BS 5839 Part 1: A Guide to Fire Alarm Systems Design and Compliance
Fire alarm systems are essential for the protection of life and property in any building. They provide early detection and warning of fire, allowing occupants to escape safely and firefighters to respond effectively. However, designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining a fire alarm system is not a simple task. It requires a thorough understanding of the relevant standards, regulations, codes of practice and best practices that apply to fire safety in the UK.
One of the most important standards for fire alarm systems is BS 5839 Part 1, which provides recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems for non-domestic premises. This standard is widely used by fire safety professionals, consultants, contractors, engineers, architects, building owners, managers and regulators as a benchmark for good practice and compliance.
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In this article, we will explain what BS 5839 Part 1 is and why it is important, how to design a fire alarm system according to BS 5839 Part 1, and how to use Safety Systems Designer software to streamline the fire alarm system design process. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about BS 5839 Part 1 at the end of the article.
What is BS 5839 Part 1 and why is it important?
BS 5839 Part 1 is a British Standard that provides recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems for non-domestic premises. It covers all types of buildings except domestic dwellings (which are covered by BS 5839-6) and certain specialised premises (such as offshore installations, ships, mines, etc.).
The scope and purpose of BS 5839 Part 1
The scope of BS 5839 Part 1 includes all aspects of fire detection and fire alarm systems, such as:
The objectives of the system
The choice of system category and coverage
The selection and positioning of detectors, manual call points, sounders, visual alarms, control and indicating equipment, power supply units, wiring and cabling
The integration with other systems (such as sprinklers, smoke control, voice alarms, etc.)
The testing, commissioning, handover, inspection, servicing and maintenance of the system
The documentation and certification of the system
The purpose of BS 5839 Part 1 is to provide guidance on how to design a fire alarm system that meets the specific needs and requirements of each building. It also aims to ensure that the system complies with the relevant legal and regulatory framework for fire safety in the UK.
The legal and regulatory framework for fire safety in the UK
Fire safety in the UK is governed by various laws and regulations that apply to different types of buildings, occupancies, activities and locations. Some of the main ones are:
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (FSO) 2005 - This applies to all non-domestic premises and the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 - These apply to all non-domestic premises in Scotland The Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 - These apply to all non-domestic premises in Northern Ireland The Building Regulations 2010 and the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 - These set the minimum standards for fire safety in new and altered buildings The Housing Act 2004 and the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 - These cover fire safety in certain types of residential accommodation, such as houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), flats, etc. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 - These require employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees and others who may be affected by their activities, including fire safety
These laws and regulations place a duty on the responsible person (usually the employer, owner or occupier) to carry out a fire risk assessment, identify and implement appropriate fire precautions, and ensure that the fire alarm system is suitable, sufficient and maintained. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations can result in prosecution, fines, imprisonment or even loss of life.
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BS 5839 Part 1 is not a legal requirement, but it is a code of practice that provides recommendations on how to comply with the legal and regulatory framework for fire safety. Following BS 5839 Part 1 can help the responsible person to demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to ensure fire safety and reduce the risk of fire. It can also help to avoid disputes, claims, litigation or enforcement action in case of a fire incident.
The benefits and challenges of complying with BS 5839 Part 1
Complying with BS 5839 Part 1 can bring many benefits for the responsible person, the building occupants, the fire authorities and the society at large. Some of these benefits are:
Enhancing the protection of life and property from fire Reducing the likelihood and severity of fire incidents Improving the response and effectiveness of firefighting operations Minimising the disruption and damage caused by false alarms Increasing the confidence and satisfaction of building users and stakeholders Meeting the legal obligations and expectations for fire safety Avoiding the penalties and consequences of non-compliance
However, complying with BS 5839 Part 1 can also pose some challenges for the responsible person, especially if they are not familiar with the standard or do not have access to competent advice. Some of these challenges are:
Understanding the scope, purpose and content of BS 5839 Part 1 Applying the recommendations of BS 5839 Part 1 to different types of buildings, occupancies, activities and locations Balancing the costs, benefits and risks of different design options Selecting the appropriate system category, coverage, devices, equipment and wiring Integrating the fire alarm system with other systems and services Ensuring the quality, reliability and compatibility of the system components Testing, commissioning, handing over, inspecting, servicing and maintaining the system Documenting and certifying the system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance
To overcome these challenges, it is advisable to seek professional guidance from a qualified fire safety consultant or contractor who has experience and expertise in fire alarm system design according to BS 5839 Part 1. Alternatively, it is possible to use a software tool that can simplify and streamline the fire alarm system design process.
