BS 8524 is the British Standard specifically developed for active fire curtain barrier assemblies. It covers both the performance of the complete fire curtain system and how it should be selected, installed, commissioned and maintained.
In November 2025, revised editions of the standard were published. This created an important change for manufacturers, installers, specifiers and customers.
What Are the Two Parts of BS 8524?
BS 8524 is divided into two parts:
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BS 8524-1: The product specification covering the design, testing and performance of the fire curtain assembly.
- BS 8524-2: The code of practice covering application, installation, commissioning, handover and maintenance.
Both parts matter. A suitable product must also be correctly specified, installed, commissioned and maintained if it is to perform as intended.
What Changed in November 2025?
BS 8524-1:2025 and BS 8524-2:2025 were published on 21 November 2025. The previous 2013 editions were withdrawn on the same date.
Many fire curtain systems currently available were tested against BS 8524-1:2013 before the new edition was introduced.
Testing against the 2013 edition does not automatically demonstrate conformity with BS 8524-1:2025. A product supported only by 2013 evidence must not be described as tested or certified to the 2025 edition.
However, withdrawal of the previous standard does not automatically make an existing product unsafe, unlawful or unsuitable. Historic test evidence may remain relevant, but it must be described accurately and considered against the requirements of the individual project.
Is BS 8524-1:2025 Certification Available?
As at August 2026, Security Direct has not been provided with evidence that any fire curtain manufacturer holds accredited third-party product certification to BS 8524-1:2025.
The industry is still transitioning to the revised standard. Manufacturers and certification bodies are working to establish what additional testing, assessment and certification will be required.
This position may change. Any manufacturer claiming certification to BS 8524-1:2025 should be asked to provide:
- the current certificate;
- the certification body;
- the scope of certification;
- the products and configurations covered; and
- confirmation of the certification body’s accreditation.
There is an important difference between a product being fire tested, a manufacturer declaring compliance and independent third-party product certification. These terms should not be treated as interchangeable.
Can a Curtain Tested to BS 8524-1:2013 Still Be Used?
Potentially, but this must be assessed on a project-by-project basis.
Acceptance may depend on:
- the project specification;
- the approved fire strategy;
- the required fire-resistance classification;
- the product’s test and assessment evidence;
- the opening size and configuration;
- the supporting construction and fixings;
- the requirements of the fire engineer;
- Building Control approval; and
- any contractual or insurance requirements.
Where a specification expressly requires BS 8524-1:2025, evidence against the withdrawn 2013 edition must not be presented as satisfying that requirement.
If a product supported by 2013 evidence is proposed, this should be disclosed clearly and accepted by the relevant designer, fire engineer or Building Control body before an order is placed.
What Does BS 8524-2 Cover?
BS 8524-2 is concerned with the practical application of a fire curtain, including:
- product selection;
- coordination with the building’s fire strategy;
- installation;
- fire-alarm interfaces;
- commissioning and functional testing;
- handover documentation;
- routine inspection; and
- ongoing maintenance.
Fire curtains are life-safety systems and should only be installed and commissioned by competent people with appropriate product knowledge, training and experience.
Manufacturer-specific installation instructions must also be followed. Installing a curtain outside its tested or assessed configuration could affect its declared performance.
What Should Customers and Specifiers Check?
Before selecting a fire curtain, establish:
- Which edition of BS 8524 is required.
- Whether the specification refers to Part 1, Part 2 or both.
- Whether independent third-party certification is required.
- The required fire and smoke classifications.
- The maximum opening width and drop.
- The permitted supporting construction.
- The tested or assessed fixing arrangement.
- The approved motor, controls and battery-backup system.
- The required fire-alarm operation.
- The installer competence requirements.
- The required commissioning and handover records.
- The future inspection and maintenance arrangements.
A general statement that a product is “BS 8524 compliant” is not enough. The applicable edition, supporting evidence and permitted product configuration should always be confirmed.
Is BS 8524 a Legal Requirement?
BS 8524 is a British Standard rather than legislation.
However, compliance may be required by the project specification, fire strategy, Building Control, a fire engineer, an insurer or the contract. British Standards may also be used as evidence of recognised good practice.
The correct product and evidence must therefore be assessed against the requirements of each individual project.
Security Direct’s Approach
Security Direct is committed to presenting fire curtain performance accurately and transparently.
We will:
- identify which edition of BS 8524 is supported by the available evidence;
- not present 2013 test evidence as conformity with the 2025 edition;
- explain whether independent third-party certification is held;
- check the proposed size and supporting construction against the available evidence;
follow the applicable installation instructions; - retain suitable installation and commissioning records; and
- explain any known limitations before an order is placed.
If your fire strategy or specification expressly requires BS 8524-1:2025, please tell us before requesting a quotation. We will review the available evidence and confirm whether the requirement can currently be met.
Need Help Specifying a Fire Curtain?
Please Contact us the project specification, fire-strategy drawings, opening dimensions, supporting construction details and required fire classification.
Our team will review the requirements and explain the available evidence and any limitations before providing a quotation.
