The British and European standards that underpin every fire and security installation.
BS EN 60839-11
Alarm and Electronic Security Systems — Access Control
Requirements for access control systems — grades 1–4
BS EN 60839-11 covers the requirements for access control systems used in security applications. It defines four security grades based on the risk level and required performance.
Grade
Risk Level
Typical Application
Grade 1
Low
Domestic, small office
Grade 2
Low–Medium
Commercial offices, retail
Grade 3
Medium–High
Commercial, industrial, high-value
Grade 4
High
Critical infrastructure, high security
Equality Act 2010 — Access Control
Access control systems must not discriminate against disabled persons. Considerations include: accessible reader heights (800–1,200 mm for wheelchair users), audio/visual feedback, and emergency release mechanisms that are accessible to all.
BS EN 50518
Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs)
Requirements for ARCs · Physical security · Response times · Staffing · Resilience
BS EN 50518 specifies the requirements for Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) — the monitoring centres that receive and respond to alarm signals from intruder, fire, and CCTV systems. It covers the physical security of the ARC, staffing, response times, and resilience requirements.
ARC Categories
Category
Description
Category I
Highest security. Reinforced construction. Dual power supplies. Backup communications. 24/7 staffing. Used for Grade 4 systems.
Category II
High security. Enhanced construction. Backup power. 24/7 staffing. Used for Grade 3 systems.
Category III
Standard security. Basic physical protection. 24/7 staffing. Used for Grade 2 systems.
Response Time Requirements
Alarm Type
Maximum Response Time
Intruder Alarm
Operator must acknowledge and begin response within 60 seconds of alarm receipt
Hold-Up / Panic Alarm
Operator must acknowledge and begin response within 30 seconds
Fire Alarm
Operator must acknowledge and begin response within 60 seconds
NSI / SSAIB ARC Certification
ARCs must be certified to BS EN 50518 by an approved certification body (NSI or SSAIB) to receive police-response alarms. Police forces in the UK will only respond to alarms from NSI/SSAIB-approved ARCs.
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BS EN 50136
Alarm Transmission Systems and Equipment
ARC signalling · Dual-path communication · SP1–SP6 performance grades
BS EN 50136 covers alarm transmission systems (ATS) — the communication path between an alarm system and an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). It defines performance grades (SP1–SP6) based on the number of communication paths and their resilience.
Alarm Transmission Performance Grades
Grade
Communication Paths
Typical Technology
Typical Use
SP1
1 path
PSTN (analogue telephone)
Low-risk domestic. Largely obsolete.
SP2
1 path
GPRS/3G/4G (single SIM)
Low-risk commercial. Grade 2 intruder.
SP3
1 path (enhanced)
IP broadband (single path)
Medium-risk commercial.
SP4
2 paths (same technology)
Dual GPRS/IP
Medium-high risk. Grade 3 intruder.
SP5
2 paths (different technology)
IP + GPRS (dual-path)
High-risk commercial. Grade 3–4 intruder.
SP6
2 paths (different technology + enhanced)
IP + GPRS with supervision
Very high risk. Grade 4. Critical infrastructure.
Dual-Path Signalling
SP5 dual-path signalling uses two independent communication paths (typically IP broadband and GPRS/4G) to ensure alarm signals reach the ARC even if one path fails. The two paths must use different technologies and different network providers where possible. Dual-path is required for most Grade 3 intruder alarm systems and all Grade 4 systems.
ARC Signalling Protocols
Protocol
Description
SIA DC-09
IP-based alarm signalling protocol. Used by most modern IP communicators.
Contact ID
DTMF-based protocol over PSTN or GPRS. Widely supported by ARCs.
SIA Level 3
PSTN-based protocol. Largely obsolete with PSTN switch-off.
Scancom / Dualcom
Proprietary dual-path protocols used by specific ARC communicators.
PSTN Switch-Off: BT and other providers are switching off the PSTN (analogue telephone) network by January 2027. All PSTN-based alarm communicators must be replaced with IP or GPRS alternatives before this date.
BS 8418
Detector-Activated CCTV Systems
Installation and configuration of detector-activated CCTV · Remote monitoring · ARC verification
BS 8418 covers the installation and configuration of detector-activated CCTV systems used for remote monitoring by an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). It is primarily used for remote video verification of intruder alarms, allowing ARCs to visually confirm an alarm before dispatching police.
