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
Detailed EV charging requirements are governed by the Electric Vehicles Charging (Electric Vehicle Chargers) Regulations 2023 (first Schedule), not this Fire Code. Designers must refer to that Regulation.
CriticalClause 10.4 NoteEach EV charging station must have at least one emergency main isolation shut-off switch reachable within 15 m travel distance from any EV charging station and its parking lot(s).
CriticalClause 10.4.2a–bMain isolation shut-off switches must be on the same storey as the EV charging stations they serve.
CriticalClause 10.4.2cEvery EV charging station and its parking lot shall be at least 3 m from the nearest edge of any main isolation shut-off switch (exception applies if an alternative switch is within 15 m and ≥3 m away).
ImportantClause 10.4.2dMain isolation shut-off switches must be between 800 mm and 1.2 m above finished floor level, clearly visible and easily accessible.
ImportantClause 10.4.2eRequirements in Cl.10.4.2 are exempted for PG I buildings.
NoteClause 10.4.1
Compliance thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max travel distance to main isolation shut-off switch from any EV charging station | 15 m | All EV charging stations (except PG I buildings) | Clause 10.4.2a–b |
| Min. distance from EV charging station/parking lot to main isolation switch | 3 m | Standard arrangement; exception applies with an alternate switch | Clause 10.4.2d |
| Min. height of main isolation switch above FFL | 800 mm | All main isolation shut-off switches | Clause 10.4.2e |
| Max. height of main isolation switch above FFL | 1.2 m | All main isolation shut-off switches | Clause 10.4.2e |
| Min. signage letter height on isolation switch | 50 mm | Switch labelling and operating instructions | Clause 10.4.2f |
Interactive decision tree
Is the building a PG I (residential) building?