Design Guide for Fire Services
Installations
Construction II for 2006/07
Design Guides for
Fire Services Installations
8 February 2007
1 2
1. Fire Services Provision
1.1 Audio/Visual Advisory System
• Required for any floor area exceeding 2,000 m2
with transient occupants. Indication signs of
the system are not required to show on the
general building plans. Submit detailed design
to FSD separately as early as possible.
3 4
1. Fire Services Provision
1.3 Automatic Fixed Installations Other Than
Water
• Provision of automatic gas flooding system to
be avoided except for essential usage with no
other alternative. Consider to use CO2 system
for un-occupied area before using FM200
(heptafluoropropane).
5 6
1. Fire Services Provision.
2. Fire Services System Design.
3. Recommended Design Practice.
1. Fire Services Provision
1.2 Automatic Actuating Devices
• Automatically actuated fire door/shutter/curtain
to be provided at locations for the purpose of
fire compartmentation or gas flooding systems.
Fire shutter to be operated by smoke detectors
c/w manual controls on both sides except fire
shutter located in carpark areas which to be
operated by heat detector c/w manual control.
Automatic actuating devices not to be
connected to building fire alarm and direct
telephone link.
1. Fire Services Provision
1.4 Automatic Fixed Installations Using Water
• Automatic sprinkler system designed to LH/
OH(I/II/III/IIIS)/ HH to be provided for all
areas including staircases, common corridor
and toilets but exclude boiler/battery/cold
storage (Group I minor)/consumer electrical
equipment/mechanical plant/lift motor/fuel oil
tank/fuel pump rooms/D.G. store. Alarm signal
to be transmitted to F.S. Communication
Centre via direct telephone link.
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1. Fire Services Provision
1.4 Automatic Fixed Installations Using Water
• Water supply to sprinkler tank to be
single/double end feed as confirmed by WSD.
Sprinkler system for curtain wall building of
six storeys and above shall be one grade in
excess of that normally required for the
accepted risk category. This can be dispensed
with if project architect confirms the building is
constructed in accordance with FRC code 1996.
1. Fire Services Provision
1.4 Automatic Fixed Installations Using Water
• Water to be supplied at 10 l/min per m2 of
surface area of opening to be protected.
Independent water tank is required for each
building block with 30 minutes of water storage.
• External drencher system operated by heat
detector or sprinkler c/w manual control for
protection of external wall opening to be
provided for refuge floor. Calculation to be
based on refuge floor with larger external wall
opening.
1. Fire Services Provision
1.4 Automatic Fixed Installations Using Water
• Water to be supplied at the rate of application as
per NFPA Standard 15 para. 4.4 for the surface
area to be protected. 30 minutes of water
storage is required. Locate water tank and
pump room on ground or basement level where
space is available.
1.5 Emergency Generator
• To be provided to supply standby electricity to
all fire service installations and fireman's lift as
required in the Code of Practice. Locate the
engine exhaust flue satisfying EPD's
requirements.
1. Fire Services Provision
1.4 Automatic Fixed Installations Using Water
• Provide sprinkler for above ground oil/gas
boiler room and underground gas boiler room.
• Provide automatic water drencher system in
accordance with "FOC Rules for the
Installation of External Drenchers (4th
Edition)" and/or "Codes of National Fire
Protection Association for Water Spray Fixed
System for Fire Protection (Standard 15)".
7 8
1. Fire Services Provision
1.4 Automatic Fixed Installations Using Water
• Water tank volume to be agreed with FSD for
building block with 3 or more refuge floors.
• Automatic water spray system to be provided in
accordance with "Codes of National Fire
Protection Association for Water Spray Fixed
System for Fire Protection (Standard 15)".
9 10
1. Fire Services Provision
1.6 Emergency Lighting
• To be provided throughout the entire building
and for all exit signs and routes leading to
ground level and backed up by emergency
generator and/or secondary battery.
• Central battery emergency lighting system to
be provided for cinema/theatre and other
specified premises used for entertainment.
• Emergency lighting in building not equipped
with emergency generator to be provided with
secondary battery.
11 12
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1. Fire Services Provision
1.6 Emergency Lighting
• Emergency lighting to be activated within 5
seconds for all bowling alleys, commercial
buildings, hotel buildings and institutional
buildings. Battery type emergency lighting is
required to fulfil this requirement. Where
emergency generator is provided, emergency
lighting shall also be backed up by the
emergency generator. Allow provisions for
ease of monthly discharge test for 1 minute and
weekly voltage/ hydrometer tests for central
battery system.
13
1. Fire Services Provision
1.8 Fire Alarm System
• Manually operated fire alarm system
comprising manual breakglass and alarm bell to
be provided at each hosereel location. The
system to be linked to the automatic fire alarm
system and FS Communication Centre via
direct telephone link.
• Visual fire alarm system to be provided for area
intended to be accessible to public and the
alarm signal shall form part of the fire alarm
system in accordance with FSD Circular
Letters 4/2001 (Part 1) and Clause 9.7 of BS
5839: Part 1: 1988. 15
1. Fire Services Provision
1.8 Fire Alarm System
• Additional alarm bells may be required at
locations other than those adjacent to hosereels
in order to comply with the requirements on
sound level stipulated in BS 5839: Part 1.
• In large buildings and in special premises
supervised by trained staff, alarm zoning
provided for phased evacuation to be indicated
on the drawings for FSD approval.
17
1. Fire Services Provision
1.7 Exit Sign and Directional Sign
• Sufficient exit and directional sign of self
contained battery type to be provided at
locations to ensure that all exit routes from the
floors are clearly indicated as required by the
configuration of staircases serving the building.
• Battery backup is required for exit sign and
directional sign in bowling alleys, commercial
buildings, hotel buildings and institutional
buildings to meet with the 5-second activation
requirement.
14
1. Fire Services Provision
1.8 Fire Alarm System
• According to the Design Manual - Barrier Free
Access 1997, visual fire alarm is required in all
areas accessible by the public for buildings
intended to be used by the public. Refer to
FSD Circular Letter No. 4/2001 (Part 1) on
extent of application. FSD allows the use of
emergency generator or electricity before the
main switch as the secondary supply source for
visual fire alarm system.
16
1. Fire Services Provision
1.9 Fire Control Centre
• To be provided for high rise buildings (over 30
m) and special premises (e.g. hotel, industrial
building, aircraft maintenance, etc.). However,
it is strongly recommended to be provided for
complex building even it is of low rise. To be
located on street level readily accessible to
FSD personnel.
18
3
1. Fire Services Provision
1.10 Fire Detection System
• Automatic fire alarm and detection system in
accordance with “Rules of the Loss Prevention
Council for automatic fire detection and alarm
systems for the protection of property” (LPC
Rules) and BS5839: Part 1: 2002 to be
provided for areas not protected by automatic
sprinkler system.
• Heat detection system to be provided for boiler/
battery/consumer electrical
equipment/mechanical plant/lift motor/fuel oil
tank/fuel pump rooms/D.G. store. 19
1. Fire Services Provision
1.11 Gas Detection System
• Required for flammable or toxic gas storage
and/or emission including SF6 type transformer
room, cold storage (Group II), mechanical plant
room, road tunnel and petro-chemical
complex .
1.12 Portable Hand Operated Approved
Appliances
• Required for all non-sprinkler protected areas
like boiler/battery/cold storage/consumer
electrical equipment/mechanical plant/lift
motor/fuel tank rooms/D.G. store, etc.
21
1. Fire Services Provision
1.14 Smoke Extraction System
• Not to be provided for building with no fire
compartment to exceed 7,000 m3; or the
aggregate area of openable window of the
compartment exceeding 7,000 m3 to exceed
6.25% of the floor area of that compartment.;
or the design fire load not exceed 1,135 MJ/m2.
• Provision to be avoided wherever practicable
by satisfying the conditions specified in the
Code of Practice. To be confirmed by the
Project Architect with calculation shown on
building plans.
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1. Fire Services Provision
