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

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

1. Introduction to Fire Alarm Installation

Installing a fire detection and alarm system is a critical responsibility. A system that is poorly installed can fail during a fire, produce excessive false alarms, or become non‑compliant with BS 5839‑1. Proper installation ensures that the system performs reliably, integrates correctly with the building, and meets all legal and technical requirements.

BS 5839‑1:2025 sets out the installation requirements for:

Fire‑resistant cabling
Fixings and supports
Cable routing and segregation
Device mounting and positioning
Labelling and identification
As‑installed documentation
Testing and verification

This course provides installers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to install systems safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with BS 5839‑1.

2. Who This Course Is For

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

Fire alarm installers
Electrical contractors
Security system installers
Fire alarm engineers
Maintenance technicians
Building services engineers
Apprentices entering the fire alarm industry
Anyone responsible for installing fire detection and alarm systems

No prior installation experience is required, but basic electrical knowledge is recommended.

3. Course Overview (Launching Autumn 2026)

The BS 5839‑1 Installation Training Programme will be delivered through structured modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of installation. The course will include video demonstrations, diagrams, downloadable checklists, and assessments.

Module 1 — Understanding BS 5839‑1 Installation Requirements

Scope of installation requirements
Legal responsibilities
Competence and certification
Coordination with designers and commissioning engineers

Module 2 — Fire‑Resistant Cable Types and Selection

Standard vs enhanced fire‑resistant cable
Cable construction and performance
When enhanced cable is required
Manufacturer specifications

Module 3 — Cable Routing, Fixings, and Containment

Correct routing practices
Fire‑resistant fixings and supports
Segregation from other services
Penetrations and fire stopping
Minimising mechanical damage

Module 4 — Device Installation

Mounting heights and positions
Detector installation rules
Manual call point installation
Sounder installation
Interfaces and ancillary devices

Module 5 — Circuit Design and Wiring Practices

Loop wiring and radial circuits
Short‑circuit isolators
Voltage drop considerations
Networked systems

Module 6 — Labelling, Identification, and Documentation

Cable labelling
Device identification
As‑installed drawings
Installation certificates

Module 7 — Testing and Verification

Continuity testing
Insulation resistance testing
Functional testing
Handover to commissioning engineer

4. Fire‑Resistant Cable Types

BS 5839‑1 requires fire‑resistant cabling for most fire alarm circuits. The correct cable type must be selected based on building size, risk, evacuation strategy, and system design.

Standard Fire‑Resistant Cable

Suitable for most small to medium‑sized buildings. Provides adequate fire resistance for typical evacuation times.

Enhanced Fire‑Resistant Cable

Required for:

Large or complex buildings
High‑risk routes
Systems supporting phased evacuation
Control rooms and critical circuits

Enhanced cable maintains circuit integrity for longer periods under fire conditions.

5. Cable Routing and Segregation

Correct cable routing is essential for system reliability and compliance.

Routing Principles

Follow building structure and containment systems
Avoid areas where mechanical damage is likely
Minimise cable lengths where possible
Use appropriate containment (trunking, conduit, tray)

Segregation Requirements

Fire alarm cables must be segregated from:

LV power circuits
Data and communication cables
High‑voltage equipment

Segregation reduces the risk of electromagnetic interference and physical damage.

6. Fixings, Supports, and Fire Stopping

BS 5839‑1 requires that fire alarm cables remain supported during a fire. This means:

Plastic fixings alone are not permitted
Metal fixings must be used at appropriate intervals
Fixings must withstand fire conditions
Penetrations must be fire‑stopped

Fixing Types

Metal cable clips
Metal saddles
Metal cable ties
Fire‑rated fixings

Fixings must be spaced according to manufacturer recommendations and BS 5839‑1 guidance.

7. Device Installation Requirements

Correct installation of detectors, call points, sounders, and interfaces is essential for system performance.

Detector Installation

Mount detectors on ceilings unless otherwise specified
Follow spacing rules from the design
Avoid dead air spaces
Ensure detectors are accessible for maintenance

Manual Call Points

Mount at 1.4 m height
Install at all final exits
Install at storey exits
Ensure visibility and accessibility

Sounders

Install at recommended heights
Ensure correct orientation
Follow sound level design requirements

Interfaces and Ancillary Devices

Install in accessible locations
Label clearly
Ensure correct wiring and configuration

8. Circuit Design and Wiring Practices

Installers must understand the basics of circuit design to ensure correct wiring.

Loop Wiring

Addressable systems typically use loops
Loops must include short‑circuit isolators
Follow manufacturer loop loading limits

Radial Circuits

Used in conventional systems. Each zone is wired separately.

Voltage Drop

Excessive voltage drop can cause device malfunction. Installers must follow design specifications.

9. Labelling and Identification

Correct labelling ensures that systems can be maintained and fault‑found efficiently.

Cables must be labelled at both ends
Devices must be labelled with addresses or zone numbers
Containment systems should be labelled where required
Labels must be durable and legible

10. As‑Installed Documentation

BS 5839‑1 requires installers to provide accurate documentation, including:

As‑installed drawings
Cable routes
Device locations
Variations from the design
Installation certificates

Accurate documentation is essential for commissioning and future maintenance.

11. Testing and Verification

Before handover to the commissioning engineer, installers must perform:

Continuity Testing

Ensures cables are correctly connected.

Insulation Resistance Testing

Ensures cables are not damaged or shorted.

Functional Testing

Basic checks to ensure devices operate correctly.

Handover

Installers must provide all documentation and confirm readiness for commissioning.

12. Course Launch Timeline

Course launching Autumn 2026

13. Register Your Interest

Early access
Pre‑launch discounts
Free installation checklists
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 Installation Training page provides a complete overview of the upcoming course, covering cable selection, routing, fixings, device installation, circuit wiring, labelling, documentation, and testing.

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 developing a complete BS 5839‑1 Installation Training Programme covering cabling, device installation, containment, fixings, circuit design, documentation, and compliance. This page serves as the official course overview and a comprehensive technical guide for installers preparing to work on fire detection and alarm systems.