28/11/2023

BS 5839-1: The British Standard for Fire Alarm Installation

 

Introduction to BS 5839-1: The British Standard for Fire Alarm Installation

In a world where building safety is paramount, adhering to established standards is crucial. The British Standard for Fire Alarm Installation, also known as BS 5839-1, is a definitive guideline designed to ensure the effective implementation of fire alarm systems in commercial buildings. This standard plays a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and property, making it a cornerstone of modern fire safety practices.

Failing to adhere to BS 5839-1 isn’t just a missed opportunity for enhanced safety—it can have serious consequences. Regulatory bodies take fire safety seriously, and non-compliance can result in fines, closure orders, increased insurance premiums, and damage to your business’s reputation. A subpar fire alarm system isn’t just a liability; it’s a potential disaster waiting to happen.

Understanding the Importance of Fire Alarm Systems in Building Safety

Fire alarm systems are the unsung heroes of building safety, providing early warnings that enable occupants to evacuate swiftly and firefighters to respond promptly. These systems detect fires at their starting point, offering a crucial window of opportunity for effective action. Installing a fire alarm system in accordance with BS 5839-1 not only adheres to legal requirements but also contributes to a safer environment for employees, customers, and property.

Overview of BS 5839-1: Scope, Application, and Objectives

Produced by the BSI Group, which sets a precedent and consensus for the quality of goods and services, BS 5839-1 outlines comprehensive guidelines for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire alarm systems in commercial and non-domestic premises. These premises include hospitals, shopping centres, restaurants, schools and more.

The standard takes into account various factors, such as building size, occupancy type, and potential fire risks. Its objectives include minimising false alarms, ensuring appropriate coverage, and maximising system reliability, thereby creating a tailored approach to fire safety for each premises.

Anyone involved in the commissioning, installation, design and planning of fire detection and fire alarm systems in buildings will find BS 5839-1 useful, including:

• Head of Fire Engineering
• Commercial Manager
• Fire Consultant
• Fire Officer
• Fire & Safety Officer
• Managing Consultant
• Principal Fire Surveyor
• Senior H&S Manager
• Fire Safety Advisor

 

Categories of Fire Alarm Systems Defined by BS 5839-1

BS 5839-1 categorises fire alarm systems into three different types (L, M and P), each suited to specific building types and risks. These categories range from simple manual systems to sophisticated automatic systems with multiple detection zones. Selecting the right category ensures a balanced approach between the potential risk and the complexity of the alarm system.

L and M categories are for systems designed to protect life, and Category P is designed for those intended to protect property.

• L systems: These systems are designed to protect life and focus on safeguarding escape routes and areas considered as having a high fire risk.
• M systems: These are manual operation-only systems which have manual call points on all exits and corridors where persons do not have more than 45m to walk before reaching a call point. All ‘L’ systems start out as an ‘M’ system and then have the appropriate level of automatic fire detection coverage applied on top of that.
• P systems: This category is designed for property protection and not life protection. Therefore, it is rarer to see P systems installed as most buildings are occupied at any given time and, therefore, require life protection.

 

Installation Requirements: Guidelines for Properly Installing Fire Alarm Systems

Proper installation is pivotal in ensuring a fire alarm system’s efficiency. BS 5839-1 provides detailed installation guidelines, covering the placement of detectors, control panels, and alarm devices. By following these recommendations, you can optimise coverage while minimising blind spots, ultimately enhancing the system’s ability to detect and alert in case of fire.

There are a few main considerations for an appropriate fire detection and alarm system. These include;

System type

Whilst it is important to consider the three automatic system categories for particular premises, it is worth noting that the appropriate extent of a fire detection system is typically determined by a fire risk assessment.

System components

It is important that system components and other fire alarm devices, conform to relevant British Standards or Harmonised European Standards and have undergone type testing to these standards.

Detection zones

By dividing a building into detention zones, you can ensure that those responding to the alarm are directed to the specific location of the fire. This sub-division is recommended for all but the smallest of premises.

Alarm zones

Typically, many premises will have an evacuation procedure in the event of a fire. This would involve an alarm sounding and everyone being made to leave the building. In more complex buildings, a phased evacuation policy might be in place where separate alarm zones could be required.

