If your fire alarm system is over ten years old, frequently triggers false alarms, or hasn’t been reviewed recently, it may no longer be compliant or reliable. Fire safety extends beyond mere legal compliance; it’s about protecting people, safeguarding property, and ensuring your business can operate smoothly without interruptions. In this guide, we explain how to assess your current system, determine when an upgrade is necessary, and plan for a compliant and future-ready fire alarm installation tailored to your business needs.
Is Your Fire Alarm System Outdated/Compliant?
You don’t need to wait for a fire risk assessment to tell you there’s a problem. Here are some warning signs that your system needs an upgrade:
- Frequent False Alarms: Leading to staff complacency, lost productivity, and potentially fines from the fire service (if called upon frequently).
- Poor Coverage: Older systems may overlook key risk areas or fail to detect fires early enough.
- No Remote Monitoring: Modern systems can alert keyholders and fire responders via apps, even outside business hours.
- Obsolete Components: When replacement parts are hard to find, maintenance becomes risky and expensive.
- Non-compliance with BS 5839-1:2025: your original system specification may no longer meet the latest British Standard for design, installation, and maintenance.
”If your system is over ten years old, start planning an upgrade now, especially if your last review or test raised concerns.”
The Business Benefits of Upgrading Your Fire Alarm System
1. Legal Compliance and Peace of Mind
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every business must provide “appropriate fire detection and warning systems”. If your current system doesn’t meet BS 5839-1:2025, there is a risk to the business.
2. Faster Detection, Faster Response
Modern systems detect smoke, heat, or even gas with far greater accuracy. Addressable alarms pinpoint the exact device that has triggered an alarm, helping emergency services and your team act swiftly and effectively while minimising disruption.
3. Fewer False Alarms
Advanced detectors can distinguish between steam, dust, and actual combustion, reducing nuisance alarms and unnecessary evacuations or call-outs.
4. Remote Monitoring and Smart Integration
With modern fire alarm systems, you can now:
- Monitor your system from a mobile app or control centre.
- Integrate with CCTV, access control, emergency lighting, and BMS.
- Enable automated alerts to the fire service or key staff.
A connected system doesn’t just improve safety; it adds and improves operational value.
Download Your Free BS 5839-1:2025 Fire Alarm System Review Checklist
The Checklist Includes:
✅ Design and Coverage
✅ Maintenance and Servicing
✅ Documentation
✅ Alarm Performance and Inclusivity
✅ Immediate Actions
Don’t get caught off guard with the updated alarm guidance—stay informed, stay protected!
How to Upgrade Your Fire Alarm System
Step 1: Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment
An up-to-date Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is the starting point. This will help identify:
- Weak points in detection or coverage
- The appropriate system category (e.g. L1, L3, M)
- Any required maintenance or design changes
Step 2: Select the Right Fire Alarm System
Different types of business premises need different levels of protection:
| System Type | Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Conventional | Small shops, salons, or single-zone offices |
| Addressable | Multi-floor offices, schools, care homes |
| Wireless | Heritage buildings, temporary setups |
| L1 (Full coverage) | Care homes, hotels, and sleeping accommodation |
| L3 (Escape routes) | Offices, high-street retail units |
Step 3: Use a Competent, Certified Fire Alarm Specialist (Like IPS)
When upgrading your fire alarm system, always work with a specialist who can demonstrate third-party certification and proven competence in line with BS 5839-1:2025.
A competent installer should be able to:
- Design and install your system according to the relevant British Standards
- Provide formal design, installation, and commissioning certificates
- Offer a clear plan for routine maintenance and testing
What to look for:
- Certification under recognised schemes such as BAFE, NSI, or SSAIB
- Evidence of up-to-date training and compliance with UK fire safety legislation
- Business longevity, transparent pricing, references, and aftercare support
“It’s important to remember: under the Fire Safety Order 2005, it’s your legal duty to ensure that anyone carrying out fire safety work is competent to do so.”
Questions to Ask Your Fire Alarm Installer
Choosing the right installer is about more than price. As the Responsible Person under the Fire Safety Order 2005, you have a legal duty to ensure that any contractors you engage are competent. These questions will help you evaluate whether a fire alarm provider is qualified to design, install and maintain a compliant system tailored to your premises.
- Are you certified by an independent third-party scheme (e.g. BAFE, NSI, SSAIB)?
- Can you provide up-to-date qualifications or accreditations for your engineers?
- Have you worked with businesses similar to ours in size and risk profile?
- Will the system you propose comply with BS 5839-1:2025?
- How will you determine the correct category of fire alarm for our premises (e.g. L1, L3)?
- Can you support us with zone planning, cause-and-effect diagrams, and integration (if needed)?
- Will we receive formal certificates for design, installation, and commissioning?
- Do you provide a clear handover pack including as-fitted drawings and user guides?
- Will the system be logged into our Fire Safety Logbook correctly?
- What’s included in your maintenance package? How often will the system be serviced?
- Can you guarantee spare parts availability for at least 5–10 years?
- What is your response time in the event of a fault or alarm activation?
- Does the system support remote monitoring or mobile alerts?
- Can the alarm interface with our CCTV, access control, or emergency lighting?
- Are wireless options suitable or cost-effective for our site?
- What strategies will you use to minimise false alarms?
- Will you install multi-sensor detectors or software filtering to reduce nuisance activations?
- Is your quote fully inclusive, or are there any hidden costs (e.g. call-out fees, training)?
- Can you provide a written service agreement or maintenance contract?
Need a Fire Risk Assessment?
Don’t Get Caught Out – Stay Ahead of the Risk
Fire safety legislation in the UK is becoming increasingly stringent. With upcoming changes coming into effect in 2025, including the requirement for sprinklers in care homes, improved PEEPs, and higher competence from assessors, it has never been more critical to have the correct fire detection system for your business.
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