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BS 5839‑1 Fire Alarm Design Training — Complete Course Guide 

Professional training in fire alarm system design, aligned with BS 5839‑1 for non‑domestic buildings.

1. Introduction to Fire Alarm System Design

Designing a fire detection and alarm system is one of the most critical responsibilities in fire safety engineering. A well‑designed system ensures early detection, effective warning, and reliable performance during a fire. Poor design, on the other hand, can lead to false alarms, system failures, or non‑compliance with legal requirements.

BS 5839‑1:2025 is the UK’s primary code of practice for fire alarm systems in non‑domestic premises. It outlines the requirements for:

  • System categories
  • Detector selection and spacing
  • Manual call point siting
  • Sounder and audibility requirements
  • Cable selection and routing
  • False alarm reduction
  • Documentation and certification

This course is designed to give learners the knowledge and confidence to design systems that are safe, compliant, and aligned with industry best practice.

2. Who This Course Is For

This BS 5839‑1 Design Training Programme is ideal for:

  • Fire alarm designers
  • Electrical contractors
  • Fire alarm engineers
  • Security system installers
  • Building services engineers
  • Facilities managers
  • Fire safety consultants
  • Anyone responsible for specifying fire alarm systems

No prior design experience is required, but a basic understanding of fire alarm systems or electrical installation is helpful.

3. Course Overview (Launching Autumn 2026)

The BS 5839‑1 Design Training Programme will be delivered through structured modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of system design. The course will include video lessons, downloadable templates, worked examples, and assessments.

Module 1 — Understanding BS 5839‑1 and System Categories

  • Purpose and scope of BS 5839‑1
  • Life protection categories (L1–L5)
  • Property protection categories (P1–P2)
  • Manual systems (M)
  • How to select the correct category
  • Role of the fire risk assessment

Module 2 — Detector Selection and Siting

  • Smoke, heat, multi‑sensor, beam, and aspirating detectors
  • Detector spacing rules
  • Ceiling height adjustments
  • Dead air spaces
  • Environmental considerations
  • Special risk areas

Module 3 — Manual Call Point (MCP) Siting

  • Travel distance requirements
  • Mounting height
  • Locations at exits and storey levels
  • Protection against misuse

Module 4 — Sounder and Audibility Design

  • Minimum sound pressure levels
  • Sleeping risk requirements
  • Ambient noise considerations
  • Voice alarm systems
  • Sounder circuit design

Module 5 — Cable Selection and Circuit Design

  • Standard vs enhanced fire‑resistant cable
  • Cable routing and segregation
  • Loop loading and voltage drop
  • Short‑circuit isolators
  • Networked systems

Module 6 — False Alarm Reduction Strategies

  • Environmental factors
  • Detector selection
  • Programming and cause & effect
  • Maintenance considerations

Module 7 — Design Documentation and Certification

  • Design certificates
  • As‑fitted drawings
  • Cause & effect matrices
  • System specifications
  • Client handover documentation

4. Understanding System Categories in BS 5839‑1

System category selection is the foundation of fire alarm design. It determines the level of protection required and influences every subsequent design decision.

Life Protection Categories (L1–L5)

These categories focus on protecting building occupants.

  • L1: Maximum life protection with automatic detection throughout the building.
  • L2: Detection in escape routes and high‑risk areas.
  • L3: Detection in escape routes and adjoining rooms.
  • L4: Detection only in escape routes.
  • L5: Localised detection for specific risks.

Property Protection Categories (P1–P2)

These categories focus on protecting buildings and assets.

  • P1: Automatic detection throughout the building.
  • P2: Detection only in high‑risk areas.

Manual System (M)

Systems relying solely on manual call points and sounders.

Correct category selection is normally determined by the fire risk assessment and must be documented on the design certificate.

5. Detector Types and Selection

Choosing the correct detector type is essential for effective fire detection and false alarm reduction.

Smoke Detectors

Suitable for most areas where smoke is the first indicator of fire. Not suitable for dusty, smoky, or humid environments.

Heat Detectors

Used in areas where smoke detectors would cause false alarms, such as kitchens or boiler rooms.

