Arab Republic of Egypt

Ministry of Housing and Urban Societies

National Centre for Housing and
Construction

Egyptian Code
For
Basics of Design and Execution Conditions
of Building Fire Protection
First Part
Permanent Committee
For Drafting Design Basics and Execution Conditions
of Building Fire Protection

1998 Issuance
2018 Printing

Third Chapter
3-3 Fire Insulators
3-3-1-1: ​Fire insulators are used for the following purposes:
a- To divide any building that any of its floors area exceeds the set limits in this code,
provided any floor does not exceed these limits. On a condition that every part of
the building, in this case, is considered a separate building and has to apply
requirements of this Code. Fire insulators, in this case, are called FIRE WALLS,
that have to cope with requirements stated in item (3-3-3), considering buildings on
podium stated in item (3-3-6).
b- To separate various occupancies in one building, fire walls, in this case are
considered separating walls, ceilings or both. They play the role of firefighting
required in Chapter two, table No. (2-B)
c- In order to isolate any section of the building and pursuant to this Code, it is
determined to be isolated from the rest of the building for the reason of its nature
of use. The fire walls in this case are to be separating ceilings, walls or both. They
are to be firefighting as stated in this Code and pursuant to Table No. (3-A), or
pursuant to what is stated in the Code in respect of case of situation.
 d- Any middle ceiling at any building, has to be constructed as a fire wall ceiling,
having the quality of firefighting stated in this Code. Unless other stipulation is
stated in this Code, in respect of a similar ceiling case, it is exempted.
e- Any packing fire wall for escalator shaft, passage or corridor has to be constructed
as a fire isolator having the firefighting specification as stated.
f- An exception for what is stated in item (D) – in any building that includes an
apartment or residential villa – one or more – having two floors, the middle ceiling
in this apartment or villa is not a must to be fire isolator and it is not a condition to
be firefighting.

3-3-1-2 ​The following table (3-A) shows the firefighting requested for fire isolators
used to separate places of risk from other surrounding occupancies. Also, Table (3-B)
shows the firefighting requested for vertical shafts from the rest of the building.
Fire Separators for Places of Risk
Table No. (3-A)
Serial Type of Occupancy Requested to be Isolated from Firefighting
the Surrounding Occupancies requested for the
isolator
(hour)
1- Any room that stores materials of special risk or 3
includes risky substances in effective quantities.
2- Electrical transformers room 2.5
3- Spaces located under covered amphitheaters in case of 45 minutes
unprotected automatic sprinklers
4- Rooms of A/C equipment, water warming that include 2
equipment working with fuel in buildings of group (B)
and (F-1), in case floor area exceeds 400m2 and the
height of the building exceeds two floors.
5- In rest of the buildings
6- Service room that include machines and having no 1
harmful substances.
7- Service room that include combustor or any equipment 2
working with fuel
8- • Rooms of temporary storage for combustible waste 2
and are not protected with automatic sprinkles
system.
• As preceded but protected with automatic sprinkles
1
system.
9- • Vertical lines that include waste pipes, in case there 2
is no door to close the bottom end of the line.
10- In case of door available to close the bottom end of the 1
line attached with a fusible magnetic.
 11- Kitchens that include commercial cooking equipment, 1
in case of unsupported automatic extinguish system, or
any other automatic isolation system for the location.

Fire Isolators for Vertical Shafts

Table No. (3-B)
Serial Type of Occupancy Requested to be separated from Firefighting requested
the Surrounding Occupancies for the separator
(hour)
1- Shafts for elevators and staircases that are not considered 3
requested exits pursuant to this Code:
Determined, as per ceiling firefighting degree they
penetrate, as follows:
- If the required firefighting for the ceiling is one hour
45 minutes
or less.
1
- If the required firefighting for the ceiling is one and
half hours. 1.30
- If the required firefighting for the ceiling is two
hours. 2
- If the required firefighting for the ceiling is three
hours 3
- If the required firefighting for the ceiling is 4 hours.
2- Vertical shafts for services of the building except for those
mentioned in (9) and (10) of Table (3-A):
Determined pursuant to ceiling firefighting that are
penetrated by these shafts, as follows:
45 minutes
- If the required firefighting for the ceiling is one hour
or less.
- If the required firefighting for the ceiling is from one 1
and half to two hours 2
- If the required firefighting for the ceiling is 3 hours 3
- If the required firefighting for the ceiling is 4 hours
3- Stairs that considered required exits pursuant to this Code See (4-3-1-1)

3-3-2 ​Conditions:
3-3-2-1 ​Any fire wall should be supported with firefighting stated in this Code in its
special case.
3-3-2-2 ​Structural items loading any fire wall, starting land level or the least level
in the building – the lower leveling of them – has to be supported with firefighting not
less than the required one for the fire wall, unless there is another text in this Code – for a
special case – that may exempt or reduce it.
3-3-2-3 ​Fire walls should be incombustible, unless there is a text in this Code
allows otherwise.
3-3-2-4 ​It is not allowed for a combustible fire wall to base on incombustible
structural items, unless this wall is allowed – pursuant to this Code – to be combustible.
3-3-2-5 ​If there are combustible items based on or attached to an incombustible fire
wall by any means, the following items are to be considered:
a- Such items are not installed in a way that their collapse, in case of fire, may lead to
fire wall collapse.
b- Such items do not completely penetrate the fire wall and that the solid distance
away from separator which is adherent to the base point of those items, should not
be less than 12 cm.
3-3-2-6 ​Any fire wall should be:
a- Totally extended to its above ceiling.
b- Or, in case there is a space between the top of this wall and the structural ceiling
owing to availability of a hanging ceiling, this space between the hanging and the
structural ceilings must be divided at the point of this wall with a fire moving
prevention, (see item 3-4-1) the firefighting of which should not be less than the
required duration for the fire wall.
c- Or, if the hanging ceiling under the mentioned space is based as a firefighting
which is not less than the required one for this fire wall.
3-3-2-7 ​Any opening in any fire wall, has to be specified with the requirements
stated in item (3-3-4).
3-3-2-8 ​If the fire walls that is packing any shaft or vertical space – including
packing walls for exits - penetrate a hanging ceiling, those walls have to be extended to
any horizontal space that lies on the hanging ceiling, with a condition that the points of
connection among walls and structural ceiling of the building are smoke firm.
3-3-2-9 ​If there is a fire wall that ends at the external wall of the building, and it is
not allowed pursuant to this code for this separation to be combust, while the external
wall is, or if it includes a combust substance, or covered with a combust, the combust
materials are not allowed to extend to the separation end. Therefore, in case of fire, it
may not move from one side of the separation to the other. Same condition is also applied
if the fire wall ends at the upper ceiling of the building.
3-3-3 ​Fire Walls:
3-3-3-1 ​Utilization
Fire walls are used to separate between the adherent buildings to prevent fire spread, or to
separate between two sections of the building, provided each one is considered a separate
building (pursuant to enforcement of this Code) (considering special cases for buildings
on podium stated in item 3-3-6).
3-3-3-2 ​In case of two adherent buildings having two separate adherent walls, the
two adherent walls – at the adherent point - are considered one in respect of this Code
enforcement as one fire wall.
3-3-3-3 ​In case there is a separate wall for two adherent buildings, properties of the
same landlord, and requirements are not realized for the fire wall, or firefighting
requirement for the two separations are not altogether realized, (considered one wall), the
two buildings are considered one in respect of this Code enforcement.
3-3-3-4 ​Firefighting Requirement for Fire Walls:
a- In case any of the two buildings, or any of the two sections of the building that the
fire wall separates, which relates to the Commercial Occupancies Group “e”, or the
Industrial Occupancies (f-1) – (f-2), the fire wall firefighting should not be less
than 4 hours. While if the upper section of the fire wall separates floors which do
not relate to any of those occupancies, then this upper part is subject to the
following item (b).
b- In case any of the two buildings, or any of the two sections of the building that the
fire wall separates, which relates to any other occupancies groups, other than that is
mentioned in item (a), the fire wall firefighting should not be less than two hours.
c- In case the external wall of the building adheres a vacant land for another owner,
on which it is allowed in future to construct an adherent building, so that this
external wall may be a part of a fire wall separating the two buildings, this external
wall should be a firefighting one equals to half duration of the fighting required for
the fire wall. It should be openings free.
d- In case the vacant land mentioned in the preceded item, is a property of the same
owner, it is allowed for the external wall, mentioned in the preceded item, to have
any percentage of openings or insecure spaces in the allowed limits, pursuant to the
seventh chapter. However, in case of building an adherent construction on this
vacant land, either remains a property of the same owner or moved to another one
– then, this wall in addition to the adherent wall which relates to the other building
have both altogether (being one wall) to be specified with the fire wall
requirements specifications. They are not subject to application of branch item (3-
3-3-3).