Key Requirements
Requirement
Detail
Image Quality
Images must be sufficient to identify a person at the point of detection. Minimum resolution and frame rate specified.
Pre-alarm Images
System must capture images immediately before the alarm trigger (pre-alarm buffer).
Transmission Speed
Images must be transmitted to the ARC within a specified time after alarm activation.
Lighting
Adequate lighting must be provided for the camera to capture usable images at all times (day and night).
Detection Coverage
PIR detectors must cover the same area as the camera field of view.
False Alarm Management
System must be designed to minimise false alarms. Anti-masking on detectors required.
CCTV Verification Benefits
Police forces in the UK operate a response policy based on alarm verification. Unverified alarms (no CCTV or audio confirmation) receive a lower priority response. CCTV-verified alarms (BS 8418-compliant systems) receive a higher priority response. This makes BS 8418 compliance commercially important for high-security sites.
BS 5266-1:2016
Emergency Lighting — Code of Practice
Design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems
BS 5266-1 is the UK code of practice for emergency lighting. It covers the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems in buildings. Emergency lighting is required by the RRFSO and Building Regulations Part B.
Emergency Lighting Categories
Category
Description
Escape Route Lighting
Lighting provided to enable safe exit from a building in an emergency. Minimum 1 lux at floor level along the centre line of escape routes.
Open Area (Anti-Panic) Lighting
Lighting to reduce the likelihood of panic in open areas. Minimum 0.5 lux throughout the area (excluding 0.5 m border).
High Risk Task Area Lighting
Lighting for areas where potentially dangerous processes or situations exist. Minimum 10% of maintained illuminance or 15 lux (whichever is greater).
Standby Lighting
Lighting that allows normal activities to continue during a mains failure. Not strictly emergency lighting under BS 5266.
Maintained vs Non-Maintained
Type
Description
Typical Use
Maintained
Luminaire is illuminated at all times (normal and emergency supply)
Cinemas, theatres, entertainment venues, sleeping accommodation
Non-Maintained
Luminaire only illuminates when normal supply fails
Offices, factories, schools (where premises are not used in darkness)
Sustained
Contains two lamps — one on normal supply, one on emergency supply
Where maintained is required but separate luminaires are preferred
Duration Requirements
Standard Duration
3 hours minimum
High Risk Areas
3 hours minimum
Sleeping Accommodation
3 hours minimum
Testing Requirements
▸Monthly: brief functional test (1 minute) — check all luminaires illuminate
▸Annual: full duration test (3 hours) — all luminaires must remain illuminated for full duration
▸All test results to be recorded in the log book
▸Defective luminaires to be replaced promptly
BS 5839-1:2025
Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings
The primary UK standard for fire alarm system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance
Content sourced from Apollo BS 5839-1:2025 Pocket Guide
BS 5839-1 is the principal British Standard for fire detection and fire alarm systems in buildings. The 2025 edition (Issue 15) supersedes the 2017 edition and incorporates updates to detector spacing, cabling requirements, and VAD guidance. It covers design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems.
Regulatory Context
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) requires the responsible person to take steps to reduce the risk from fire. All fire alarm designs should be based on a fire risk assessment carried out by a competent person. Fire risk assessments must be reviewed regularly.
Designer Responsibilities
BS 5839-1 recommends that a fire detection system is designed by a competent person who takes responsibility for completing the design and signing off a Design Certificate. The designer should:
▸Establish the level of fire protection suitable to the premises type in agreement with the owner/occupier
▸Document any reasons to justify variation of design
▸Identify detection and alarm zones
▸Raise specification document and building plan showing all MCPs, detectors, sounders, and VADs
▸Specify cable type for each circuit
▸State the system and equipment to be used
▸Detail measures incorporated to limit false alarms
▸Provide a fire plan or cause and effect chart
▸Sign the Design Certificate
System Categories
BS 5839-1 categorises fire alarm systems based on their primary purpose — property protection or life protection — and the extent of coverage.
P
Property Protection
AFD designed primarily to protect property. Early detection to limit fire damage.
P1
Full Property Protection
AFD installed throughout all areas of the building including roof voids, floor voids, and all rooms.
P2
Partial Property Protection
AFD installed only in defined areas where fire is most likely to start or where high-value items are stored.
L
Life Protection
AFD designed primarily to protect human life. Provides early warning for evacuation.
L1
Full Life Protection
AFD installed throughout all areas of the building. Highest level of life protection. Includes all rooms, voids, and spaces.
