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By Ferdinand Anton
During a recent installation, the ceiling tiles were lifted to route new fire alarm cabling. What we found is something many installers will recognise:
This is not only untidy; it is a fire safety risk, a regulatory compliance issue, and a professional duty-of-care challenge for any fire alarm engineer.
The question becomes: What is the correct course of action when you find this during a new installation or system upgrade?
The 2025 edition clarifies that: Redundant fire alarm wiring and devices should be removed where practicable. If removal is not feasible, they must be clearly identified as not in use. Any decision not to remove redundant equipment must be documented as a variation.
2. BS 5839-1 — Cable Fixings and Premature Collapse
Fire alarm cables, especially those within escape routes, must: Be supported using non-combustible fixings, Be secured at appropriate intervals to prevent premature collapse, Not rely on plastic clips or resting loosely on ceiling grids. Loose or poorly supported cabling is explicitly recognised as a hazard that can obstruct evacuations and entangle firefighters.
Regulation 521.10.202 requires: All wiring systems must be supported so that they do not collapse early in a fire. Redundant fire alarm cables lying unrestrained in a ceiling void fail this fundamental requirement.
Why This Finding Cannot Be Ignored Even if the cables are redundant, leaving them: Presents a collapse hazard in fire conditions Creates confusion for future engineers Risks entanglement of multiple services Undermines system integrity and professional accountability No compliant installation accepts unsupported cabling above suspended ceilings, especially in escape routes.
Step 1: Identify What Is Live vs Redundant Never assume cable status. Test, trace, and mark accordingly. Step 2: Assess Whether Full Removal Is Practicable Removal is correct if cables are: 1. Accessible 2. Not tightly intertwined with active services 3. Not routed through sealed compartments Removal becomes impractical when it risks: 1. Damaging critical services 2. Causing excessive disruption 3. Requiring disproportionate works Step 3: If Removal Is Not Practicable, Risk-Reduce Properly For confirmed redundant cables: 1. Cut back dead legs at accessible points 2. Label remaining ends clearly as “Redundant – Not in Use” 3. Secure any remaining short sections using non-combustible supports Ensure nothing is left loose on the ceiling grid This is a risk reduction approach, not a shortcut. Step 4: Document the Variation BS 5839-1:2025 requires that any deviation from standard practice is: 1. Recorded in the fire alarm logbook 2. Indicated on the commissioning certificate 3. Explained to the responsible person This protects both the client and the engineer. Recommendations for Installers and Contractors 1. Include Ceiling Void Inspection in Your Surveying Process Make clear in your quotation whether removal of redundant cabling is included or priced separately. 2. Educate the Client Early Explain why the removal or proper management of redundant cables is not optional but a life-safety consideration. 3. Never Ignore Unsupported Cabling in Escape Routes Even if unrelated to your scope, it must be reported and advised upon. 4. Remove Where Feasible, Risk-Reduce Where Not, and Always Document This is the only approach aligned with the 2025 edition of BS 5839-1. Professional Development Matters — Train with Us If you or your team want clearer, deeper understanding of the legal, technical, and practical expectations around BS 5839-1:2025, we deliver: EAL Level 3 Requirements of BS 5839-1:2025 This qualification provides: A detailed breakdown of system design and installation requirements Practical guidance on variations, cable support, and system modification Understanding of documentation, competency obligations, and commissioning expectations The knowledge needed to work confidently and compliantly with the 2025 standard Whether you are an installer, maintainer, designer, or commissioning engineer, this course ensures you stay fully aligned with the latest life-safety requirements. If you would like the course overview, dates, or booking details, just let me know. Click here to contact us.