e- If a construction is built, provided its external wall, which adheres to the vacant
land, copes with item “c”, then when building, its adherent wall to this one, has to
cope with item “c” as well.
3-3-5 Conditions:
a- Fire wall should be incombustible built.
b- All conditions related to fire separators mentioned in item (2-3-3) should be
applied on fire walls, except for what conflicts with the preceded item (a).
c- The fire wall should be extended from land level or the lowest level at the building
– the lowest one of them is enforceable – up to the top ceiling of the building,
 through all floors at the same sustainable vertical leveling.
d- The top ceiling attached to the fire wall should be incombustible and has a fire
resistance (duration) that is not less than half of the required duration for the fire
wall resistance.
Provided if the top ceiling is combustible, or incombustible but does not have the
fire resistance stated in this item – the fire wall should be vertically extended above
the top ceiling having a fuzzy shaping, in a light not less than:
30cm if the required firefighting for the fire wall is 2 hours.
90cm if the required firefighting for the fire wall is 4 hours.
e- The connection point between the fire wall and the top ceiling should be smoke
firm.
f- It is allowed for the fire wall at every floor to be based on structure of the building,
provided the connection point of the wall top at every floor with the structure, is
smoke firm. Also, the parts of the building structure which are in their location
considered parts of the fire wall, should have a fire resistance not less than the
required one for the fire wall.

It is allowed for the middle ceilings to penetrate any floor at the building with the
following conditions:
1. The building is incombustible
2. The middle ceilings should be fire resistance as stated in this code in this
respect.
3. The point of connection of the middle ceiling with the fire wall should be
smoke firm.
3-3-3-6 ​Fire Wall Openings
It is allowed for the fire walls to include openings provided they cope with requirements
of item (3-3-4) in respect of fire wall openings protection.

3-3-4 ​Fire Walls Openings Protection

3-3-4-1 ​It is allowed for the fire walls to include openings with the following
conditions:
a- Openings do not exceed what is determined in item (3-3-4-2).
b- A opening should be attached with a close means realizing the following:
1- It should cope with the standard specifications for the fire doors and windows.
Provided that the American standard specification NFPA 80 (1986) for fire
doors and windows is considered a temporary alternative until drafting the
Egyptian specifications for fire doors and windows.
2- It should have a fire resistance as determined in branch item (3-4-3-3).
c- All other conditions stated in branch item (3-3-4-4) should be realized, each within
its own case.
3-3-4-2 ​Allowed Limits for Fire Walls Openings:
a- Except for the openings of the exits, and except for what is allowed in item (b), any
opening in a fire wall should not exceed 3.7m wide/height and 12m2 area. Provided
a closing means is attached in the way mentioned in branch item (3-3-4-3).
b- If the fire distance at each side of the separator has an automatic extinguisher, in
this case it is allowed for the area and the dimensions of the opening to exceed the
limits mentioned in the preceded item (a), provided they do not exceed 24m2.
c- It is not allowed for the total width of the opening at the fire separator that adheres
to the fire distance to exceed 25% of the separator’s height.
d- If the opening exceeds 8m2, it has to be divided by a structural item (beam or
pillar) from the reinforced concrete or steel, provided one section does not exceed
8m2.
3-3-4-3 ​Fire Resistance Requested for Openings closing Means at Fire Separators:
a- Fire resistance requested for openings closing means at fire separators depends on
fire resistance requested for fire wall as shown in table (3-c):

Table (3-c) Requested Fire Resistance for Fire Separators Closing Means
Fire Resistance Fire Resistance Notes
Requested for Fire Requested for Means of
Separator (by Hour) Closing (by Hour)
Less than ¾ -- Note No. (1)
¾ ½ Note No. (2)
1 ¾ Note No. (3)
1.5 1
2 1.5 Note No. (4)
3 2 “ “ “
4 3 “ “ “

Note No. “1”:

No condition for fire resistance for a closing resource does not mean a permission
for unavailability of closing resource, but it means that it is not required to have a
fire resistance.
Note No. “2”:
It is allowed to use a closing means with 20 min. fire resistance, in any opening at
the fire separator, the resistance of which does not exceed ¾ hour if the building
height does not exceed 10m.

Note No. “3”:

It is allowed to use a closing means with 20 min. fire resistance, in any opening at
the fire separator, the resistance of which does not exceed one hour if this opening
 lies between the general passage leading to the exit and the following:
1- Rooms or residential units separately rented.
2- Administrative offices, school classes, bedrooms … etc.
3- Rooms doors in group of constructions (b-2).
Note No. “4”:
a- Closing means at openings of the fire walls that close exits, are not requested to
be fire resistance more than one and half hours, if the requested fire resistance
for the fire separator walls forming the cover, exceed 2 hours.

b- If two closing means with same or different fire resistance, have been installed,
provided each one of them is not less than half of the other one resistance on
both sides of a opening at a fire wall, then it is considered as if only one closing
means has been installed for this opening, having a fire resistance amounting to
total of those two means altogether.
3-3-4-4 ​Conditions:
a- Closing means may include combustible items or components, even if the fire
separator is not allowed to be combustible.
b- Except for the exception mentioned in the following item (c) and exception
mentioned in Chapter Six in respect of residential occupancies, any door in a fire
wall separating fire should have an approved automatic closing appliance supports
automatic door closing. It should have a lock with tongue so as when it goes back,
it closes through this tongue in order for the door to return to closing status directly
each time after being used.
c- If the security of individuals occupying the building is not safe as a result of the
exception stated in this item – on a condition of approval by the competent
authority – it is allowed to install an approved appliance to keep closing means
open, provided this appliance is connected with an automatic system operating
with approved smoke or heat detectors, to support automatic closing for this means
in case of fire.
d- It is allowed for the vertical shafts to include openings at ceilings required to be
vertical fire separators. On a condition that such shafts are closed in the way as
stated in branch item (3-3-4-7).
e- As for protection of openings existed in walls that close exits, in case those walls
are required to be fire separators, it should refer to Chapter Four in respect of this
regard.
f- Regarding protection of openings existed in general passages walls, it should refer
to branch item (4-4-10-6).
g- It is not entitled to have an internal unclosed open stair case except with the
conditions stated in item (3-3-5).
h- If the firefighting requested to close the opening which does not exceed ¾ hour, it
 is allowed to be a reinforced glass of a thickness not less than 6mm or a fire
resistant glass having the required fire resistance for closing, provided it is installed
in steel frames divided into steel PVC, on a condition that one sheet of glass area
does not exceed 0.8m2 and no more than 1.35m distance.

