BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020

What is BS 5839-6?  

BS 5839-6 specifies the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises that are designed to accommodate a single person or family and sheltered housing. 

BS 5839-6 is not intended for occupiers, for whom government advice is published. 

Who is BS 5839-6 for?  

BS 5839-6 on fire alarm systems in domestic premises is relevant to: 

• Entities involved in design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems 
• Manufacturers of fire detection and fire alarm systems  
• Alarm receiving centres (ARC) 
• Product designers and engineers 
• Architects and building professionals 
• Installers 
• Fire and safety department 

Why should you use BS 5839-6?  

The recommendations in BS 5839-6 refer principally to fire detection and fire alarm systems installed for the purpose of life safety. 

BS 5839-6 provides guidance on system components, monitoring of circuits, grades, choice and categories of system, types of fire detectors and their selection, location and siting of fire detectors, power supplies, wiring, control and indicating equipment, transmission of alarm signals, manual call points and commissioning and certifications. 

Overall, adopting the best industry recommendations by BS 5839-6 on fire detection and fire alarm systems can help ensure of their performance while minimizing incidences of product failure that could lead to adverse hazards and risks. Complying with BS 5839-6 can also prevent incidents of false and delayed alarms, while ensuring the necessary audibility of alarm devices. This can be particularly helpful for fire alarm warnings that are in use for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020 supersedes BS 5839-6:2019, which is withdrawn. Some of the principal changes are: 

• New recommendation that communal fire alarm systems should not normally be installed in purpose-built blocks of flats 
• Removal of Grade B and Grade E 
• Updating of guidance to consider the publication of BS 5839-1:2017 and other standards published since the last full revision of BS 58396 
• Recommendations have been amended with new text on warning it should not be assumed that children will be woken by fire alarm tones 
• New table on testing and servicing by grade