BS 5839-1:2017 - A Guide to Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings
Fire detection and fire alarm systems are essential for the protection of life and property in buildings. They provide early warning of fire, alert occupants to evacuate, notify the fire and rescue service, and activate other fire safety measures. However, designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining these systems can be complex and challenging, especially for non-domestic premises.
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That is why there is a need for a comprehensive and up-to-date standard that covers all aspects of fire detection and fire alarm systems. This standard is BS 5839-1:2017, which was revised by BSI, the business standards company, in 2017. It is referred to in both volumes of the governments statutory guidance for fire safety, Approved Document B, which concerns building regulations covering fire safety matters within and around buildings.
In this article, we will explain what BS 5839-1:2017 is and why it is important, how to design a fire detection and fire alarm system according to the standard, how to install, commission and maintain the system, and how to comply with fire safety regulations in the UK.
What is BS 5839-1:2017 and why is it important?
The scope and purpose of the standard
BS 5839-1:2017 is the code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises. It applies to all workplaces and the common parts of residential buildings, such as flats, apartments, hotels, hostels, care homes, student accommodation, etc. It does not apply to domestic premises or individual dwellings within residential buildings.
The standard provides recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems. It also includes guidance on system components, wiring, power supplies, testing, inspection, servicing, false alarms, documentation, training and management.
The purpose of the standard is to ensure that fire detection and fire alarm systems are fit for purpose, reliable, effective and compliant with relevant regulations. It also aims to promote good practice and consistency among system designers, installers, commissioners, maintainers and users.
The benefits and challenges of complying with the standard
Complying with BS 5839-1:2017 can bring many benefits for building owners or managers (responsible persons), such as:
Enhancing the safety of occupants and visitors
Reducing the risk of property damage and business interruption
Meeting legal obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) or equivalent legislation in Scotland or Northern Ireland
Avoiding fines or prosecution for non-compliance or negligence
Improving the reputation and credibility of the business or organisation
Lowering insurance premiums or claims
However, complying with BS 5839-1:2017 can also pose some challenges for responsible persons, such as:
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Understanding and applying the complex and technical requirements of the standard
Finding qualified and competent system designers, installers, commissioners and maintainers
Allocating sufficient time, budget and resources for the system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance
Managing the system performance, functionality and integrity throughout its lifecycle
Dealing with false alarms, faults and malfunctions
Keeping up to date with changes and updates to the standard or regulations
To overcome these challenges, responsible persons should seek professional advice and support from reputable fire safety consultants, contractors and suppliers. They should also ensure that they have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities under the FSO or equivalent legislation, and that they follow the recommendations of BS 5839-1:2017 as closely as possible.
How to design a fire detection and fire alarm system according to BS 5839-1:2017
The steps and stages of the design process
The design of a fire detection and fire alarm system is a critical and complex process that requires careful planning, analysis, evaluation and documentation. According to BS 5839-1:2017, the design process consists of the following steps and stages:
Establishing the objectives and scope of the system
Conducting a fire risk assessment of the premises
Determining the category of system required (L for life protection or P for property protection)
Selecting the type of system (conventional, addressable or wireless)
Choosing the appropriate fire detectors and sounders for each area or zone
Calculating the coverage and spacing of detectors and sounders
Designing the layout and wiring of the system components
Specifying the power supply and battery backup for the system
Incorporating any special features or functions (such as voice alarms, manual call points, interfaces with other systems, etc.)
Preparing the design drawings, specifications and calculations
Obtaining approval from relevant authorities or stakeholders (such as building control, fire authority, insurance company, etc.)
The design process should be carried out by a competent person who has adequate knowledge, skills and experience in fire detection and fire alarm systems. The person should also be familiar with BS 5839-1:2017 and other relevant standards or codes of practice. The person should consult with the responsible person and other parties involved in the project, such as architects, engineers, contractors, etc., to ensure that the system meets the needs and expectations of all stakeholders.
The key factors and considerations for the design
The design of a fire detection and fire alarm system should take into account various factors and considerations that may affect the performance, functionality and suitability of the system. Some of these factors and considerations are:
The nature and use of the premises (such as occupancy level, activities, hazards, etc.)
The characteristics and layout of the building (such as size, shape, height, structure, compartments, etc.)