3-3-4-5 ​Openings for Utilities Pipelines and Ducts:

a- It is allowed to have openings in fire walls for passing pipes and ducts for the
building services (electricity, A/C … etc.), on the following conditions:
1. Pipes are incombustible, perfectly installed, the surrounded openings are firmly
shut to prevent any vacuum between external surface of the pipes and the fire
wall, or the connection between their external surface and the opening is
installed in a way that prevents fire and smoke movement as per what is stated
in branch item (3-4-5-3).
2. Or, to be installed in packing (fire isolation ducts) that cope with the specified
Code for this service.
b- All pipes, ducts, boxes and installations in respect of electrical connections or any
other services, which completely/partially penetrate fire wall, should be
incombustible.
c- All A/C ducts that penetrate a fire wall should be attached with a fire damper that
has fire resistance as stated in this respect in the chapter of louvers and A/C
systems at the second part of this Code. Provided this barrier automatically closes
in case of fire. This damper is to be directly installed at the fire separator, provided
it is not affected by A/C ducts collapse in which it is installed.
3-3-4-6 ​Penetration of Escalators, Corridors, Walkway for Fire Separators:
a- If the escalator or the inclined moving walkway is counted among the requested
exits in the building while it penetrates fire separator/s – it has to be closed in the
way escalators as exits are closed.
b- If the escalator or the inclined moving walkway is not counted among the required
exits at the building, whereas it penetrates a fire wall isolator, each of them has to
be closed with fire isolators that cope with conditions stated in this Chapter –
considering that the condition mentioned in Article (G: item 3-3-4-4) is applied in
the moving escalator or the inclined moving walkway.
c- If there are automatic water sprayers at the building, it is allowed for the moving
escalator or the inclined moving walkway that are counted among exits, to be
exempted from conditions mentioned in the preceded item (b), provided they are
secured with one of the mentioned methods in item (3-3-7).
3-3-4-7 ​Vertical Shafts:
a- All shafts of stairs, elevators and services, either they are for louvers, lighting or
for any other service purposes, if they are not penetrating ceilings that are required
to be horizontal fire isolators, then they have to be closed with fire walls resistance.
 Only cases, permitted pursuant to this Code in respect of uncovered stairs, are
exempted from packing condition.
b- Packed walls for stairs shafts, counted among required exits pursuant to this Code,
have to be subject to Conditions stated in item (4-3-1).
c- Packed walls for vertical ducts that include waste pipes, or that which are packing
elevators’ or stairs’ shafts – counted among required exits pursuant to this Code –
must have the fire resistance stated in table (3-a) or (3-b) attached to branch item
(3-3-1-2), unless there is a text in the Second Part of this Code in which it is
requested to have a higher fire resistance for a special case.
d- Service shafts that cope with “Executive Regulations” for “Orientation and
Organization for Construction Works” Law, are exempted from conditions in
respect of openings in fire separators. Also, it is not obligatory to increase
resistance for walls packing those shafts, more than one hour, with a condition that
the wall is not requested for another reason to be a fire separator or that the
building is not among the high ones that are subject to requirements of Chapter 5.
3-3-5 ​Limited Height Internal Vacuums and Un-surrounded Internal Stairs:
(Form No. 3-1)
3-3-5-1 ​It is allowed for any incombustible building to include an unpacked internal
vacuum or an unpacked open stair case, connecting more than 3 floors, (unless otherwise
determined in the dedicated section in Chapter 6) - including sewage exit – provided an
approval of the competent authority is obtained and with the fulfillment of the following
conditions:
a. The stair case should not be counted among the building required exits.
b. The vacuum or the stair case does not reach more than one floor lower
sewage exit floor. With an exception for educational buildings, it has not to
reach any floor lower than sewage exit floor.
c. The building should not be counted among group of works (f). For group of
works (c-1), exceptions – stated in branch item (4-4-5-14) and (4-4-5-15) –
are allowed. While exception cases in those two branch items are not subject
to requirements stated in items (h) and (i).
d. If the building is listed among group of works (e), it is a condition to be
attached with automatic water sprayers, or obligations stated in branch item
(6-5-2-3) are to be applied.
e. If the building is listed among group of works (b), vacuum or internal open
stair case, should not reach more than 2 floors, one of them is sewage exit
floor.
f. If the building belongs to group of works (c-2), it is an obligation for the
building operating system to have an attentive shift duty around 24 hours
daily, or otherwise, the building should have an automatic water sprayers.
g. The building should not be occupied with enterprises that make it of a high
risk, pursuant to interpretation of this term in branch item (4-3-9-1).
 h. The capacity of exits at sewage exit floor is counted (see Chapter Four) as if
all connected floors are one.
i. The space among the vacuum or the open stair case is separated from the rest
of floor area with fire isolators which have fire resistance not less than one
hour. It should be at least half capacity required for exits for each floor,
provided individuals occupying the building, when using the exit, are not
obliged to pass on fire distance of which the open stair case is existed, or to
be exposed to smoke ejecting out of it.
3-3-5-2 ​Vacuum or open internal stair case is not allowed at any combustible
building, unless it is attached with an automatic extinguishing system and with a
condition of the approval of the competent authority. If the buildings belongs to group of
works (e) or (c-2), its area should not exceed the permitted one.
3-3-6 ​Buildings on Podium:
3-3-6-1 ​As for any building having a ground and one or more floors, while the
ground one has an area greater than the other floors, any section of this ground floor
having no construction above, is considered one building with one ground floor,
considering the following conditions:
a- It is separated from the rest of the building with fire walls.
b- Its ceiling should be characterized with a firefighting not less than what is required
for the separating walls, (any opening at the wall, the walls existed in the top floors
overtopping its roof, or the height of the fire security means on its roof), is not less
than what is stated in item (3-7-6) in respect of exposing risk protection in
buildings of less height.
c- Its floor should not be in use for any purpose or activity. It should not have any
means to be reached except for maintenance or fixing purposes.
3-3-6-2 ​In this case the area of the repetitive floors building is considered the area
of the greatest floor above the ground one. It may be also the area section of the ground
floor under its above floor and separated from the rest of the ground floor area with fire
walls – whichever is the greater.
3-6-3-3 ​In case there is one or more basement under the ground floor, there is no
change what is permitted in branch items (1-6-3-3) and (2-6-3-3), with a condition that
every fire wall mentioned in the said items, remains in the same vertical level through the
ground and underground basements.
3-3-6-4 ​If the wide section of the area in the building includes one or more floors
above the ground one, the building is to be divided into sections, provided every section –
in respect of applying this Code – is considered a separate building through a fire wall/s
characterized with the conditions stated in item (3-3-3).
3-3-7 ​Protection of Moving Escalators and Inclined Moving Walkways
Penetrating Fire Walls:
3-3-7-1 ​In case conditions stated in Article “c”, of branch item (3-3-4-6) are
fulfilled, any protection method mentioned in branch items from (3-3-7-2) to (3-3-7-4)
may be used, noting that any mentioning for moving escalators in these items, means the
inclined moving walkways, as well.
3-3-7-2 ​Sprinkler-Vent Method
a- This method consists of an automatic fire or smoke detection system, an automatic
exhaust system and an automatic water curtain system, in which requirements
mentioned in the following items are realized. They are designed provided
acceptance from the competent authority is obtained.
b- The capacity of the exhaust system should allow creating a lower extract through
the ceiling opening dedicated for the moving escalator, provided lower extract
speed rate is not less than 1.5m3/second for a period not less than 30 minutes, at the
normal operating conditions.
c- The beginning of operating the exhaust system for the opening in any ceiling
should be through an approved system in the floor, and should be through one of
the following means in addition to a manual system for operating and for system
test:
1- A thermostat for a set degree, a set height rate, or both.
2- Flow of water in the automatic extinguisher.
3- An approved smoke detection and automatic observer system.
Smoke detectors – when used – should be located provided smoke is observed
before being leaked to the escalator.
d- Electric current feeding should be extended to all parts of exhaust system. Also its
control system is designed to the highest degree for reliability.
e- Any fan or duct used in connection with automatic exhaust system, should be made
from an approved quality and in a way that cope with technical standards and the
requirements of the Second Part of the Code.
f- Periodical examinations not less than once every three months should be made for
the automatic exhaust system and control system to ensure good maintenance and
operation.
g- The water curtain should be formed through open sprinklers or spray nozzles.
Their location and the distance between them should form a sustainable
uninterrupted hindrance along all wide sides of the ceiling opening, provided they
come from the floor ceiling bottom side up to its floor, and provided also that the
rate of water drain for forming the water curtain is not less than 0.6 L/sec. for each
horizontal meter of the water curtain around the opening.
h- The water curtain has to be automatically operated through thermal responsive
elements. They should be of the quality that responses to a certain heat degree.
They are to be placed by a method that relates to the location and form of ceiling
opening, provided that the water curtain starts working based on increase of heat
towards the opening of the moving escalator.
i- All automatic exhaust systems, including entire engines, control devices and all
 parts of the water curtain should be automation observed through an approved
method and similar to the determined automation observed one for the automatic
water sprinklers.
3-3-7-3 ​Spray Nozzle Method
a- As per conditions stated in branch item (3-3-7-1), the opening of the moving
escalators are protected through spray nozzles, which consist of a combination of
smoke and fire detectors and a high speed water nozzles system. They both cope
with requirements stated in the following articles and designed, given that they are
approved by the competent authority.
b- The spray nozzles should be open type, given that the ejecting sprays takes the
uninterrupted conical forms with drain angles ranging from 45°- 90°. The nozzles
number, places and drain angles – when the system operates -, the opening of the
moving escalator between the escalator’s barrier and step of stairs surface becomes
completely filled with heavy sprays.
c- The number, size of nozzles and water supplies should be sufficient for making a
drain of 1.33 L/m2/sec. through entire escalator height. The area is counted
perpendicularly on surface of stair step.
d- The spray nozzles have to be placed to realize the utmost utilization from the
cooling and counterdraft effect. They have also to be placed that the axe line for
spray drain (i.e. the line between nozzles opening centers) is parallel to the
maximum possible for the inclination of the moving escalator, no more than
30°with the barrier’s inclination at its top pint. Nozzles should also be placed,
provided that the drain axe line makes an angle of no more than 30°with the
vertical sides of the escalator’s barrier.
e- Nozzles have to drain sprays under pressure not less than 1.7kg/cm2. Water supply
pipes may be taken from the automatic sprinklers system, provided that sufficient
water supply for spray nozzles is ensured, without pressure reduction at the
sprayer, except after feeding supply to the least limit of requirement.
f- The control valves have to be located provided they are easy be reached to be used
when necessary, in order eliminate damage resulting out of water.
g- Intake resistance curtain has to be made of an incombustible or limited
combustible material which extend for 50cm around and under the opening.
h- An incombustible barrier for the escalator has to be made of at least 1.5m height,
parallel to the handrail. It extends from the top of the handrail to the ceiling bottom
side or the bottom side of the above escalator step, at every ceiling opening that
relates to the moving escalator.
i- If necessary, spray nozzles have to be risk protected from collision or misuse
exposure, which may lead to drain location change from the appropriate one.
j- Spray nozzle system has to be automatic through thermal response elements,
located by a method in relation with the place and shape of the ceiling opening,
provided that the spray nozzle system starts operation based on heat increase
 towards the opening of the moving escalator. A smoke detector system with
automatic observation may be used near to escalator opening, aiming at giving
alarm. The spray nozzles system has to be attached with a means that allow
manual operation.
k- The control valves of the spray nozzles system, smoke detectors and approved
devices of thermal response should be subject to periodical investigation and
inspection, pursuant to the set methods for similar systems at Part 3 of this Code.

