BS5839 Cable

Introduction to BS5839 Cable

Defining BS5839 Standards

Cleveland Cable Compnay is the UK's largest supplier of BS5839-1 cables. This British Standard provides guidance on the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises. BS5839 fire alarm and security cable is intended to continue operating under fire conditions for the rated period (30 minutes for standard, 120 minutes for enhanced).

Importance of Fire Safety Systems

Fire-resistant cables are critical in commercial and residential buildings for early detection and rapid alert in the event of a fire. The correct choice of cabling, such as BS5839-approved products, ensures fire alarms remain functional even under extreme heat and smoke.

Types of BS5839 Cables We Sell

Standard vs Enhanced Fire Alarm Cables

There are two primary grades of BS5839-1 cables: standard and enhanced.

Standard Fire Alarm & Security Cable - 1mm² to 4mm² - Designed to offer basic fire resistance for most conventional fire alarm installations.
Enhanced Fire Alarm & Security Cable - 1.5mm² to 4mm² - Designed for high-risk environments where cables may be exposed directly to fire or must function for extended periods.

Applications in Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

Smoke and heat detectors
Manual call points
Sounders and visual warning devices
Fire alarm control panels and interfaces

Choosing the correct cable grade ensures the fire alarm system integrity matches the risk profile and legal requirements of your building.

Cable Construction

Conductor: Up to 2.5mm Class 1 solid copper, 4mm Class 2 stranded copper
Insulation: Fire-resistant silicone rubber
Protective Conductor: Tinned copper
Overall Tape Screen: Aluminium/Polyester Tape (AL/PET) with 0.5mm drain wire
Fire Protection: MICA Glass Fibre Tape
Outer Sheath: Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH)

BS5839 Regulation

Fire Resistance Ratings Explained

BS5839-1 standards require specific fire resistance ratings for alarm cables. Standard cables typically provide 30 minutes of fire resistance, while enhanced cables provide at least 120 minutes.