The environmental conditions and influences (such as temperature, humidity, dust, smoke, etc.)
The potential sources of ignition and fuel (such as electrical equipment, flammable materials, etc.)
The likely fire scenarios and spread patterns (such as origin, location, direction, speed, etc.)
The fire detection strategy and objectives (such as early warning, evacuation, suppression, etc.)
The fire alarm signal transmission and audibility (such as wired or wireless communication, sound level, tone, etc.)
The compatibility and integration of system components (such as detectors, sounders, control panels, etc.)
The reliability and resilience of the system (such as redundancy, fault tolerance, self-testing, etc.)
The ease of installation, commissioning and maintenance of the system (such as accessibility, modularity, scalability, etc.)
The cost-effectiveness and value for money of the system (such as initial cost, running cost, life cycle cost, etc.)
The design should aim to achieve a balance between these factors and considerations to ensure that the system is fit for purpose. The design should also comply with any specific requirements or recommendations from relevant authorities or stakeholders.
The use of fire alarm system design software
To facilitate the design process and ensure accuracy and consistency in calculations and documentation. The designer may use fire alarm system design software. This is a computer program that allows the designer to input data about the premises and the system requirements, and then generate the design drawings, specifications and calculations automatically. The software may also provide features such as error checking, validation, simulation, optimization, etc. to enhance the quality and efficiency of the design. Some examples of fire alarm system design software are: - FireCAD: A web-based software that allows the designer to create fire alarm system layouts, wiring diagrams, bills of materials, battery calculations and more. It supports both conventional and addressable systems, and complies with BS 5839-1:2017 and other standards. - FireSysCAD: A software that integrates with AutoCAD to enable the designer to create fire alarm system drawings, schematics, riser diagrams, panel layouts and more. It supports both conventional and addressable systems, and complies with BS 5839-1:2017 and other standards. - FireZone: A software that works with Microsoft Visio to enable the designer to create fire alarm system floor plans, wiring diagrams, device schedules and more. It supports both conventional and addressable systems, and complies with BS 5839-1:2017 and other standards. The use of fire alarm system design software can help the designer to save time, reduce errors, improve accuracy and produce professional documents. However, the designer should still verify the results and outputs of the software, and ensure that they meet the requirements and expectations of the responsible person and other stakeholders. How to install, commission and maintain a fire detection and fire alarm system according to BS 5839-1:2017
The requirements and recommendations for installation
The installation of a fire detection and fire alarm system is a crucial and complex task that requires careful planning, coordination, execution and supervision. According to BS 5839-1:2017, the installation should be carried out by a competent person who has adequate knowledge, skills and experience in fire detection and fire alarm systems. The person should also be familiar with BS 5839-1:2017 and other relevant standards or codes of practice. The person should consult with the system designer and the responsible person to ensure that the installation meets the design specifications and the needs of the premises.
The installation should follow the recommendations of BS 5839-1:2017, which include:
Ensuring that all system components are suitable for their intended purpose and location
Ensuring that all system components are installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the design drawings
Ensuring that all wiring is properly routed, secured, terminated and labelled
Ensuring that all power supplies are adequate, reliable and protected
Ensuring that all interfaces with other systems are correctly configured and tested
Ensuring that all work is carried out in a safe manner and in compliance with relevant regulations
Ensuring that all work is documented and recorded
The installation should be completed within the agreed time frame and budget, and with minimal disruption to the normal operation of the premises. The installation should also be inspected and tested before commissioning.
The procedures and documentation for commissioning
The commissioning of a fire detection and fire alarm system is a vital and final stage that verifies that the system is fully functional, compliant and ready for use. According to BS 5839-1:2017, the commissioning should be carried out by a competent person who has adequate knowledge, skills and experience in fire detection and fire alarm systems. The person should also be familiar with BS 5839-1:2017 and other relevant standards or codes of practice. The person should consult with the system designer, the installer and the responsible person to ensure that the commissioning meets the design specifications and the needs of the premises.
