Chapter 6
Firefighting Systems
Chapter 6 specifies the full range of active firefighting systems required in Singapore buildings under the SCDF Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings 2023. It covers portable extinguishers, rising main and hose reel systems, electrical fire alarm systems (including HFAD for residential units), automatic fire sprinkler installations, fixed automatic extinguishing systems, lift provisions (fire lifts and evacuation lifts), colour identification of fire protection equipment, and redundancy requirements for fire pumping systems. Key decision triggers are building habitable height (thresholds at 10 m, 24 m, 60 m) and purpose group, which together determine the type of rising main, whether sprinklers are mandatory, the number of fire lifts required, and the class of fire alarm system.
Scope: All new and existing buildings in Singapore across Purpose Groups I–VIII, with specific applicability thresholds by building height, floor area, occupancy type, and basement depth. Applies to Qualified Persons, building owners, and fire safety engineers.
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
Every storey of non-PG I/II buildings exceeding 24 m habitable height must be protected by an automatic sprinkler system, regardless of compartmentation compliance.
CriticalClause 6.4.1bAll basement storeys (except PG I and II) must have automatic sprinklers regardless of compartment size, unless effectively cross-ventilated to prevent smoke logging.
CriticalClause 6.4.1dSprinkler system must be electrically monitored so that any sprinkler head operation automatically transmits a fire signal to SCDF via an approved alarm monitoring company.
CriticalClause 6.4.3aSprinkler pumps must be in a fire-compartmented pump room; pump room floor level must not be lower than the main floor level.
CriticalClause 6.4.3bAtrium space ≤ 18 m ceiling height: standard sprinkler system. Atrium ceiling > 18 m: water monitor, deluge and/or extended-throw sprinkler systems required to cover entire atrium.
ImportantClause 6.4.1eCombined sprinkler and wet riser water tank is permitted for ordinary hazard buildings (SS CP 52 and SS 575 compliant) but separate pump sets must be provided for simultaneous operation.
ImportantClause 6.4.8Reduced water storage (30 min supply) is only applicable to existing buildings ≤ 60 m habitable height of OH1, OH2, or OH3 hazard classification and must not apply to new buildings, storage risks, or chemical processes.
ImportantClause 6.4.7
Compliance thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habitable height trigger for mandatory sprinklers (non-PG I/II) | > 24 m | All buildings except PG I and II | Clause 6.4.1b |
| PG II mixed occupancy — sprinkler trigger for non-residential parts | > 24 m habitable height | Non-residential parts comprising >1 storey or located above 1st storey | Clause 6.4.1c.(1) |
| Atrium ceiling height — standard sprinkler applies | ≤ 18 m | Atrium space | Clause 6.4.1e |
| Atrium ceiling height — water monitor/deluge/extended-throw required | > 18 m | Atrium space (in whole or in part) | Clause 6.4.1e |
| Basement cross-ventilation exemption — maximum distance from vertical opening/void (between two openings) | ≤ 12 m | Basement spaces ventilated from both sides | Clause 6.4.1d.(2)(b)(ii) |
| Basement cross-ventilation exemption — maximum distance from opening (one side only) | ≤ 6 m | Basement spaces ventilated from one side only | Clause 6.4.1d.(2)(b)(ii) |
| Basement cross-ventilation exemption — minimum vertical opening height | ≥ 600 mm | Perimeter wall vertical openings for cross-ventilation | Clause 6.4.1d.(2)(b)(ii) |
| Basement cross-ventilation exemption — minimum aggregate void/opening area | ≥ 20% of total basement floor area | Total voids and vertical openings | Clause 6.4.1d.(2)(b)(iii) |
| Data centre / comms room clean agent enclosure — maximum travel distance to exit | ≤ 15 m | Rooms with clean agent suppression replacing sprinklers | Clause 6.4.4c.(4) |
| Data centre / comms room clean agent enclosure — fire resistance rating | 1 hour | Enclosure substituting sprinklers with clean agent | Clause 6.4.4c.(1) |
| Reduced water storage — minimum sprinkler storage (30 min supply) | 30 minutes | Existing buildings ≤ 60 m, OH1–OH3 only | Clause 6.4.7a.(1) |
| Reduced water storage — OH1 effective tank capacity (reliable inflow) | 12.5 m³ | Reliable inflow ≥ 1.0 m³/min, water inlet ≤ 125 m reduced level | Table 6.4.7a.(2) |
| Reduced water storage — OH2 effective tank capacity (reliable inflow) | 25.0 m³ | Reliable inflow ≥ 1.0 m³/min, water inlet ≤ 125 m reduced level | Table 6.4.7a.(2) |
| Reduced water storage — OH3 effective tank capacity (reliable inflow) | 37.5 m³ | Reliable inflow ≥ 1.0 m³/min, water inlet ≤ 125 m reduced level | Table 6.4.7a.(2) |
| Replenishing mains pipe size (reduced water storage system) | ≥ 150 mm diameter | Pipe size to sprinkler storage tank under reduced water storage scheme | Clause 6.4.7b.(1) |
| External corridor width — exempt from sprinklers | ≤ 4 m | External corridor with no commercial activities or storage (non-PG VI/VIII) | Clause 6.4.1f.(2)(b) |
| External/open-sided linkway width — exempt from sprinklers | ≤ 5 m | External/open-sided linkway with no commercial activities or storage (non-PG VI/VIII) | Clause 6.4.1f.(2)(c) |
Interactive decision tree
Is the building PG I or PG II (purely residential, no mixed occupancy)?