Neil Baldwin from ESP takes a look at the key updates that contractors need to be aware of, to ensure they are fully compliant when installing fire alarm systems

BS 5839-6:2019 — ARE YOU UP TO DATE?

With revisions to the standard for domestic fire detection introduced last year, Neil Baldwin, managing director at ESP, takes a look at the key updates that contractors need to be aware of, to ensure that they are fully compliant when installing fire alarm systems.

The BSI’s recent update The new grading system is as follows: of the domestic fire detection and alarm • Grade A system standard, Separate detectors, sounders and specifically Part 6 of central control and indicating equipment BS 5839, outlines the with back-up power supply that conforms code of practice for the to British Standards BS EN 54. design, installation, • Grade C commissioning and maintenance of Separate detectors and sounders that fire detection and fire alarm systems in are mains powered with back-up power domestic properties. The standard is aimed supply and central control equipment. at architects, engineers and other building • Grade D1 professionals, enforcing authorities, A system of one or more mains installers and others responsible powered detectors, each with a tamper for implementing fire precautions in proof standby supply consisting of a domestic premises. It provides the latest battery or batteries. recommendations for fire detection and • Grade D2 fire alarm systems in both new and existing A system of one or more mains-powered domestic premises, in order to make them detectors, each with an integral standby safer to live in. supply consisting of a user replaceable

The main revisions include: battery or batteries. • Re-grading and revision of statistics and A system of one or more batteryrecommendations existing premises. Its recommendations powered detectors powered by a tamper • Updating guidance to take all other can be applied to the fire detection proof primary battery or batteries. standards in the BS 5839 series into components of combined domestic fire and • Grade F2 account intruder alarm systems, or fire and social A system of one or more battery• New table on testing and servicing by alarm systems. The standard also includes powered detectors powered by a user grade of alarm system recommendations for routine attention. replaceable primary battery or batteries. • New recommendations for ensuring The systems it covers range from those alarm signal transmission required comprising a single self-contained smoke These grades need to be adhered to when within social care and sheltered housing alarm to systems of the type described in designing, constructing and managing settings function accordingly BS 5839-1. fire detection and fire alarm systems in • Increased protection in sheltered New recommendations have been domestic properties. Attention also needs to housing and supported housing added for fire detection in supported be given to the revisions made to Table 1 of • New recommendation that communal fire housing in particular, whilst revised the Standard, which outlines the minimum alarm systems should not normally be guidance on the installation of communal grade and category of system that should installed in purpose-built blocks of flats fire alarm systems in purpose-built be installed to provide protection of life in blocks of flats has also been introduced. typical premises. The updates have been The key standard The Standard has also been updated to reflect the updates made to Part 1 in 2017, made to reflect current living conditions. In conjunction with Table 1, a new table The BS 5839 series of standards began life which addresses non-domestic premises, has also been created, which outlines the with the publication of BS 5839-1 in 1980. combined with any other updates made to recommended testing and servicing by It has since grown into nine parts, splitting other Standards since the last full revision. grade to prevent the blocking or delaying domestic and non-domestic premises Below is an outline of the key changes of fire alarm signals transmitted via social and also dealing with a range of specific to BS 5839-6 and the areas to be aware of alarm systems in sheltered housing to an systems in detail. to ensure residents are offered the highest alarm receiving centre.

Part 6 has become the key standard standard of fire protection throughout for domestic premises. The document all types of domestic properties. This ESP, espuk.com supplies guidance and recommendations applies to property managers, architects, on planning, designing, installing, building professionals, installers and commissioning and maintaining detection enforcing authorities. and fire alarm systems. • Grade F1 The recommendations refer principally to fire detection and fire alarm systems Revised system grading installed for the purpose of life safety, but Whilst BS 5839-6 has previously been split also include recommendations for systems into six varying Grades, each outlining the that are intended to protect property. level of protection appropriate for certain The standard covers homes designed properties and their corresponding levels to accommodate a single family; HMOs of risk, the new update has altered the six comprising a number of self-contained sections, removing Grade B and Grade E, units, each designed to accommodate whilst Grade D and Grade F have been split a single family; and sheltered housing, into Grade D1 / Grade D2 and Grade F1 / including both the dwelling units and the Grade F2 respectively. Grade C has been common areas. It applies to both new and revised and its recommendations expanded.