Publication of BS 5839-1:2017 Fire Detection & Alarm Systems for Buildings

BSI has revised BS 5839-1:2017, the Code of Practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic dwellings.  The revision was published on 31 August 2017 and supersedes BS 5839-1:2013 which is now withdrawn.

The revision adopts latest industry thinking and new technologies including added guidance on the use of video fire detection and multi-sensor fire detectors with the aim of reducing the incidence of false alarms.

This is a full revision of the Code of Practice and contains a number of changes over the previous version.  Some of the key changes are:

• To reduce the chance of either malicious or accidental activation it is recommended that all manual call points are fitted with a protective cover.  Fitting protective covers to manual call points is now the default recommendation.  A “variation” to the Code of Practice must be declared if covers are not fitted.
• Means of safe isolation for maintenance purposes must be provided however there is no longer a requirement to provide double pole isolation adjacent to control equipment and power supply units.
• Additional guidance including a new annex addressing the selection and application of fire detectors has been incorporated.

The Fire Industry Association are holding complimentary seminars for its members with places currently available on 12th October.  View the FIA Events page for details. 

NSI’s Fire Gold and Silver approved companies may access Technical Bulletin 0039 via the Company Login area of this website which explains the changes in more detail. The Code of Practice is also available for approved companies via NSI’s on-line Standards Subscription service.