The commissioning should follow the procedures of BS 5839-1:2017, which include:
Checking that the installation is complete, correct and safe
Checking that all system components are operational, compatible and calibrated
Checking that all wiring is intact, secure and functional
Checking that all power supplies are adequate, reliable and protected
Checking that all interfaces with other systems are correctly configured and tested
Testing the system functionality, performance and integrity under various conditions and scenarios
Testing the system audibility, visibility and intelligibility in all areas and zones
Testing the system response time, sensitivity and reliability in detecting and signalling fire
Testing the system activation, deactivation and reset procedures
Testing the system false alarm management and prevention measures
Testing the system fault detection and indication features
Testing the system maintenance and servicing functions
Testing the system user interface and control functions
Testing the system documentation and records
The commissioning should be completed within the agreed time frame and budget, and with minimal disruption to the normal operation of the premises. The commissioning should also be documented and recorded in a commissioning certificate, which should be signed by the commissioner, the installer, the designer and the responsible person. The commissioning certificate should be kept as part of the system logbook, which should be stored in a secure location on or near the premises.
The frequency and methods of maintenance
The maintenance of a fire detection and fire alarm system is an ongoing and essential task that ensures that the system remains functional, compliant and effective throughout its lifecycle. According to BS 5839-1:2017, the maintenance should be carried out by a competent person who has adequate knowledge, skills and experience in fire detection and fire alarm systems. The person should also be familiar with BS 5839-1:2017 and other relevant standards or codes of practice. The person should consult with the responsible person to ensure that the maintenance meets the needs of the premises.
The maintenance should follow the frequency and methods of BS 5839-1:2017, which include:
Conducting a weekly visual inspection of the system components, such as detectors, sounders, control panels, etc., to check for any signs of damage, deterioration or malfunction
Conducting a monthly functional test of the system components, such as detectors, sounders, control panels, etc., to check for any faults or failures in operation or communication
Conducting a quarterly service visit by a qualified service engineer to check, test and service all system components, such as detectors, sounders, control panels, etc., to ensure that they are working properly and comply with relevant standards or regulations
Conducting an annual full test of the system by a qualified service engineer to check, test and service all system components, such as detectors, sounders, control panels, etc., to ensure that they are working properly and comply with relevant standards or regulations. The annual full test should also include a review of the system design, performance and suitability for the premises.
The maintenance should be completed within the agreed time frame and budget, and with minimal disruption to the normal operation of the premises. The maintenance should also be documented Ensuring that all fire safety records and documents are kept up to date and available for inspection
Cooperating and coordinating with other responsible persons, fire authorities and other relevant parties on fire safety matters
Reviewing and revising the fire safety measures as necessary to ensure their effectiveness and suitability
The responsible person should seek professional advice and support from reputable fire safety consultants, contractors and suppliers to help them fulfil their roles and responsibilities. The responsible person should also ensure that they have a clear understanding of the FSO and other relevant legislation and guidance, and that they follow the recommendations of BS 5839-1:2017 as closely as possible.
The best practices and tips for fire safety management
Fire safety management is the process of planning, organising, implementing, monitoring and reviewing the fire safety measures on the premises. It involves a proactive and systematic approach to prevent, control and mitigate the risk of fire and its consequences. Fire safety management is an integral part of the overall management of the premises, and it requires the commitment and involvement of all stakeholders, such as employees, visitors, contractors, etc.
Some of the best practices and tips for fire safety management are:
Establish a clear fire safety policy and objectives for the premises
Appoint a competent person or a fire safety manager to oversee and coordinate the fire safety activities on the premises
Form a fire safety team or committee to assist and support the fire safety manager in carrying out the fire safety tasks
Conduct regular fire drills and exercises to test and improve the fire safety procedures and awareness on the premises
Provide adequate signage and notices to inform and instruct people on the fire safety arrangements and procedures on the premises
Encourage a positive fire safety culture and attitude among all stakeholders, such as reporting hazards, raising concerns, suggesting improvements, etc.
