BS 5839-1:2002+A2:2008 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings — Part 1: Code of practice for system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance
This part of BS 5839 provides recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and
maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in and around buildings, other than dwellings. It does
not recommend whether or not a fire alarm system should be installed in any given premises.
Recommendations for fire detection and alarm systems in dwellings are given in BS 5839-6.
The term fire detection and alarm systems, in the context of this part of BS 5839, includes systems that
range from those comprising only one or two manual call points and sounders to complex networked
systems that incorporate a large number of automatic fire detectors, manual call points and sounders,
connected to numerous inter-communicating control and indicating panels.
The term also includes systems that are capable of providing signals to initiate the operation of other fire
protection systems and equipment (such as fire extinguishing systems, smoke control systems or automatic
door release equipment) or safety measures (such as shut down of air handling systems, closing of oil or gas
valves, or grounding of lifts). It does not apply to the other systems and equipment themselves, or the
ancillary circuits to interface with them. Recommendations for the planning, installation and servicing of
facilities for operation of certain fire protection systems by the systems addressed within this part
of BS 5839 are given in BS 7273.
This part of BS 5839 does not cover systems whose primary function is to extinguish or control fire, such
as sprinkler or automatic extinguishing systems, even though they might have a secondary alarm function;
it does, however, cover the use of a signal from an automatic extinguishing system as one initiating element
of a fire alarm system (e.g. by use of a pressure or flow switch).
This part of BS 5839 does not cover voice alarm systems. Recommendations for voice alarm systems are
given in BS 5839-8.
This part of BS 5839 does not cover systems combining fire alarm functions with other non-fire related
functions. Recommendations for such integrated systems are given in #DD CLC/TS 50398.$
This part of BS 5839 does not cover the 999 (or 112) public emergency call system, or manually or
mechanically operated sounders.
This part of BS 5839 does not cover audible or visual way-guidance systems which are designed to
complement fire alarm systems.
Recommendations for fire detection and alarm systems in electronic data processing installations and
similar critical electronic equipment rooms are given in BS 6266, which provides recommendations over
and above those given in this part of BS 5839.
Recommendations for fire detection and alarm systems in hospitals are given in the #NHS Estates
publications HTM 05-03 Part B82 (in England and Wales) or SHTM 82 (in Scotland).$
This part of BS 5839 applies to extensions and alterations to existing systems, at least in respect of the
design, installation, commissioning and certification of the new work, albeit that the extended or altered
system might not, overall, comply with the recommendations of this standard.
BS 5839-1:2002+A2:2008 history
0000 BS 5839-1:2017(2018)
2018BS 5839-1:2017 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises
2013BS 5839-1:2013 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings.Part 1:Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises
2002BS 5839-1:2002+A2:2008 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings — Part 1: Code of practice for system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance
2002BS 5839-1:2002 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings - Code of practice for system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance
1988BS 5839-1:1988 Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings - Code of practice for system design, installation and servicing
1980BS 5839-1:1980 Fire detection and alarm systems in buildings - Code of practice for installation and servicing