How to design a fire alarm system according to BS 5839 Part 1
The design of a fire alarm system according to BS 5839 Part 1 involves several steps and stages that require careful planning, analysis, decision-making and documentation. The following sections will outline the main aspects of each step and stage.
The steps and stages of fire alarm system design
The steps and stages of fire alarm system design according to BS 5839 Part 1 are:
Establishing the objectives of the system Determining the system category and coverage Selecting and positioning the detection and alarm devices Selecting and positioning the control and indicating equipment Selecting and positioning the power supply units Selecting and routing the wiring and cabling Integrating with other systems (if applicable) Testing, commissioning and handing over the system Inspecting, servicing and maintaining the system
Each step and stage will depend on the specific characteristics and requirements of each building and system. Therefore, it is important to consult the full text of BS 5839 Part 1 for detailed guidance and recommendations on each step and stage.
The roles and responsibilities of the designer, installer, commissioner and maintainer
The design of a fire alarm system according to BS 5839 Part 1 requires the involvement and cooperation of various parties, such as the designer, the installer, the commissioner and the maintainer. Each party has different roles and responsibilities that need to be clearly defined and agreed upon before starting the design process. The following table summarises the main roles and responsibilities of each party:
Party Roles Responsibilities --- --- --- Designer The person or organisation who plans, designs and specifies the fire alarm system - To establish the objectives, category and coverage of the system- To select and position the detection and alarm devices- To select and position the control and indicating equipment- To select and position the power supply units- To select and route the wiring and cabling- To integrate with other systems (if applicable)- To document and certify the system design Installer The person or organisation who installs, tests and commissions the fire alarm system - To follow the system design specifications and drawings- To install the detection and alarm devices- To install the control and indicating equipment- To install the power supply units- To install the wiring and cabling- To test, commission and hand over the system- To document and certify the system installation Commissioner The person or organisation who verifies that the fire alarm system is installed correctly and operates as intended - To inspect and test the detection and alarm devices- To inspect and test the control and indicating equipment- To inspect and test the power supply units- To inspect and test the wiring and cabling- To verify that the system meets the design specifications and objectives- To document and certify the system commissioning Maintainer The person or organisation who inspects, services and maintains the fire alarm system - To inspect, service and maintain the detection and alarm devices- To inspect, service and maintain the control and indicating equipment- To inspect, service and maintain the power supply units- To inspect, service and maintain the wiring and cabling- To ensure that the system operates reliably and effectively- To document and certify the system maintenance The key design principles and considerations for fire alarm system design
The design of a fire alarm system according to BS 5839 Part 1 is based on some key principles and considerations that need to be taken into account at each step and stage. The following sections will highlight some of the most important ones.
Risk assessment and fire strategy
The first and foremost principle for fire alarm system design is to conduct a comprehensive and systematic risk assessment of the building and its occupants. The risk assessment should identify the potential sources, causes, scenarios and consequences of fire, as well as the existing fire precautions and measures in place. The risk assessment should also determine the fire strategy for the building, which defines the objectives, policies and procedures for fire prevention, protection, detection, evacuation and response. The fire strategy should be aligned with the legal and regulatory framework for fire safety, as well as the needs and expectations of the building users and stakeholders.
The risk assessment and fire strategy should form the basis for establishing the objectives, category and coverage of the fire alarm system, as well as selecting and positioning the detection and alarm devices, control and indicating equipment, power supply units and wiring. The risk assessment and fire strategy should also be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect any changes in the building or its occupancy.
System category and coverage
The second principle for fire alarm system design is to determine the system category and coverage that are appropriate for the building and its occupants. The system category defines the purpose and function of the fire alarm system, such as whether it is intended to protect life, property or both, or whether it is intended to operate automatically, manually or both. The system coverage defines the extent and location of the fire detection and alarm devices within the building, such as whether they are installed in all rooms, corridors, stairways, etc., or only in certain areas or zones.
BS 5839 Part 1 provides a classification scheme for system categories and coverage, based on a combination of letters and numbers. For example, a category L1 system is a life protection system that covers all areas of the building, while a category P2 system is a property protection system that covers only high-risk areas of the building. The choice of system category and coverage depends on the risk assessment and fire strategy for the building, as well as the legal and regulatory requirements and the budget constraints.