Communication with fire and rescue service

In order to get the most from your fire alarm system, it is important that the emergency response services can be alerted as quickly as possible should a fire break out.

To ensure that your fire alarm system meets these high standards, our engineers are on hand to take the complication out of these requirements.

Wiring and Cabling Standards: Key Considerations for Fire Alarm Installations

The BS 5839-1 standard also offers crucial insights into wiring and cabling requirements. The standards require a specific fire resistance in the cabling to mitigate the risk of signal degradation and ensure consistent communication between devices, even during a fire, to allow the alarm system to track the spread of the fire through the building. Adhering to these guidelines guarantees reliable data transmission, which is essential for timely and accurate fire detection.

With cabling being highly resistant to fire, the standard to which it is clipped becomes critical. The manufacturer guidelines provide strict requirements for clip type, material and spacing along a cable run. These guidelines ensure highly resistant fire cabling does not inadvertently seal an exit for use by falling during the fire and blocking the escape path!

Challenges and Limitations: Addressing Common Issues in Fire Alarm Installations

While BS 5839-1 provides an excellent framework, challenges may arise during installation, such as building layout complexities and environmental factors. These challenges can be mitigated by engaging professionals experienced in interpreting and implementing the standard effectively. Our extensive fire safety experience can help us to overcome any challenges with ease.

Limitation of false alarms

The location of your fire alarm system should be optimised to limit the possibility of false alarms occurring as much as possible. For example, smoke detectors should never be fitted in kitchens or bathrooms.

Responsibility for compliance

It is important to ensure that prior to the installation of a fire detection and fire alarm system, an organisation has accepted responsibility for compliance with the relevant section of BS 5839-1.

 

Compliance and Certification: Meeting Standards and Regulatory Requirements

Adhering to BS 5839-1 ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Once a system has been commissioned, certificates must be provided for each of the three separate processes: design, installation and commissioning. Certification can be carried out by a single or multiple organisations.

Installations conforming to this standard are recognised as robust and reliable, often leading to certification and approval from relevant authorities.

Once the certification process has been completed, the system will be formally handed over to the user. At this point, it is important that the organisation bearing contractual responsibility for the system issues a certificate of acceptance to the purchaser, for completion by them.

Maintenance and Servicing: Best Practices for Long-Term System Performance

A fire alarm system is only effective when regularly maintained and serviced. BS 5839-1 prescribes a schedule for testing, inspecting, and maintaining the system components.

Regular servicing not only maintains optimal functionality but also extends the lifespan of the system, offering peace of mind in times of crisis.

Weekly maintenance

The BS 5839-1 standard makes five detailed recommendations in respect of weekly testing;

• The operation of a manual call point during normal working hours.
• Testing the system at the same time each week.
• Additional tests should be made at least once a month.
• For systems with multiple manual call points, a different call point should be tested each week.
• The routine test time should not exceed one minute so that occupants can distinguish between a weekly fire alarm test and an actual fire.

 

Monthly maintenance

The BS 5839-1 standard applies recommendations for monthly testing;

• If the standby power supply to the system includes an automatically started emergency generator, this should be tested monthly.
• If the standby power supply is provided by vented batteries, these should be inspected visually.
• All vented batteries and their connections should be examined on a quarterly basis by a person competent in battery installation and maintenance technology.

 

Sygma packages

At Sygma, we provide a comprehensive range of fire alarm service and maintenance plans. You can choose to have a one month, six months or annual package to ensure that your systems are properly maintained.

We offer a comprehensive range of options based on the requirements of your system and your budget. These options include a platinum package, which includes free equipment repairs and free replacement parts, an enhanced package, and a standard package.

Future Developments and Updates: Advancements in Fire Alarm Technology

The fire safety landscape is evolving, and BS 5839-1 continues to adapt to technological advancements. From wireless systems to integrated smart solutions, the standard ensures fire alarm technology remains at the forefront of safety innovation.

The Significance of BS 5839-1 in Promoting Fire Safety

In conclusion, BS 5839-1 is not just a standard; it’s a commitment to safety. Adhering to its guidelines assures comprehensive fire protection and underscores your dedication to the safety of your premises and occupants.

Don’t compromise on safety; for a hassle-free and compliant fire alarm installation, contact us today. We can offer you the ultimate peace of mind in safeguarding what matters most.