I.

DESIGN MANUAL FOR FIRE PROTECTION

1. ACTS & REGULATIONS

2. AUTHORITIES REQUIREMENT ON BUILDING PLAN

(BY ARCHITECT) AND FIRE PLAN (BY ENGINEER) SUBMISSION

3. TYPES OF PROTECTION NORMALLY APPLICABLE
4. ESTABLISH THE PROTECTION REQUIRED
5. SPRINKLER DESIGN GUIDE
6. FIRE ALARM SYSTEM DESIGN GUIDE

APPENDIX I: DETAIL DRY/WET RISER DESIGN FLOW CHART

APPENDIX II: OUTLINE SPRINKLER DESIGN FLOW CHART

APPENDIX III: ELECTRICAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

APPENDIX IV: HOSEREEL DESIGN FLOW CHART

1. ACTS & REGULATIONS

The following acts and regulations govern the design of the fire protection:
1.1 The Building Control Act 1989.
1.2 The Building Control Regulation 1989.
1.3 Code of Practice for Fire Precaution in Building 1991 (replaced by 1997)
1.4 Code of Practice for Installation & Servicing of Electrical Fire Alarm System
CP10:2005
1.5 Code of Practice for Mechanical Ventilation and Air Conditioning in Buildings
CP13:1980 (replaced by 2000)
1.6 Code of Practice for Automatic Fire Sprinkler System CP52:2014
1.7 Code of Practice for The Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids
CP40:1987.
1.8 Code of Practice for Fire Hydrant System and Hose reel SS575:2012.
2. AUTHORITES REQUIREMENT ON BUILDING PLAN (BY ARCHITECT) AND
FIRE PLAN (BY ENGINEERS) SUBMISSION
In any building that requires Building Plan approval by the FSB (BP Unit), the
Architect shall endorse the Mode of Protection required for the building and any other
requirement by the BP Unit. Engineers shall then design accordingly. However, we shall
take the proactive role to determine the type of protection required.

3. TYPES OF PROTECTION NORMALLY APPLICABLE

The following types of Fire Protection System are normally applicable:
3.1 Dry Riser
3.2 Wet Riser
3.3 Automatic Sprinkler
3.4 Automatic Alarm
3.5 Hose Reel System
3.6 Fire Extinguisher
3.7 Manual Call Point.
3.8 Internal Hydrant.
3.9 * Deluge Water Foam System
3.10 * Drenching System
* These are only applicable to the flammable liquid storage and shall not be dealt
with.

4. ESTABLISH THE PROTECTION REQUIRED

It is important to determine the type of protection required from the proposed
developments.
Appendix I to IV are le design flow chart which determine the type of protection
required as follows.

4.1 Appendix I is the flow chart that determines if dry/wet riser is required. All the design
criteria/requirements are outlined, and the flow charts enable the designer to work out the
tank/pump sizes, riser diameter, plantroom sizes etc.

4.2 Appendix II is the flow chart that determines if sprinkler is required. As the design of
sprinkler depends on a lot more variable that rises, the chart will not deal with the detail
such as plant room size, tank/pump capacity, hazard class. However, it will enable the
designer to establish the conceptual design of the sprinkler system. Section 5 is extracted
from and shall be read in conjunction with CP52: 2014.
4.3 Appendix III is the flow chart that determines if electrical fire alarm is required. Section 6
is extracted from and shall be read in conjunction with CP10:2005.

4.4 Appendix IV is the flow chart that determines if hose reel is required and is also leads to
the detail design of the hostel system.

