BS 5839-1:2025 – What the Latest Fire Alarm Standard Means for Your Business

Fire safety regulations are evolving to protect buildings more effectively—and the latest update, BS 5839-1:2025, sets new expectations for fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises across the UK

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Effective from 29 April 2025, this updated British Standard brings critical improvements to fire detection and alarm systems. Whether you manage commercial property, care facilities, or residential blocks, understanding these changes is essential to staying compliant and safeguarding lives.

What Is BS 5839-1:2025?

BS 5839-1 is the core standard governing fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic buildings. The 2025 revision updates several technical and procedural elements to make systems more responsive, inclusive, and aligned with current risk profiles.

Why This Matters Now

Failing to meet updated standards can result in non-compliance, increased liability, and higher risk to life and property. This update also reflects a shift in the industry towards smarter system design, faster emergency response, and greater accessibility, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

Key Changes in BS 5839-1:2025

1. Zone Plan Requirements in Sleeping Premises

Multi-zone buildings, especially those with sleeping occupants (e.g., hotels, care homes, HMOs), must now have clearly displayed zone plans to assist emergency responders in quickly identifying fire locations.

2. Smoke Detectors Preferred in Sleeping Areas

Heat detectors are no longer the preferred option for sleeping areas. Smoke detectors offer faster response times, which is vital where lives are most at risk.

3. Automatic Fire Alarm Alerts in Residential Care

In residential care premises (formerly "care homes"), fire alarm systems must automatically alert a remote monitoring station, ensuring a faster response from emergency services.

4. Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) for Inclusive Safety

There is now a stronger emphasis on installing visual alarm devices, especially to support occupants with hearing impairments in complying with the Equality Act 2010.

5. Smarter Manual Call Point Placement

Manual call points should now only be placed in occupied areas, reducing false activations in unstaffed or unused sections of a building.

6. Routine Servicing Is No Longer a Redesign

System maintenance or routine servicing is no longer classified as a "system redesign", simplifying compliance and reducing administrative burden.

7. Updated Terminology

Terminology has been modernised:

• "Care homes" → "Residential care premises"

• "Fire service" → "Fire and rescue service"

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8. Improved Guidance for System Modifications

Clearer instructions are now in place to guide engineers and responsible persons when modifying existing fire alarm systems to meet evolving standards.

Who Needs to Act?

This update affects:

• Business owners and landlords

• Facilities and building managers

• Care home operators

• Fire safety and compliance officers

• Construction and M&E professionals

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If your premises include sleeping accommodation, vulnerable occupants, or complex zoning, you should take immediate steps to review your current fire alarm provisions.

Fitzroy Fire Can Help You Stay Compliant

At Fitzroy Fire Safety Ltd, we provide expert fire alarm system design, installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance—all aligned to the latest British Standards.

Our team is ready to:

• Audit your existing fire detection systems

• Provide BS 5839-1:2025-compliant upgrade plans

• Deliver routine servicing without disruption

• Install visual alarms for accessibility compliance

• Ensure full documentation, including zone plans

  
  

Don’t Wait—Review Your Fire Safety Compliance Today

The fire safety landscape is changing fast. Stay ahead of regulatory changes and protect your people, property, and reputation by upgrading your fire detection systems now.

📞 Call us: 07794 354 838📧 Email: Admin@FitzroyFire.co.uk🏢 Address: 11 Russell Court, Bloomsbury, London, WC1H 0LL