3-3-7-4 ​Rolling Shutter Method

a. Pursuant to conditions mentioned in branch item (3-3-7-1), a protection may
be made for the moving escalator above ground floor, through the rolling
shutter method. It is made of a rolling shutter starts sliding automatically
provided it completely closes the top of the moving escalator with a
condition that they cope with the following conditions and designed in a way
that may obtain approval from the competent authority.
b. The rolling shutter must close the shaft opening of the moving escalator
through the automatic fire and smoke detector near to escalator, and
immediately after observation by the approved devices which are thermal
detectors or smoke sensitive. In addition, a manual method should be
available to operate the rolling shutter and to inspect its operation.
c. The rolling shutter should be sustainable to vertical load of 1000 kg/m2 of its
area. Its fire and heat resistance should not be less than 0.55mm of metal
thickness resistance.
d. The rolling shutter sliding speed should not be more than 0.15m/sec. It has
to be attached with a sensitive indicator edge in order to stop sliding
continuation of the rolling shutter, and lead to its 15cm backward movement
in case it is exposed to 9kg by maximum capacity that affects the surface of
indicator edge. However, immediately after removing this capacity, the
rolling shutter should return to close soon.
e. The automatic rolling shutter has to be attached with an electric connection
switch, which switch of electrical current from the moving escalator and
operates brakes, immediately after the shutter starts to close. It also prevents
operating the moving escalator except after the shutter opens.
f. Electrical current extension for rolling shutter automatic start control
systems, should be designed and executed in a method that provides
maximum degree for reliability.
g. The rolling shutter must be operated at least once per week to ensure it is in
appropriate for operation.
3-3-8 ​Atriums (shape No. 2-3):
3-3-8-1 ​Atriums in this item mean, the internal vacuums which extend through the
whole building height and are top ceiled.
3-3-8-2 ​Allowance for atriums is subject to every group of enterprises as stated in
this regard in the related article in Chapter 6.
3-3-8-3 ​In case there is a text in any article in Chapter 6 allowing atrium, then this
atrium has to be characterized with requirements stated in the following branch items (3-
3-8-4) – (3-3-8-12).
3-3-8-4 ​A horizontal distance for any atrium should not be less than 6m. Its area
should not be less than 9m2. It is allowed to take a different shape other than the square or
rectangle one (e.g. circle), provided it is not less than 9m2 area.
3-3-8-5 ​Atrium is not allowed in any combustible building.
3-3-8-6 ​Atrium is not allowed in any building if filled with enterprises that may
make it of high risk pursuant to the meaning used for this term in branch item (4-3-9-1).
3-3-8-7 ​Atrium should be separated from the rest of floor area with fire walls of at
least one and half hour resistance. However, openings in these fire walls have to be
characterized with requirements stated in item (3-3-4). As for doors existed in those fire
walls, it is an exception that their resistance should not be less than:
​ ​One Hour ​ ​for Exit Doors
​ ​20 minutes ​ ​for Rest of Doors
Considering application of branch item (1-3-3-4) for walls separating exit from the rest of
floor area.
3-3-8-8 ​Excluding terms of branch item (3-3-8-7), it is allowed for a number not
more than 3 floors in a building to be open without fire separators on atrium. Also no
certain location is a requirement regarding height for any of those floors. This exception
is not applicable for floors that contain patients’ treatment or sleep in enterprises of group
(b-2).
3-3-8-9 ​All exists in a building should be separated from the vacuum of atrium in
the method specified in branch item (3-3-8-7). However, the passage reaching exit and
exit drain hole are allowed (branch item 4-1-1-3) to be through atrium.
3-3-8-10 ​The entire building should be attached with automatic water sprinklers.
However, in case height of the bottom side of the internal top ceiling is more than 17m of
its floor, the competent authority is entitled to prevent automatic water sprinklers in the
atrium.
3-3-8-11 ​A mechanical system for smoke control has to be available. It should be
designed pursuant to appropriate engineering standards and requirements stated in the
chapter dedicated for smoke control, Part 2 of this Code, and approved by the competent
authority. Operating start should be through all of the following means:
a- Smoke detectors located in a way that allows observing smoke above the highest
floor leveling in atrium and in return air intakes.
b- Operating the automatic sprinkler system requested in branch item (3-3-8-10).
c- Manual operating switches in order to facilitate being reached by firefighters.
3-3-8-12 ​The atrium should be ended with a smoke trap at its top. Any smoke
unprotected openings that may be between smoke trap and rest of floors area, are not
allowed. The depth of smoke trap is determined through the engineering counts for
smoke control system stated in the preceded branch item (3-3-8-11).

Chapter Four
3-4 Fire Stopping
Definitions:
Fire Stopping
It is prevention movement for fire, flame, smoke or hot gases through:
1- Closed vacuum inside dual walls or among structural or hanging ceilings … etc.
2- Ceiling location structured on walls.
3- Ducts that allow air movement (louvers ducts, A/C or facilities pipes).
4- Location of facility pipes’ or cables’ penetration for fire walls.
5- Extension separators in ceiling that fire isolators.
6- Points of connection between external curtain walls and ceilings.
Fire stopping are used for this purpose.

Fire Stop
It is a gas control separator, through which flame, smoke and hot gases stop
movement.

