If you’re responsible for fire safety in a commercial or industrial setting, there’s a major update you need to know:
After eight years, the BS 5839-1 fire alarm standard has just been officially updated for 2025… and it’s the biggest shake-up in nearly a decade.
The latest revisions transform how fire alarm and fire detection systems must be designed, installed, commissioned, and maintained across the UK. If you’re an engineer, technician, installer, duty holder, etc., this directly affects your compliance, competence, and liability.
What Is BS 5839-1?
BS 5839-1 is the UK’s benchmark standard for fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic buildings. It’s used by system designers, fire alarm engineers, installation teams, commissioning & maintenance professionals, fire safety managers, and more.
The 2025 update modernises the framework to better support life safety, operational resilience, and legal compliance in our forward-thinking industry.
What’s New in BS 5839-1:2025?
There are tens of dozens of changes, but here are 4 critical updates you need to act on:
Clause & Annex Structure Overload
The entire layout of the standard has been reworked top to bottom, with new clause numbering and annex references throughout.
What this means: Familiarity with the 2017 version won’t be enough! Training and documentation must reflect the new framework, correctly.
Redefined Competence (Now Includes Qualifications)
The definition of a “competent person” has changed. Experience alone won’t cut it anymore as relevant qualifications are now explicitly required.
What this means: Engineers and technicians must demonstrate accredited training to meet compliance obligations.
Click HERE to see how we can help with that!
Zone Plans Are Now Mandatory
Previously optional, zone plans are now a compulsory part of every system (positioned adjacent to the main fire panel and kept up to date).
What this means: Every new or updated system must include a clear, site-specific zone plan. This isn’t simply a formality as it directly assists the Fire & Rescue Service in emergencies.
Fault Masking is Now Prohibited
It is now non-compliant to mask faults in order to suppress alarms or notifications.
What this means: Engineers must now leave systems in a fault condition where applicable and clearly log and report all issues: no workarounds, no exceptions.
Why Does the BS 5839-1:2025 Matter to Me?
These changes will affect your work immediately, so it’s not optional.
It will impact your legal compliance, your insurance validity, your liability exposure in the event of an incident, and your team’s professional credibility.
To maintain competence, confidence, and compliance, you need to align with the new standard immediately.
How to Stay Compliant with BS 5839-1:2025
At Elevation Fire Training, we’ve already updated all our course content to align with BS 5839-1:2025!
This means we are fully prepared to help you understand the changes and what the mean in practice, maintain full compliance in your role or business, and build confidence with our training.
We’re offering fully accredited, up-to-date training from 12th May 2025 onwards. Click HERE to view the dates.
Book Your 2025 Update Training Now!
Staying compliant is about saving lives, reducing liability, and maintaining the highest professional standards. With BS 5839-1:2025 now in force, there’s never been a better time to refresh your training.
Let’s make sure you’re competent, confident, and compliant!
If you need some more tailored advice on how the 2025 changes will affect your organisation, just drop us a message or book a call.
📞 Call us on 0113 529 4671 or email us at bookings@elevation-firetraining.co.uk