1.10 Fire Detection System
• Smoke detection system to be provided for the
entire floor of the building excluding toilets,
bathrooms and staircases which are covered by
sprinkler system, if any part of that floor is
used for sleeping accommodation. Alarm signal
to be transmitted to F.S. Communication
Centre via direct telephone link.
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1. Fire Services Provision
1.13 Pressurization of Staircase
• Not to be provided for staircase where there is
natural venting of staircases or aggregate area
of openable windows of all floors exceed
6.25% of the floor area calculated on a floor by
floor basis.
Provision to be avoided wherever practical by
satisfying the conditions specified in the Code
of Practice. To be confirmed by the Project
Architect with calculation shown on building
plans. Design to be submitted by RPE(BS or
Mech) or equivalent.
22
1. Fire Services Provision
1. 14 Smoke Extraction System
• To be provided for atrium if the compartment
of atrium exceeds 28000m3 or if any other level
forming that compartment exceeds 7000m3..
• Hot smoke test may be required for smoke
extraction system in atrium and complex
building. FSD should be consulted at an early
stage to confirm whether the test is required or
not.
24
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1. Fire Services Provision
1. 14 Smoke Extraction System
• If smoke extraction system is designed by using
fire engineering approach, the methodology
should be approved by FSD. Design to be
submitted by RPE(BS or Mech) or equivalent.
25
1. Fire Services Provision
1.16 Dangerous Goods Stores/Fuel Oil Tank
Room
• Details for the storage/use of dangerous goods
as defined in Chapter 295 of the Laws of Hong
Kong to be submitted to the Fire Services
Department.
• FSD has different requirements for different
types of dangerous goods. Fire damper for
door louvre is required to be actuated by
detector. Electrical apparatus to be suitable for
the classified hazardous zone.
27
1. Fire Services Provision
1.17 Others
• For buildings with life safety risk, all linings
for acoustic, thermal insulation and decorative
purposes within protected means of escape
shall be of Class 1 or 2 Rate of Surface Spread
of Flame as per British Standard 476 : Part 7 or
its international equivalent, or be brought up to
that standard by use of an approved fire
retardant product.
29
1. Fire Services Provision
1.15 Ventilation/Air-conditioning Control System
• To be provided to stop mechanically induced
air movement within a designated fire
compartment. FSD's requirements to be
complied with. Refer to Codes of Practice for
the type of mechanical ventilation systems
which are exempted from VAC provision.
• Refer B.S.B. Circular No. 3 of 2003 for
examples of VAC tripping method.
26
1. Fire Services Provision
1.17 Others
• For buildings with life safety risk, all linings
for acoustic, and thermal insulation purposes in
ductings, and concealed locations shall be of
Class 1 or 2 Rate of Surface Spread of Flame as
per British Standard 476 : Part 7 or its
international equivalent, or be brought up to
that standard by use of an approved fire
retardant product.
28
1. Fire Services Provision
1.17 Others
• Protection for hospital lifts which are designed
for evacuation purpose shall satisfy every
condition for a Fireman’s lift with the
exception of the internal floor area of car, and
the minimum rated load factors.
30
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2. Fire Services System Design.
2.1 Hydrant and Hose Reel System
„ Hydrant outlet not less than 800mm nor more
than 1200mm above finished floor level (f.f.l.)
with design water pressure between 400kPa -
700 kPa.
„ Hose reel will normally cover area with 30
meters radius and capable of projecting a jet not
less than 6 meters in length.
31
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.1 Hydrant and Hose Reel System
„ Fixed fire pumps capable to provide adequate
flow for three hydrant outlets (each with a flow
of 450L/min at a running pressure of not less
than 350kPa) operating simultaneously with an
aggregate flow of not less than 1350 L/min for
industrial buildings or two hydrant outlets (each
with a flow of 450L/min at a running pressure of
not less than 350kPa) operating simultaneously
with an aggregate flow of not less than 900
L/min for other buildings
33
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.1 Hydrant and Hose Reel System
„ Intermediate booster pumps shall be provided in
all buildings where the height between the
topmost hydrant and the lowest Fire Services
Inlet is in excess of 60m to maintain the flow
and pressure in the rising main system.
„ Twin hydrant outlet shall be fitted with
independent handwheel.
35
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.1 Hydrant and Hose Reel System
„ The minimum effective quantity of water
required to be available, having regard to the
floor area factor of the largest floor is as follows,
„ Floor Area (gross) Water Storage Required
„ Not exceeding 230m2 9 m3
„ Over 230m2 but not exceeding 460m2 18 m3
„ Over 460m2 but not exceeding 920m2 27 m3
Over 920m2 36 m3
„
„ Locate the water storage tank at the top of the
building so that the system is fed by gravity as
far as possible.
32
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.1 Hydrant and Hose Reel System
„ Fixed fire pump shall be duplicated for duty and
standby use. Should the duty pump electrically
or mechanically fail to operate within 15s the
standby pump shall be energized to become the
duty pump.
„ Jockey pump shall be set to operate at 95% of
the required system pressure and stop when the
system pressure is restored to 100% level. The
jockey pump shall stop when the fire pump is
put into operation.
34
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.1 Hydrant and Hose Reel System
„ Hose reel pipe riser shall be not less than 50mm
in diameter as specified in BS 5306: Part 1 (only
40mm riser is required in para. 5.14 of the
FSCOP)
„ Attenuation for alarm bell concealed in hose reel
cabinet shall be checked to ensure sound can be
clearly heard when the cabinet door is in close
position.
36
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2. Fire Services System Design.
2.1 Hydrant and Hose Reel System
„ When no flow condition of duty pump is
simulated by closing the stop valve at the duty
pump discharge, the fixed fire pump shall
change over to standby pump.
„ Gate valve of hose reel shall be installed not
deeper than 500mm from front of cabinet.
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.1 Hydrant and Hose Reel System
„ Pump ‘start/stop’ control button or indicators
and alarm buzzer for intermediate booster pump
shall be provided at FS inlet.
„ Pump running, faulty and power on indicators
shall be provided in central FS panel.
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ To control the fire for subsequent
extinguishment by the fire brigade but often the
sprinklers will have accomplished
extinguishment prior to their arrival.
„ In accordance with the Loss Prevention Council
Rules (LPC Rules) for Automatic Sprinkler
Installations (with suitable modification
pertinent to Hong Kong which incorporate
BS5306: Part 2 : 1990 ) or other standards
acceptable to the Director of Fire Services.
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.1 Hydrant and Hose Reel System
„ Fixed fire pump room shall not houses potable/
flushing pump installation.
„ Auto air relief valve shall be provided at the top
of FH riser.
„ HR cabinet door shall not obstruct MOE when
in open position.
„ Height of HR nozzle shall not be installed
higher than 1,350mm.
37 38
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.1 Hydrant and Hose Reel System
„ Fixed fire pump shall not be stopped other than
manually reset at local control panel.
„ FS inlet shall be provided with independent non-
return valve and each FH riser be provided with
independent FS inlet
„ Priming tank shall be provided for fixed fire
pump with negative suction head
39 40
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ To deal mainly with solid-fuel fires, but can
serve also to hold a flammable-liquid fire in
check and to extinguish some oil fires (e.g.
transformer oil fires) by deluge sprinklers purely
using water; to effectively extinguish it, suitable
foam concentrate to be added to the water.
41 42
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2. Fire Services System Design. 2. Fire Services System Design.
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System 2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
‰ Hazard Group Height between H/L Sprinkler Capacity of the water tank (m3)
„ The effective water capacity is the amount of ‰ LH 15 9
LH 30 10
water that can be used effectively inside a tank
‰