Concealed Spaces
They are the concealed spaces inside one structural installations or between two
structural installations. They are either vertical closed spaces e.g. spaces between
structural ceilings and handing ones, or any spaces that may be in the ceiling, in case it
is designed as a vacuumed box. They may be vertical closed spaces e.g. spaces in
walls shaping as sheets or packed claddings for wood or metal stud walls or any cavity
walls.
3-4-1 ​Fire Stopping in Packing Spaces
3-4-1-1 ​Obstacles for fire movement that are used to stop fire in closed spaces:
a- Obstacles for fire movement that are used to stop fire in paced spaces are either:
1- From an incombustible substance e.g. metal or gypsum sheets, splashing of
light weight vermiculite, mixed with cement or synthetic fibers on metal net, or
any other substance for purpose achievement.
2- Or from wood sectors with at least 50mm thickness, provided they are without
joints in order to ensue being gas firm.
3- Or, of two adherent sheets of wood not less than 25ml thickness for each one,
provided their joint points do not match each other.
b. ​In cases requested by this Code to be a special fire resistance for fire
 stopper, it should be in the appropriate thickness and installation to achieve such
resistance.
3-4-1-2 ​Horizontal Fire Stopping in Horizontal Closed Spaces
a- All closed spaces located between structural ceilings and hanging ones or any
horizontal closed spaces at the building formed for any reason, must be attached
with fire movement traps, all along the space depth at the following locations:
1- Top of any fire wall in case such fire wall does not completely penetrate the
closed space. The fire traps should characterized with firefighting resistance
to the fire wall.
2- At any other location, provided the area of the closed space is not bigger
among fire separators (fire isolators in this sentence mean the walls
separating fire, fire movement traps, and the firefighting external walls),
than 500m2, in case that the flame extended rate for the exposed internal
ceiling is more than 25. Fire resistance for fire movement trap should not be
less than half an hour in this case.
b- The preceded item (a) is null in the following cases:
1- If the closed space is designed as a fire space, i.e. the two top and bottom
determined ceilings, are characterized with requirements for fire separation
ceiling, with a condition that bottom ceiling fire resistance is not less than
the required one for the fire wall located under this ceiling.
2- Or, if the closed space is attached with automatic water sprinklers.
c- If the closed space extends more than the external wall, while this external wall
does not completely penetrate the closed space, it is a must to make a fire
movement trap available, along all the closed space depth, above the external
wall – provided it is characterized with the required firefighting for the external
wall.
d- If the closed space extends forming an internal balcony shape through the fire
wall, while the fire wall does not completely penetrate the closed space, it is a
must to make a fire movement trap available along the entire closed space depth
which is above the fire wall, provided it is characterized with the required
firefighting for the fire wall.
e- It is usually preferred for the fire movement traps to be inside the closed
internal horizontal spaces, placed above walls location. They have to be
properly installed in incombustible frames or made from wood with a thickness
not less than 50x75mm. If it is impossible to place fire movement traps above a
wall, e.g. when dividing horizontal closed wide spaces, then fire movement trap
must made be of a flexible material or designed in a way allowing enough
flexibility, considering a resulting shape of the hanging ceiling happening from
fire. Illustration references are shown in (shape 3-3 and 3-4).
f- The wall that is not separating the fire, that penetrates the completely closed
horizontal space, may be considered as a fire movement trap, aiming at dividing
 the horizontal closed space, in order to realize the requirement of being less
than the areas shown in the second text of item (a), provided its firefighting is
not less than half an hour.
g- In case there are openings in fire movement traps which are in the closed
spaces for inspection, maintenance purposes … etc., they have to be attached
with doors having same firefighting of the fire movement trap, and are executed
provided they may be properly closed in a way that cannot allow opening under
pulling effect, resulting from fire.
h- In case pipes or facility ducts penetrate fire movement traps, they should be
through a method that does not allow smoke entrance at penetration points,
considering all other requirements stated in this part of the Code in respect of
facilities pipes and ducts, either in other parts of this Code, or at any other
related Codes.
3-4-1-3 ​Stop of fire movement in closed spaces that are formed at walls and boards
having sheathings shape on studs or any walls with spaces:
a- In case sheathings and studs are made of incombustible materials, a fire movement
trap should be installed at the point of connection between wall or board, at its top
ceiling and its floor, providing the connection point is properly firmed for smoke.
b- If the sheathings and/or studs are combustible, or any of the wall or board
components is a combustible material, a fire trap also should be made to divide the
closed space, provided the undivided closed space is no more than 3m height. This
is in addition to what it stated in article (a).
c- If a wall with internal space penetrates a horizontal closed space, a fire movement
trap is to be made along all the height and thickness of the space in the wall at the
horizontal closed lower level, in addition to installing a fire movement trap,
pursuant to article (a), at the connection point of the wall at the ceiling covering the
horizontal space.
d- In case of filling closed spaces with walls referred to in this item with a
firefighting smoke suppressive material, e.g. sand, glass/stone wool or synthetic
fibers …etc., fire movement traps mentioned in article (b) may be dispensed.
Similarly, fire movement traps required in items (a) and (c) may be sufficient to
realize firm sealing for smoke, without any requirement for certain thickness.
3-4-2 ​Fire Movement Suppression at the Ceiling Point of Fulcrum on Wall:
3-4-2-1:
a- Regarding item (3-4-2), “ceiling point of fulcrum on wall” means the point of
connection between walls and ceilings and not necessary for such walls to load the
ceiling in structure respect.
b- Requirements stated in this item (3-4-2) in respect of ceiling point of fulcrum on
wall, are to be applied also for escalators’ treads and risers point of fulcrum on
walls.
3-4-2-2 ​Fulcrum of ferroconcrete ceilings (or the beams loading them) on
incombustible solid walls:
a) Fulcrum of ferroconcrete ceilings (or the beams loading them) on incombustible
sold walls, realizes a sufficient suppression for fire, provided that the said ceilings
(or their loading beams) are directly spilled on walls. Or, the material between the
lower surface of the ferroconcrete and top of the wall is executed, provided this
material fills the space between top of wall and lower surface of the concrete. Or,
the space between wall and the lower surface of the ceiling is filled with an
incombustible material to prevent fire movement or smoke ejection.
b) Article (a) is enforceable, even if the wall is made of hollow bricks, provided it is
incombustible, and the upper surface for the bricks used in forming the upper row
of the wall is solid.
3-4-2-3 ​Fulcrum of Ferroconcrete Ceilings on Closed Spaces Walls
​ ​See branch item (3-4-1-3), text (a).
3-4-2-4 ​Fulcrum of Wood Ceilings on Walls:
​The fulcrum of wood ceilings on walls should be executed in a method that ensures
prevention of fire movement. Otherwise, a fire movement trap is to be used at the point of
fulcrum, directly under the ceiling. It may be a wood board in no less than 50mm
thickness and may be put top of it, if necessary, or in any other approved quantity by the
competent authority.
3-4-3 ​Fire Movement Trap in Louvers and A/C Ducts:
Fire dampers are used as traps for fire exhaust movement in louvers and A/C ducts. The
chapter dedicated for this respect in the Part Two is to be a reference regarding the
building services insurance.
3-4-4 ​Suppression of Fire Movement in Facility Pipes:
Facility of building services means (electricity, sanitary … etc.). Part Two specified for
building services insurance is a reference.
3-4-5 ​Fire Movement Suppression at Penetration Points of Pipes, Cables and
Facility Ducts for Fire Separators:
3-4-5-2 ​Electrical and telephone cables have to pass through incombustible sleeves
when penetrating fire separators.
3-4-5-3 ​The clearance left around pipes, ducts or sleeves which are referred to in
this item should be less than 25mm with clearance stuffing by materials that prevent
flame of hot gases to pass.
3-4-6 ​Fire movement suppression through extension separators in fire separating
ceiling:
Fire movement suppression should be through extension separators in the fire separating
ceilings, by using fire movement traps that may be of wood melamine with no less than
13mm thick and 50mm wide to be inserted in the separator in a way that makes it totally
smoke firm. Or, it may be made of a heat proof substance, e.g. glass/stone wool or
synthetic fibers, to be inserted in the separator and completely fill it to be smoke firm. Or,
by using wood with stuffing heat proof material on top, or by any other method approved
by the competent authority.
3-4-7 ​Fire Movement Suppression through Connection Points for External Curtain
Walls in Ceilings:
External curtain walls in ceilings should be totally smoke tight. For this purpose, a fire
movement trap made of an appropriate material is to be used. Or, any technological
method to ensure fire movement suppression may also be used through connection point
between external curtain with ceiling. The following declaration examples may be an
assistance (Form No. 3-5 and Form No. 3-6).

