Introduction

This document is a précis of the recommendations in the Standard. When first mentioned, principle and interesting changes from BS5839 1988 are indicated in italics. From Categories of false alarms onwards, it is best regarded as all new. The Standard itself is split into commentary and recommendations. The commentary provides an invaluable insight into the recommendations. When considering the recommendations it is necessary to remember that it is a code of practice. In the words of the Standards' principle author C.S.Todd "It is meant for the guidance of wise men and the blind obedience of fools".
This précis is aimed at people with a working knowledge of fire alarms and is not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for reading the original text.

In order to keep things organised, and improve page loading times, the original document has been broken down into its 7 sections for presentation online.

Section 1	General Need for a fire alarm. Categories of system. Categories. Selection of categories. Variations from code of practice.
Section 2	Design Considerations Actuation of other fire protection systems or safety facilities. Systems in explosive gas and dust atmospheres. Categories. System Components. Circuit Monitoring. System Integrity. Detection Zones. Alarm Zones. Communication with the Fire Service. Audible Alarm Signals. Visual Alarm Signals. Fire Warning For People With Impaired Hearing. Staged Fire Alarms. Manual Call Points. Types of fire detectors and their application. Spacing and Siting of Fire Detectors. Control and Indicating Equipment. Power Supplies. Cables and Wires. Electromagnetic compatibility. Electrical Safety.
Section 3	Limitation of False alarms Categories of false alarms. Acceptable rate of false alarms. Causes of false alarms. Design processes for limiting false alarms. Siting of call points. Siting of automatic smoke detectors. Selection of system type. Performance monitoring of newly commissioned systems. Protection against electromagnetic forces. Filtering measures. System Management. Service and maintenance.
Section 4	Installation Installer`s Responsibility. Installation practices and workmanship. Inspection and testing of wiring.
Section 5	Commissioning and handover Acceptance. Verification.
Section 6	Maintenance Weekly test by user. User monthly test. Inspection and servicing. Periodic inspection. Actions on service visit. Annual tests. Non-Routine Attention. Arrangements for repair of faults or damage. Modifications to the system. Action for unacceptable rate of false alarms. Inspection and test following a fire. Inspection and test following long periods of disconnection.
Section 7	User`s Responsibilities Action in case of pre-alarms. Logbook.

This document was produced by Tann synchronome Limited and is not intended to be a substitute for the original. Printed copies of our summary are avaliable from us directly on request. A full copy of BS 5839-1:2002 is avaliable from the British Standards Institute. BS 5839-1:2002 is (c) 2002 by BSI.

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