‰ LH 45 11
without having the least sign of occurrence of a ‰

‰
OH Group I
OH Group I
15
30
55
70
vortex that could draw air into the water being ‰ OH Group I 45 80
OH Group II 15 105
conveyed to the pump. Thus, a certain portion of ‰

‰ OH Group II 30 125
internal volume of the tank cannot be included ‰

‰
OH Group II
OH Group III
45
15
140
135
in the effective capacity calculation. ‰ OH Group III 30 160
‰ OH Group III 45 185
‰ OH Group IIIS 15 160

43 44

2. Fire Services System Design. 2. Fire Services System Design.

2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System 2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ If city water supply to the sprinkler tank is of „ The hazard classification dictate the minimum
double-end-feed, (from 2 mid-level reservoirs), amount of water which must be provided at the
capacity can be reduced as follow, fire in the form of spray and this is normally
expressed as the `design density’. The expected
‰

‰
Hazard Group Min. cap. of the water tank with in-fill (m3) Cap.of the water tank (m3)
LH 2.5 30
max. area of the sprinkler system which will be
‰ OH Group I 25 60 activated by the fire is also dictated and this
OH Group II 50 60
`assumed maximum area of operation’ is
‰

‰ OH Group III 75 60
‰ OH Group IIIS 100 90
expressed in square meters. Design densities and
assumed max. area of operation are,
45 46

2. Fire Services System Design. 2. Fire Services System Design.

2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ Colour code to distinguish sprinklers of different nominal
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System temperature ratings:-
Hazard Classification Min. design density(mm m/min) Assumed max.
area of operation (m2) „ Fusible Link type (℃) Colour
‰ 68 to 74 Un-coloured
„ Light 2.25 84
‰ 93 to 100 White
„ Ordinary (Group I) 5 72 ‰ 141 Blue
„ Ordinary (Group II) 5 144 ‰ 182 Yellow
„ Ordinary (Group III) 5 216 ‰ 227 Red
„ Ordinary (Group III Special) 5 360 „ Quartzoid Bulb type (℃) Colour of Bulb
„ High 7.5-30 260-375 ‰ 57 Orange
‰ 68 Red
‰ 79 Yellow
‰ 93 Green
‰ 141 Blue
‰ 182 Mauve
‰ 204 to 260 Black

