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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 8

Emergency Lighting & Voice Communication Systems

Chapter 8 governs the provision of exit lighting, emergency lighting, exit and directional signage, photoluminescent markings, and emergency voice communication systems in buildings. It prescribes where each type of lighting and signage is required, the performance standards (illuminance levels, energisation delay times, power supply duration), sign dimensions and viewing distances, and the conditions under which a Fire Command Centre (FCC) and one-way or two-way Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) system must be installed and its location, size and construction requirements.

Scope: All buildings except PG I (which is broadly exempt) for lighting and signage provisions; buildings of PG III–VIII meeting size, height or occupant load thresholds for EVC and FCC provisions. Specific additional requirements apply to hotels, car parks, FCCs, generator rooms, fire pump rooms, and areas of refuge.

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

  • An FCC is required in any building (except PG I and PG II with ≤2 basement car park storeys) that has a fire lift, emergency voice communication system, or engineered smoke control system.

    CriticalClause 8.2.4a

  • The FCC must provide a free working space (unobstructed by door swing) of at least 6 m² with a minimum clear width of 2 m, in addition to housing all fire protection system terminals and equipment.

    CriticalClause 8.2.4c

  • The FCC must be located at the same level as the fire engine accessway or road. First priority: travel distance from FCC door to fire lift lobby door ≤5 m. Second priority: travel distance to entrance of a protected stair serving all storeys ≤5 m.

    CriticalClause 8.2.4d(1)

  • For sites with more than one building each requiring an FCC, there must be more than one FCC. SCDF must be consulted for multi-building sites.

    CriticalClause 8.2.4d(2)

  • Only specified equipment/services may co-locate in the FCC: lift supervisory panel, background music rack, security card access/CCTV workstation, car park access control workstation, fire alarm graphics workstation, BMS/BAS workstation, walkie-talkie charging stations, and sealed UPS ≤750 Amp-hr.

    ImportantClause 8.2.4b

  • FCC air-conditioning or mechanical ventilation must be independent of all other building ACMV systems and backed by secondary power supply.

    ImportantClause 8.2.4f

Compliance thresholds

ParameterValueConditionClause
FCC minimum free working spaceAt least 6 m²Unobstructed by door swingClause 8.2.4c
FCC minimum clear widthAt least 2 mFree working space in FCCClause 8.2.4c
Travel distance — FCC door to fire lift lobby doorNot exceeding 5 mFirst priority location criterion for FCCClause 8.2.4d(1)(a)
Travel distance — FCC door to protected stair entranceNot exceeding 5 mSecond priority location criterion (where no fire lift lobby)Clause 8.2.4d(1)(b)
Maximum sealed UPS battery capacity in FCC750 Amp-hrUPS system with totally sealed battery located in FCCClause 8.2.4b(8)

Interactive decision tree

Start

Determine if a Fire Command Centre (FCC) is required.