L2
Life Protection — Defined Areas
AFD installed in defined areas in addition to L3 coverage. Typically rooms or areas adjacent to escape routes where fire is most likely.
L3
Escape Route Protection
AFD installed in escape routes and rooms or areas opening onto escape routes. Protects the means of escape.
L4
Circulation Area Protection
AFD installed in escape routes comprising circulation areas and spaces such as corridors and stairways only.
L5
Specific Risk Objective
A non-prescriptive system where protected areas and/or detector locations are designed to satisfy a specific fire risk objective (other than L1–L4).
M
Manual System
System designed to be operated manually only. No automatic fire detection (AFD). Manual call points only.
Category Selection: The system category should be determined by the fire risk assessment. L1 provides the highest level of protection but is not always appropriate. The responsible person and fire risk assessor should agree the category before design commences.
Detection Zones — Key Rules
A detection zone is an area of a building covered by a group of detectors that are identified as a single zone on the fire alarm control panel. The rules for detection zones are:
Rule
Requirement
Clause
Maximum zone area
2,000 m² (or 10,000 m² for large open plan areas with MCPs only)
Clause 12
Storeys per zone
No more than 1 storey per detection zone (unless total floor area <300 m²)
Clause 12
Maximum search distance
60 m — maximum distance a firefighter should travel within a zone to identify the seat of the fire
Clause 12
Voids
Voids in the same fire compartment should be included in the same floor zone
Clause 12
Stairwells and lift shafts
Vertical structures should be considered as separate zones
Clause 12
Manual call points in stairwells
MCPs in stairwells should be connected to the zone associated with that floor, ideally on the accommodation side of the corridor exit
Clause 12
Alarm Zones
An alarm zone is an area of the building coinciding with fire compartment boundaries. Alarm zones are required when phased or staged evacuation is required. An alarm zone may consist of multiple detection zones, but not vice versa. There must be a clear break between alarm zones to ensure alert and evacuation messages are not overheard from adjacent areas.
Lifts, Risers and Stairways
▸Vertical shafts (lifts, risers, open stairways): a device should be mounted within 1.5 m of any opening
▸Enclosed stairways: detector at the top of the stairway and on each main landing
Detector Mounting Heights
Detector Type
Min Below Ceiling
Max Below Ceiling
Smoke detector (optical/ionisation)
25 mm
600 mm
Heat detector
25 mm
150 mm
Point Detector Coverage — Flat Ceilings
112 m²
Smoke Detector
7.5 m radius → 10.6 m × 10.6 m square
56.3 m²
Heat Detector
5.3 m radius → 7.5 m × 7.5 m square
Maximum Detector Heights by Type
Detector Type
General Area Max Height
10% of Area Max Height
Heat Rate-of-Rise (RoR)
9 m
10.5 m
Heat Fixed Temperature
7.5 m
10.5 m
Smoke / CO Point
10.5 m
12.5 m
Optical Beam (Normal Sensitivity)
25 m
28 m
Optical Beam (Enhanced Sensitivity)
40 m*
43 m*
ASD General Limit
10.5 m
12.5 m
ASD Class C (≥5 holes)
15 m
18 m
ASD Class C (≥15 holes)
25 m
28 m
ASD Class B (≥15 holes)
40 m†
43 m†
* Supplemented detection recommended unless risk of stratification is minimal. † Multi-level detection recommended unless risk of stratification is minimal.
Corridors
In corridors less than 2 m wide, the horizontal spacing of detectors may be increased — coverage areas need not overlap. Any corridor over 2 m wide is deemed a room and device spacing should follow the standard for rooms. Smoke detectors in narrow corridors: 15 m spacing maximum.
Ceiling Obstructions and Air Vents
▸Do not site detectors less than 1 m from air supply points or air circulating units
▸A device should not be mounted within 500 mm of any obstruction
▸If the top of a solid partition is less than 300 mm from ceiling, treat it as a wall
▸Ceiling obstructions (beams) should be treated as walls if deeper than 10% of ceiling height
▸Never mount devices closer than twice the depth of light fittings or other ceiling obstructions
▸Ceiling voids less than 800 mm in height need not have independent coverage (unless fire/smoke can spread through the void)
Apex Ceilings
For ceilings with an apex: if the apex height from the rest of the ceiling is less than 150 mm for heat detectors or less than 600 mm for smoke detectors, treat as a flat ceiling. For higher apexes, install a device at the highest point. The distance to adjacent devices can be increased by 1% per degree of angle of the roof, up to a maximum of 25%.
