6/2021 – Standard for Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings

Standard for Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings

This Circular Letter serves to announce the adoption, with local modifications, of the British Standard 5839-1: 2017 (Incorporating Corrigendum No.I) Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings - Part 1: Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises (the "Standard").

Following the introduction of the Standard, the Fire Services Department (FSD) has reviewed the specifications for Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings as well as the corresponding Testing and Commissioning Checklist which was issued via FSD Circular Letter No. 1/2015.

The review was conducted by a Sub-working Group of the Fire Safety Standard Advisory Group which was set up and tasked to assess the feasibility and practicability of adopting the Standard and make necessary revisions to the Testing and Commissioning Checklist. After comprehensive discussions and extensive consultations with the trade and other interested parties, the Sub-working Group has meticulously formulated a Technical Guidance by making reference to the figures, tables and other technical details of the Standard. Except for the clauses/parts of the Standard covered in the Technical Guidance, all other clauses/parts in the recommendations of the Standard should be followed directly. Relevant clauses/parts of the Standard specified in Part 2 of the Technical Guidance are either "not to be applied locally", "to be revised" or "for reference only" with due consideration given to local circumstances and relevant codes requirements. The Technical Guidance is intended to facilitate local trade to apply the Standard in Hong Kong. It should be read in conjunction with the Standard, including the Notes and Recommendations, and relevant codes requirements quoted therein. Ref. Number and date should be quoted in reference.

Apart from updating of relevant requirements with reference to the Standard, main areas of revision of the Testing and Commissioning Checklist for Fire Detection and Fire Alarm System for Buildings are as follows:
(a) Requirement of smoke detectors in residential flat with open kitchen;
(b) Ceiling height limit for different type of detectors;
( c) Minimum fire resisting cable requirements for FSI as specified in FSD Circular Letter No.2/2017; and
( d) System integrity requirements for linear heat detection system. 

​The modifications specified in the Technical Guidance attached to this letter, the British Standard 5839-1:2017 (Incorporating Corrigendum No. I) and the revised Testing and Commissioning Checklist are to be adopted as the standard referred to in the Codes of Practice for Minimum Fire Service Installations and Equipment and Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Installations and Equipment. The Technical Guidance and the revised Testing and Commissioning Checklist are attached at Appendix I and Appendix II and they can also be downloaded from the FSD's.