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SCDF Fire Code 2023 Decision Workflows

Search by clause, browse all 11 chapters, and use structured decision trees to understand the compliance path before confirming with the official SCDF code and your Qualified Person.

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Chapter 5

Electrical Power Supplies

Chapter 5 governs the electrical power supply requirements for fire safety systems in buildings, covering both primary and secondary (standby) power sources. It mandates that all fire-related electrical systems — including fire alarms, emergency lighting, wet rising mains, sprinklers, mechanical ventilation/pressurisation, and emergency generators — must have secondary power supplies sized and installed to the relevant Singapore Standards. The chapter also sets requirements for fire-resistant cables, motor control equipment, and outdoor emergency generator fuel containment.

Scope: All buildings in Singapore where fire safety electrical systems are required by the SCDF Code of Practice or other Codes/Regulations, including buildings with fire lifts, fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, wet rising mains, sprinkler systems, mechanical ventilation/pressurisation for fire safety, and emergency generators.

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

  • Where a fire lift (electrical passenger/goods lift) is required, primary and secondary power supplies (including batteries) must comply with SS 550.

    CriticalClause 5.2.1a

  • Where an electrical fire alarm system is required, the primary power supply and battery type/capacity must comply with SS 645.

    CriticalClause 5.2.1b

  • Where exit or emergency lighting is required, wiring, battery type and capacity must comply with SS 563.

    CriticalClause 5.2.1c

  • Where an emergency voice communication system is required, wiring must be fire-rated/protected per SS 546, and appropriate secondary power supply capacity must be provided.

    CriticalClause 5.2.1d

  • Where a wet rising main system is required, electrical supply and secondary power supply capacity for wet riser pumps must comply with SS 575.

    CriticalClause 5.2.1e

  • Electrical supply for sprinkler systems must comply with SS CP 52; secondary power capacity must satisfy the operational requirements of the applicable hazard category.

    CriticalClause 5.2.1f

  • Secondary power supply is mandatory for mechanical ventilation of exit staircases, exit passageways, smoke-free/fire lift lobbies, areas of refuge, basement car parks, fire command centres, generator rooms, fire pump rooms, and areas with flammable liquids/gases.

    CriticalClause 5.2.1g.(1)

  • Secondary power supply is mandatory for pressurisation systems serving smoke-free/fire lift lobbies, internal exit staircases, hotel corridors, hostel corridors, and healthcare corridors.

    CriticalClause 5.2.1g.(2)

  • All smoke control and smoke purging systems (including associated equipment) must be provided with secondary power supply.

    CriticalClause 5.2.1g.(3)

  • Secondary power supply must be provided for mechanical ventilation supplying air to emergency generators and engine-driven fire pumps.

    ImportantClause 5.2.1h

Interactive decision tree

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