Seek feedback and suggestions from all stakeholders on how to improve the fire safety measures on the premises
Keep abreast of the latest developments and trends in fire safety technology, standards and regulations
Benchmark the fire safety performance of the premises against similar or best-in-class premises
Celebrate and reward the achievements and contributions of all stakeholders in enhancing the fire safety on the premises
By following these best practices and tips, the responsible person can ensure that the fire safety management on the premises is effective, efficient and sustainable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BS 5839-1:2017 is a comprehensive and up-to-date standard that covers all aspects of fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. It provides recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of these systems, as well as guidance on system components, wiring, power supplies, testing, inspection, servicing, false alarms, documentation, training and management. It is referred to in both volumes of Approved Document B (Fire Safety), which concerns building regulations covering fire safety matters within and around buildings. It is also supported by other relevant standards or codes of practice, such as BS 9999, BS 9991, BS EN 54, PAS 79, LACoRS, etc. Complying with BS 5839-1:2017 can bring many benefits for building owners or managers (responsible persons), such as enhancing the safety of occupants and visitors, reducing the risk of property damage and business interruption, meeting legal obligations under the FSO or equivalent legislation, avoiding fines or prosecution for non-compliance or negligence, improving the reputation and credibility of the business or organisation, and lowering insurance premiums or claims. However, complying with BS 5839-1:2017 can also pose some challenges for responsible persons, such as understanding and applying the complex and technical requirements of the standard, finding qualified and competent system designers, installers, commissioners and maintainers, allocating sufficient time, budget and resources for the system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance, managing the system performance, functionality and integrity throughout its lifecycle, dealing with false alarms, faults and malfunctions, and keeping up to date with changes and updates to the standard or regulations. To overcome these challenges, responsible persons should seek professional advice and support from reputable fire safety consultants, contractors and suppliers. They should also ensure that they have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities under the FSO or equivalent legislation, and that they follow the recommendations of BS 5839-1:2017 as closely as possible. The design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of a fire detection and fire alarm system according to BS 5839-1:2017 requires a systematic and meticulous approach that involves careful planning, analysis, evaluation and documentation. The design process consists of several steps and stages that require the consideration of various factors and influences that may affect the performance, functionality and suitability of the system. The installation process requires the adherence to the manufacturer's instructions and the design specifications. The commissioning process verifies that the system is fully functional, compliant and ready for use. The maintenance process ensures that the system remains functional, compliant and effective throughout its lifecycle. All these processes should be carried out by competent persons who have adequate knowledge, skills and experience in fire detection and fire alarm systems. Fire safety management is the process of planning, organising, implementing, monitoring and reviewing the fire safety measures on the premises. It involves a proactive and systematic approach to prevent, control and mitigate the risk of fire and its consequences. Fire safety management is an integral part of the overall management of the premises, and it requires the commitment and involvement of all stakeholders. Fire safety management can be improved by following some best practices and tips, such as establishing a clear fire safety policy and objectives, appointing a competent person or a fire safety manager to oversee and coordinate the fire safety activities, forming a fire safety team or committee to assist and support the fire safety manager, conducting regular fire drills and exercises, providing adequate signage and notices, encouraging a positive fire safety culture and attitude, seeking feedback and suggestions, keeping abreast of the latest developments and trends, benchmarking the fire safety performance, and celebrating and rewarding the achievements and contributions. By following this guide, the responsible person can ensure that they have a fire detection and fire alarm system that is compliant with BS 5839-1:2017 and other relevant standards or regulations, that is fit for purpose and reliable, that meets the needs and expectations of the premises and its occupants, and that enhances the fire safety of the premises. FAQs
What is the difference between L and P categories of fire detection and fire alarm systems?
L categories are for life protection, which means that the primary objective of the system is to protect people from fire. L categories range from L1 to L5, depending on the level of protection required. L1 is the highest level of protection, which requires automatic fire detection throughout the premises. L5 is the lowest level of protection, which requires automatic fire detection only in specific areas or for specific purposes.
P categories are for property protection, which means that the primary objective of the system is to protect property from fire. P categories range from P1 to P2, depending on the extent of protection required. P1 requires automatic fire detection throughout the premises. P2 requires automatic fire detection only in defined areas of high fire risk or high fire load.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of conventional, addressable and wireless fire detection and fire alarm systems?
Conventional systems are the simplest and cheapest type of systems, which consist of detectors and sounders connected to a control panel by separate circuits or zones. Each zone can cover a certain area or floor of the premises. The advantage of conventional systems is that they are easy to install and maintain. The disadvantage of conventional systems is that they cannot identify the exact location or device of a fire or fault, only the zone.
