Last month saw Redford Charles deliver the EAL Fire Detection and Alarm PART 6 course for the first time. Newly providing this course has led to queries regarding the difference between this course and that of the EAL Fire Alarm Part 1 course:
Differences between BS 5839-1 Buildings and BS 5836-6 Dwellings
BS 5839-1 covers fire detection and alarm systems for non-domestic premises, while BS 5839-6 provides specific recommendations for domestic properties. Key differences include the specific categories and grades of systems required, the emphasis on different types of alarm devices (e.g., visual alarms are mandatory in BS 5839-1 sanitary areas but not in BS 5839-6), sound levels, and overall design requirements tailored to the unique needs of each property type.
BS 5839-1 (Non-Domestic Premises)
Scope: Designed for public facilities, commercial buildings, and other non-domestic premises.
System Requirements: Outlines comprehensive guidelines for fire detection and alarm systems, including requirements for visual alarms in sanitary areas.
Categorisation: Systems are categorized by the level of protection provided (e.g., Property Protection ‘P’ and Life Protection ‘L’).
BS 5839-6 (Domestic Properties)
Scope: Specifically applies to dwellings, including bungalows, houses, individual flats, and certain types of supported housing and sheltered housing.
System Requirements: Addresses the special design requirements for domestic fire detection and alarm (FD&A) systems that are not covered in BS 5839-1.
Grading System: Systems are graded into categories such as PD (Property, Domestic), LD (Life, Domestic), and the newer D1, D2, F1, and F2 grades for the 2019 revision.
Key Differences
Property Type: BS 5839-1 is for non-domestic buildings, while BS 5839-6 is for domestic homes.
Visual Alarms: BS 5839-1 mandates visual alarms in all sanitary areas, a requirement that BS 5839-6 does not universally include for domestic properties.
Sound Levels: The required sound levels for alarm devices differ between the two standards, with BS 5839-1 requiring higher levels at the bedhead in non-domestic settings.
System Complexity: BS 5839-6 offers recommendations for simpler systems designed for domestic environments, including options for non-specialist installation, while BS 5839-1 is a more complex code of practice for professional users.
We provide both the EAL Fire Alarm & Fire Detection Part 1 and Part 6 courses. Further details are included on our website under EAL courses.