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What certificates should a fire alarm system have?

Fire alarm systems need design, installation, commissioning and acceptance certificates under BS 5839-1, plus ongoing service records. What each certificate confirms.

Direct answer

Under BS 5839-1, a new or modified fire detection and alarm system should be documented with certificates covering its design, installation, commissioning and acceptance. Together these confirm that the system was designed to the agreed category, installed and commissioned correctly, and accepted by or on behalf of the Responsible Person. Ongoing servicing is then recorded separately (for example in the log book and on service certificates). Confirm the exact certificates required against the current BS 5839-1 and any local requirements.

Applies to

  • Products / Models: General guidance (system documentation)
  • Firmware / Version: Not applicable
  • Region: UK
  • Standards: BS 5839-1

Typical certificates (BS 5839-1)

  • Design certificate — confirms the system design and category (for example L1–L5, P1/P2).
  • Installation certificate — confirms installation was carried out to the design and standard.
  • Commissioning certificate — confirms the system was tested and is functioning correctly.
  • Acceptance certificate — records acceptance by or on behalf of the Responsible Person.
  • Service / maintenance records — completed at each periodic service visit.

Why they matter

  • Provide an audit trail of competent design, installation and commissioning.
  • Support the fire risk assessment and may be requested by an enforcing authority or insurer.

When to contact technical support

  • For product-specific commissioning guidance on Hochiki systems.

Safety note

This article is general guidance for Hochiki Europe products. Installation, commissioning, maintenance and modification of fire detection and alarm systems must be carried out by a competent person in accordance with the applicable standards (for example BS 5839-1 in the UK) and the requirements of the relevant authority having jurisdiction. Always refer to the current product manual and data sheet for the exact model before carrying out any work.

References

  • BS 5839-1 (current edition) — certification model forms
  • System log book

Last reviewed: 2026-06-16 — Reviewed by: Takashi Ishikawa