5. SPRINKLER DESIGN GLIDE

5.1 Recognised Codes of Practice:
a. Singapore Standard CP 52 : 2014, Code of Practice for Automatic Fire
Sprinkler Systems.
*b. Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installation. The Loss Prevention Council.
BS 5306: Part 2: 1990 Fire Extinguishing Installation and Equipment on
Premises Part 2 specifically for sprinkler system.
*c. SAA Code for Automatic Fire Sprinklers Screams AS 2118.:978
*d. Standard for the installation of sprinkler system NFPA No.13 Boston 1994
* These codes are only recognised on case by case basis. Under all
circumstances CP 52 shall be complied fully even though we may be
allowed to design to other approved codes.
5.2 Basic Requirements for Sprinkler Submission
a. Site Plan and Layout Plans
The following information shall be shown on plans:
i. Occupancy of each room type and height of storage and production
process if applicable
ii. System to be properly coloured
iii. Fire resistance rating of partition walls rating sprinklered and non
sprinklered dress, if applicable.
iv. Sectional views showing ceiling, beams and structural features which will
affect the performance of sprinklers. Sprinkler distributions should be
shown on the sectional views.
v. Range and distribution pipes and their connection to main control valve/
main distribution pipe. Diameter of these pipes to be clearly indicated (in
metric)
 vi. Metric units to be used.
vii. Specification of orifice place, if any.
viii. Type, nominal diameter and temperature rating of sprinklers to be
installed.
ix. Location and type of main control valves and position of alam motor and
gong and facilities for water proving. A sketch of the main control valve
with all the necessary ancillaries to be incorporated.
x. Flow switch to be provided on each floor.
xi. Location of main sprinkler alam panel and its indications.
xii. Hazard class to be clearly indicated. Design density of disebarge and
assume area of operation of the system to be endorsed on plans.
xiii. Design points to be marked clearly.
xiv. Total number of sprinklers in each insulation.
xv. Required running pressure and flow rate at each main control valves.

b. Schematic Drawing
Schematic drawing shall indicate clearly the main distribution of sprinkler pipe
works, pipe sizes, position and capacity of water tank (if any), position and
characteristic of pumps (if any), the height of the highest sprinkler with respect to
a stated darum and connection to each main control valve and installation.
c. A summary of pressure loss calculation in the distribution pipe works. One copy,
duly endorsed by the Professional Engineer, to be submitted.

5.3 Hazard Classes

The very wide range of occupancies to be found in the highly industrialised sociery of
today have been grouped into three hazard classes. Although the names of these classes
differ, there is good agreement between the CP 52 LPC, AS 2118 Rules and the NFPA
standard, as to which type of occupancy should be in which harvard class.
The hazard class is related to the quantity and combustibility of the materials produced,
used or stored. The higher the fire risk, the greater the water density required for the
protection of that risk.
In CP 52, the hazard classes are as follows:
 a. Extra light hazard eg residetial, boarding hoses, churches, etc.
b. Ordinary hazard
Group 1- e.g. offices, hotels, motels, restaurant and cafes
Group 2- e.g. laundries, car parks, etc.
Group 3- e.g. departmental store, shopping complex
Group 3 special- exhibition, film a television studios, metal factories.
c. Extra high hazard
Process risk-foam plastic, rubber good and etc.
High piled storage disk - These risks are sub-divided into four categories.
e.g. categories I, II, III, IV.

5.4 Water Supply

a. The water supply must have a pressure flow characteristic or less ar at required
for the installation.
b. Water supplies should be under the control of the occupier of the building
continuing the installation.
c. PUB water is acceptable.
d. The use of salt or brackish is not allowed.
e. Source of water supply:
i. Direct connection to PUB main it not acceptable
ii. Gravity tanks shall comply with the following.
(1) State minimum capacity required.
(2) Stored water entirely served for the sprinkler system.
(3) No sharing of sprinkler water tank for domestic industrial or other
fire fighting purposes.
(4) Water tank to be compartmentalised.
(5) Refill rate shall be indicted.
iii. Pump suction tanks:
 (1) As in (ii) (1) to (5) above
(2) Reliable automatic inflow
(3) Check the in flow rate based on the period specified according to
the hazard classes. This inflow requirement to be endorsed on plan.
(4) Pumps
i. Generally consist of a pair of duty and standby pump either
both pumps to be connected to the generator supply or the
standby pumps to be driven by diesel.
ii. Characteristics of pumps to met the required flow and
pressure conditions.
iii. Characteristics of duty and standby pumps shat be similar
iv. Listed sprinkler pumps to be used.
v. Pumps to be installed under positive head conditions and
stall not be located at more than 30m from tank.
vi. Auto-starting and charge over.
f. Proving of water supplies
g. Fire brigade breeching index so the header of control valve
(in the case low rise) or to the break tank (high rise with sages).