47 48

8
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ The response time index (RTI) is a measure of
sprinkler thermal sensitivity and sprinklers are
graded according to the sensitivity range into
which they fall. The three response classes are :
standard response (RTI between 80 and 200);
special response (RTI between 50 and 80) and
quick response (RTI below 50). Recessed,
concealed and horizontal sidewall sprinklers are
not classified and are referred to as `unrated’.
49
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ Suspended ceilings exceed 800 mm deep to be
protected by sprinklers as well as the room
space below.
„ The number of sprinklers controlled by one set
of valve shall not exceed 500 in case of light
hazard and 1000 in case of other hazard.
51
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ A drop of the pressure to a predetermined value
opens the installation dry alarm valve and
primes the installation. Each installation is
served by an independent air supply system. In
cold room, the installation is fitted with upright
sprinklers and automatic means are fitted to
automatically shut down the air circulation fans
of cooling system when the sprinkler system
operates.
53
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ The deflector plate of the sprinkler head must be
mounted parallel to the surface to which it is
fixed.
„ All shafts must have one head installed at the
top of the shafts. If the shaft is built from
combustible material, additional heads should be
installed at alternate floors. If the shaft is built of
non-combustible material, heads should be
located as required. In the case of combustible
stairs, sprinklers should be installed to protect
both the underside and the top of the staircase. 50
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ Dry pipe system is used where the system
pipework may be subjected to freezing
temperatures such as in cold stores, fur vaults
etc. or where the temperature is maintained
above 70oC as in drying ovens etc..
„ The installation is pressurized with air within the
pressure range recommended by the alarm valve
manufacturer and not exceed 400 kPa.
52
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ Pre-action system is also a type of dry pipe
installation. There are two types of pre-action
installation. Type 1 is used to prevent a
premature discharge of water from pipework or
sprinklers that have suffered mechanical damage;
and Type 2 is used to facilitate an early
discharge of water from a dry pipe installation
by opening the installation main control valve,
thus filling the installation control pipework
with water, upon operation of a fire detection
system. 54
9
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ For Type 1 system, the water is normally flow
into the pre-action pipework when the sprinkler
is opened and the fire detection system is
operated. For Type 2 system, the water fill the
pre-action system pipework upon operation of a
fire detection system before the sprinkler is
operated. Type 2 system will normally be used
for pre-action system.
55
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ Sprinkler shall be provided underneath the
platform of the chute inside refuse collection
room. Sprinkler head provided at top of refuse
chute shall be of 57°C.
„ Duplicate ‘pump power supply’ indicators for
each phase of building shall be provided.
57
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.3 Gaseous Extinguishing System
„ Gaseous extinguishants are effective medium for
the extinction of flammable liquid fires and fires
in the presence of electrical hazards. Gaseous
systems are usually used for hazards which are
located inside buildings, or around which
protective screens can be erected. They are
suitable for most combustible material except
those which contain their own oxygen supply, or
chemicals that react with the gas.
59
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ The number of dry sprinklers will not exceed
500 and 1000 per installation for light hazard
and ordinary/high hazard installation
respectively.
„ Audio and visual warning of pump power failure
shall be provided at control panel.
„ Thermal overload cut-off is not necessary for
sprinkler pump and sprinkler pump protection
shall be protected by HRC fuse.
56
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.2 Automatic Sprinkler System
„ Length of sprinkler suction pipe from tank shall
be less than 30m.
„ Sprinkler provision for open cell ceiling shall be
supported with calculations of ceiling free area.
„ Sprinkler shall be provided underneath
ventilation duct with width greater than 800mm,
or 1000mm if over 150mm from wall.
58
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.3 Gaseous Extinguishing System
„ Carbon dioxide, halon 1301 (BTM) and halon
1211 (BCF) were the common gases used for
non water-based automatic fire suppression
system in the past. However, halons have been
prohibited form importing into Hong Kong for
local consumption since Jan 94.
„ There are two basic alternatives to replace
halons.
60
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2. Fire Services System Design.
2.3 Gaseous Extinguishing System
„ The halocarbon agents extinguish fire by
reaction with the combustion process and by
cooling the atmosphere in the enclosure. They
are clean , environmentally acceptable and may
be regarded as `chemical gas’.
„ The inert gas agents are permanent gas blends
based on nitrogen which extinguish fire by
reducing the oxygen content of the atmosphere
from 21% to below 15%.
61
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.3 Gaseous Extinguishing System
„ Inert gas agents are stored in gaseous rather than
liquid form, the frictional losses in the pipework
will be very small thus the storage bottles for
inert gas agents can be positioned some distance
away from the risk.
„ Clean agents including FM200, NAFS-III,
Inergen and CEA-410 systems are considered as
acceptable halon alternative.
63
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.3 Gaseous Extinguishing System
„ Carbon dioxide is stored in rechargeable
cylinders to hold it in liquid form at ambient
temperature. There are two types of storage
system, the high pressure system and the low
pressure system. For high pressure system,
carbon dioxide is pressurized to a corresponding
nominal pressure of 5860 kPa at 21°C. The
normal filling density would not be in excess of
68%.
65
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.3 Gaseous Extinguishing System
„ The unit cost of the gas for the chemical agent is
much higher than for the inert gas agent but the
quantity required is far less. This means that
halocarbon option may be more suitable where
storage is restricted.
„ Surveyor report for gas cylinder shall be
submitted to FSD for approval.
„ Mechanical emergency manual release shall be
provided.
62
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.3 Gaseous Extinguishing System
„ Designed and installed in accordance with either
BS 5306 Part 4 or NFPA 12
„ Only be used in normally unoccupied areas
where egress of personnel can be accomplished
in thirty (30) seconds.
„ Carbon dioxide obtained by converting dry ice
to liquid will not be acceptable.
64
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.3 Gaseous Extinguishing System
„ Carbon dioxide total flooding systems is
designed to discharge CO2 into the entire
enclosed space in order to produce a
concentration sufficient to extinguish a fire
anywhere within the space.
„ The design concentration (34% for surface fire
and 50% for deep seated fire) to be achieved
within 1 minute and 7 minutes for surface fire
and deep-seated fire respectively.
66
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2. Fire Services System Design.
2.3 Gaseous Extinguishing System
„ Carbon dioxide system is actuated when fire is
detected by smoke or heat detectors. Sufficient
detectors is installed to give duplicate coverage
of the whole of the protected area and connected
in cross-zones.
67
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ Automatic fire detection and alarm (AFA)
system provides warning of fire danger and
permits counter-action to be taken usually
before the danger has reached serious proportion.
„ AFA system shall be designed and installed in
accordance with the specifications given in the
BS5839: Part 1: 2002 and FSD Circular 1/2002
69
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ Category M System - manual alarm system
„ Category L System - automatic alarm system
intended for protection of life. It is subdivided
into
L1 - systems installed throughout all areas of the
building, thus offer the earliest possible warning
of fire to achieve the longest available time for
escape
L3 - systems installed only in defined parts of
the building thus giving a warning of fire at an
