021 edition outright — the two never coexisted. Since 2025 it deals with detection only; alarm systems come under NBN S 21-112.

What is the difference between acceptance and periodic inspection? ▾

Acceptance, or the initial inspection, checks that a new system has been correctly designed, placed and commissioned (9.1 and 9.3). The periodic inspection, at least every three years, checks that it is correctly operated, maintained and, where necessary, modified (9.1 and 9.4). Each tests at least 20 % of the point detectors (9.2.4 and 9.2.5).

How often does it have to be inspected? ▾

The standard requires a periodic inspection at least every three years (9.4). Other texts set their own checks, for example an annual check of the electrical detection installations by a body approved for the inspection of electrical installations in hospitals (royal decree of 6 November 1979, annex 1, 7.8.1), or an at least annual check of fire protection equipment, detection included, by a competent person at workplaces (Code on well-being at work, III.3-22 and IX.1-19, § 2). On top of that come the system manager’s own checks (11.3) and preventive maintenance, at least once a year, by a certified specialist company (11.4): we verify the logbook and the maintenance reports when we attend (9.2.3). Atlas Contrôle offers both: the annual check of proper operation, if you do not have the skills in-house, and the periodic inspection under BELAC accreditation.

Which premises are concerned? ▾

Premises open to the public (HORECA, retail, offices, schools, hotels, venues), new buildings, care premises (care homes, nurseries) and higher-risk industrial sites. What applies depends on the building, the planning permit, the fire service and your insurer.

Can the installer carry out the inspection? ▾

No. The inspection is for a Type A inspection body (NBN S 21-100-2, 4.4), independent of those who design, install and maintain the system.

Does the emergency lighting need inspecting too? ▾

Yes — a separate but complementary inspection (NBN EN 1838 / NBN EN 50172), carried out outside the scope of our BELAC accreditation. We carry out both, so ask for a combined visit rather than two separate call-outs.

Do you cover the whole of Belgium? ▾

Yes: Brussels, all of Wallonia and Flanders, with an appointment within 24 to 48 h.