BS 5839-1:2025 – Key Updates to the UK Fire Alarm Standard

Fire safety regulations are always evolving to ensure that buildings are better protected from the risks of fire. On 29 April 2025, the British Standards Institution (BSI) published the latest revision of BS 5839-1, the UK’s principal code of practice for fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises. This update introduces significant changes aimed at enhancing fire safety, improving system documentation, and aligning with modern technologies.

These changes are designed to improve safety, speed up emergency responses, and make fire safety systems more user-friendly. If you work in fire safety or own a business, it’s crucial to understand these updates and how they impact your building’s fire alarm systems.

To mirror the industry practice, the standard has been divided into eight sections which offer recommendations for specific elements of these systems.

·       Section 1: General

·       Section 2: Design considerations

·       Section 3: Limitations of false alarms and unwanted fire signals

·       Section 4: Installation

·       Section 5: Commissioning and handover

·       Section 6: Maintenance

·       Section 7: Extensions and modifications

·       Section 8: User responsibilities

🔧 Key Technical and Procedural Updates

1. Clear Zone Plans

The 2025 revision emphasises the necessity of zone plans. A zone plan—a diagrammatic representation showing the division of a building into detection zones—is now required adjacent to all Control and Indicating Equipment (CIE). The absence of a zone plan is considered a major variation from the standard. Premises management is responsible for ensuring these plans are accurate and up to date, especially when areas are identified by specific names.

2. Enhanced Use of Visual Alarm Devices (VADs)

The standard now recommends that visual alarm devices (VADs) conform to BS EN 54-23, ensuring consistent and effective visual coverage. This change is particularly relevant in environments where audible alarms may not be sufficient—such as areas with high ambient noise levels or where occupants may have hearing impairments. The revision reinforces the importance of assessing the suitability of VADs during system design, installation, and commissioning.

📘 Logbooks and Documentation: Greater Emphasis on Clarity and Compliance

A major area of revision in BS 5839-1:2025 is the formalisation and expansion of requirements for logbooks, certificates, and system labelling. These documentation updates reflect a broader goal of ensuring traceability, accountability, and a consistent standard of care throughout a fire alarm system’s lifecycle. The updated standard permits the use of digital logbooks, provided they are accessible to all interested parties, such as fire alarm service engineers, Fire & Rescue Service personnel, fire risk assessors, responsible persons, and premises management.

🔹 Updated Logbook Structure

The standard now includes an enhanced logbook template that provides clearer guidance on what needs to be recorded, by whom, and when. The logbook must include:

• Details of all inspections, tests, and maintenance

• Records of any false alarms, faults, or modifications

• Confirmation of actions taken to rectify identified issues

• Dates of all periodic checks and servicing

🔹 Revised Certificates of Design, Installation & Commissioning

All certificates associated with the fire alarm system have been revised for 2025. New designs. Certificates must be provided for each of the three separate processes: design, installation, and commissioning. Certification can be carried out by a single or multiple organizations, but in all cases, it is essential that the person who signs these certificates is competent to verify compliance with the standard.

• Annex G of the standard offers model certificates for all stages of fire detection and fire alarm system work, including design, installation, commissioning, acceptance, inspection/servicing, and modification. There is also a model verification certificate for confirming overall system compliance, which is particularly relevant for larger, more complex installations. Include more comprehensive sections to detail system variations or deviations from the standard

• Align better with third-party certification and maintenance frameworks

• The period between service visits has been clarified to acknowledge that it is not possible to carry out routine maintenance of a fire detection and fire alarm system on exactly the same day every year and has now introduced a grace period for the interval between routine service visits.

These certificates are now standardised and designed for easier digital integration, paving the way for electronic recordkeeping.

While it stops short of mandating electronic records, it encourages digital and cloud-based records for system documentation. These recommendations reflect modern practices and aim to improve audit readiness and reduce administrative errors.

🔹 Labelling Enhancements

The standard does not introduce new labelling requirements, now mandates clear and durable labels to be affixed at critical system points, such as the device type and zone identification e.g. manual call points (MCPs). These labels must:

• State system type and category (e.g., L1, L3, M)

• Indicate the date of commissioning

• Reference the logbook location

• Include contact details for the fire alarm maintenance provider

Proper labelling helps in the quick identification of system elements, which is crucial during inspections and in the event of an incident.​

🧠 Greater Focus on System Responsibility and Management

BS 5839-1:2025 places increased emphasis on the role of the Responsible Person, as defined under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. The standard clearly outlines their duties in:

• Ensuring the zone plan is updated and legible

• Verifying the logbook is maintained and available at all times

• Making sure any system changes or faults are promptly addressed

It also clarifies responsibilities around user training, including the operation of manual call points and the interpretation of sounder/VAD signals.

♻️ False Alarm Reduction Measures Strengthened

The 2025 update continues to address the persistent issue of false alarms. Key updates include:

• Stronger emphasis on investigating root causes of false alarms

• Updated guidance on the placement and sensitivity of detectors

• Encouragement of phased detection activation in complex premises

Management accountability is a key theme: repeated false alarms without corrective action are now considered a breach of good practice.

✅ Improved Clarity Across System Categories

To aid better design and compliance, BS 5839-1:2025 includes clearer definitions and distinctions between system types:

• L1 to L5 (life safety systems)

• M (manual only)

• Enhanced descriptions of hybrid systems

This helps eliminate ambiguity in specifications, particularly in mixed-use or high-risk buildings.

📆 Conclusion

BS 5839-1:2025 marks a significant evolution in the UK’s approach to fire detection and alarm systems. With strengthened documentation requirements, better guidance on device usage, and a push toward digital compliance tools, the new standard reflects the growing complexity—and importance—of managing fire safety in modern buildings.

BS 5839-1:2025 is a code of practice offering recommendations that are not retrospective; existing fire alarm systems installed under earlier versions do not need to be upgraded but must be maintained to current standards. Training and exam materials for fire detection qualifications will need updating, and there may be delays in this process. Building owners must ensure that anyone working on their fire alarm systems is properly qualified and familiar with the latest changes to maintain competence.

For facilities managers, installers, consultants, and fire safety professionals, this edition provides both challenges and opportunities. Adhering to the new guidance not only ensures legal compliance but also fosters safer, more resilient premises.

To obtain the full standard or download updated logbook and certificate templates, visit Docs-Store BSi section.