BLOG

Fire Alarm Training in the UK: A Practical Guide for Future Electricians and Trade Professionals

Fire alarm installation is one of the most important and fast-growing areas in today’s electrical and building safety industry. With stricter regulations, updated British Standards and rising demand for competent installers, more people than ever are looking to train in fire detection and alarm systems. Before you start, it’s crucial to understand who can train, what the law requires, and what you are legally allowed to do depending on your qualifications. In this guide, I break down everything you need to know — from BS 5839 to earning potential — and show you the exact pathway to becoming a safe, confident and competent fire alarm installer in the UK.

Introduction: Why This Guide Matters

Fire alarm installation has become one of the fastest-growing specialisms in the UK electrical and building safety sector. With tighter legislation, strengthened British Standards and an increasing demand for competent installers, there has never been a better time to train in fire alarms.

In my role as the founder of Learn Trade Skills, I’ve trained thousands of learners — from complete beginners to fully qualified electricians. What I’ve learned is simple:

Competent fire alarm installers are built, not born.
They develop through:

Appropriate training
Knowledge of the standards
Practical, guided experience

In this guide, I explain who can train, what the law requires, what you can and cannot do depending on your qualifications, and the recommended pathway to becoming a confident, competent fire alarm installer in the UK.

Why Fire Alarm Installation Matters

Fire detection and alarm systems are essential in almost all commercial, industrial and multi-residential buildings. Under UK law, building owners must ensure fire alarm systems are installed and maintained by a competent person.

Competence always comes down to three things:

Appropriate training
Understanding of BS 5839 and legal duties
Real-world experience

Government fire safety guidance reinforces that competence is non-negotiable in this industry.

Official guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-safety-law-and-guidance-documents-for-business

Who Can Train to Work With Fire Alarms?

Anyone can take a Fire Alarm Course. I teach:

Beginners and career changers
Electrical mates and improvers
Fully qualified electricians
Fire and security engineers
Facilities and maintenance staff
Landlords and responsible persons

But there is one critical legal distinction:

**Anyone can learn and assist with fire alarms —

only fully qualified electricians can carry out BS 7671 electrical installation and testing.**

Reference: https://www.fia.uk.com/resources/british-standards/bs-5839-series.html

**What you can do without being a qualified electrician:**

Fit devices
Operate panels
Carry out basic tests
Assist with maintenance
Identify faults
Understand BS 5839
Support qualified installers

**What only electricians can do:**

Connect to mains supply
Install fire-resistant cabling
Carry out electrical tests
Certify installation
Fully commission a system

This protects safety and keeps work compliant.

Many learners from Cheshunt, Broxbourne, Enfield, Harlow and across Essex start with our Fire Alarm Course before progressing into wider electrical training.

View pathways to becoming a qualified electrician:
https://www.learntradeskills.co.uk/electrical-training-guide/ecs-gold-card-2025-updated-requirements-and-routes/

What the Law Says About Fire Alarms

Fire alarm installation in the UK is governed by legislation and standards that define how systems must be designed, installed and maintained.

Key Legislation

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Requires fire alarm systems to be installed/maintained by a competent person.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1541/contents
Fire Safety Act 2021
Strengthens responsibilities in multi-occupancy buildings.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/24/contents
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Introduces new requirements for high-rise buildings and routine checks.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-england-regulations-2022

British Standards

BS 5839-1 — Non-domestic/commercial systems
BS 5839-6 — Domestic systems

Anyone working with fire alarms must understand how to apply these.

Skills You Need to Become a Fire Alarm Installer

From training thousands of people, successful fire alarm installers typically build competence in:

BS 5839 understanding
Identifying categories and grades
Device recognition and placement
Wiring and circuit principles
Fault-finding and diagnostic skills
Panel programming
Maintenance routines
Clear documentation and record-keeping
Electrical qualifications (if completing mains installations)

Step-by-Step Pathway to Becoming a Fire Alarm Installer

Here’s the pathway I personally recommend:

Learn the essentials of BS 7671 and Part P.
Start with our Domestic Fire Alarm Course (BS 5839-6) in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire.
Progress to Commercial Fire Alarm Training (BS 5839-1).
Or complete both in our 4-day combined package.
Gain supervised on-site experience.
Work towards roles in BAFE-registered companies.

Note: Individuals cannot become “BAFE certified”, but companies can. Being part of a BAFE-registered team boosts professional credibility.

More info: https://www.bafe.org.uk/schemes/sp203-1-fire-detection-and-fire-alarm-systems/

What You Learn on the Fire Alarm Course

Our fire alarm training covers both practical and compliance-based learning:

Legal duties under Fire Safety Order
System categories (L1, L2, L3, L4, M, etc.)
Device types and placement
Circuit types and wiring methods
Cable selection and fire-resistant requirements
Reading and applying BS 5839
Practical installation
Fault-finding techniques
Panel programming
Maintenance procedures
Hands-on training with real equipment

We run courses throughout the year — March, May, July, October and December.

How Much Can Fire Alarm Installers Earn?

Earnings depend on qualifications, experience and location:

New starters / improvers: £15,000–£20,000
Qualified electricians with fire alarm skills: £32,000–£55,000+
Self-employed / contractors: £35,000–£75,000+

The demand is strong across commercial sites, facilities contracts and property management.

Industry reference:
https://www.electriciansaround.co.uk/article/how-much-do-electricians-make-in-the-uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners take the Fire Alarm Course?

Yes. No previous electrical experience needed.

Can I install fire alarms without being an electrician?

Yes — you can fit devices, assist with installs and carry out maintenance.
Only electricians can do BS 7671 electrical installation work.

Do I need BAFE certification?

Not personally. Companies may hold BAFE SP203-1.

Which standard applies?

BS 5839-1 (commercial)
BS 5839-6 (domestic)

Is fire alarm installation a good career?

Absolutely — demand and earning potential are rising.

Final Thoughts from Sezai Aramaz

Fire alarm installation is one of the most accessible, rewarding and in-demand areas of the electrical industry. Whether you’re a beginner, an improver or a qualified electrician, this training opens real job opportunities and strengthens your professional skillset.

If you’re ready to take the next step, my Fire Alarm Course will give you the technical foundation, confidence and knowledge to work safely and competently.

👉 View the course here:
https://www.learntradeskills.co.uk/product/fire-emergency-lighting-systems-course-triple-certification/

Sezai Aramaz

Founder at Learn Trade Skills | + posts

Sezai Aramaz is the esteemed founder of Learn Trade Skills, boasting over 40 years of experience in the electrical industry in the UK. With two decades dedicated to educating future electricians, he served as an Electrical Installation Lecturer and Assessor. Aramaz's expertise and commitment have contributed significantly to the growth and proficiency of aspiring tradespeople in the field.

Fire Alarm Training in the UK: A Practical Guide for Future Electricians and Trade Professionals