Addressable systems are more advanced and expensive type of systems, which consist of detectors and sounders connected to a control panel by a single loop or network. Each device has a unique address or identity that can be programmed and monitored by the control panel. The advantage of addressable systems is that they can identify the exact location or device of a fire or fault, as well as provide more information and functions. The disadvantage of addressable systems is that they are more complex and costly to install and maintain.
Wireless systems are the most modern and flexible type of systems, which consist of detectors and sounders connected to a control panel by radio signals or wireless communication. Each device has a battery-powered transmitter or receiver that can communicate with the control panel. The advantage of wireless systems is that they can eliminate the need for wiring and cabling, which can save time, money and space. The disadvantage of wireless systems is that they can be affected by interference, obstructions or signal loss, which can reduce their reliability and performance.
How can false alarms be reduced or prevented?
False alarms are unwanted or unnecessary activations of the fire detection and fire alarm system that are not caused by a real fire. False alarms can cause disruption, inconvenience, annoyance and confusion, as well as undermine the confidence and trust in the system. False alarms can also result in unnecessary call-outs of the fire and rescue service, which can waste their time and resources, and divert them from real emergencies. There are various causes of false alarms, such as: - Malicious or accidental activation of manual call points - Incorrect or inappropriate selection or placement of detectors - Environmental influences or disturbances, such as dust, steam, smoke, insects, etc. - Faulty or damaged system components, such as wiring, batteries, etc. - Poor or inadequate installation, commissioning or maintenance of the system - Lack of user awareness or training on the system operation and procedures To reduce or prevent false alarms, the responsible person should follow the recommendations of BS 5839-1:2017, which include: - Choosing the right type and location of detectors for each area or zone, based on the fire risk assessment and the system design - Installing and commissioning the system according to the manufacturer's instructions and the design specifications - Maintaining and servicing the system regularly and properly, according to the manufacturer's instructions and the maintenance schedule - Testing and inspecting the system periodically and thoroughly, according to the manufacturer's instructions and the testing schedule - Replacing or repairing any faulty or damaged system components as soon as possible - Educating and training all users and occupants on the system operation and procedures, such as how to activate, deactivate and reset the system, how to report and respond to fire or fault signals, how to avoid false alarms, etc. - Implementing a false alarm management policy and plan, which defines the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, the procedures for investigating and recording false alarms, the measures for reducing and preventing false alarms, etc. By following these recommendations, the responsible person can ensure that the fire detection and fire alarm system is reliable, effective and compliant with BS 5839-1:2017 and other relevant standards or regulations. How can I download BS 5839-1:2017 for free?
BS 5839-1:2017 is a copyrighted document that is published by BSI, the business standards company. It is not available for free download from any official or legal source. However, it is possible to purchase a copy of the document from BSI's website or from other authorised distributors or resellers.
The price of BS 5839-1:2017 varies depending on the format (hard copy or PDF) and the delivery method (postal or online). The current price of BS 5839-1:2017 on BSI's website is 254 for a hard copy or 254 + VAT for a PDF. The delivery time for a hard copy is usually within 5 working days. The delivery time for a PDF is usually within 2 hours.
Alternatively, it may be possible to access a copy of BS 5839-1:2017 from a library or an academic institution that has a subscription to BSI's online standards database. However, this may be subject to certain restrictions or limitations, such as availability, location, duration, etc.
What are some of the changes and updates in BS 5839-1:2017 compared to BS 5839-1:2013?
BS 5839-1:2017 is the latest edition of the standard that was published in September 2017. It supersedes BS 5839-1:2013, which was published in August 2013. BS 5839-1:2017 incorporates some changes and updates compared to BS 5839-1:2013, such as:
Clarifying the definition and scope of non-domestic premises
Revising the categories of systems from L1-L5 and P1-P2 to L1-L4 and P1-P2
Introducing new recommendations for multi-sensor detectors
Introducing new recommendations for voice alarm systems
Introducing new recommendations for video fire detectors
Introducing new recommendations for aspirating smoke detectors
Introducing new recommendations for electromagnetic compatibility
Introducing new recommendations for false alarm management
Updating references to other standards or codes of practice
The responsible person should ensure that they are familiar with these changes and updates, and that they apply them to their existing or new fire detection and fire alarm systems.
This is the end of my article on BS 5839-1:2017 - A Guide to Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings. I hope you found it useful and informative. Thank you for reading. 44f88ac181
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