BS 5839-1:2025 — What You Need to Know About the Fire Alarm Standard Updates

What’s Changed in BS 5839-1:2025?

The British Standard for fire detection and fire alarm systems — BS 5839-1 in non domestic premises has undergone a significant update in 2025. While older systems built to previous versions (like 2017) remain valid, any modifications, servicing, or inspections must now align with the new expectations.

The new standard reflects a broader shift toward accountability, documentation and system integrity — in line with recent legislation like the Building Safety Act and the Golden Thread requirements.

Key Changes Facilities Managers Need to Know

Unacceptable Variations (Clause 6)

The updated standard now clarifies certain practices as non-compliant unless properly justified:

• Heat-only detectors used in sleeping accommodation

• Missing manual call points at designated locations

• Custom or non-standard call points unless risk-assessed

If you're maintaining or modifying older systems, this is a good time to reassess detector and call point coverage, particularly in sleeping areas or care environments.

Smarter Maintenance and Testing (Clause 43.4)

BS 5839-1:2025 introduces new maintenance requirements that reflect modern building systems:

• Cybersecurity must be considered for systems with remote access or monitoring

• False alarm rates should be logged and reviewed as part of maintenance

• Battery calculations need to be documented and monitored

• Servicing certificates and logbooks must follow updated, structured formats

This aligns directly with the broader trend in fire compliance: systems must not only work — they must also be well-documented, traceable and auditable.

Logbook and Certificate Requirements

The standard now includes updated model documentation (Annexes G & H), covering:

• Design certification

• Commissioning records

• Routine inspection

• Modifications

• Maintenance service sheets

• Fault logging and false alarm reporting

Critically, these are not just for engineers. Duty holders must ensure this documentation is accessible, accurate, and retained for the life of the system.

How Unifyr Helps You Stay Compliant

At Unifyr, we’ve already built our platform around these exact principles — making it easier to stay compliant without chasing paperwork.

Here’s how Unifyr supports BS 5839-1:2025 logbook requirements out of the box:

Digital Logbooks – Built for Audits

Our Fyr Logs module captures all testing, maintenance and inspection records in real time — tied to buildings, zones, and even specific fire assets (like detectors or call points).

You can:

• Track who tested what, when, and what result was recorded

• Log and flag false alarms for analysis

• Attach servicing certificates from contractors

• Note and review variations — e.g. deviations from standard placement or call point strategy

Always Up to Date

No more printing paper certificates or chasing engineers for missing entries. Whether you’re overseeing 5 sites or 500, you have a live, digital record of your fire detection system compliance — aligned with 2025 standards.

Cyber & Remote-Ready

Clause 43.4 calls for cybersecurity oversight. Unifyr's infrastructure includes secure UK-based hosting, encrypted data flows, and access logs — so you’re ready for remote servicing with full visibility.

Final Word

The 2025 update to BS 5839-1 reflects a maturing fire safety landscape — one where documentation, traceability, and accountability matter more than ever.

With Unifyr, you don’t need to start from scratch. Our platform already delivers digital compliance that meets and exceeds the new expectations.

If you're a housing provider, facilities manager, or responsible person preparing for the new standard — we’re here to help.

Want to see how Unifyr can streamline your fire alarm recordkeeping?

Get in touch today.