Multi‑Sensor Detectors

Combine smoke and heat sensing to improve detection reliability and reduce false alarms.

Beam Detectors

Ideal for large open spaces such as warehouses or atriums.

Aspirating Smoke Detection

High‑sensitivity detection for critical environments such as data centres.

6. Detector Spacing and Siting Rules

BS 5839‑1 provides detailed rules for detector spacing, which vary depending on the detector type and ceiling height.

General Spacing Principles

  • Maximum spacing for smoke detectors is typically 7.5 m radius.
  • Maximum spacing for heat detectors is typically 5.3 m radius.
  • Detectors must be within 0.5 m of the ceiling.
  • Detectors must not be installed in dead air spaces (e.g., within 150 mm of walls).
  • Spacing must be adjusted for pitched or obstructed ceilings.

Environmental Considerations

  • Dusty areas may require heat or multi‑sensor detectors.
  • High humidity can cause false alarms in smoke detectors.
  • Airflow from HVAC systems can affect smoke movement.

7. Manual Call Point (MCP) Siting

Manual call points must be positioned to allow occupants to raise the alarm quickly and easily.

  • Maximum travel distance to an MCP: 45 m (less in high‑risk areas).
  • Mounting height: 1.4 m from floor level.
  • Install at all final exits and storey exits.
  • Ensure MCPs are visible and unobstructed.
  • Protective covers may be used to prevent misuse.

8. Sounder and Audibility Design

Sounders must provide clear, audible warning throughout the building.

  • Minimum sound level: 65 dB(A) or 5 dB(A) above ambient noise.
  • Sleeping areas: 75 dB(A) at bedhead.
  • High noise areas may require additional sounders or visual alarms.
  • Voice alarm systems may be used in complex buildings.

9. Cable Selection and Circuit Design

Cable selection is critical to system reliability during fire conditions.

Fire‑Resistant Cable Types

  • Standard fire‑resistant cable: Suitable for most buildings.
  • Enhanced fire‑resistant cable: Required for high‑risk routes or large buildings.

Circuit Design Considerations

  • Loop loading and voltage drop calculations
  • Short‑circuit isolator placement
  • Segregation from other services
  • Correct labelling and identification

10. False Alarm Reduction Strategies

False alarms are a major issue in fire safety and can lead to evacuation fatigue, business disruption, and enforcement action.

  • Use multi‑sensor detectors where appropriate.
  • Avoid smoke detectors in unsuitable environments.
  • Ensure correct programming and cause & effect.
  • Consider environmental factors such as dust, steam, or aerosols.
  • Ensure regular maintenance and cleaning.

11. Design Documentation and Certification

BS 5839‑1 requires comprehensive documentation to demonstrate compliance.

  • Design certificate confirming compliance and listing variations.
  • System specification detailing equipment and performance requirements.
  • Cause & effect matrix showing system logic.
  • As‑fitted drawings showing device locations and wiring.
  • Zone plans for the fire alarm panel.

12. Course Launch Timeline

Course launching Autumn 2026

13. Register Your Interest

Register now to receive:

  • Early access
  • Pre‑launch discounts
  • Free design templates
  • Priority enrolment

14. Related Training

To support practical competence, BH Courses delivers advanced fire‑alarm technical training on leading control panels and equipment

This helps engineers apply BS 5839‑1:2025 principles on real systems and strengthen their operational skills.

15. Summary

This BS 5839‑1 Fire Alarm Design Training page provides a complete overview of the upcoming course, covering system categories, detector selection, spacing rules, MCP siting, sounder design, cable selection, false alarm reduction, and documentation requirements.

Course coming online Autumn 2026. This page will be updated with final course details, pricing, and enrolment information as development progresses.

Course Status

This course is currently in development and will be available online in Autumn 2026.

BH Courses is building a comprehensive, compliance‑focused BS 5839‑1 Design Training Programme that will cover every aspect of fire alarm system design, from risk assessment interpretation to detector spacing, sound level calculations, documentation, and certification.

This page serves as the official course overview and a technical learning resource for anyone preparing to design fire detection and alarm systems in accordance with BS 5839‑1.