This document is provided for general guidance only. It is not exhaustive and does not replace project-specific advice from qualified consultants, fire engineers, or building control authorities. Users must verify the latest versions of all standards, regulations, and guidance before application.
Key points:
• This guide does not cover every possible standard, regulation, or application scenario.
• Standards and Building Regulations are updated regularly; users are responsible for ensuring they use the most current versions.
• Neither the authors nor distributors of this document accept liability for loss, damage, or non-compliance arising from its use.
• Designers, contractors, and buyers must confirm product suitability with manufacturers, certification bodies, and project fire strategies.
• Only third-party tested and certified assemblies may be used in life-safety systems; substitution of components invalidates compliance.
• Requirements may differ in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or outside the UK; local regulations must always be checked.
Disclaimer
Relevant UK Standards & Guidance – Fire Alarm System Components (Addressable & Conventional)
Executive Summary
This document summarises key UK and European standards for components used in both addressable and conventional ("common") fire detection and fire alarm systems in non‑domestic buildings. It mirrors the format of the previous guides and is intended for buyers, specifiers, and project teams. Refer to BS 5839‑1:2025 for the overarching code of practice for system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance; use BS 5839‑6 for domestic premises and BS 5839‑8 for voice alarm systems, where applicable.
Scope & System Types
• Addressable systems – individual devices have unique addresses; enable location‑specific annunciation, cause‑and‑effect logic, networking, and complex I/O.
• Conventional systems – devices are grouped by zone; simpler architecture with zone‑based indication and conventional sounder circuits.
• Both system types use components certified to the EN 54 series; system design/installation should follow BS 5839‑1 (non‑domestic), with voice alarm additions per BS 5839‑8.
Summary Table – Key Component Standards
|
Component |
Primary Standard(s) |
What the Standard Covers |
Where/When It Applies |
|
Control & Indicating Equipment (CIE) |
EN 54‑2 |
Requirements and tests for fire alarm control panels. |
All addressable and conventional systems. |
|
Power Supply Equipment (PSE) |
EN 54‑4 |
Requirements for main/standby power and battery chargers. |
All systems; battery sizing per BS 5839‑1. |
|
System Compatibility |
EN 54‑13 |
Assessment of compatibility/connectability of system components. |
Addressable and networked systems; multi‑vendor components. |
|
Point Smoke Detectors |
EN 54‑7 |
Point smoke detectors using scattered or transmitted light or ionisation. |
General detection in most occupancies. |
|
Point Heat Detectors |
EN 54‑5 |
Point heat detectors (static and rate‑of‑rise) – classes A1–G. |
Areas unsuitable for smoke detection (steam, dust, etc.). |
|
Flame Detectors |
EN 54‑10 |
Point flame detectors; sensitivity classes and test methods. |
High‑risk areas (fuels/process), large volumes. |
|
Beam Smoke Detectors |
EN 54‑12 |
Line‑type optical beam smoke detectors. |
Large open spaces (atriums, warehouses). |
|
Aspirating Smoke Detectors (ASD) |
EN 54‑20 |
Sampling‑type smoke detection with sensitivity classes A–C. |
High sensitivity or harsh/hidden areas; early warning. |
|
Duct Smoke Detectors |
EN 54‑27 |
Detectors for sampling/monitoring air in ducts. |
HVAC duct monitoring, shut‑down controls. |
|
Multi‑sensor Detectors |
EN 54‑29 / ‑30 / ‑31 / ‑26 |
Combined phenomena: smoke+heat (‑29), CO+heat (‑30), smoke+CO±heat (‑31); CO‑only (‑26). |
Improved detection/false alarm reduction where appropriate. |
|
Manual Call Points (MCPs) |
EN 54‑11 |
Requirements for break‑glass/press call points (Type A/B). |
All systems; spacing and siting per BS 5839‑1. |
|
Short‑Circuit Isolators |
EN 54‑17 |
Limits fault propagation on loops/circuits. |
Addressable loops and conventional sounder circuits as applicable. |
|
Input/Output Devices |
EN 54‑18 |
Monitored I/O units, relays, zone modules. |
Plant interfaces, door releases, damper control, conventional zone monitoring. |
|
