Fire Alarm Categories Guide for Businesses
For business owners, classifying fire alarm systems into categories plays a pivotal role in mapping out the business’s fire safety needs. This guide aids those responsible for building fire safety in understanding what fire alarm type is required to meet UK law requirements.
A quick overview of UK fire alarm categories
Fire alarm categories focus on the alarm system’s objectives, specifically whether and to what extent it protects life (L categories) or property (P categories) and is required to comply with BS5839 standards. They detail where in the building detection should be installed to meet these objectives.
Specification: Commercial categories are designated as:
- M (manual)
- L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 for life protection
- P1, P2 for property protection.
Each category has specific requirements for the placement of detectors and alarms to achieve its protective goals. For example, L1 requires detectors in all areas for maximum life safety, whereas P1 aims for comprehensive property protection throughout a building.
Application: Categories guide the design and installation of fire alarm systems in residential (and non-residential buildings) based on the intended level of protection. They are selected based on a detailed fire risk assessment that considers the potential for loss of life or property damage in the event of a fire.
An overview of the different fire alarm categories
- Category L1: Automated maximum life protection
- Category L2: Automated additional life protection in defined areas
- Category L3: Standard life protection – design to protect escape routes
- Category L4: Modest life protection to escape routes only
- Category L5: Local life protection (custom protection)
- Category P1: Comprehensive property protection
- Category P2: Protection of specified areas
- Category M: Manual fire alarms
Category L1 – An automated maximum life protection alarm
Overview: An L1 system offers the highest level of protection, with automatic fire detectors installed in all building areas, including occupied and unoccupied spaces such as voids, cupboards, and roof spaces.
Suitable for
L1 systems are typically used in environments where the fire risk is high, and early detection is crucial for life safety.
Where deployed
- Care homes
- Hospitals
- Hotels.
Example
A care home would install an L1 system throughout all areas, including resident rooms, corridors, and service areas like laundry rooms, to ensure the highest level of life safety due to the vulnerability of occupants and the complexity of evacuation.
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Category L2 – An automated additional life protection in defined areas
Overview: L2 systems include the same level of protection as L3 but with added detection in areas that are at high risk of fire ignition. This might include kitchens, boiler rooms, and storage areas with combustible materials.
Suitable for
Where deployed
- Schools
- Medium-sized office buildings.
Example
Category L3 – Standard life protection, designed to protect escape routes
Overview: L3 systems focus on protecting escape routes but also aim to detect fires in rooms that open onto these escape routes. The primary goal is to evacuate the building safely before escape routes become impassable.
Suitable for
Buildings where the primary concern is ensuring occupants can leave the building quickly and safely. Multi-story residential buildings, small hotels, and offices without particular high-risk areas that would necessitate an L2 system.
Where deployed
- Multi-story residential buildings
- Small hotels.
Example
In a multi-story residential apartment building, an L3 system would ensure that smoke detectors are placed in all corridors and common areas leading to escape routes to facilitate safe evacuation.
Category L4 – Modest life protection to escape routes only
Overview: An L4 system is designed to protect escape routes rather than individual rooms or areas. Detectors are installed in corridors and stairwells to ensure that the paths leading out of the building remain clear of smoke and fire.
Suitable for
L4 systems are used in buildings that aim to keep escape routes clear. This might be appropriate for simpler or smaller commercial buildings where the risk to occupants can be effectively managed by ensuring a clear path of egress.
Where deployed
- Office buildings
- Smaller commercial spaces.
Example
An office building might choose an L4 system focusing solely on corridors and stairwells to keep escape routes clear, assuming individual offices have lower fire risks that would not impede evacuation.
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Category L5 – Local life protection (custom protection)
Suitable for
Where deployed
- Historic buildings
- Museums
- Buildings with specific high-value areas
Example
Category P1 – Comprehensive property protection
Suitable for
Buildings where continuous property protection is essential, including areas not regularly occupied. It is ideal for warehouses, industrial sites, and large commercial complexes where the risk of fire in any location could result in significant loss.
Where deployed
- Across the entire premises, including both occupied and unoccupied spaces
- Warehouses
- Industrial sites
- Storage areas
- Technical rooms
- Common areas
Example
A large distribution warehouse with extensive storage of goods has a P1 system installed to cover every corner, including high-bay areas, loading docks, and office spaces, providing comprehensive detection to safeguard against fire-related property losses.
Category P2 – Protection of specified areas
Overview: P2 systems focus on protecting specified areas of a building identified as having a higher fire risk or containing valuable assets rather than providing full coverage across the premises.
Suitable for
Where deployed
- Server rooms
- Laboratories
- Kitchens
- Archives
- Areas storing hazardous materials
Example
A university building where a P2 system is installed to specifically cover critical areas like chemical laboratories, the central library’s rare books section, and the main data centre, ensuring targeted protection where the risk or consequence of fire is greatest.