Chapter 5
3-5 ​Smoke Barriers
3-5-1 General
3-5-1-1 ​Wherever it is requested in this Code to make smoke barriers, it is meant a
sustainable barrier from the external wall or from the smoke barrier to the external wall
or to another barrier which is smoke barrier. It is from the floor to the bottom side of the
ceiling, penetrating all closed spaces e.g. that may be existed between structural and
hanging ceilings. Unless this closed space is designed as a fire space, separated with fire
walls. Such smoke barriers are used to divide the area of any floor to smoke
compartment, whenever this is requested in Division 6.
3-5-1-2 ​Any area separated from the rest of the floor area with smoke barriers, is
called smoke compartment.
3-5-2 ​Smoke Barriers Connection Points with Ceilings and Floors
Points of connection between smoke barriers in ceilings and floors should be executed in
a method that stops fire and should be smoke firm (See Chapter 4 of this Division).
3-5-3 ​Smoke Barriers Used as Fire Separators
In case smoke barrier is used as a fire separator, it should be characterized with fire
separators conditions in addition to that of smoke barriers. It should also be specified
with firefighting required for this barrier.
3-5-4 ​Smoke Barriers Firefighting
Where it is requested in this Code for a specific firefighting regarding smoke barrier, the
latter should be specified with firefighting, unless it is subject to the preceded item (3-5-
3), hence it has to be stronger firefighting.
3-5-5 ​Doors Used in Smoke Barriers
3-5-5-1 ​All doors available in smoke barrier should be smoke doors, specified with
conditions stated in branch items (3-5-5-2) to (3-5-5-9).
3-5-5-2 ​Smoke doors should be swinging doors type, which move around vertical
axis. They should be firmly installed at their jamps in a method that does not allow any
inflection that may happen as a result of fire. Additionally, door jamp and/or shutter
should be provided with nuprin, rubber or any appropriate substance that prevent smoke
ejection from the four door rails of the shutter.
3-5-5-3 ​Smoke doors should be merely opened in escape direction or both sides.
They should be designed provided they revert again to closure position immediately after
they open.
3-5-5-4 ​Firefighting for smoke doors should not be less than 20 minutes. In case
those doors are subject to another item in this Code, a different firefighting is required. If
smoke barrier is also used as fire separator, it has to be specified with a stronger
requested firefighting.
3-5-5-5 ​Smoke doors should be empty of openings e.g. louvers, grills or any kind of
holes.
3-5-5-6 ​It is allowed to install a vision panel fixed in any smoke door, provided it is
made of reinforced glass or from any other approved firefighting glass.
3-5-5-7 ​Counting dimensions of smoke doors should be consistent with doors
located at escape routes (See Chapter 4).
3-5-5-8 ​Smoke doors should be visible and uncovered with any posters or curtains
that prevent their easy notice. It is preferred to have exit direction written on then.
3-5-5-9 ​Smoke door should be provided with a means to keep open, provided this
means is attached with a smoke detector to close door immediately after smoke is
detected. This easy opening is merely in cases that might not be risky for building
occupants, with the approval of the competent authorities.
3-5-6 ​Penetration of Smoke Barriers for Utilities’ Ducts, Pipes and Cables:
The openings of smoke barriers, specified for penetration of ducts, pipes and cables of
utilities, should be made in a method that prevents fire movement (See Chapter 3-4).
3-5-6-2 ​Smoke dampers should be made at points of penetration of louvers and A/C
for smoke barriers, provided damper is automatically closed as a result of operating the
smoke detector. They have to be consistent with what is mentioned in this regard at the
specified chapter in Part 2 of this Code.
3-5-6-3 ​The clearance left around utilities’ ducts, pipes and cables at their
penetration for smoke barriers, should not exceed 25mm with the clearance stuffing of
flame and hot gases-proof substance.

Chapter 6
3-6 ​Internal Finishes
3-6-1 ​General:
3-6-1-1 ​Internal Finishes Include:
a- Internal finishes for walls and ceilings
b- Internal finishes for floors
3-6-1-2 ​Internal finishes for walls and ceilings mean internal exposed surfaces of
walls, ceilings and the like, e. g. surfaces of fixed/moving walls and partitions, surfaces
of pillars, bottom surfaces for ceilings, and what is available on them from decoration,
motifs or ornaments.
3-6-1-3 ​Internal floor finishes mean finished surfaces for floors or covered surfaces
on those floors.
3-6-2 ​Material Classification of Internal Finishes:
3-6-2-1 ​Classification of materials of internal finishes for walls and ceilings
pursuant to flame spread and smoke development rates, have specifications according to
a, b and c types in branch item (3-6-2-4).
3-6-2-2 ​Determination of flame spread and smoke production rates for internal
finishes of walls and ceilings are pursuant to The American National Fire Protection
Association NFPA 255 – Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of
Building Materials.
This is temporary until issuance of the Egyptian Specification Standards. Those tests give
flame spread and smoke production rates in forms of digital indicators.
3-6-2-3 ​Some materials of internal finishes for walls and ceilings – e.g. nonstick or
non-persistent textile on solid surface – are test infeasible pursuant to standard
specifications mentioned in the preceded branch item (3-6-2-2). Such materials have to
be tested in accordance with the American Specification Standards.
NFPA 701 – STANDARD METHOD OF FIRE TEXTS FOR FLAM-RESISTANT
TEXTILES AND FILMS.
This is temporary until issuance of the Egyptian Specification Standards.
3-6-2-4 ​Internal finishing materials for walls and ceilings are classified in three
types, listed descending according to preference from fire safety perspective as follows:
Quality Flame Spread Rate Smoke Production Rate
A Zero – 25 Zero – 450
B 26 – 75 Zero – 450
C 76 – 200 Zero – 450

3-6-2-5
A. Internal finishing materials for floors are texted in accordance with the American
Standard Specifications NFPA 253 – STANDARD METHOD OF TEST FOR
GRITICAL RADIANT FLUX OF FLOOR COVERING SYSTEMS USING A
RADIANT HEAT ENERGY SOURCE.
This is temporary until issuance of the Egyptian Specification Standard.
B. The technical basis for this test is that the flame spread on surfaces of internal
finishes for floors, depends – in actual fires – on the thermal radiant flux, at which
point test standards are greatly realized, whenever the tested material is better, in
respect of fire safety view point. The least value for thermal radiant flux, at which
point the typical test standards are realized, is called the least limit for radiant flux.
3-6-2-6 ​Excluding cases in which a requirement for a certain quality of internal
finishes for floors is not stipulated, internal finishing materials for floors are classified
pursuant to the standards specification mentioned in the precedent branch item (5-2-6-3)
into two qualities, decadently listed – quality wise – from the fire safety view point:
Quality Minimum Critical Radiant Flux
1 0.45 watts/cm2
2 0.22 watts/cm2

