Have you been advised to install or upgrade the fire alarm system in your business premises? Have you been bombarded with technical details like BS5839, ‘fire alarm grades‘, ‘addressable fire alarm system‘ and ‘P1 Fire Alarms‘? We understand how important it is to protect your business premises. An effective fire alarm is one of the most critical components of building safety. Compliance with the BS5839 standard is not just advisable for your business, but often essential.
This standard is updating this year from BS5839-1:2017 to BS5839-1:2025. Our team are staying ahead of the changes, with up to date FIA training to ensure we can provide the most up to date knowledge and help our customers remain compliant.
This guide will help you understand what a BS5839 compliant fire alarm system is and why it’s crucial for your business.
What is a BS5839 Compliant Fire Alarm System?
BS5839 is the British Standard that outlines the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises. The standard is divided into several parts, with Part 1 being the most relevant for commercial properties. It sets the benchmark for ensuring systems are both effective at detecting fires and reliable in operation.
A BS5839 compliant system considers the type, size, and layout of your premises, ensuring that the system is tailored to provide optimal protection. It includes specifications for different categories of protection, such as Category L (life protection) and Category P (property protection), to align with your specific needs.
Why Compliance Matters
Complying with BS5839 is often a legal requirement for businesses, ensuring compliance not only helps to avoid penalties but moreover it demonstrates your commitment to the safety of your employees, customers and other stakeholders. It is often be a requirement for obtaining insurance coverage. Knowing that your fire alarm system meets the highest standards can provide peace of mind. Not only for you, knowing your property is adequately protected; It also reassures employees and clients that their safety is a priority, which can enhance your business’s reputation.
A compliant system ensures early detection of fire, allowing for swift evacuation and response. This can significantly reduce risks to life and minimize damage to property. It could make all the difference to how quickly you can get your business back in it’s feet should the worst happen. The standard also provides guidance on maintaining the system, ensuring it remains functional and effective over time. When seeking an installer for your fire alarm system, always enquire about aftersales care – will they be able to maintain the system? What approvals does the contractor have?
Choosing the Right System for Your Business
When selecting a BS5839 compliant fire alarm system, it’s crucial to work with a professional who understands the intricacies of the standard. A knowledgeable installer will assess your premises and recommend a system that not only meets legal requirements, but is also cost-effective and scalable. Often this comes in the form of a properly installed system which meets the standards.
As we offer fire alarm commissioning and maintenance, we are frequently called to take over the maintenance of a system installed by other parties. Sometimes, we arrive to find a long list of non compliances which require rectifying before maintenance can be provided. In this instance the customer ends up paying twice – first for a system which doesn’t meet the standard. Then for the work to rectify this.
Considerations for Installation
- Type of Building: The layout and use of your building will influence the type of system required. Similarly the use of the building can inform the design of the fire alarm system. Your fire alarm designer should discuss these things with you.
- Fire Risk Assessment: Conducting a thorough risk assessment is vital to identify potential hazards and determine the necessary level of protection. We recommend enlisting the services of a specialist fire risk assessor.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is part of compliance. Ensure the installer you select offers a comprehensive maintenance contract.
- Price: Don’t be tempted to go with the cheapest quote! Yes we understand cost is a crucial factor. Try to consider the value – what will you get for your investment? When you get your price, ask about whether the system will meet BS5839. Ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure you select an installer who will provide a compliant fire alarm system for your premises.
- Compliance: Consider which industry approvals the contractor holds when considering which to select for the job of designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining your fire alarm system.
Installing a BS5839 compliant fire alarm system is a critical step in safeguarding your business. Beyond meeting legal requirements, it ensures the safety of everyone on your premises and protects your assets. When planning your fire alarm system installation, it’s essential to consult with experienced professionals who can guide you through the process and ensure your system is tailored to your needs. Investing in a compliant system today can prevent devastating losses tomorrow.
Keybury Fire and Security are BAFE certified and NSI GOLD certified for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire alarm systems. We install BS5839 compliant fire alarm systems in commercial premises across Yorkshire, Lancashire and the North of England …and beyond!
Schedule an initial consultation with one of our FIA trained fire alarm designers. Our free initial appointments provide an opportunity to discuss the results of your fire risk assessment, your insurer’s requirements, and your own demands for the system. From this we can provide an initial proposal for the system. Contact us today on 0800 458 7486 or email sales@keybury.co.uk.