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BS 5839-1:2025 Compliance

Understanding BS 5839-1:2025

BS 5839-1:2025 is a non-statutory British Standard that provides best practice recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises. While not a legal requirement, it is widely used to demonstrate compliance with statutory duties under fire safety legislation.

Key Areas of Compliance

System Design and Documentation

  • System Category Identification

    • Define the system category (e.g. L1, L2, M, P1) based on risk assessment.

  • Design Responsibility

    • Assign a competent person or organisation responsible for system design.

  • Zone Plan

    • A clear zone plan must be provided at the CIE (control panel) in buildings with more than one detection zone per floor.

Detection and Alarm Equipment

  • Detector Type and Placement

    • Select suitable detectors for the risk and environment. Avoid heat detectors in sleeping areas.

  • Manual Call Points

    • Install manual call points so that no person needs to travel more than 45m to activate one (or 30m if layout is unknown).

  • Visual Alarms

    • Fit visual alarm devices in areas used by people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Cabling and Circuit Integrity

  • Cable Type and Fixing

    • Use fire-resistant cable and ensure correct support as per circuit type (standard or enhanced).

  • Sound Pressure Level

    • Ensure alarm sounders reach the required minimum decibel levels (typically 65 dB(A) or 5 dB above ambient).

  • Alarm and Detection Zones

    • Clearly define zones to support effective evacuation and emergency response.

Power Supplies and Equipment Location

  • Battery and Charger Checks

    • Perform monthly checks on standby batteries and chargers, including voltage readings and signs of leakage.

  • Control Equipment Access

    • Control and indicating equipment must be clearly visible and accessible.

  • Standby Duration

    • Batteries must support the full alarm load for the required standby period.

Monitoring and ARC Integration

  • Connection to Alarm Receiving Centres (ARC)

    • In high-risk premises (e.g. residential care homes), systems must send alarm signals to an ARC.

  • ARC Compliance

    • Ensure ARC meets standards such as BS 8591.

Testing and Maintenance

  • Weekly Manual Tests

    • Operate a different manual call point each week and record the result.

  • Monthly Power Checks

    • Inspect batteries, measure charger voltage, and compare results with commissioning values.

  • Annual Servicing

    • Complete full functional checks of all system components at least annually.

  • Logbook Maintenance

    • Keep a detailed logbook of all tests, faults, false alarms, maintenance, and variations.

System Extensions and Alterations

  • Compliance with Latest Standard

    • All new works or system modifications must conform to BS 5839-1:2025, regardless of the original system version.

Cybersecurity and Remote Services

  • Secure Remote Access

    • Where applicable, ensure systems with remote control or monitoring include appropriate cybersecurity measures.

Required Certification and Documentation

  • Certificates to be Issued

    • Ensure availability of the following where applicable:

      • Design certificate
      • Installation certificate
      • Commissioning certificate
      • Acceptance certificate
      • Verification and servicing certificates

Final Thoughts

While BS 5839-1:2025 is not a statutory regulation, following its guidance is critical for demonstrating compliance with legal fire safety obligations under frameworks such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Adopting these best practices enhances safety, system reliability, and legal defensibility in the event of fire-related incidents.