5.5 Spacing and Location of Sprinklers

a. Complete coverage in the sprinklered building.
b. Maximum area coverage per sprinkler depending on the hazard classes.
c. Maximum distance between sprinklers on range, pipes and between adjacent rows of
sprinklers depending on the hazard class.
d. Minimum distance between sprinklers not closet than 2m between sprinklers.
e. Distance of sprinkler from walls a partitions.
f. Total number of sprinklers controlled by a set of valves.
g. Location of sprinkler heads below ceilings and roofs.
 h. Maximum height of sprinkler deflector above bottom of beam or hoist. Maximum
distance of sprinkler deflector for roof/ceiling is 75mm Ideal distance is 75m to
150mm. Maximum distance is 450 from non- combustible ceiling and 300m from
combustible ceiling.
i. Clearance between sprinkler deflector at other structure members an high plied
storage.
j. Concealed sprinkler to be installed in concealed ceiling of roof space exceed 0.4m
(400mm) in depth. Please note the different design criteria for sprinkler pipe work in
concealed space.
k. Sprinkler must be fixed under escalators and open airway.
l. Sprinklers to be installed under ducts with width exceeding 1m. If beam is next to
wall and duct is more than 800mm sprinkler is required below duct, If duct a more
chan 150mm from wall sprinkler is required, duct is more than 1000mm.
m. Cut-off sprinkles to be installed over the lintel a door of the protected staircases.
Toiles shall be fully sprinkled.
n. Rooms or compartments containing electric switch gear or other electrical apparatus
and use for no other purpose to be protected by smoke detectors.
o. Special consideration for sprinkler protection in special occupancy e.g, canopies,
theatres, studio and etc.
p. For room subject to explosive hazard, the sprinkler shall be taken from separate set of
valve incorporating non traster switch (monitored by the FIB) and to the located at
6m away from the said room.
q. Raised floor extending 250mm for computer room shall be fully sprinklered.
r. All toilets to be sprinklered.

5.6 Sprinklers
a. Type:
i. Conventional - upright, pendent.
ii. Spray-upright, pendent.
iii. Other sprinkles for special functions.
b. Sizes of sprinkler orifices
c. Temperature ratings - generally suitable 68/74°C
 d. Make of the sprinkler.

5.7 Pipewerk
a. Pipe specification BS 1387 for pipe up to 150mm diameter and to
BS5601/JISG3452 Sch 40 for pipes 200mm diameter and screw joint to BS21 for
pipe size up to 65mm and mechanical coupling (victaullc) for pipe sizes 80mm
diameter and above. All pipes connecting to Main Distribution pipe of 80mm
above shall be victaulic coupling or other acceptable standards.
b. Sprinkler pipework should not pass through unsprinklered buildings unless the
pipe are enclosed in fire rated enclosure.
c. Flushing connections at the extremities of distribution pipes to be provided and
discharge through floor waste in toilets where applicable.
d. Correct sizing of the range pipes and distribution pipes based on the hazard
classes and the number of sprinklers.
e. Design points - appropriateness.
f. Check the hydraulic calculation.
g. Except for concealed space protection where the riser (or dropper) can be limited
to within 300mm in length, under all other circumstances, minimum diameter of
range pipe shall be 32mm.
h. Sprinkler pipework should be designed and based on distribution pipe scheduled
and not range pipe schedule as inevitablelity on site due to ceiling coordination
sprinkler armpieces will be more than 300mm. By designing sprinkler pipework
based on distribution pipework schedule re-design arising out of sprinkler arm
pieces being more than 300mm can be avoided.
5.8 Alarm Devices
a. Sprinkler system to be connected to fire brigade.
b. Water meter alarm device must be fixed in every installation.
c. In the case of high rise buildings a flow/pressure switch to be installed on each
floor for transmission of electrical alarm signals and sounding the alarm bells.
d. Alarm zonings, if applicable.

5.9 Sprinkler Installation Valve

 a. Maximum number of sprinkler controlled by 1 sprinkler valve is as follows:
i. Extra Light Hazard - 500
ii. Ordinary Hazard - 1000
iii. Extra High Hazard - 1000
b. Separate control valve to be provided for in-rack or intermediate sprinkler.
Maximum allowable per valve is 1000 parts.
c. Do not design sprinkler system such that a valve control more than 900 allow for
furture addition.

