Chapter 10
Requirements for Special Installations
Chapter 10 governs the fire safety requirements for four categories of special installations: LPG cylinder systems, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, energy storage systems (ESS), and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. It prescribes separation distances, maximum quantities, ventilation standards, and emergency disconnection requirements. Designers and Qualified Persons must ensure each installation type meets the specific siting, protection, and safety provisions before obtaining regulatory approval.
Scope: Applies to commercial, industrial and residential premises installing LPG cylinders for cooking or industrial hot works; buildings with roof-mounted, wall-mounted or wall-integrated PV systems; any premises installing battery-based energy storage systems above threshold stored energy; and buildings with EV charging stations (except PG I buildings for EV requirements).
Source: SCDF Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings 2023. This is a guidance summary — always verify against the full Fire Code clause text.
Critical points
All ESS installations shall be located at the same storey as the fire engine accessway/fire engine access road.
CriticalClause 10.3.1cMaximum stored energy per compartment must not exceed the limits in Table 10.3.1: Lead-acid/Nickel 600 kWh; Lithium-ion/Sodium nickel chloride/Flow batteries 600 kWh; Other technologies 200 kWh.
CriticalClause 10.3.1dESS installations on construction sites must be located outdoors at ground level, adjacent to a public road or internal driveway accessible by firefighting appliances. If >100 m from public road, a private hydrant is required.
CriticalClause 10.3.2bConstruction site ESS requires approved fire extinguishing system effective against ESS fires, plus at least 2 numbers of 55A fire extinguishers.
CriticalClause 10.3.2e–fESS installations below threshold stored energy values are exempt from these requirements. Thresholds: Lead-acid/Nickel 70 kWh; Lithium-ion/Sodium nickel chloride/Flow batteries 20 kWh; Other technologies 10 kWh.
ImportantClause 10.3.1bConstruction site ESS: non-combustible fencing ≥1.8 m high required; 3 m setback between ESS and fencing with no combustible items in this zone.
ImportantClause 10.3.2c–d
Compliance thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threshold stored energy — Lead-acid batteries (all types) | 70 kWh | Below this: ESS requirements not applicable | Clause 10.3.1b, Table 10.3.1 |
| Threshold stored energy — Nickel batteries | 70 kWh | Below this: ESS requirements not applicable | Clause 10.3.1b, Table 10.3.1 |
| Threshold stored energy — Lithium-ion batteries (all types) | 20 kWh | Below this: ESS requirements not applicable | Clause 10.3.1b, Table 10.3.1 |
| Threshold stored energy — Sodium nickel chloride batteries | 20 kWh | Below this: ESS requirements not applicable | Clause 10.3.1b, Table 10.3.1 |
| Threshold stored energy — Flow batteries | 20 kWh | Below this: ESS requirements not applicable | Clause 10.3.1b, Table 10.3.1 |
| Threshold stored energy — Other battery technologies | 10 kWh | Below this: ESS requirements not applicable | Clause 10.3.1b, Table 10.3.1 |
| Maximum stored energy per compartment — Lead-acid, Nickel batteries | 600 kWh | Aggregated capacity per compartment | Clause 10.3.1d, Table 10.3.1 |
| Maximum stored energy per compartment — Lithium-ion, Sodium nickel chloride, Flow batteries | 600 kWh | Aggregated capacity per compartment | Clause 10.3.1d, Table 10.3.1 |
| Maximum stored energy per compartment — Other technologies | 200 kWh | Aggregated capacity per compartment | Clause 10.3.1d, Table 10.3.1 |
| Min. non-combustible fencing height (construction site ESS) | 1.8 m | Temporary ESS on construction sites | Clause 10.3.2c |
| Min. setback between ESS and surrounding fencing (construction site) | 3 m | No combustible items within this zone | Clause 10.3.2d |
| Distance triggering private hydrant requirement (construction site) | 100 m from public road | If ESS sited >100 m from public road | Clause 10.3.2b |
| Min. fire extinguishers for construction site ESS | 2 x 55A | Approved type fire extinguishers | Clause 10.3.2e |
Interactive decision tree
What is the battery technology type and total stored energy per compartment?