Environmental Considerations for Heat Detectors
The minimum static response to heat devices should not be less than 29°C above the average ambient temperature, or less than 4°C above the highest temperature the device can expect to experience.
Sounder Requirements
Location
Minimum Sound Level
General areas
65 dB(A) or 5 dB(A) above background noise (if background >60 dB(A) for >30 seconds)
Stairways and small enclosures (<60 m²)
60 dB(A)
Sleeping areas (bedhead)
75 dB(A) with all doors shut
Maximum level
120 dB(A) at any normally accessible point
▸Frequency: between 500 Hz and 1,000 Hz
▸Decibel loss through a normal door: approximately −20 dB(A)
▸Decibel loss through a fire door: approximately −30 dB(A)
▸Bells and electronic sounders cannot be mixed on the same system
▸Sounder cabling should be arranged so that at least one sounder remains operational during a fault condition
▸If using fire alarm as a lockdown alarm, the tone must be distinctly different from the fire alarm tone
Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) — BS EN 54-23
Content sourced from Apollo VAD Pocket Guide
VADs are required where risk assessment dictates that a visual alarm device is required as a primary means of evacuation. Typical applications include: areas where people have impaired hearing, areas of high ambient noise (>85 dB), nursing homes, hospitals, broadcast studios, all sanitary accommodation, isolated offices where people with impaired hearing may be alone.
BS EN 54-23 Requirements
▸Illumination level: minimum 0.4 lux in the whole area covered by the VAD
▸Flash rate: 0.5 Hz to 2 Hz (Apollo devices: maximum 1 Hz). All devices must be synchronised.
▸Flash colour: red or white only
▸Installation category: C (ceiling), W (wall), or O (open)
VAD Categories and Coverage Codes
Category
Mounting
Coverage Code
Example
C
Ceiling
C-x-y (x = max mounting height, y = coverage diameter in metres)
C-3-8.5 = ceiling at 3 m, 8.5 m diameter coverage. Square area = y ÷ 1.414 = 6 m²
W
Wall
W-x-y (x = mounting height, y = width of square coverage in metres). Min mounting height: 2.4 m
W-2.5-7 = wall at 2.5 m, 7 m × 7 m square coverage
O
Open (manufacturer-specified)
Manufacturer specifies coverage volume. 0.4 lux minimum still applies.
XP95 Sounder VAD Base — see Apollo data sheet
VAD Multiplication Factors
Multiplication factors should be applied to a VAD's rated coverage based on ambient light level and viewing angle:
Ambient Light (lux)
Ceiling Direct View
Ceiling Indirect View
Wall Direct View
Wall Indirect View
<100
2.8
1.3
5.2
1.8
100–200
2.4
1.2
4.4
1.7
200–300
1.9
1.0
3.2
1.4
300–400
1.4
0.8
2.3
1.2
400–500
1.1
0.6
1.8
1.0
500–600
0.9
0.5
1.3
0.9
600–700
0.7
0.4
1.0
0.7
700–800
0.5
0.3
0.8
0.6
Example: If ambient light is 150 lux and the viewing angle is indirect, the coverage of a C-3-8.5 ceiling category VAD can be multiplied by 1.2, increasing the coverage from 8.5 m to 10.2 m.
Manual Call Points
▸Maximum travel distance to an MCP: 45 m (defined escape route) or 30 m (undefined route)
▸Mounting height: 1.4 m (±300 mm) from floor level
▸For wheelchair users: 800–1,200 mm (per Document M and Equality Act)
▸Transparent hinged covers should be fitted to all MCPs
▸MCPs required at all exits to the open air
Cabling Requirements — BS 5839-1:2025
Critical Change in 2025 Edition: Fire resistant cabling is now required throughout the whole fire alarm system, including the mains supply cables. The use of non-fire-resisting cables, whether mechanically protected by fire-resisting construction or not, will no longer comply with BS 5839-1. All detection, alarm, and mains supply FR cables should be red in colour.