3-6-2-7 ​The two classifications that are mentioned in branch items (3-6-2-4) and (3-
6-2-6) are either for the concerned material, or in combination with other substances,
pursuant to the situation of use on site.
3-6-2-8 ​Type of internal finishing material is to be determined in the three types
mentioned in branch item (3-6-2-4), or in the two types mentioned in branch item (3-6-2-
6). It is also determined if part of material has been tested in same situation and
circumstances on site, and pursuant to the said test results, or if sufficient data is provided
for test/s results, in case it has been applied on same material in similar circumstances.
However, it is entitled for the competent authority to classify any internal finishing
material that is not possible to be subject to evaluating test, pursuant to estimation made
by the said authority.
3-6-2-9 ​Any painting or covering for internal finishing of walls and ceilings, that
are less than 0.9mm, are excluded.
However, if the competent authority sees that such paintings and coverings - owing to
their quality, thickness or method of their execution - significantly influence flame spread
rate on surface of internal finishes, or affects the specifications of smoke production,
then, the competent authority puts this into consideration and amends classifications of
finishing materials, even if thickness of such painting or coverings is less than 0.9mm.
3-6-3 ​Types of Internal Finishes Requested for Various Occupancies:
3-6-3-1 ​Types requested for internal finishes of walls and ceilings for various
groups of occupancies are stipulated in this Code.
As for types of internal finishes requested for floors, are stipulated in this Code for only
some groups of occupancies.
2-6-3-2 ​If this Code does not determine type of internal finishing for floors, this
means that for this type of occupancy, there is no requirement for internal finishing for
floors to be subject to specification standards stipulated in branch item (3-6-2-5).
However, if the competent authority sees – in a certain case – that the floor finishing
presents an unusual risk, it has the right to oblige requirements that restrict this risk, even
if it is not stipulated in this Code.
3-6-3-3 ​In any case one of the three types mentioned in branch item (3-6-2-4) or of
the two mentioned in branch item (3-6-2-6) is required, this means that it is also allowed
to use a better type – pursuant to fire safety view point – i.e. type condition (b) for
instance means allowance as well for (a), and type condition (c ) means allowance as well
for type (b) or (a).
3-6-4 General Requirements:
3-6-4-1 ​
 a- It is not allowed to use cellular or foamed plastics as internal finishes. While they
are allowed to be used through fire tests to prove that ignition specifications for
such materials do not cause an unusual risk, in actual fire situation or for the
purpose they are used for.
b- Cellular or foamed plastics may be used as decorations or ornaments in internal
finishes for walls and ceilings within the boundaries of item (3-6-6) stipulation.
3-6-4-2 ​Any material of internal finishes that proves through test – or known - to be
of unusual risks of life for its specification results when analyzed, it is completely
prohibited to be used, unless situation and location of use may make this risk ineffective,
with a condition of the competent authority’s approval.
3-6-4-3 ​The designer has to consider unusual risks that may happen in exceptional
cases for internal finishes, e.g. the risk arouses owing to electrical statistics, in case of
using a certain internal finishing material for floors in some places that may have
circumstances that allow ignition or explosion, e.g. surgical operation rooms. He has to
take the appropriate pre-cautions.
3-6-4-4 ​Compacts or fixation materials for internal finishes on surfaces, have to be
mild-heat tolerance (around 150c°for half an hour) without being pliable.
3-6-5 ​Internal Finishes in Case of Using Automatic Water Sprinklers:
In case the building includes a complete system for automatic water sprinklers,
requirements stipulated in this Code in respect of internal finishes types, reduce one
degree (without reduction for type (c) in respect of internal finishes for walls and
ceilings).
It means:
1- If type (a) is required for internal finishes for walls and ceilings, (b) group is
allowed.
2- If type (b) is required for internal finishes for walls and ceilings, (c) group is
allowed.
3- If type (1) is required for internal finishes for floors, type (2) is allowed.
4- If type (2) for internal finishes for floors is required, the requirement for internal
finishes for floors in respect of finishes, is void.
This trespass does not apply on occupations of penal institutions or health care – i.e.
occupancies group (b).
3-6-6 ​Decorations and Ornaments
a. If it is requirement for internal finishes for walls and ceilings to be type (a) or (b), it
is allowed to make ornaments or decorations of type (c ) on walls or bottom
surface of ceilings, provided their area does not exceed 10% of wall or ceiling area.
b. It is not allowed to use ornaments or decorations made of highly flammable
materials.
3-6-7 ​Fire Retardants
3-6-7: Fire Retardants are used as follows:
 a. In forms of painting or solutions to increase firefighting specification efficiency for
internal finishes surfaces, in the existing buildings.
Fire retardants efficiency in this case is limited and may be void through effect of
various factors, the more important of them is exposure to water.
Those materials may not be used in order to realize requirements of this Code in
new buildings, unless with the approval of the competent authority.
b. For treatment of internal finishing materials during stages of their manufacture.
Treatment in this method provides better quality and sustainability. Treatment
materials may be used in this way in new buildings to achieve requirements of this
Code, if stipulated standards are fulfilled.
3-6-7-2 ​Fire Retardants should be in conformity with American Specification
Standards NFPA 703 – Standard for Fire Retardant Treatment of Building Materials.
This is temporary until issuance of the Egyptian Specification Standards.
3-6-7-3 ​Fire retardants should be renewed periodically to allow preservation of
specifications for retard ignition, pursuant to specs and terms of their manufacture and
use. They have to be renewed as well when exposed to circumstances that reduce their
validity.
3-6-7-4 ​When it is referred in this Code to processing wood in fire retardant, it
means that it is processing by impregnation under pressure through a chemical solution
acquiring specs of fire retardant e.g. solutions containing mono or di-ammonia phosphate
with ammonia sulfate. Protective materials for wood e.g. chromium arsenate or copper
arsenate, may be added. Standard specifications that are mentioned in branch item (2-7-6-
3) have to be followed. It should be dried after being impregnated by a method that does
not affect its mechanical specifications.
3-6-8 ​LED Lighting
3-6-8-1 ​Transparent or translucent units used as lights installed at the bottom
surface of ceilings, are allowed provided they are of group quality (c ), even if it is
required for this specific ceiling to be of group quality (a) or (b), provided terms
stipulated in the following branch item (3-6-8-2) are realized.
3-6-8-2 ​The allowed LED lights pursuant to the preceded branch item (3-6-8-1) are
subject to the following conditions:
a. The unit area is not more than 9m2 and 3m distance with incombustible fixing
methods.
b. In case of using LED shaping contiguous groups, it should not exceed 36m2 and
12m distance for every group. In case of adjacent groups, each group should be
separate with no less than 0,60m distance from the ceiling finishing material which
complies with the conditions required in respect of internal finishing materials.
c. The total of such unit areas should not exceed 5% of the total area in the ceiling of
any room.
d. These units should not be used in public corridors (branch item 4-4-10-5), either in
exit vertical shafts – e.g. staircase shafts used for exits – unless the area of a single
 unit is no more than 0.9m2, and each unit is separated from the other, with a
distance of no less than 1.20m from the ceiling finishing material which complies
with the required conditions for internal finishing materials.

Chapter 7
3-7 Building Protection from External Exposing Risk
This chapter deals with requirements for buildings protection from exposure to fire
spread from the nearby constructions.
Definitions:
Building Face
It is the external wall of the building overlooking neighbor or outside. Its height is
measured from the land level at the middle of the interface up to bottom surface of the
top ceiling level of the building.
In case there are fire separators divided for the building and extended to the interface,
either vertical/horizontal or both, interface is considered divided into multiple ones, while
the height of each is the distance between any two vertical fire separators. Their height is:
a- the distance from land level at the middle of interface length up to bottom surface
of horizontal fire separator, which is the nearest to the land level. This is in respect
of the lower fire space.
b- the distance between any two horizontal fire separators. This is in respect of the
middle fire spaces.
c- the distance from the top ceiling to its lower fire separator. This is in respect of the
upper fire space.
Relevant Boundary:
For each interface there is a relevant boundary as follows:
a- If the interface overlooks a court that separates between the building and the
neighbor land, the relevant boundary is the property limit separating between them.
b- If the interface overlooks a street, watercourse, or if it directly lies on the edge of
the street or the watercourse, the relevant boundary is considered the street or the
watercourse.
Limiting Distance:
It is the distance between the external interface and its relevant boundary.