Detection and alarm devices
The third principle for fire alarm system design is to select and position the detection and alarm devices that are suitable for the building and its occupants. The detection devices are the components that sense the presence of fire or smoke, such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, flame detectors, etc. The alarm devices are the components that alert the occupants or others of a fire condition, such as sounders, visual alarms, voice alarms, etc.
BS 5839 Part 1 provides guidance on how to select and position the detection and alarm devices according to various factors, such as:
The type and characteristics of fire that are likely to occur in different areas of the building The environmental conditions that may affect the performance or reliability of the devices The layout and usage of different areas of the building The audibility and visibility of the alarm signals The response time and actions required by the occupants or others
The selection and positioning of detection and alarm devices should also consider the integration with other systems (such as sprinklers, smoke control, voice alarms, etc.), as well as the avoidance of false alarms.
Control and indicating equipment
The fourth principle for fire alarm system design is to select and position the control and indicating equipment that are suitable for the building and its occupants. The control and indicating equipment are the components that receive, process and display the signals from the detection and alarm devices, such as control panels, repeater panels, mimic panels, printers, etc.
BS 5839 Part 1 provides guidance on how to select and position the control and indicating equipment according to various factors, such as:
The size and complexity of the fire alarm system The location and accessibility of the equipment The functionality and features of the equipment The compatibility and communication with the detection and alarm devices The security and protection of the equipment
The selection and positioning of control and indicating equipment should also consider the integration with other systems (such as sprinklers, smoke control, voice alarms, etc.), as well as the ease of operation and maintenance.
Power supply and wiring
The fifth principle for fire alarm system design is to select and position the power supply units and wiring that are suitable for the building and its occupants. The power supply units are the components that provide electrical power to the fire alarm system, such as batteries, chargers, generators, etc. The wiring is the component that connects the power supply units, control and indicating equipment, detection and alarm devices, etc.
BS 5839 Part 1 provides guidance on how to select and position the power supply units and wiring according to various factors, such as:
The capacity and reliability of the power supply units The type and characteristics of the wiring The routing and installation of the wiring The segregation and protection of the wiring
The selection and positioning of power supply units and wiring should also consider the integration with other systems (such as sprinklers, smoke control, voice alarms, etc.), as well as the compliance with the relevant electrical standards and regulations.
Documentation and certification
The sixth principle for fire alarm system design is to document and certify the fire alarm system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance. The documentation is the record that provides information about the fire alarm system, such as specifications, drawings, manuals, certificates, log books, etc. The certification is the evidence that confirms that the fire alarm system meets the design objectives, standards and regulations.
BS 5839 Part 1 provides guidance on how to document and certify the fire alarm system according to various factors, such as:
The format and content of the documentation The responsibility and authority for issuing and receiving the documentation The storage and access of the documentation The frequency and scope of updating the documentation
The documentation and certification of the fire alarm system should also consider the integration with other systems (such as sprinklers, smoke control, voice alarms, etc.), as well as the communication with the relevant parties (such as building owners, managers, users, regulators, insurers, etc.).
How to use Safety Systems Designer software for fire alarm system design
One of the challenges of designing a fire alarm system according to BS 5839 Part 1 is to manage all What is Safety Systems Designer and how does it work?
Safety Systems Designer is a software tool that supports the entire Bosch fire detection EN54 product portfolio and makes project handling a snap. It can be used to plan, design and configure complete systems with panels, loop modules and interface modules, as well as conventional and addressable devices. It can also generate a bill of material, a tender text, a battery calculation, a system viability check and other documentation and certification for the fire alarm system.
Safety Systems Designer works by allowing the user to enter the parameters and requirements of the fire alarm system, such as the system category, coverage, devices, equipment and wiring. It then automatically calculates and validates the system design, ensuring that it meets the recommendations of BS 5839 Part 1 and the limits of the Bosch products. It also provides a graphical user interface that displays the system layout, wiring diagram and device properties. The user can easily modify and customize the system design by adding, deleting or changing any component or parameter.
