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
Roof-mounted PV modules must meet minimum Class C for both spread-of-flame and burning brand tests per IEC 61730-2. Wall-mounted/integrated modules require minimum Class A (IEC 61730-2) AND minimum Class B with FIGRA ≤70 W/s (EN 13501-1).
CriticalClause 10.2.1c, 10.2.2bManual emergency shut-off system must be provided on BOTH the AC-power side (inverter side) and the switch room side for all PV installation types.
CriticalClause 10.2.1e, 10.2.2dWall-mounted PV modules must be installed at least 5 m vertically above grade level (or 3 m with a 1-hr fire-rated horizontal projection of ≥600 mm). Must be ≥1.5 m horizontally or ≥3 m vertically from unprotected openings.
CriticalClause 10.2.2cWall-integrated PV: all spaces abutting/facing the installation must be fully protected by automatic sprinkler or fire extinguishing system unless exemption conditions (≤12 m habitable height, fire alarm per SS 645, no inpatient healthcare) are met.
CriticalClause 10.2.3c(1)For roof-mounted PV: each array shall not exceed 60 m x 40 m; access aisles of minimum clear width 1.5 m shall be provided such that no part of any array is more than 20 m from an aisle.
ImportantClause 10.2.1d(1)–(3)PV modules, wirings and equipment shall not cover any ventilation system on the roof (smoke control/extraction, air well).
ImportantClause 10.2.1d(5)
Compliance thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max PV array dimensions (roof-mounted) | 60 m x 40 m per array | Each individual PV array on roof | Clause 10.2.1d(1) |
| Min. clearance around roof access hatch / exit door | 3 m | Roof-mounted PV — PV-free zone around hatches/exits | Clause 10.2.1d(2) |
| Min. access aisle clear width | 1.5 m | Roof-mounted PV access aisles | Clause 10.2.1d(3) |
| Min. access aisle clear width (abutting roof edge without parapet) | 2.5 m | Perimeter aisle where no fall-prevention parapet/railing is provided | Clause 10.2.1d(3) |
| Max distance from any part of PV array to access aisle | 20 m | Roof-mounted PV | Clause 10.2.1d(3) |
| Min. access hatch opening diameter | 1 m | Roof access hatches for PV installations | Clause 10.2.1b(4) |
| Min. height of emergency shut-off operating instructions above FFL | 1.5 m | Posted near emergency shut-off system | Clause 10.2.1e(2) |
| Max height of emergency shut-off operating instructions above FFL | 2 m | Posted near emergency shut-off system | Clause 10.2.1e(2) |
| Min. vertical height above grade for wall-mounted PV | 5 m | Wall-mounted PV modules; or 3 m with 1-hr rated horizontal projection ≥600 mm | Clause 10.2.2c(1)(b) |
| Min. fire resistance of wall for wall-mounted PV | 1 hour | Mounting wall must be at least 1-hr fire resistant | Clause 10.2.2c(1)(a) |
| Min. horizontal separation from unprotected openings (wall-mounted) | 1.5 m | Wall-mounted PV from unprotected openings/combustible materials | Clause 10.2.2c(1)(c) |
| Min. vertical separation from unprotected openings (wall-mounted) | 3 m | Wall-mounted PV from unprotected openings; exemption with 1-hr rated horizontal projection ≥600 mm | Clause 10.2.2c(1)(c) |
Interactive decision tree
What type of PV installation is proposed?