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
Maximum 400 kg LPG (8 cylinders) per single manifold system inside a compartment. If the compartment is not sprinkler-protected, the quantity is halved to 200 kg.
CriticalClause 10.1.4c(1)Walls common to the compartment and internal building spaces shall be 2-hr fire-rated masonry construction. Each compartment shall contain only one manifold system.
CriticalClause 10.1.4c(2)There shall be no access from the compartment into the building; access only from the exterior.
CriticalClause 10.1.4c(2)(a)Compartment floor shall be smooth concrete with no openings/drains; a ramp or 250 mm high sill shall be provided across the doorway.
ImportantClause 10.1.4b(6)–(7)Natural ventilation requires minimum 300 cm²/m² of floor area with high and low vents; or mechanical ventilation at ≥0.3 m³/min/m² of floor area.
ImportantClause 10.1.4c(3)For maximum recessed depth: max 1 m deep; fire resistance of floor/ceiling/walls ≥2 hr; access only from exterior.
ImportantClause 10.1.4d(1)
Compliance thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max LPG per single manifold (sprinkler-protected compartment) | 400 kg | Maximum 8 cylinders regardless of individual capacity | Clause 10.1.4c(1)(a) |
| Max LPG per single manifold (non-sprinkler compartment) | 200 kg | Halved quantity when sprinkler protection is absent | Clause 10.1.4c(1)(b) |
| Max compartment depth (recessed area) | 1 m | Building recess used for LPG cylinders | Clause 10.1.4d(1)(a) |
| Min. sill/ramp height at compartment doorway | 250 mm | To contain heavy LPG vapour within compartment | Clause 10.1.4b(7) |
| Min. ventilation free area | 300 cm²/m² of floor area | Natural ventilation for compartment/recessed area | Clause 10.1.4c(3)(c) |
| Min. mechanical ventilation rate | 0.3 m³/min/m² of floor area | Where mechanical ventilation is used | Clause 10.1.4c(3)(e) |
| Min. external wall length for natural ventilation eligibility | 6 m total length | Compartment external wall; depth from opposite wall ≤3 m | Clause 10.1.4c(3)(b) |
| Gas leak detector max height above floor | 300 mm | Indoor installation — detector location requirement | Clause 10.1.4b(1) |
| Gas leak detector max distance from installation edge | 4 m | Indoor LPG installation | Clause 10.1.4b(1) |
Interactive decision tree
Is the indoor LPG installation in a separate compartment or a recessed area?