The features and benefits of Safety Systems Designer software
Safety Systems Designer software offers many features and benefits for fire alarm system design, such as:
It simplifies and streamlines the fire alarm system design process by automating many steps and tasks It reduces the risk of human error and increases the accuracy and reliability of the system design It saves time and effort for the user by eliminating duplicate work and manual data transfer It enhances the quality and consistency of the system design by following the recommendations of BS 5839 Part 1 and the limits of the Bosch products It improves the communication and collaboration between different parties involved in the fire alarm system project by providing clear and comprehensive documentation and certification It supports the integration of fire alarm system design with AutoCAD software via a free plugin that enables seamless data transfer between AutoCAD software and Safety Systems Designer It is free of charge and easy to install and use with a simple setup assistant It includes an extensive SSD CAD blocks library that allows users to pick icons from more than 150 of EN 54 fire alarm system devices It is available in 17 languages
The steps and tips for using Safety Systems Designer software
The steps for using Safety Systems Designer software for fire alarm system design are:
Download and install Safety Systems Designer software from [here](^1^) Download and install Bosch SSD Plugin for AutoCAD software from [here](^2^) (optional) Create a new project or open an existing project in Safety Systems Designer software Enter the project information, such as name, description, customer, etc. Select the system category and coverage according to BS 5839 Part 1 Select the panel type, loop modules and interface modules according to the Bosch product portfolio Select and position the detection and alarm devices according to BS 5839 Part 1 Select and position the control and indicating equipment according to BS 5839 Part 1 Select and position the power supply units according to BS 5839 Part 1 Select and route the wiring according to BS 5839 Part 1 Integrate with other systems (if applicable) according to BS 5839 Part 1 Test, commission and hand over the system according to BS 5839 Part 1 Inspect, service and maintain the system according to BS 5839 Part 1
Some tips for using Safety Systems Designer software are:
Use the help function or watch the tutorial videos for more guidance on how to use Safety Systems Designer software Use the SSD CAD blocks library or your own CAD blocks to place fire alarm system devices on floor plans in AutoCAD software Use the Bosch SSD Plugin for AutoCAD software to transfer fire alarm system devices from AutoCAD software to Safety Systems Designer software automatically Use the validation function to check if your system design meets the recommendations of BS 5839 Part 1 and the limits of the Bosch products Use the documentation function to generate a bill of material, a tender text, a battery calculation, a system viability check and other documentation and certification for your fire alarm system
Conclusion
In conclusion, BS 5839 Part 1 is a British Standard that provides recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems for non-domestic premises. It is an important standard for fire safety professionals, consultants, contractors, engineers, architects, building owners, managers and regulators who want to ensure that their fire alarm systems are suitable, sufficient and compliant.
To design a fire alarm system according to BS 5839 Part 1, it is necessary to follow a systematic and rigorous process that involves several steps and stages, such as risk assessment, fire strategy, system category, coverage, devices, equipment, wiring, documentation and certification. It is also advisable to seek professional guidance from a qualified fire safety consultant or contractor, or to use a software tool that can simplify and streamline the fire alarm system design process.
One of the software tools that can help with fire alarm system design is Safety Systems Designer, which supports the entire Bosch fire detection EN54 product portfolio and makes project handling a snap. It can be used to plan, design and configure complete systems with panels, loop modules and interface modules, as well as conventional and addressable devices. It can also generate a bill of material, a tender text, a battery calculation, a system viability check and other documentation and certification for the fire alarm system. It also integrates with AutoCAD software via a free plugin that enables seamless data transfer between AutoCAD software and Safety Systems Designer.
We hope that this article has provided you with useful information and insights on BS 5839 Part 1 and how to design a fire alarm system according to this standard. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about BS 5839 Part 1 and fire alarm system design:
What is the difference between BS 5839 Part 1 and BS 5839-6?
BS 5839 Part 1 applies to fire detection and fire alarm systems for non-domestic premises, while BS 5839-6 applies to fire detection and fire alarm systems for domestic premises. They have different recommendations and requirements for system categories, coverage, devices, equipment, wiring, documentation and certification.
How often should I review and update my fire alarm system design?
You should review and update your fire alarm system design whenever there is a significant change in the building or its occupancy that may affect the fire risk or the performance of the system. You should also review and update your fire alarm system design at least every five years or whenever BS 5839 Part 1 is revised or amended.
How can I obtain a copy of BS 5839 Part 1?
You can purchase a copy of BS 5839 Part 1 from the British Standards Institution (BSI) website [here]. You can also access a free online version of BS 5839 Part 1 from the BSI website [here], but you will need to register and agree to the terms and conditions.
How can I learn more about Safety Systems Designer software?
You can learn more about Safety Systems Designer software from the Bosch website [here]. You can also watch some tutorial videos on how to use Safety Systems Designer software on YouTube [here].
How can I contact Bosch for technical support or feedback on Safety Systems Designer software?
You can contact Bosch for technical support or feedback on Safety Systems Designer software by filling out an online form [here]. You can also call or email Bosch using the contact details provided [here].
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