early 71
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ Manual alarm system consist of breakglass units
and alarm sounders connected to a control panel,
only operated and the alarm raised when
activated by an individual having detected a fire
incident.
„ Automatic systems consist of smoke and heat
detectors, in addition to those in manual alarm
system to raise the alarm whether or not
personnel are present at the time, thus giving
early warning of a fire incident. 68
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ Fire alarm systems may be installed in buildings
to satisfy one, or both, of two principal
objectives, i.e. protection of life and protection
of property. The objectives may differ in time or
place. Because of the great variety of
applications for system, BS5839 fire alarm
systems are divided into a number of different
Categories.
70
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
stage to enable all occupants, other than possibly
those in the room of fire origin, to escape safely,
before the escape routes are impassible.
L2 - with L3 coverage plus the objective of
affording early warning of fire in specified areas
of high fire hazard level
L4 -systems installed within those parts of the
escape routes comprising circulation areas
72
12
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
L5 - systems in which the protected area and the
location of detector is designed to satisfy a
specify fire safety objective. Often the design is
based on a fire risk assessment or form parts of a
fire engineering solution.
Category P Systems - automatic alarm system
intended for protection of property. It is
subdivided into
73
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ BS5839 does not recommend which Category of
systems need to be installed in any given
premises. However, an informative annex
(Annex A) is attached with the standard to
provide information on the Categories of
systems that are typically installed in various
types of premises.
75
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
- AFA forms part of a fire engineering solution
- AFA detection is needed to operate fire
protection system such as door closing facilities
or smoke control system
- the low level of occupancy of a building may
create potential risk to occupants before they are
aware of the fire
77
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
P1 - systems installed throughout all areas of the
building, thus offer the earliest possible warning
of fire so as to minimize the time between
ignition and the arrival of fire fighters
P2 - systems installed only in defined parts of
the building to provide early warning of fire in
areas of high fire hazard level.
74
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ Manual fire alarm systems are often sufficient to
satisfy legislation in workplaces in which no one
sleeps. Automatic fire detection system is
usually required by legislation to supplement the
manual system in premises in which people
sleep. AFA might also be necessary to satisfy
legislation under the following circumstances,
76
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ Fire detectors are designed to detect one or more
of the four characteristics of fire, namely, heat,
smoke, combustion gas (such as carbon
monoxide) and infra-red or ultraviolet radiation.
„ Heat detectors may take the form of either point
type detectors or line type detectors. The
detection system may be designed to respond
when a fixed temperature is reached.
78
13
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ Smoke detectors detect smoke either by means
of reduction in current flows between electrodes
(ionization chamber type) or the scattering of
light results from the presence of smoke (optical
smoke type) or the obscuration of the light
between the light source and the receiver
(optical beam type).
„ Combustion gas detectors respond to the gases
produced by a fire such as carbon monoxide.
79
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ However, they have the greatest immunity to
false alarms.
„ Optical smoke detectors are sensitive optically
dense smoke but less sensitive to small particles.
They are well suited for use in escape routes
because they detect visible smoke and might
operate before the escape route becomes
impassible.
81
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ As recommended in BS5839, heat detectors may
be used in any area other than the following,
- Cat. P system in which a small fire has the
potential to cause unacceptable damage
(products of combustion may be corrosive and
cause considerable damage without burning the
contents of the affected area.
83
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ Flame detectors detect the infra-red and/or
ultraviolet radiation that is emitted by flame.
„ In selection of the type of fire detectors, we
should consider the speed of response required,
the need to minimize false alarms and the nature
of the fire hazard.
„ Heat detectors are less sensitive and not suitable
for the protection of areas where warning of the
presence of smoke is required.
80
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ Optical beam smoke detectors is economical and
effective for the protection of large, open plan
spaces with relatively high ceilings, particularly
if access to point smoke detectors for
maintenance.
„ In general, smoke detectors give faster response
to most fire than heat detectors, but are more
likely to give false alarms.
82
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
- escape routes in Cat. L system
- areas in which the production of smoke could
present a threat to occupants’ escape before it is
likely to be detected by people or heat detection
„ Smoke detectors may be used in any area other
than the following,
- the principal fire hazard is the presence of
flammable liquids or gases that produce little
smoke
84
14
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
- areas in which high potential for false alarms
(e.g. generator room)
- Cat. L systems, smoke detectors installed
within corridors and stairways that form part of
the means of escape should be of optical type,
unless the use of optical detectors would
significantly increase the rate of false alarm
„ Use optical smoke detectors for smouldering fire
85
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ The limits of ceiling height for installation of
detectors (Cat P System and 5 min. fire services
attendance) are as follows,
Heat detectors (Class A1) - 13.5m
Heat detectors (Other Classes) - 12.0m
Point Smoke Detectors - 15.0m
Optical Beam Smoke Detectors - 40.0m
87
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ The spacing for detectors under flat ceilings is
7.5m if the nearest detector is a smoke detector
(i.e. area coverage of 100 sq.m) and 5.3m if the
nearest detector is a heat detector (i.e. area
coverage of 50 sq.m).
„ In BS5839, a comprehensive guidelines for
different Category of system and various
application had been stated.
89
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ The limits of ceiling height for installation of
detectors (general) are as follows,
Heat detectors (Class A1) - 9.0m
Heat detectors (Other Classes) - 7.5m
Point Smoke Detectors - 10.5m
Optical Beam Smoke Detectors - 25.0m
86
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ The greatest concentration of smoke and heat
will generally occur at the highest parts of
enclosed areas and therefore detectors should
normally be sited at these locations. Heat
detectors should be sited so that the heat
sensitive element is not less than 25mm nor
more than 150mm below the ceiling or roof. If a
protected space has a pitched roof, smoke
detector should be installed in each apex.
88
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ In system that incorporate more than 40
automatic fire detectors, it is not `acceptable’
(i.e. the user should instigate an in-depth
investigation by specialist) if in any rolling
period of 12 months, either
- the average rate of false alarm exceeds one
false alarm per 20 detectors per annum or
- more than two false alarms are initiated by any
single manual call point or detector location
90
15
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ The standby battery capacity for Fire Services
Panel should be determined by consultation with
the battery manufacturer and should take into
account the standby load, the alarm load, any
required de-rating to take account of the higher
current drawn in the alarm condition and a de-
rating factor to take account of battery ageing
during the anticipating life of the battery.
91
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ The minimum capacity of valve regulated lead
acid batteries should be calculated in accordance
with the following formula:
