# Certification (BS 5839-1:2025) ## Overview BS 5839-1:2025 requires formal **certification at every stage** of a fire detection and fire alarm system. Certificates provide evidence of compliance with the standard and form part of the legal fire safety documentation under the **Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005** and the **Building Regulations**. Certificates must be issued by the **organisation responsible for that stage of the work**, signed by a **competent person**. They demonstrate that design, installation, commissioning, acceptance, and any later modifications comply with the standard. --- ## Certificate Types and Responsibilities | Certificate Type | Purpose | Signed By | | ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Design Certificate** | Confirms that the design meets BS 5839-1 (coverage, category, zoning, detector type, audibility, cause & effect). | Competent designer, consultant, or company responsible for the design. | | **Installation Certificate** | Confirms the system was installed in accordance with the design and BS 5839-1 workmanship standards. | The installing contractor or organisation, signed by an authorised representative. | | **Commissioning Certificate** | Confirms programming, cause & effect, device testing, battery sizing, and system functionality comply with BS 5839-1. | Competent commissioning organisation/engineer. | | **Acceptance Certificate** | Confirms handover of the system, documentation, and user training. | The purchaser or **Responsible Person** (not the installer). | | **Verification Certificate** | Used for independent verification of large or complex systems before handover (Clause 41). | Independent verifier or third-party organisation. | | **Extensions/Modifications Certificate** | Confirms alterations or extensions to an existing system comply with BS 5839-1 and do not invalidate prior certification. | The organisation responsible for the modification; others (e.g. original designer) sign if their scope is affected. | --- ## Modification Certificates ### When Acceptable A **Modification Certificate** (Annex G.7) may be issued where: * The existing system has valid original certification (design, installation, commissioning). * The works are **alterations or extensions**, not a complete new installation. * The scope of works is **clearly defined and limited** to the changes made. * The untouched parts of the system remain compliant. **Examples:** * Adding detectors, call points, or sounders to an existing loop. * Extending coverage into a new building area. * Replacing a control panel where devices/wiring are retained. * Changing cause & effect programming (e.g. evacuation delays). * Converting a conventional zone to addressable detection. ### When NOT Acceptable **A Modification Certificate cannot be used where:** * No original certificates exist. * The system has been wholly replaced (devices, wiring, or zoning). * Works are so extensive the system is effectively new. * Modifications fundamentally alter the design (e.g. re-zoning or changing system category). --- ## Key Clauses (BS 5839-1:2025) * **Clause 38 - Documentation:** Certificates are mandatory for each stage. * **Clause 39 - Certification:** Each stage must be certified separately, even if the same company performs multiple roles. * **Clause 40 - Handover:** Certificates form part of the required documentation at handover. * **Clause 41 - Verification:** Large or complex systems may require independent verification. * **Clause 45 & 46 - Extensions and Modifications:** Modifications must be certified using the Annex G.7 form; scope and extent of liability must be defined. * **Annex G - Model Certificates:** Provides templates for design, installation, commissioning, acceptance, verification, servicing, and modifications. --- ## Practical Guidance * Certificates should be **retained in the logbook** for the life of the system (Clause 40, Annex H). * Always **state the scope of responsibility** clearly (e.g. “Design of extension only”). * If original certificates are missing, a **Verification Certificate** (Clause 41) may be required before issuing new certificates. * Certificates can be adapted in format, but must include the **same information and declarations** as Annex G. * Certificates are signed **on behalf of the responsible organisation**, unlike BS 7671 electrical certs which require individual signatures. * The **Responsible Person** always signs the **Acceptance Certificate**, not the contractor. --- **In summary:** Certificates under BS 5839-1:2025 provide a complete compliance trail. * **Design → Installation → Commissioning → Acceptance** cover new systems. * **Verification** applies to large/complex projects. * **Modification Certificates** cover alterations or extensions, provided original certification exists and the system is not effectively new.