Guide · BS 5839
Fire Alarm Certificates and BS 5839 Explained
A plain guide to the standard, the categories and the records every non-domestic fire alarm should have.
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What BS 5839 is
BS 5839-1 is the British Standard code of practice for fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises. It covers design, installation, commissioning, servicing and user responsibilities. Part 6 covers domestic premises, including rented property and HMOs.
The categories
- L1 — detection throughout.
- L2 — escape routes and high-risk rooms.
- L3 — escape routes and rooms opening onto them.
- L4 — escape routes only.
- L5 — bespoke.
- P1 / P2 — property protection, throughout or in defined areas.
- M — manual call points only.
Your fire risk assessment determines which applies.
Records you should have
- Design and commissioning records for the system
- A zone chart by the panel
- A logbook for weekly tests, faults and false alarms
- Service reports from each six-monthly visit
If your insurer or licensing authority asks for particular certification, tell us before work begins so we can say what we can provide.
Recent work
The standard we work to.
Questions we get asked
Before you call.
Who is responsible for the fire alarm?
The responsible person for the premises, usually the owner, employer or occupier, who must ensure it is maintained in working order.
How often should it be tested?
A manual call point weekly by staff, and a full service at least every six months.
Is BS 5839 a legal requirement?
The law requires adequate fire detection and warning where the risk assessment says so. BS 5839 is the recognised standard to meet it.
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