Fire: British Standard BS 5839‑6:2019 Latest Revision

The latest update to BSI’s domestic fire detection and alarm system standard, specifically Part 6 of BS 5839, outlines the code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic properties.  

New recommendations have been added for fire detection in supported housing in particular, whilst revised guidance on the installation of communal fire alarm systems in purpose-built blocks of flats has also been introduced. The Standard has also been updated to reflect the updates made to Part 1 in 2017, which addresses non-domestic premises, combined with any other updates made to other Standards since the last full revision. 

Below we outline the key changes to the BS 5839-6 Standard and the areas professionals should be aware of to ensure they’re offering individuals the highest standard of fire protection throughout all types of domestic properties. This applies to architects, building professionals, installers and enforcing authorities. 

Revised system grading for fire detection and fire alarm systems 

Whilst BS 5839-6 has previously been split into six varying Grades, each outlining the level of protection appropriate for certain properties and their corresponding levels of risk, the new update has altered the six sections, removing Grade B and Grade E, whilst Grade D and Grade F have been split into Grade D1 / Grade D2 and Grade F1 / Grade F2 respectively. Grade C has been revised and its recommendations expanded. 

New BS5839 grading system: 

Professionals should adhere to the above grades when designing, constructing and managing fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic properties. They should also be aware of the revisions made to Table 1 of the Standard, which outlines the minimum grade and category of system that should be installed to provide protection of life in typical premises. The updates have been made to reflect current living conditions. 

In conjunction with Table 1, a new table has also been created, which outlines the recommended testing and servicing by grade to prevent the blocking or delaying of fire alarm signals transmitted via social alarm systems in sheltered housing to an alarm receiving centre. 

Categories for fire detection and fire alarm systems (as per BS 5839-6:2019) 

With regard to categories, the standard of protection in sheltered housing flats has been increased from Category LD2 to Category LD1, positioning it as a higher potential risk. To meet LD1 requirements, the installation of a fire detection system is required throughout the premises – this includes all rooms (and circulation areas that form part of the escape routes) except toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms. 

The three categories for fire detection and fire alarm systems are listed below and outline where fire detection systems should be installed. 

LD1 Maximum Protection

Escape routes, high risk rooms plus all areas where a fire might start

Category LD1: The highest level of protection of all occupants who might occupy the dwelling over the lifetime of the fire detection and fire alarm system. A system installed throughout the premises, incorporating detectors in all circulation areas that form part of the escape routes from the premises, and in all rooms and areas, other than those with negligible sources of ignition, such as toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms. 

• Hallway
• Landing
• Living Room
• Kitchen (Heat alarm)
• Bedroom
• Airing / Meter Cupboards
• Loft
• Garage

LD2 Additional Protection   

Escape routes plus high risk rooms 

Category LD2: A system incorporating detectors in all circulation areas that form part of the escape routes from the premises, and in all specified rooms or areas that present a high fire risk to occupants, including any kitchen and the principal habitable room. 

• Hallway
• Landing
• Living Room
• Kitchen (Heat alarm)

LD3 Minimum Protection 

Escape routes only 

Category LD3: A system incorporating detectors in all circulation areas that form part of the escape routes from the premises. 

• Hallway
• Landing 

Note: This minimum category now only applies to owner occupied bungalow, flat, single-storey unit or maisonette with no floor level above 4.5m from ground level or owner-occupied two-storey house. 

History of BS 5839-6 

First launched in 1995, British Standard BS 5839-6 has long established itself as a key reference standard for specifiers, architects and fire safety personnel, outlining the specific systems that should be installed for the purpose of life safety and property protection. Covering the implementation of fire precautions in domestic premises, including HMOs and sheltered housing, throughout both the dwelling units and common areas, the Standard is applicable to both new build and materially altered dwellings (in conjunction with regional building regulations) as well as existing properties. The recommendations can be applied to the fire detection components of combined domestic fire and intruder alarm systems, or fire and social alarm systems. 

Free Download: Recent Changes to BS 5839-6 

The latest updates also outline the recommendation of optical smoke alarms or Multi-Sensor alarms featuring an optical sensor, such as FireAngel’s SM-SN-1 (Grade D1) or ST-622 (Grade F1), to be installed in circulation areas such as hallways and landings. Heat alarms should also be installed in kitchens to provide appropriate protection. Interconnected alarms should also be installed throughout a property, dependent on the specific grade, through hard-wiring or wireless connections. 

By following the latest changes to BS 5839-6, professionals can ensure the systems they install are not only fit for purpose for current living environments within domestic premises, but also ensure individuals are provided with the highest forms of protection available, contributing to the reduction in the number of fire deaths and injuries that occur each year. 

For additional guidance and information on the recent changes to BS 5839-6:2019, why not download our free guide and keep as a handy reference? 

*Please note: British Standard 5839‑6 takes the form of guidance and recommendations. It should not be quoted as if it were a specification and particular care should be taken to ensure that claims of compliance are not misleading. Any user claiming compliance with this British Standard is expected to be able to justify any course of action that deviates from its recommendations. For more information or to read the standard in full, please visit the British Standards website.