Wireless (Radio) Components |
EN 54‑25 |
Requirements for devices using RF links. |
Where cabling is impractical; hybrid and fully wireless systems. |
|
Alarm Transmission & Fault Routing |
EN 54‑21 |
Routing equipment to Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs). |
Monitored connections to third‑party monitoring stations. |
|
Sounders / Voice Sounders |
EN 54‑3 |
Audible alarm devices including voice sounders. |
All systems; audibility per BS 5839‑1. |
|
Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) |
EN 54‑23 |
Strobes/beacons with defined coverage categories. |
Noisy areas, sleeping risks, DDA/Equality Act accommodations. |
|
Voice Alarm Control & Indicating Equipment (VACIE) |
EN 54‑16; BS 5839‑8 |
Voice alarm control equipment; UK code of practice for VA systems. |
Buildings with voice evac; intelligibility requirements. |
|
Fire Alarm Loudspeakers |
EN 54‑24; BS 5839‑8 |
Requirements and tests for VA loudspeakers. |
All voice alarm systems. |
|
Fire‑resisting Cabling |
BS 5839‑1 (Standard/Enhanced) + BS 7629‑1/BS 7846 (typical cable types) |
Circuit integrity categories; selection of suitable fire‑resisting cable. |
Life‑safety circuits; enhanced for critical paths per BS 5839‑1. |
|
Electrical Installation |
BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (with Amendment 3:2024) (IET Wiring Regulations) |
Requirements for mains supplies and electrical safety. |
All mains‑fed equipment/panels. |
|
EMC Immunity |
EN 50130‑4 |
Immunity requirements for fire and alarm system components. |
Ensures reliable operation in EM environments. |
|
Environmental Tests |
EN 50130‑5 |
Environmental test methods and severities for alarm components. |
Verifies suitability for installation conditions. |
Notes on Standards (Plain‑English Descriptions)
• EN 54‑2 – Control & indicating equipment: defines functions, indications, fault monitoring and tests for fire alarm control panels.
• EN 54‑4 – Power supply equipment: requires separate mains and standby sources and battery charging/monitoring provisions.
• EN 54‑13 – System compatibility: confirms components used together operate correctly as a system (important for addressable networks).
• EN 54‑7 / ‑5 / ‑10 / ‑12 / ‑20 / ‑27 – Product standards for smoke, heat, flame, beam, aspirating and duct detection respectively.
• EN 54‑29 / ‑30 / ‑31 / ‑26 – Multi‑sensor & CO detection families for better discrimination and reduced false alarms where suitable.
• EN 54‑11 – Manual call points (Type A/B) including construction, operation and environmental endurance.
• EN 54‑17 – Short‑circuit isolators for fault tolerance on addressable loops.
• EN 54‑18 – Input/output units (monitored interfaces, relays, zone modules).
• EN 54‑21 – Alarm transmission equipment for connection to ARCs, with acknowledgement/fault monitoring.
• EN 54‑3 – Audible devices; EN 54‑23 – visual alarm devices with coverage categories; EN 54‑16/‑24 – voice alarm equipment/loudspeakers.
• BS 5839‑1:2025 – UK code of practice for non‑domestic premises (design, installation, commissioning, maintenance).
• BS 5839‑8 – Code of practice for voice alarm systems; BS 5839‑6 for domestic premises.
• BS 7629‑1 / BS 7846 – Examples of fire‑resisting cable specifications used to meet BS 5839‑1 ‘standard’ or ‘enhanced’ performance.
• EN 50130‑4 / ‑5 – EMC immunity and environmental test methods for alarm system components.
• BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (with Amendment 3:2024) – IET Wiring Regulations for electrical installation of supplies to fire alarm equipment.
• EN 54-22 – Resettable line-type heat detection (analogue/continuous LHD) for long linear risks (e.g., tunnels, conveyors, cable trays).
• EN 54-28 – Non-resettable line-type heat detection (digital LHD) for fixed-temperature cable applications.
• BS EN IEC 60268-16 – Speech Transmission Index (STI) method used to verify voice alarm intelligibility alongside BS 5839-8:2023 and EN 54-16/-24.
• BS EN 50575 – Construction Products Regulation (CPR) reaction-to-fire classification for fixed installation cables (Euroclass).
• BS 9518 – Requirements for handling/processing of fire alarm signals by Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs).
• BS EN 50518:2019+A1:2023 – Performance/operations for Monitoring and Alarm Receiving Centres where systems are monitored off-site.