6.0 Fire Alarm System Design Guide

6.1 Recognised Code of Practice
a. Singapore Standard CP 10: 2005. Code of Practice for Auotmatic Fire Alarm
System.
b. BS 5839, Fire Detection and Alarm Systems for Buildings.
c. NFPA 72A, B, C, D and E Fire Alarm and Supervisory Service.
6.2 A single line schematic diagram containing the following information shall be
provided :
a. The main panel and/or sub-panels, their locations, the facilities they provide
such as indicators, test switches, etc, power supply and fire brigade direct
connection ;
b. The number of alarm group, the zoning covered by the groups and the number
of heat and/or smoke detectors per group.
c. The number and location of alarm bells and manual call-points.
Note: Where it is not possible to indicate all the facilities on the alarm panel. A seperate
diagram of the panel shall be given.
6.3 In general, all parts of the building not otherwise protected by approved automatic
fire extinguishing systems shall be protected by detectors unless where explicitly
exempted.
6.4 Each room or enclosed space shall be independently protected by detector or
detectors; where a room or space is divided into sections by walls, partitions or
rank reaching 300mm of the ceiling, each section shall be independently
protected.
6.5 In general, all concealed spaces such as false ceiling, attic and the like are to be
protected, except the following:
a. Concealed spaces to which there is no access and which are isolated with a
minimum of 1 hour rating;
b. False ceiling space or attic space less than 800 deep.
c. Space under raised platform on ground floor which does not contain electrical
equipment or stores and to which there is no access.
6.6 Where a concealed space less than 800mm deep contain electrical equipment
which is not enclosed in a non-combustible enclosure, the equipment shall have a
detector mounted in the concealed space within 6m of the equipment location.
6.7 Service tunnels shall be protected.
6.8 All cleaner’s store or cupboard shall be protected.
6.9 All enclosed vertical opening exceeding 0.1m2 in area, e.g. hoist, lift shafts,
vertical risers, etc. shall be protected by detector at the top. If the openings are not
enclosed by walls, detectors shall be provided at each level within 1.5m
horizontally from the opening.
6.10 Fire isolated staircases need not be separately protected. All other staircases shall
be protected at each main floor level.
6.11 Where a fire door separates a protected area from an unprotected area, a detector
shall be placed inside the protected area not more than 1.5m from the fire door. If
a fire door separates two protected areas, this requirement does not apply.
6.12 Generally, an individual alarm group shall protect not more than 1000 m 2 of area
and the maximum number of detectors per group shall be not more than 40 for
heat detectors and not more than 20 for smoke detectors.
6.13 There shall be a separate alarm group of each floor and subsection of that floor,
such as equipment room or substation, separated by fire walls through which there
is no access from inside the building.
6.14 The normal spacing requirement for heat detectors applies to ceiling height up to
6m only while that for smoke detectors applies up to 10m only. Where the ceiling
height is in excess of the respective limit, more sensitive type of detectors
specifically type-tested and approved for the purpose should be used.
6.15 In the case of segmented or ribbed ceiling, concealed space and sloping roof, the
appropriate spacing requirement shall be met.
II. DESIGN MANUAL FOR DOMESTIC WATER SYSTEM

1. ACTS
2. REGULATIONS
3. CODE OF PRACTICE AND HANDBOOKS
4. CONCEPTUAL APPROACH OF DOMESTIC COLDWATER DESIGN
5. WATER STORAGE ESTIMATION
6. WATER TANK SIZING
7. PLANT ROOM SIZING
8. BASIC DESIGN CRITERIA
9. TANK DESIGN
10. PIPE SIZING
11. WATER DATA
12. WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
13. PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION TO CARRY OUT PLUMBING
SYSTEM IN SINGAPORE

1. ACTS
1.1 PUB Act

2. REGULATIONS
2.1 PUB Regulation (Water Supply)
2.2 PUB (Tariffs for Water) Regulations
2.3 PUB (Meter Reading) Regulations

3. CODE OF PRACTICE AND HANDBOOKS

3.1 CP 48
3.2 PUB Handbook on Water Application
4. CONCEPTUAL DESIGN APPROACH OF DOMESTIC COLD WATER DESIGN
1. The conceptual approach of the domestic cold water design begins with the
determination of mode of supply, namely, indirect mode low level transfer tank
and high level storage tank, indirect mode with high level storage tank or direct
supply.
2. Having established the mode of supply, the next step is the sizing of water tank
and pump, the required service shaft.

BUILDING HT>137M BUILDING HT>137M Low level tank=1/3 of daily demand

Roof tank = Daily demand

Transfer pump=6hr fill up rate

Use two or more transfer pump, always has a

standby unit

See section 5 for estimation of consumption

See section 6 for water tank sizing

See section 7 for plant room size

See section 8 for basic design criteria

See section 9 for tank design

See section 10 for pipe sizing