Fire Telephones in London: Are Your Systems Compliant with BS 5839-9?
- Agatha CandyKitty
- Sep 9
- 2 min read
What Are Fire Telephones and Where Are They Required?
Fire telephones are a type of emergency voice communication system (EVCS) used during a fire or major incident to assist communication between building occupants and emergency services.
They are commonly installed in:
High-rise residential buildings
Hospitals and care facilities
Commercial buildings with phased evacuation strategies
Buildings with fire-fighting shafts or fire-fighting lifts
In London, where complex and vertical buildings are common, fire telephones play a vital role in safe evacuation and coordination between fire wardens, building management, and the fire brigade.
BS 5839-9: The British Standard That Governs Fire Telephones
Fire telephone systems must comply with BS 5839-9, which outlines the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of emergency voice communication systems.
Some of the key requirements include:
Full two-way communication between master panel and outstations
Dedicated power supply with battery backup
Redundant cabling for fire resistance
Clear signage and labelling at all outstations
Regular maintenance and system tests
Non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions, insurance issues, or life-threatening communication failure during a fire.
Fire Telephone System Components
A compliant fire telephone system typically includes:
Master Station – often located in the fire control room, this allows fire officers to communicate with all outstations.
Outstations – wall-mounted, hands-free or handset-based units, located at key points such as stairwells, fire-fighting lobbies, or refuge areas.
Cabling and Power Supply – fire-rated wiring with secure power backup for a minimum of 24 hours standby and 3 hours operation during an emergency.
How to Test and Maintain Fire Telephones in London
To stay compliant and functional, fire telephones must be regularly serviced. Recommended testing includes:
Monthly functional check of each outstation (rotate tests to cover all over time)
Quarterly or bi-annual inspection of the full system, including cabling and panels
Annual servicing by a qualified technician
During maintenance, engineers should:
Check audio clarity and two-way communication
Test battery and power supply status
Verify visual indicators (e.g., fault or active lights)
Inspect labels, casing, and fixings
Maintenance records must be kept in a fire logbook and made available for audit or inspection.
Common Issues with Fire Telephone Systems
Damaged or corroded handsets
Power failures due to aged batteries
Faulty cables not meeting fire resistance standards
Poor labelling or inaccessible outstations
Lack of regular testing or records
These issues often surface during fire risk assessments or fire brigade inspections.
Who Should Install and Maintain Fire Telephones in London?
Only competent contractors familiar with BS 5839-9 should install or maintain fire telephone systems. Ideal providers should:
Be experienced with EVCS systems from major manufacturers
Offer third-party certification or accreditations
Provide full documentation of all works carried out
Be responsive in emergencies
Given the complexity of these systems, working with specialists is essential — especially in London’s high-rise and multi-use buildings.
Final Thoughts on Fire Telephone Compliance in London
If you’re responsible for a building in London with a fire telephone system, you must ensure it complies with BS 5839-9 and is properly maintained.
These systems are often the only lifeline between firefighters and building occupants. Faults or neglect can cost lives.
Make sure your fire telephone systems are tested regularly, documented correctly, and managed by professionals who understand the legal and technical requirements.
Ensure your fire telephones are fully compliant and operational.