▸All cables to be fire resistant with a minimum cross-sectional area of 1 mm²
▸All joints (other than those within system components) to be fire resistant
▸Junction boxes to be labelled "FIRE ALARM"
▸Enhanced cable to be used where more than 4 zones of phased evacuation are required, in multi-storey systems, hospitals (un-sprinklered over 30 m), or where risk assessment requires enhanced cable
▸Cable using trunking as containment must be clipped using fire-resistant supports within the trunking
▸Fire alarm control panels to be installed at a location appropriate for staff and firefighters
▸Geographical zone plan required at all CIE and repeater panel locations
Short Circuit Isolators
Short circuit isolators limit the effect of one fault to 2,000 m² and to a single storey of the building. Two simultaneous faults on a circuit should not disable protection within an area greater than 10,000 m².
Additional Installation Notes
▸CO fire detectors should be spaced as per smoke detectors, but cannot be used without smoke detectors on escape routes
▸Multi-sensors incorporating smoke detection should be spaced as smoke detectors
▸Linear heat detecting cables should conform to BS EN 54-22 or BS EN 54-28
▸Bells and electronic sounders cannot be mixed on the same system
▸Suitable means of local safe isolation of the low voltage supply circuit must be provided
Commissioning Requirements
BS 5839-1 requires that the system is commissioned by a competent person. Commissioning includes:
▸Verification that the installation matches the design
▸Testing of all detectors, MCPs, sounders, and VADs
▸Testing of all control and indicating equipment functions
▸Testing of all interconnections and interfaces
▸Verification of sound levels at all points
▸Completion of commissioning certificate
▸Handover of documentation including as-fitted drawings, operation and maintenance manual
Maintenance Requirements
▸Routine inspection and test: minimum every 6 months (quarterly for high-risk premises)
▸All detectors to be tested at least once per year
▸Battery replacement: as recommended by manufacturer (typically every 4 years)
▸Log book to be maintained at the premises
BS EN 54 (Multiple Parts)
Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems — Components
European product standards for fire detection components — detectors, sounders, control panels, VADs
BS EN 54 is a multi-part European standard covering the components used in fire detection and alarm systems. All components used in UK fire alarm systems must be certified to the relevant part of BS EN 54 and carry the CE mark (or UKCA mark post-Brexit).
Part
Title
Scope
BS EN 54-1
Introduction
Overview of the standard series
BS EN 54-2
Control and Indicating Equipment
Fire alarm control panels (CIE). All panels must comply.
BS EN 54-3
Fire Alarm Devices — Sounders
Sounders and alarm devices
BS EN 54-4
Power Supply Equipment
Power supplies for fire alarm systems
BS EN 54-5
Heat Detectors — Point Detectors
Fixed temperature and rate-of-rise heat detectors
BS EN 54-7
Smoke Detectors — Point Detectors
Optical and ionisation smoke detectors
BS EN 54-10
Flame Detectors — Point Detectors
UV, IR, and multi-spectrum flame detectors
BS EN 54-11
Manual Call Points
Break-glass and resettable MCPs
BS EN 54-12
Smoke Detectors — Line Detectors
Optical beam smoke detectors
BS EN 54-13
Compatibility Assessment
Compatibility of system components
BS EN 54-16
Voice Alarm Control and Indicating Equipment
Voice alarm systems
BS EN 54-17
Short Circuit Isolators
Isolators for loop-based systems
BS EN 54-18
Input/Output Devices
Interface devices for addressable systems
BS EN 54-20
Aspirating Smoke Detectors
ASD systems (Vesda, Stratos, etc.)
BS EN 54-21
Alarm Transmission and Fault Warning Routing Equipment
Signalling equipment
BS EN 54-22
Resettable Linear Heat Detectors
Linear heat detection cables
BS EN 54-23
Fire Alarm Devices — Visual Alarm Devices
VADs — categories C, W, O
BS EN 54-24
Components of Voice Alarm Systems — Loudspeakers
VA loudspeakers
BS EN 54-25
Components Using Radio Links
Wireless fire detection components
BS EN 54-28
Non-Resettable Linear Heat Detectors
Non-resettable linear heat cables
BS EN 54-29
Multi-Sensor Fire Detectors
Combined smoke/heat/CO detectors
BS EN 54-30
CO Fire Detectors — Point Detectors
CO detectors for fire detection
BS EN 54-31
Multi-Sensor Fire Detectors — CO and Heat
Combined CO/heat detectors
BS 5306
Fire Extinguishing Installations and Equipment on Premises
BS 5306-3 (Portable extinguishers) · BS 5306-8 (Selection and positioning) · Service and maintenance
BS 5306 is a multi-part standard covering fire extinguishing installations and equipment. BS 5306-3 covers portable fire extinguishers (commissioning, inspection, and maintenance), while BS 5306-8 covers the selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers.