• HTM 05-03 Part B – NHS healthcare-specific guidance supplementing BS 5839-1:2025 (design/testing and unwanted fire signal reduction).
Additional Notes on Standards (UK-specific additions)
Decision Guide – Addressable vs Conventional & Component Selection
1) Determine system type and objectives (life/property category per BS 5839‑1).
2) Select CIE and PSE to EN 54‑2/‑4; verify compatibility to EN 54‑13 for addressable systems.
3) Choose detectors to suit risk and environment (smoke/heat/flame/beam/ASD/duct/multi‑sensor) with justifications per design notes.
4) Provide MCPs (EN 54‑11) on exits and travel routes; select sounders (EN 54‑3) and VADs (EN 54‑23) to meet audibility/intelligibility and visual coverage.
5) For voice evacuation, specify VACIE (EN 54‑16) and loudspeakers (EN 54‑24) and design to BS 5839‑8 (speech intelligibility).
6) Define interfaces: I/O (EN 54‑18), isolators (EN 54‑17), ARC routing (EN 54‑21), wireless where needed (EN 54‑25).
7) Select cabling as ‘standard’ or ‘enhanced’ performance per BS 5839‑1; choose BS 7629‑1/BS 7846 cable types as appropriate; install to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (with Amendment 3:2024).
8) Confirm EMC/environmental robustness (EN 50130‑4/‑5).
9) Commission and document per BS 5839‑1, including battery calculations, audibility/intelligibility and cause‑and‑effect tests.
Detailed Guidance by Component Category
Control & Indicating Equipment (EN 54‑2)
• Applicable to both addressable and conventional panels; defines mandatory indications, controls, fault monitoring, zones/addresses, and event logging.
• For addressable networks, confirm EN 54‑13 compatibility across panels, loop cards, devices and interfaces.
Power Supply Equipment (EN 54‑4)
• Requires independent mains and standby sources; standby batteries sized for quiescent + alarm loads per BS 5839‑1.
• Battery capacity calculations must reflect the latest BS 5839‑1 method and manufacturer data.
Detectors – Point Smoke (EN 54‑7) & Point Heat (EN 54‑5)
• Select smoke vs heat based on environment and fire risk; consider Class A1/A2/B/C/D/E/F/G for heat detectors.
• Use multi‑sensor detectors (EN 54‑29/‑30/‑31) to reduce false alarms where appropriate; CO detection per EN 54‑26.
Special Detection – Flame (EN 54‑10), Beam (EN 54‑12), Aspirating (EN 54‑20), Duct (EN 54‑27)
• Apply where geometry or risks require: large volumes (beam), high‑value/early warning (ASD), ducts (HVAC monitoring), or fast‑flame risks (flame detectors).
Manual Call Points (EN 54‑11)
• Type A ‘direct operation’ recommended for most buildings; site on escape routes and exits; protective covers may reduce malicious operation.
Interfaces & Peripherals (EN 54‑17 / ‑18 / ‑21 / ‑25 / ‑13)
• BS 7273-4:2015+A2:2023 – Fire protection measures: Actuation of release mechanisms for doors; specifies requirements where fire alarm systems interface with door hold-open devices, security doors, and other release mechanisms.
• Isolators for loop/sounder fault tolerance; I/O for plant control and zone monitoring; routing equipment for ARC; radio devices for hybrid solutions; EN 54‑13 for system compatibility.
Alarm Devices – Sounders (EN 54‑3) & Visual Alarm Devices (EN 54‑23)
• Design to meet audibility (dB) and frequency coverage; for VADs, confirm category/coverage and siting per product data and BS 5839‑1.
Voice Alarm Systems – VACIE & Loudspeakers (EN 54‑16/‑24; BS 5839‑8)
• Use where voice evacuation is required; demonstrate STI or other intelligibility metrics; integrate with fire alarm cause‑and‑effect and standby power.
Cabling & Wiring (BS 5839‑1; BS 7629‑1/BS 7846; BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (with Amendment 3:2024))
• Choose ‘standard’ vs ‘enhanced’ fire‑resisting cable based on circuit criticality; install/support to maintain circuit integrity; segregate from other services as required.
EMC & Environmental (EN 50130‑4/‑5)
• Ensure devices meet the applicable immunity and environmental test severities for the intended installation conditions.
