BS 5839-1:2025: What the New Fire Alarm Standard Means for Your Business
BS 5839-1:2025 came into effect in April 2025, tightening fire alarm requirements for non-domestic buildings. Here's what landlords and businesses need to know.
BS 5839-1:2025, the updated British Standard code of practice for fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic buildings, came into effect on 30 April 2025. It tightens several key requirements that landlords, letting agents and business owners need to understand.
What's changed: the standard now places more emphasis on selecting a fire alarm category based on how a building is actually used. Smoke detectors are now preferred in sleeping areas such as care homes and hotels, with heat detectors only advised where justified by a fire risk assessment. All fire detection cables must comply with BS EN 50575, with PH120-rated cable recommended in life-safety-critical areas. Any extension or modification to an existing system now requires formal confirmation that all components are compatible, assessed against the current 2025 standard.
What this means for you: a qualified professional must service commercial fire alarms at least every six months to remain compliant. Letting agents and property managers must keep routine testing and logbook records up to date, with any disablement of alarm components properly justified and documented. Fire alarm systems in HMOs and other residential properties must comply with the related BS 5839-6:2019 standard.
If you're unsure whether your current system meets the updated requirements, L.A.R. Fire & Security can carry out a full compliance check and advise on any upgrades needed.
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