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
LPG cylinders must be at least 3 m from any fire exit route of a building with only one exit; alternatively a 2-hr fire-rated masonry wall of at least 1.8 m high shall be provided.
CriticalClause 10.1.3a(2)LPG cylinders shall be at least 1.5 m horizontally from any openings (windows, doors, air vents) of buildings with more than one exit; if not achievable, a 2-hr fire-rated masonry wall of at least 1.8 m high shall be provided.
CriticalClause 10.1.3a(3)Remote emergency shut-off valve shall be at least 3 m from the edge of the installation, clearly marked and at a suitable height.
CriticalClause 10.1.3c(2)No ignition source within 3 m from the LPG cylinder installation.
CriticalClause 10.1.3c(3)Maximum two steel cabinets per manifold for eating outlets; each cabinet may house a maximum of 6 x 50 kg cylinders (total ≤ 600 kg). For industrial applications, up to 10 x 50 kg per cabinet (total ≤ 1000 kg).
CriticalClause 10.1.3dFor kitchen with fixed fire suppression system, activation shall automatically shut off LPG supply.
ImportantClause 10.1.3c(1)No corrosive, toxic or oxidising materials within 6 m of the cylinder installation.
ImportantClause 10.1.3b(2)
Compliance thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. distance from fire exit route (single-exit building) | 3 m | Or 2-hr fire-rated masonry wall ≥1.8 m high as alternative | Clause 10.1.3a(2) |
| Min. horizontal distance from building openings (multi-exit building) | 1.5 m | Or 2-hr fire-rated masonry wall ≥1.8 m high as alternative | Clause 10.1.3a(3) |
| Min. distance from vehicle parking lot edge | 3 m | All outdoor LPG installations | Clause 10.1.3a(4) |
| Min. horizontal distance from mechanical air intake (below manifold level) | 5 m | Mechanical intake below any part of manifold system | Clause 10.1.3a(5) |
| Min. horizontal distance from mechanical air intake (above manifold level) | 1.5 m | Mechanical intake above any part of manifold system | Clause 10.1.3a(5) |
| Min. clearance from top of cylinder/manifold to bottom of window/opening above | 150 mm | Cylinders installed below windows or openings | Clause 10.1.3a(6) |
| Min. distance from uncovered opening below cylinder level (≤600 kg) | 1.5 m | Drains, pits, basement openings; total LPG ≤600 kg | Clause 10.1.3a(7) |
| Min. distance from uncovered opening below cylinder level (>600 kg) | 3 m | Total LPG capacity above 600 kg | Clause 10.1.3a(7) |
| Min. distance from boundary and fire engine accessway | 3 m | All outdoor LPG installations | Clause 10.1.3a(8) |
| Min. distance from fire hydrant | 10 m | All outdoor LPG installations | Clause 10.1.3a(9) |
| Min. separation between two manifold systems (no fire-rated wall) | 3 m | Up to 600 kg installations | Clause 10.1.3c(6) |
| Min. separation between two manifold systems (with 2-hr fire-rated wall) | 1.5 m | Up to 600 kg installations with 2-hr rated wall | Clause 10.1.3c(6) |
| Min. height of protective fencing in publicly accessible areas | 1.8 m | LPG cylinders in areas accessible to public | Clause 10.1.3b(1) |
| Max. LPG quantity per manifold — eating outlets | 600 kg | Single manifold; max 2 cabinets, each with max 6 x 50 kg cylinders | Clause 10.1.3d(1) |
| Max. LPG quantity per manifold — industrial applications | 1000 kg | Single manifold; max 2 cabinets, each with max 10 x 50 kg cylinders | Clause 10.1.3d(2) |
| Min. separation between two cabinet clusters (eating outlets) | 600 mm | Outdoor eating outlet installation | Clause 10.1.3d(1)(b) |
Interactive decision tree
What is the application type for the outdoor LPG installation?