Commissioning, Testing & O&M Evidence (BS 5839‑1)
• Design certification (category, zoning, detector types, alarm device calculations, VAD coverage, VA intelligibility where applicable).
• Battery calculations and verification of standby + alarm autonomy (in line with current BS 5839‑1 method).
• Wiring integrity verification: insulation resistance, continuity, earth‑fault monitoring, loop resistance/impedance and isolator operation.
• Device addressing/zonality checks; cause‑and‑effect tests with building systems (HVAC shutdown, door releases, lifts, dampers, smoke control).
• Sound pressure level tests; VAD coverage verification; VA STI/intelligibility tests (where provided).
• ARC routing tests (EN 54‑21) and acknowledgement monitoring; fault reporting verification.
• As‑fitted drawings, configuration files, CIE logs, maintenance plan, user training, weekly test schedule, and records.
Note on EN 54 Editions (current as of 2025): EN 54-2:1997+A1:2006; EN 54-3:2014+A1:2019; EN 54-4:1997+A1:2002+A2:2006; EN 54-5:2017+A1:2018; EN 54-7:2018; EN 54-10:2002+A1:2005; EN 54-11:2001+A1:2005; EN 54-12:2015; EN 54-13:2017+A1:2019; EN 54-16:2008; EN 54-17:2005+AC:2007; EN 54-18:2005+AC:2007; EN 54-20:2006+AC:2008; EN 54-21:2006; EN 54-22:2015+A1:2020; EN 54-23:2010; EN 54-24:2008; EN 54-25:2008+AC:2012; EN 54-26:2015; EN 54-27:2015; EN 54-28:2016; EN 54-29:2015; EN 54-30:2015; EN 54-31:2014+A1:2016.
Master Quick Reference Table – Fire Alarm System Components
|
Component / Standard |
Scope |
Plain-English Description |
|
EN 54-2 (Control & Indicating Equipment) |
Control panels for fire alarm systems |
Defines mandatory functions, controls, fault monitoring, zones/addresses. |
|
EN 54-4 (Power Supply Equipment) |
Fire alarm system power supplies |
Covers mains + standby supplies, battery charging, monitoring. |
|
EN 54-13 (System Compatibility) |
Compatibility of components |
Ensures components function correctly together in a system. |
|
EN 54-7 (Point Smoke Detectors) |
Smoke detection devices |
Optical/ionisation detectors for most occupancies. |
|
EN 54-5 (Point Heat Detectors) |
Heat detection devices |
Static and rate-of-rise; Classes A–G. |
|
EN 54-10 (Flame Detectors) |
Flame detection |
Infrared/ultraviolet flame detection for high-risk areas. |
|
EN 54-12 (Beam Smoke Detectors) |
Line-type beam smoke detection |
For large open spaces like atria and warehouses. |
|
EN 54-20 (Aspirating Smoke Detectors) |
Sampling-type smoke detection |
High sensitivity detection with pipe networks. |
|
EN 54-27 (Duct Smoke Detectors) |
Duct detection |
Sampling detectors monitoring HVAC ducts. |
|
EN 54-29/30/31/26 (Multi-sensor/CO) |
Multi-sensor & CO detection |
Combined smoke/heat/CO detection for false alarm reduction. |
|
EN 54-11 (Manual Call Points) |
Break-glass call points |
Requirements for MCPs including Type A and B designs. |
|
EN 54-17 (Short-circuit Isolators) |
Isolators for loops |
Protect loops against short-circuits, maintain operation. |
|
EN 54-18 (Input/Output Devices) |
Interfaces and I/O modules |
Monitored I/O units, relays, zone modules. |
|
EN 54-25 (Wireless Components) |
Radio fire alarm components |
Requirements for wireless detectors, MCPs, sounders. |
|
EN 54-21 (Alarm Transmission) |
Alarm routing to ARCs |
Equipment for monitored transmission of fire signals. |
|
EN 54-3 (Sounders) |
Audible alarm devices |
Requirements for fire alarm sounders. |
|
EN 54-23 (Visual Alarm Devices) |
Visual alarms |
Coverage categories for beacons/strobes. |
|
EN 54-16 (VACIE) |
Voice alarm control equipment |
Defines VACIE for voice alarm systems. |
|
EN 54-24 (Loudspeakers) |
Voice alarm loudspeakers |
Performance and test requirements for VA speakers. |
|
BS 5839-1:2025:2025 |
System design, installation, maintenance |
UK code of practice for non-domestic premises. |
|
BS 5839-6 |
Domestic fire alarm systems |
Code of practice for domestic dwellings. |
|
BS 5839-8:2023 |
Voice alarm systems |
Code of practice for VA systems in buildings. |