C min = 1.25 (T1 I1 + D I 2/2)
where
C min = minimum capacity of the battery
when new at the 20 h discharge rate and at
20°C in ampere-hours;
93
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ When C min/20 is less than I2, the value of D
should either be based on battery manufacture’s
data or should be 1.75.
„ In practice, C min is unlikely to correspond
exactly to an available battery capacity and
therefore the next highest available capacity size
should be used.
„ Battery capacity calculation shall be
documented.
95
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ The capacity of battery shall maintain the fire
alarm and control system in alarm condition for
30 minutes and maintain the system at normal
condition for not less than 24 hours (or 18 hours
if emergency generator is installed).The battery
shall maintain the automatic power failure alarm
for 72 hour duration for sprinkler control
system(consider to use two battery system).
92
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
T1 = total battery standby period in hours;
I1 = total battery standby load in amperes;
I2 = total battery alarm load in amperes;
D = a de-rating factor.
When C min/20 is equal to or greater than I2, it
can be assumed than D = 1.
94
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ For total floor areas >300m2, zoning of detectors
shall not cover area more than one floor level
except for stairway.
„ The floor area of single zone should not exceed
2000m2, other than in the case of a zone
comprising mainly a single, open plan area not
exceed 10000m2.
„ For non addressable system, the floor area of
single zone should not exceed 2000m2.
96
16
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ The search distance (the distance that has to be
traveled by anyone responding to a fire alarm
signal after entry to the zone in order for the
location of fire to be determined visually) shall
not exceed 60m
„ Sensing element of smoke detector shall be
installed between 25mm to 60mm from soffit of
ceiling.
„ Sensing element of heat detector shall be
installed between 25mm to 150mm from soffit
of ceiling. 97
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ Detector shall be provided to area not covered
by sprinkler, e.g. MDF room, pump room, etc.
„ Electrical earthing shall be provided to safety
barrier in intrinsically-safe detector installation.
„ Detector shall be provided to void with beam
depth greater than 10% of ceiling height.
„ Detector shall not be positioned more than 1.5m
from open area or void.
99
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ Detectors not to be mounted within 500mm of
any walls, partitions or obstructions to flow of
smoke and hot gases with depth over 250mm.
„ Ceiling obstructions such as beams deeper than
10% of the overall ceiling height should be
treated as wall
„ Where an area contains partitions or racks that
reach within 300mm of the ceiling, the partitions
should be treated as wall
101
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ The detector and annunciator panel shall be of
FSD approved type.
„ Breakglass unit shall not cover more than one
floor level
„ Smoke detector shall be provided to entire floor
with sleeping risk (heat detector may be used in
kitchen).
98
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ Detector shall be provided to ceiling void with
depth greater than 80mm and void containing
combustible irrespective of its depth. (except for
LV power cable in metal conduit/trunking)
„ AFA shall be provided to basement area (except
car parking area and safe deposit vault) and
intermediate pump enclosure.
100
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.4 Manual and Automatic Fire Alarm System
„ Where structural beams or ductwork or lighting
fittings less 250mm depth that create obstacles
to the flow of smoke, detectors should not be
mounted closer to the obstruction than twice the
depth of the obstruction
102
17
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.5 Audio and Visual Alarm System
„ A system of records/ signals either verbal,
graphic or musical or direct transmission over a
Public Address System to advise staff and other
occupants of emergency condition and the
action to be followed. It supplement exit signs
and fire alarm warning devices and when
operated in the event of a fire, provides audio /
visual indication of safe direction of egress from
the area.
103
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.5 Audio and Visual Alarm System
„ The floor is evacuated by operating the lights on
that floor in flashing mode and the evacuation
routes are indicated by low-level Directional
Signs.
„ Under BS5839, the fire alarm bell is required
produce a minimum sound level of either
65dBA or 5dBA above any background noise
likely to persist for a period longer than 30
seconds, whichever is greater, at any accessible
point in the building. 105
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.5 Audio and Visual Alarm System
„ The level of sound provided should not be so
high (say for example 120 dBA) as to cause
permanent damage to hearing.
„ To estimate the fire alarm level within the same
room/area e.g. in the public area, we need only
to consider the attenuation of sound due to
distance effect.
107
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.5 Audio and Visual Alarm System
„ Supplied and installed to all areas and places
controlled and classified under Places of Public
Entertainment Ordinance, Cap 172 and to other
areas as required in FSD Requirements and
Circular Letters. In special occupancy premises
e.g. hospitals, cinemas, an agreed sound signal
may be broadcast to give early warning to staff
of emergency condition which may or may not
necessitate action by them at that time.
104
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.5 Audio and Visual Alarm System
„ For sounders to be used in premises such as
hotels, boarding houses, etc. where it is required
to wake sleeping persons, the sound level should
be 75 dBA minimum at the bedhead.
„ The frequency produced by fire alarm sounders
should lie in the range of 500Hz to 1000Hz. The
sounders should be provided near the control
and indicating equipment to draw attention to
the indications of fire.
106
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.5 Audio and Visual Alarm System
„ For the attenuation of sound in air, we may use
the inverse square law as the rule of thumb in
estimation, i.e. Lp – Lp’ = ∆ Lp = 20 log (d / do)
where Lp is the sound level of the bell at the
distance of do =1m, and Lp’ is the sound level
after the attenuation of distance d. We can take
65 dBA as the minimum criterion, or use 5-15
dBA above the ambient sound level as the
criterion when the background noise level is
high. 108
18
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.5 Audio and Visual Alarm System
„ If the fire alarm bell is located in a separate
room/area, the sound level generated by the fire
alarm bell will be attenuated by the furnishings
in the room where it is situated and by the
wall/door through which the sound passes.
„ After the average sound level is calculated for
the room where the fire alarm bell is situated,
the sound level in the next room can be
estimated by calculating the attenuation due to
door/obstacle. 109
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.5 Audio and Visual Alarm System
„ Strobe light on its own which is required to be
installed in conjunction with fire alarm systems
inside buildings does not required specific
approval from FSD. Only beacon lamp
integrated with sounder or intrinsically safe
beacon lamp is required to be of approved type.
Also, traditional red colour for flashing light is
for achieving a better fire alarm alert effect.
111
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.5 Audio and Visual Alarm System
„ For area with sleeping risk, in order to offset the
obscuration effect of smoke near the ceiling, a
value of 177cd would be required when the
notification appliance is located within 24
inches of the ceiling, and a value of 110cd
would be used when the distance is greater than
24 inches. For flashing unit, the light pulse shall
not exceed two flashes per second not be less
than one flash every second. The pulse duration
shall be less than 0.2 second. 113
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.5 Audio and Visual Alarm System
„ When the door of the room is opened, the sound
passing through the door will be dominant.
Attenuation through the wall is therefore not be
considered. Only the attenuation due to entry
and due to furnishings in the next room will be
considered. Additional paths such as air ducts,
etc. for the noise to travel to the next room will
reduce the attenuation and should also be
considered.
110
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.5 Audio and Visual Alarm System