Category M – Manual fire alarms
Suitable for
Places where automatic detection is not required, and people are always (typically) present to detect a fire early.
Where deployed
- Small workplaces or offices
- Shops or small commercial establishments
- Community halls or places of worship
Example
A small bookstore’s manual fire alarm system would include strategically placed break-glass stations, audible alarms, visual indicators, clear signage, and regular staff training on fire safety procedures.
UK commercial fire alarm categories
Commercial fire alarm category FAQ
What are the UK’s main categories of fire alarm systems?
In the UK, fire alarm systems are divided into two main categories: Category L systems (Life Protection) and Category P systems (Property Protection). Each category has different sub-categories that specify the level of protection and system objectives.
What are Category L fire alarm systems and their types?
Category L systems are designed to protect life and have several sub-categories:
- L1: Maximum protection for all rooms, roof spaces, and voids.
- L2: Includes escape routes and high-risk areas.
- L3: Covers escape routes and adjoining rooms.
- L4: Protects escape routes only.
- L5: Custom protection for specific hazards identified in a fire risk assessment.
What are Category P fire alarm systems and their types?
Category P systems are intended to protect property. These are further divided into:
- P1: The entire building is protected.
- P2: Protection is provided to defined parts of the building considered at high risk.
How do I choose the right category of fire alarm system for my building?
The choice of category should be based on a detailed fire risk assessment. This assessment will consider the type of building, its use, the potential hazards, and the presence and profile of occupants. It’s also influenced by the recommendations of insurance companies or regulatory requirements.
What are fire alarm grades?
Fire alarm grades refer to categorising fire alarm systems based on their level of protection, components included, and intended installation locations. These grades help determine the most appropriate type of fire alarm system for a particular property or building.
What are the legal requirements for fire alarm systems in the UK?
UK law requires that all premises other than private domestic properties be equipped with an appropriate fire detection system to ensure the safety of life and minimise property damage. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales (and equivalent legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland) dictates these requirements.
BS 5839 FAQ
What is BS 5839?
BS 5839 is a comprehensive suite of standards that provides recommendations and guidance for the planning, design, installation, commissioning, use, and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in both domestic and non-domestic premises.
Split into two standards (with multiple parts), BS 5839-1 deals with non-domestic premises and BS 5839-6 focuses on domestic buildings.
Why must businesses comply with BS 5839?
Compliance with BS 5839 is crucial for several reasons:
- Legal Requirement: Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, having an appropriate fire detection and alarm system is relevant when people’s safety is at risk. BS 5839 provides the benchmark standard for compliance.
- Insurance Compliance: Most insurance providers require businesses to adhere to BS 5839 to validate fire damage claims.
- Safety and Prevention: Properly implemented fire alarm systems help prevent loss of life and property damage by ensuring early detection and response capabilities.
How often should fire alarm systems be tested and maintained?
BS 5839-1 recommends weekly testing of fire alarm systems to ensure they are working correctly. Furthermore, a full inspection by a competent person should be carried out every six months (at a minimum) to maintain system integrity and compliance with the standard.
What are the risks of non-compliance with BS 5839?
Non-compliance can lead to several significant risks, including:
- Legal Actions: Failure to comply can result in fines, penalties, or even criminal charges, depending on the severity of the oversight.
- Insurance Issues: Non-compliance might lead to denied insurance claims or increased premiums.
- Safety Hazards: Inadequate fire alarm systems might fail during an emergency, resulting in severe outcomes.
What should be included in a fire risk assessment according to BS 5839?
A comprehensive fire risk assessment should include:
- Identification of Fire Hazards: All potential fire sources and combustible materials.
- People at Risk: Identifying who may be at risk in the event of a fire, especially vulnerable individuals.
- Evaluation of Existing Fire Safety Measures: Such as fire alarm systems, escape routes, and fire extinguishers.
- Record of Findings: Documentation of all hazards and safety measures, including an action plan for mitigating risks.
- Review and Updates: Regular updates to the risk assessment to reflect new hazards or changes in building use.
Can a business install its own fire alarm system to comply with BS 5839?
While trained staff can perform some routine testing and minor maintenance, accredited professionals will carry out the installation, extensive servicing, and required compliance checks. This step ensures the system has been installed by a competent person, complies with all technical requirements of BS 5839, and operates effectively during emergencies.
We’re here to help
For business owners, understanding and adhering to BS 5839-1 is crucial for legal, insurance, and safety reasons. It’s not only about installing a fire alarm system but also ensuring it is continually maintained and appropriately scaled to the size and complexity of the business operations.
Regular reviews and audits of the fire safety measures, conducted by competent persons as required by RRFSO, are essential to avoid the common pitfalls associated with fire alarm compliance. Ensuring robust compliance with BS 5839-1 helps safeguard a business’s people, physical assets, and overall operational integrity.
Need help deciding what system to install? Contact our experienced team and discuss your fire alarm needs.
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