BS 5839-1:2025 – What the New Fire Alarm Standard Means for Your Building
As of 30/04/2025, the updated BS 5839-1:2025 standard has officially replaced BS 5839-1:2017. This update brings fresh guidance on how fire detection and alarm systems should be designed, installed, commissioned, and maintained in non-domestic premises across the UK.
At Azimba Safety Solutions, we’ve reviewed the key changes and are here to help duty holders, facilities managers, consultants, and installers understand what the new standard means in practice.
Why This Matters
BS 5839-1:2025 introduces updated practices that aim to enhance the safety of building occupants, improve system reliability, and reduce false alarms. The guidance reflects the latest thinking in fire protection and is designed to support more effective evacuation and response in the event of a fire.
Key Updates in BS 5839-1:2025
Some of the main changes include:
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Improved protection for occupants
Greater emphasis is now placed on early warning and system reliability to support faster evacuation. -
Clearer system design criteria
The standard now includes more detailed guidance on how systems should be planned and configured to ensure dependable performance. -
Better guidance for professionals
Fire engineers, consultants, and building operators will benefit from improved clarity around roles and responsibilities at each project stage—from initial design through to maintenance.
Scope of the Standard
BS 5839-1:2025 applies specifically to fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic buildings. The code outlines detailed recommendations for a wide range of system components and functions, including:
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Manual call points
Enabling anyone to raise the alarm when fire is observed. -
Audible and visual alarms
Ensuring clear alerts through sounders and beacons, even in noisy or low-visibility areas. -
Automatic fire detectors
For early detection of smoke, heat, or flames without human intervention. -
Control panels
Monitoring system status, showing faults, and indicating activation points. -
Smoke control measures
Helping manage visibility and slow smoke spread during an incident. -
Door release systems
Automatically opening fire doors to support safe evacuation and emergency access. -
Fuel shut-off valves
Isolating gas or oil supplies to prevent escalation. -
Lift grounding controls
Returning lifts to a safe level and disabling use during fire events.
How Azimba Safety Solutions Can Support You
Navigating changes in fire safety standards can be complex, especially if you’re planning new works or reviewing existing systems. Azimba Safety Solutions offers a range of services to support compliance with BS 5839-1:2025, including:
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Gap assessments to identify shortfalls in your current system
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Support with system design and specification
Need Help Understanding Your Next Steps?
If you’re unsure how the new standard affects your building or your legal responsibilities, we’re here to help. Get in touch with Azimba Safety Solutions for practical advice and professional support to ensure your fire detection and alarm systems are up to standard and ready to protect.
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