„ The visual alarm system shall be of flashing
light operating at 24V DC providing a minimum
of 75 candela (cd) light output. The system shall
comply with Section 6-4 of NFPA 72 : National
Fire Alarm Code or BS 5839. In NFPA 72,
Clause 6-4.2.2, the light source shall not exceed
1000 candela (cd) (effective intensity). The
intensity of light varies from 15 cd to 185 cd
depending on the size of the room and the
number of visual alarm unit. 112
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.5 Audio and Visual Alarm System
„ If more than two flashing units are installed in a
room, they shall flash in synchronization or be
spaced at more than 16.76m apart i.e. requiring a
higher light intensity level. For sleeping area
having no linear dimension greater than 4.87m,
the intensity of the unit shall be 110cd if the
distance from ceiling to top of the lens is greater
than or equal to 0.61m and 177cd if the distance
if less than 0.61m.
114
19
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.6 Emergency Lighting System
„ Emergency lighting shall be of battery operated
type for building not provided with generator to
fulfill the 15 second requirement after power
changeover.
„ Exit sign shall be provided to the common area
in high rise domestic building.
„ Emergency lighting shall be provided
throughout the entire building and for all exit
signs and routes in accordance with FSD
Requirements Circular Letters and FSDCOP. 115
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.6 Emergency Lighting System
„ The minimum illumination provided at floor
level shall be 0.2 lux anywhere along the centre
line of the defined escape route and 0.1 lux over
a central band 1 meter wide.
„ The average luminance for undefined escape
routes should be not less than 1 lux. For
staircase, the illumination should not less than 2
lux. The lux values should be measured at the
mid-point between any two emergency lighting
fittings.
117
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.6 Emergency Lighting System
„ Recommended to provide a separate lighting
system for the battery/emergency lighting
because:
„ - the power of the lighting is smaller. It can be
solely designed to meet with the fire service
requirements during power interruption without
taking into account of the requirements during
other period of normal use.
119
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.6 Emergency Lighting System
„ Provided within 2m from each exit door; near
intersections of corridors, near each staircase so
that each flight of stairs receives direct light;
near each change in direction; near any change
in floor level; near fire fighting equipment and
fire alarm call point.
116
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.6 Emergency Lighting System
„ At least two emergency lighting in any one
installation to cater for the case of the failure of
any one lamp.
„ All emergency lighting fitting shall be of non-
flammable type (resistance to flame and ignition)
complying with BS EN 60598-2-22.
„ If the central battery emergency lighting system
is used, there is a greater flexibility in the choice
of lighting fitting.
118
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.6 Emergency Lighting System
„ - the whole battery/emergency lighting system
including lighting fitting can be separated from
the electrical contract and therefore it can be
installed/maintained by a registered fire service
contractor as required by Fire Services
Department.
„ - with smaller power requirement of battery
lighting, the capacity of central battery system
can be made even smaller and thus the cost is
reduced. 120
20
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.6 Emergency Lighting System
„ May select a separate system of energy efficient
down lights of small size using 5W-25W lamps
to meet with the illumination requirements in
BS5266. The battery-connected lighting can be
of non-maintained type and be activated only
during power interruption. For areas without
ceiling, fluorescent light fitting or other lamps of
suitable types can be used.
121
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.6 Emergency Lighting System
„ The capacity of the battery for emergency
lighting required is 2 hours while international
standard normally required the battery to be
tested for 1 hour or 3 hours.
„ FSD has clarified that Clause 2.9 (ii) of COP
apply to Central Battery System only and for
self-contained emergency luminaires, the
maintenance should follow Clause 12 of
BS5266-1:1999
123
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.6 Emergency Lighting System
„ If electronic ballast is used for emergency
lighting, care shall be taken to ensure that the
electronic ballast can withstand the transient
high voltage build up during the changeover
from battery to normal power supply
„ FSD allows the use of radioactive self-luminous
exit/directional sign. Remind the building owner
to obtain licence from the Hong Kong Radiation
Board.
125
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.6 Emergency Lighting System
„ If higher illumination level is required during
power interruption for other client’s
requirements, it can be met by providing
emergency power supply to the lighting
designed for normal use. They should be
separated from the battery connected emergency
lighting system where possible.
„ Exit signs should be positioned between 2m and
2.5m above FFL according to BS5266
122
2. Fire Services System Design.
2.6 Emergency Lighting System
„ EN60598-2.22 required the life span of dry
battery for battery lighting to be 4 years; i.e. the
battery shall be replaced in 4 years
„ Battery charger shall provide the rated charge
performance specified by the battery
manufacturer to charge the batteries within 24
hours over the rated ambient temperature
124
3. Recommended Design Practice
„ Though FSD submission is not mandatory for
works carried out by ArchSD, we are committed
to have the same design standard.
„ Sprinkler pipework shall be installed to falls so
that air can be vented. The water can also flow
to the low points and be drained off for
maintenance or when other considerations
demand.
„ Use Ni-MH battery or products having
equivalent functions in FS system
126
21
3. Recommended Design Practice
„ Recycling system shall be provided to restrict
water damage after a fire is extinguished; to
avoid closure of the main installation stop valve
if modifications are made to the installation
pipework or if sprinkler heads are to be replaced;
to prevent water damage caused by accidental
mechanical damage of the installation pipework
or sprinklers.
127
3. Recommended Design Practice
„ Even in building with comprehensive fire
detection, the provision of manual call points
will still normally be of great value, people in
the vicinity of a fire will normally be aware of
the fire, and able to raise the alarm by use of a
manual call point, before it is detected
automatically.
„ Heat detectors that operate only when the rate of
rise of temperature is abnormal, but not when a
fixed temperature is reached do not comply with
BSEN54-4 and ought not to be use.
129
3. Recommended Design Practice
„ Audio/visual warning indicator for emergency
generator ‘on/failure’ shall be provided at local
panel and FS control panel.
„ Cooling and exhaust duct for generator passing
through compartment shall be provided with fire
damper.
„ Annunciation panel to be located on street level
readily accessible to FSD personnel, or in Fire
Control Centre where provided.
131
3. Recommended Design Practice
„ As halocarbon gases are heavier than air, for
halocarbon gases systems, provide openings in
the room at low level to allow heavy gases to
leak out of the protected area.
„ High Pressure Carbon dioxide system is
normally used.
„ Clean agent used is normally FM200 except in
areas with high ceiling height or with low
temperature or with limitation in storage spaces
for the clean agent that makes the use of FM200
unsuitable.
128
3. Recommended Design Practice
„ At the design stage of every system, there
should be formal consideration of the potential
for false alarms, with a view to confirming that
design is such that the frequency of false alarms
is likely to be acceptable
„ Any relevant design information regarding false
alarms should be recorded and documented in
accordance with the recommendations of Clause
40 of BS5839
130
3. Recommended Design Practice
„ Tripping of ventilating fan shall be by smoke
detection device with manual override switch
provided at FS control panel.
„ FSD’s approval of Automatic Actuating Device
design is required for closing time of horizontal
fire shutter not exceeding 60 seconds. FSD will
inspect the actuating device and the operation of
the fire door/shutter/curtain.
132
22
3. Recommended Design Practice 4. Recommended Design Practice