|
BS 7629-1 / BS 7846 |
Fire-resisting cables |
Specifications for standard/enhanced fire alarm cables. |
|
BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (with Amendment 3:2024) |
Electrical installation |
IET Wiring Regulations for mains supplies. |
|
EN 50130-4 |
EMC immunity |
Defines electromagnetic immunity of components. |
|
EN 50130-5 |
Environmental tests |
Specifies environmental test methods/severities. |
|
EN 54-22 (Resettable line-type heat detectors) |
Linear heat detection (resettable) |
Analogue/continuous LHD (e.g., fibre/air/electrical) used for long runs, tunnels, racks. |
|
EN 54-28 (Non-resettable line-type heat detectors) |
Linear heat detection (non-resettable) |
Digital/fixed-temperature LHD cables for harsh/extended areas; replaced after operation. |
|
BS EN IEC 60268-16 (STI) |
Speech intelligibility method |
Defines the Speech Transmission Index for objective verification of voice alarm intelligibility. |
|
BS EN 50575:2014+A1:2016 |
Reaction-to-fire for power/control/communication cables |
CPR classification (Euroclass) for fixed building cables; complements BS 5839 cable selection. |
|
BS 9518:2021 |
Processing of alarm signals by ARC/Centres |
Requirements for the management/handling of fire alarm and fault signals at receiving centres. |
|
BS EN 50518:2019+A1:2023 |
Monitoring and Alarm Receiving Centres |
Performance and operations requirements for ARCs that receive fire/security alarms. |
|
HTM 05-03 Part B (NHS) |
Healthcare fire alarm guidance (UK) |
NHS-specific design, testing and UwFS reduction guidance supplementing BS 5839-1:2025. |
Commissioning Checklist – Fire Alarm Systems
☐ Design certificate completed (system category, zones, detector type, device siting, alarm audibility/visibility).
☐ Control panel tested to EN 54-2; functions, indications, faults verified.
☐ Power supplies tested to EN 54-4; battery capacity calculated and verified.
☐ System compatibility verified (EN 54-13 for addressable).
☐ Detector operation tested (smoke, heat, flame, beam, ASD, duct, multi-sensor).
☐ Manual call points (EN 54-11) tested for alarm initiation.
☐ Sounders and VADs tested for audibility/visibility coverage (EN 54-3/-23).
☐ Voice alarm systems: intelligibility tested (BS 5839-8:2023, EN 54-16/-24).
☐ All interfaces tested (I/O, plant shutdown, damper/door release).
☐ Loop integrity and isolator operation tested (EN 54-17).
☐ Wireless devices tested for signal strength, fault monitoring (EN 54-25).
☐ Alarm transmission routing to ARC verified (EN 54-21).
☐ Cabling checked: correct type (standard/enhanced), supports/clips, installed to BS 5839-1:2025 and BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (with Amendment 3:2024).
☐ EMC/environmental compliance evidence retained (EN 50130-4/-5).
☐ Cause-and-effect programming tested against fire strategy (e.g., phased evacuation, plant shutdown).
☐ As-fitted drawings, configuration files, logs, maintenance plan, and user training handed over.
UK-wide Application Notes (England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland)
• Always work to the latest edition of BS 5839-1:2025 (currently 2025) unless a specific contract or authority requires otherwise; coordinate with Building Control/Verifier.
• Scotland: Refer to the Non-Domestic Technical Handbook (Fire) alongside BS 5839-1:2025. Where guidance cites older editions, the latest BS 5839-1:2025 is typically accepted in practice.
• Northern Ireland: Technical Booklet E may reference earlier editions; industry practice is to use the latest BS 5839-1:2025 and BS 5839-6 for domestic premises.
• Product conformity: In Great Britain, CE marking for construction products continues to be recognised alongside UKCA; Northern Ireland recognises CE under the Windsor Framework. Confirm client/project policy.
• Cables: Select ‘standard’ or ‘enhanced’ fire-resisting performance per BS 5839-1:2025 and specify a CPR Euroclass under BS EN 50575 appropriate to the building’s strategy/environment.
