Categories of Fire Alarm Systems, as per BS-5839 Part-1, Non Domestic Buildings

The categories of fire alarm systems as per BS 5839 Part 1, Non-Domestic Buildings:-
Category L1: Maximum life protection. This is the highest level of protection and is recommended for buildings where there are vulnerable occupants, such as care homes and hospitals. It requires both manual call points and automatic fire detection to be installed throughout the entire premises.
Category L2: Additional life protection. This level of protection is recommended for buildings where there are a large number of people, such as office buildings and hotels. It requires manual call points to be installed throughout the premises, and automatic fire detection in common areas and areas where there are increased fire risks.
Category L3: Standard life protection. This level of protection is recommended for most non-domestic buildings. It requires manual call points to be installed in escape routes and areas where there are increased fire risks, and automatic fire detection in areas where there is a high risk of fire spread.
Category L4: Modest life protection. This level of protection is recommended for buildings where there are a small number of people and the fire risk is low. It requires manual call points to be installed in escape routes, and automatic fire detection in areas where there is a high risk of fire spread.
Category L5: Localised life protection. This level of protection is recommended for small areas where there is a high risk of fire, such as kitchens and boiler rooms. It requires manual call points to be installed in the area, and automatic fire detection in the area where the fire risk is highest.
In addition to these categories, there are also two categories for fire alarm systems designed to protect property:
Category P1: Maximum property protection. This level of protection is recommended for buildings where there is a high value of property at risk, such as warehouses and factories. It requires automatic fire detection to be installed throughout the premises.
Category P2: Standard property protection. This level of protection is recommended for most buildings where there is a moderate value of property at risk. It requires automatic fire detection to be installed in areas where there is a high risk of fire spread.
The specific requirements for each category of fire alarm system are set out in BS 5839 Part 1. These requirements cover the location of fire alarm components, the type of detectors and alarm sounders that should be used, and the level of backup power that is required.
By :- Engineer Yousuf Mohammed
Horizon Fire And Security