„ Use pre-action or pre-action recycling sprinkler
system for computer room where possible.
Limit the volume of D.G. Store within 44 m3.
„ Ceiling mounted gas fire extinguisher to be used
to protect D.G. store and other areas requiring
gas flooding system with volume smaller than
44 m3.
„ Check and ensure the transformer provided by
Supply Company is non-flammable type.
„ Locate water tank and pump room on ground or
basement level where space is available. Only
one sprinkler inlet is required for each zone.
Provide duplicate alarm valve for all buildings
except no life safety risk. Supply water tank to
be refilled to its full capacity within 6 hours by
automatic means or by a transfer pump powered
by essential power supply.

133 134

4. Recommended Design Practice 4. Recommended Design Practice

„ Sprinklers installed in heated rooms including

kitchen/cooking area/autoclave room to have a
temperature rating of 93oC. Fast response
sprinkler system to be provided in basement
with sprinkler flow switch connected to the
general fire alarm.
„ Provide one FS inlet for each hydrant riser and a
common header not higher than 30m above
ground level to link up all risers.
„ Two stages fuel capacity alarm/control to be
provided to alert management/to shut down
other essential load when the fuel storage for
generator is reduced to that required to maintain
a minimum 6-hour continuous operation for fire
service installation. FSD’s approval required for
one generator set serving more than one block.

135 136

4. Recommended Design Practice

„ Include the provision of Exit sign and
directional sign under the fire service
installation contract for single responsibility and
better co-ordination. They shall be connected to
both main and emergency power supply. If the
building is not equipped with an emergency
generator, exit sign and directional sign shall be
THE END
backed up by secondary battery.
„ For new projects, centrally supplied emergency
lighting system should be considered with
priority.
137 138

23