Fire & CO Detection
BS 5839-6:2019 – are you up to date?
With revisions to the standard for domestic fire detection introduced last year, Neil Baldwin, managing director at ESP, takes a look at the key updates that contractors need to be aware of, to ensure that they are fully compliant when installing fire alarm systems.
T
he BSI’s recent update of the 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. The standard is aimed at architects, engineers and other building professionals, enforcing authorities, installers and others responsible for implementing fire precautions in domestic premises. It provides the latest recommendations for fire detection and fire alarm systems in both new and existing domestic premises in order to make them safer to live in. The main revisions include:
Re-grading and revision of statistics and recommendations Updating guidance to take all other standards in the BS 5839 series into account
New table on testing and servicing by grade of alarm system New recommendations for ensuring alarm signal transmission required within social care and sheltered housing settings function accordingly
Increased protection in sheltered housing and supported housing New recommendation that communal fire alarm systems should not normally be installed in purpose built blocks of flats
The key standard for domestic premises The BS 5839 series of standards began life with the publication of BS 5839-1 in 1980. It has since grown into nine-parts, splitting domestic and non- domestic premises and also dealing with a range of specific systems in detail.
26 | electrical wholesalerJuly 2020
ewnews.co.uk
Part 6 has become the key standard for domestic premises. The document supplies guidance and recommendations on planning, designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining detection and fire alarm systems. The recommendations refer principally to fire detection and fire alarm
systems installed for the purpose of life safety but also include recommendations for systems that are intended to protect property. The
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