We recently changed our servicing contract for our fire alarm system. The system has now developed a fault which requires some re-programming. Our current service contractor say they cannot get into the system without the "engineer's code" from the previous servicing comany. The previous servicing company will not release the code without payment of hundreds of £. We are told by both contractors this is industry standard practice. Am I going to have to bite the bullet and write a cheque or can we challenge this? I'm feeling a bit ripped off.

Please PM me the name of the outgoing contractor, the incoming contractor the make and model of the alarm panel that you require the code for & I will investigate if you wish.