BS 5306-3 — Maintenance Intervals
Service Type
Frequency
What is Done
Basic Service
Annual
Visual inspection, weight check, pressure check, label check, pin and tamper seal check
Extended Service
Every 5 years (CO2: 10 years)
Discharge, internal inspection, recharge, replace O-rings and seals
Overhaul
Every 10 years (CO2: 10 years)
Full strip-down, hydraulic pressure test of cylinder, replace all components
BS 5306-8 — Selection and Positioning
Requirement
Detail
Travel Distance
Maximum 30m travel distance to a water/foam extinguisher. Maximum 30m to a CO2 extinguisher in an office.
Minimum Provision
One 13A-rated extinguisher per 200m² of floor area (minimum 2 per floor)
Mounting Height
Handle of extinguisher not more than 1m above floor level. Base not less than 100mm above floor.
Visibility
Extinguishers must be readily visible. Use signage where not immediately visible.
Positioning
Near exits and escape routes. Near identified fire hazards. Not in areas where they may be obscured.
Extinguisher Colour Coding (BS EN 3)
Type
Body Colour
Label Colour
Fire Classes
Water
Red
Red
Class A only
Foam (AFFF)
Red
Cream
Class A and B
Dry Powder (ABC)
Red
Blue
Class A, B, C
CO2
Red
Black
Class B, electrical
Wet Chemical
Red
Yellow
Class F (cooking oils)
Clean Agent (Halon replacement)
Red
Green
Class A, B, electrical
BS 7671:2018+A2:2022
IET Wiring Regulations — 18th Edition
Requirements for electrical installations — applies to all fire and security system power supplies and mains connections
BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations, 18th Edition) is the standard for electrical installations in the UK. It applies to all fire and security system mains connections, power supplies, and electrical wiring. Amendment 2 (2022) introduced significant changes to EV charging, solar PV, and prosumer installations.
Relevance to Fire and Security
▸All mains connections for fire alarm panels, intruder alarm panels, access control, and CCTV must comply with BS 7671
▸Fire alarm mains supply should be on a dedicated circuit with local isolation (Section 560)
▸Intruder alarm mains supply should be on a dedicated circuit protected by a 3A or 5A fuse
▸All mains wiring must be carried out by a competent electrician (Part P registered for domestic work)
▸EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) required every 5 years for commercial premises
Cable Colour Codes (Post-2006)
Conductor
Colour (Post-2006)
Old Colour (Pre-2006)
Line (Live)
Brown
Red
Neutral
Blue
Black
Earth (PE)
Green/Yellow
Green/Yellow
Line 2 (3-phase)
Black
Yellow
Line 3 (3-phase)
Grey
Blue
NACOSS · NSI · SSAIB
Industry Certification Bodies
NSI NACOSS Gold/Silver · SSAIB · Third-party certification for fire and security
NSI (National Security Inspectorate)
NSI is the UK's leading certification body for the fire and security industry. NSI certification demonstrates that a company meets the requirements of the relevant British Standards and codes of practice.
Intruder alarm installation — Grade 2. No police response URN.
NSI Fire Gold
BS 5839-1, BS 5839-6
Fire alarm installation — highest level. Required for insurance and regulatory compliance.
NSI Fire Silver
BS 5839-1
Fire alarm installation — standard level.
NSI CCTV
BS EN 62676, BS 8418
CCTV installation and monitoring.
NSI Access Control
BS EN 60839-11
Access control installation.
SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board)
SSAIB is an equivalent certification body to NSI. SSAIB-certified companies also meet the requirements of EN 50131, PD 6662, and BS 5839-1. Both NSI and SSAIB are UKAS-accredited.
Police Response — Unique Reference Numbers (URN)
For intruder alarm systems to receive a police response, the installation company must hold NSI NACOSS Gold or SSAIB certification, and the monitoring station must be approved. The system must be Grade 2 minimum (Grade 3 for enhanced response). A Unique Reference Number (URN) is issued by the police to the end user.
BS 8243 — Installation and Configuration of Intruder Alarm Systems
BS 8243 is the code of practice for the installation and configuration of intruder and hold-up alarm systems designed to generate confirmed alarms. It supplements EN 50131 and PD 6662 for systems requiring police response.
BS 8418 — CCTV Monitoring
BS 8418 is the code of practice for the design and installation of CCTV systems used for monitoring purposes. It covers camera placement, recording requirements, and monitoring centre standards.
BS EN 50131 / PD 6662
Intruder and Hold-Up Alarm Systems
EN 50131 grades 1–4 · PD 6662 UK implementation guide · Still fully applicable in UK post-Brexit
BS EN 50131 is the European standard for intruder and hold-up alarm systems. It remains fully applicable in the UK post-Brexit. PD 6662 is the UK implementation guide that supplements EN 50131 with UK-specific requirements. All UK intruder alarm systems installed by NSI or SSAIB-certified companies must comply with EN 50131 and PD 6662.
EN 50131 — Key Parts
Part
Title
EN 50131-1
General Requirements
EN 50131-2-2
Passive Infrared Detectors (PIRs)
EN 50131-2-3
Microwave Detectors
EN 50131-2-4
Combined Passive Infrared and Microwave Detectors
EN 50131-2-6
Opening Contacts
EN 50131-2-7
Passive Glass Break Detectors
EN 50131-3
Control and Indicating Equipment (CIE)
EN 50131-4
Warning Devices (Sounders and Strobes)
EN 50131-5-3
Requirements for Interconnections Equipment using Radio Frequency Techniques
EN 50131-6
Power Supplies
EN 50131-10
Combined Systems Requirements
Security Grades — EN 50131
Grade
Risk Level
Typical Application
Key Requirements
Grade 1
Low
Domestic, small retail
Basic detection. No anti-masking required. No remote signalling required.
Grade 2
Low–Medium
Residential, small commercial
Anti-masking on PIRs. Tamper protection. Remote signalling required. NSI/SSAIB certification typically required for insurance.
Grade 3
Medium–High
Commercial, industrial, retail
Anti-masking. Anti-substitution. Dual-path signalling. 4-wire zone wiring. NSI/SSAIB Gold required.
▸Alarm transmission: maximum 90 seconds from alarm to monitoring station notification (Grade 3)
Environmental Classes
Class
Environment
Typical Location
Class I
Indoor, temperature controlled
Heated offices, homes
Class II
Indoor, general
Unheated buildings, garages
Class III
Outdoor, sheltered
Under canopies, covered car parks
Class IV
Outdoor, exposed
External walls, open areas
BS 7858
Screening of Individuals Working in a Security Environment
Vetting and screening of security personnel · Background checks · Employment history verification
BS 7858 specifies the process for screening individuals who work in an environment where the security and safety of people, property, or information is a primary consideration. It is widely used by security companies, alarm installers, and ARC operators to vet employees before they are given access to sensitive premises or information.
Screening Requirements
Check
Requirement
Identity Verification
Verify full name, date of birth, and address using official documents (passport, driving licence)
Right to Work
Verify legal right to work in the UK
Employment History
Verify employment history for the past 5 years. Explain any gaps.
Criminal Record Check
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Level depends on role.
Credit Check
Basic credit check to identify financial vulnerability
References
Two character references from non-family members
NSI / SSAIB Requirements
NSI Gold and SSAIB-approved companies are required to screen all employees in accordance with BS 7858 as a condition of their certification. This applies to engineers, office staff, and anyone with access to customer premises or alarm codes.
BS EN 62676 (Multiple Parts)
Video Surveillance Systems for Use in Security Applications
CCTV system requirements — cameras, recording, transmission, monitoring
BS EN 62676 is the European standard for video surveillance systems used in security applications. It covers system design, performance requirements, and testing of CCTV components.
Part
Title
BS EN 62676-1-1
System Requirements — General
BS EN 62676-1-2
System Requirements — Performance Requirements for Video Transmission
BS EN 62676-2-1
Video Transmission Protocols — General Requirements
BS EN 62676-3
Analogue and Digital Video Interfaces
BS EN 62676-4
Application Guidelines
UK GDPR and CCTV
All CCTV systems in the UK must comply with UK GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Key requirements:
▸Signage must be displayed informing people that CCTV is in operation
▸Data retention: typically 31 days maximum (unless there is a specific reason to retain longer)
▸Access to footage must be restricted to authorised personnel
▸Subject access requests must be responded to within 30 days
▸Cameras must not capture areas beyond the boundary of the premises (public spaces require additional justification)
▸ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) registration may be required