Unprotected opening:
It is (in respect of external walls of the building) any door, window, any other opening or
any section of the external wall, which firefighting is less than the required one for
external walls.
3-7-1 ​Determinants Affecting Protection from Exposing Risk:
a- Interface area
b- Distance separating between interface and relevant boundary.
c- Ratio of unprotected openings in the interface.
 d- Ratio between height and length of interface.
3-7-1-2 ​ he exposing risk is increased whenever separating distance decreases,
T
when ratio for the unprotected openings in the interface increases and when interface area
increases.
Table (3-d) shows ratio of allowed unprotected openings pursuant to separating distances
and various interface areas. This is in respect of occupancies (a), (b), (d), (f-3).
Additionally, table (3-e) shows these ratios for groups of occupancies (e), (f-1) and (f-2).
3-7-1-3: ​If there is - for a certain case – law, terms or executive regulations
stipulating a certain least boundary for the separating distance greater than the one
considered pursuant to terms stipulated in this chapter, the greater distance is the
enforceable one.
3-7-1-4 ​Area of any section of the external wall that is externally covered with
frames, cornices or combustible ornaments is considered unprotected.
3-7-1-5 ​Length of the interface is the horizontal one for the building external wall.
However, if the building is divided by vertical fire separators having the required
firefighting, as per this Code, and are extended to the interface, then length of interface is
considered the distance between the two vertical fire separators.
3-7-1-6 ​Interface length is the vertical distance measured from land leveling at the
middle of interface length up to the leveling of the lower surface of the top ceiling.
However, if the building is divided into fire spaces by horizontal fire separators, provided
it includes multiple interface overlapping each other, terms stipulated in this chapter is to
be applied on each interface separately. With the condition that the firefighting of the
determined horizontal fire separators is not less than one hour pursuant to buildings
included in group of occupancies (a), (b), (c), (d), (f-3) and not less than two hours for
building included in group of occupancies (e), (f-a), (f-2). In this case, length of interface
is:
a- Vertical distance from land level at middle of interface to the lower surface level of
the ceiling forming the horizontal fire separator nearest to the land. This is in
respect of the lower fire space.
b- Vertical distance from the top surface level of the ceiling forming the horizontal
fire separator, to the lower surface of the ceiling forming the horizontal fire
separator (which is top of it), in respect of interface for any middle fire space.
c- Vertical distance from the lower surface level of the top ceiling, to the top ceiling
leveling for the ceiling forming the horizontal fire separator which is under it. This
is in respect of the interface of the top fire space.
​Table 3-d
Allowed Percentage for Openings in Interfaces Pursuant to Separating Distances
For Groups of Occupancies (a), (b), (c ), (d), (f-1)
(Appendix for Branch Item 3-7-1-2)
Interface Percentage of Allowed Percentage for Openings in Interfaces Pursuant to Separating Distances
Area Dimensions
H/L or L/H
(which is higher)
Separating Distance (meter)
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 12 15 20 30 45

10 Less than 3:1 0 7 20 50 96 100

3:1 – 10:1 8 24 55 100
More than 10:1 10 26 73 100
20 Less than 3:1 0 6 13 29 52 93 100
3:1 – 10:1 7 16 33 57 97 100
More than 10:1 8 25 48 75 100
30 Less than 3:1 0 6 11 22 38 64 92 100
3:1 – 10:1 7 13 25 42 68 97 100
More than 10:1 8 21 38 58 88 100
50 Less than 3:1 0 6 10 18 26 40 58 100
3:1 – 10:1 6 11 19 29 45 62 100
More than 10:1 7 16 29 44 62 82 100
75 Less than 3:1 0 6 9 13 20 30 42 72 100
3:1 – 10:1 6 10 15 23 34 46 79 100
More than 10:1 7 14 24 36 50 63 96 100
100 Less than 3:1 0 6 8 11 17 23 33 57 88 100
3:1 – 10:1 6 9 13 20 27 37 61 92 100
More than 10:1 7 12 21 31 41 53 80 100
150 Less than 3:1 0 6 8 10 13 18 24 40 61 88 100
3:1 – 10:1 6 9 12 16 21 28 44 65 92 100
More than 10:1 6 11 18 25 33 42 61 85 100
250 Less than 3:1 0 6 8 9 11 14 17 27 40 55 63 96 100
3:1 – 10:1 6 8 10 12 17 20 30 44 60 67 98 100
More than 10:1 6 10 14 20 25 32 45 61 79 87 100
500 Less than 3:1 0 6 7 8 9 11 12 17 23 31 46 61 100
3:1 – 10:1 6 8 9 10 12 14 20 28 35 50 84 100
More than 10:1 6 9 11 15 19 23 31 41 51 68 96 100
1000 Less than 3:1 0 6 7 7 8 9 10 13 15 19 27 44 90 100
3:1 – 10:1 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 18 22 30 48 95 100
More than 10:1 6 8 9 11 14 17 23 28 35 45 65 100
2000 Less than 3:1 0 6 7 7 7 8 8 10 11 13 17 26 49 100
3:1 – 10:1 6 7 7 8 8 8 11 13 16 20 29 53 100
More than 10:1 6 7 8 9 11 13 17 20 25 31 43 71 100

H: Interface Height ​L: Interface Horizontal Length

​Percentage taken: ​H/L or L/H (which is higher)
Percentage for openings for any interface area or unmentioned separating distance in the
table is counted through proportion method.

Table 3-e
Counting Percentage Allowed for Openings in Interfaces Pursuant to Separating
Distances
For Groups of Occupancies (e), (f-2), (f-3)
(Appendix for Branch Item 3-7-1-2)
Interface Percentage of Allowed Percentage for Openings in Interfaces Pursuant to Separating Distances
Area Dimensions
H/L or L/H
(which is higher)
Separating Distance (meter)

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 12 15 20 30 45 60 65

10 Less than 3:1 0 3 1 25 51 86 100

3:1 – 10:1 3 11 27 53 88 100
More than 10:1 5 18 37 64 97 100
20 Less than 3:1 0 3 7 14 27 45 67 100
3:1 – 10:1 3 8 16 29 47 70 100
More than 10:1 3 12 24 39 57 81 100
30 Less than 3:1 0 3 6 11 19 31 46 86 100
3:1 – 10:1 3 7 12 21 34 48 88 100
More than 10:1 3 10 19 3 43 59 98 100
50 Less than 3:1 0 3 5 8 13 20 29 53 85 100
3:1 – 10:1 3 6 9 15 22 31 55 87 100
More than 10:1 3 8 15 22 31 41 66 97 100
75 Less than 3:1 0 3 4 6 10 15 21 38 58 85 100
3:1 – 10:1 3 5 7 11 17 23 4 60 87 100
More than 10:1 3 7 12 18 24 32 49 71 94 100
100 Less than 3:1 0 3 4 6 8 12 16 28 44 64 100
3:1 – 10:1 3 5 7 9 14 18 30 49 66 100
More than 10:1 3 7 11 15 20 26 40 57 77 10
150 Less than 3:1 0 3 4 5 7 10 12 20 31 44 68 100
3:1 – 10:1 3 4 6 8 11 14 22 33 46 71 100
More than 10:1 3 6 9 12 17 21 31 41 56 87 100
250 Less than 3:1 0 3 4 4 5 7 9 14 21 28 43 76 100
3:1 – 10:1 3 4 5 6 8 1 16 22 30 45 78 100
More than 10:1 3 5 7 10 13 16 23 30 39 55 89 100
500 Less than 3:1 0 3 4 4 5 6 6 9 12 16 23 39 86 100
3:1 – 10:1 3 4 4 5 6 7 10 13 18 25 41 89 100
More than 10:1 3 4 6 7 10 12 16 20 25 34 52 100
1000 Less than 3:1 0 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 8 10 13 22 45 98 100
3:1 – 10:1 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 9 11 15 24 47 100
More than 10:1 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 14 17 23 32 58 100
2000 Less than 3:1 0 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 6 7 8 12 24 51 89 100
3:1 – 10:1 3 4 4 4 4 5 6 7 8 10 14 26 53 91 100
More than 10:1 3 4 4 5 6 6 8 10 12 16 22 36 64 97 100

H: Interface Height ​L: Interface Horizontal Length

​Percentage taken: ​H/L or L/H (which is higher)
Percentage for openings for any interface area or unmentioned separating distance in the
table is counted through proportion method.

3-7-2 ​Setting the Relevant Boundary for the Opposing Buildings, Which Are
Determined to be Built on a Common Land
3-7-2-1 ​If any building that is going to be built on a land, part of the latter is
occupied by another building, or if two buildings – or more – are going to be built on a
common land or owned by the same landlord, those buildings should be protected from
the external exposing risk by the method stipulated in this Chapter. For doing this, the
relevant boundary among every opposing buildings has to be determined as follows:
a- The relevant boundary among two valid buildings has to be determined as a fake
line passing in between. Provided it is put in a way that makes their external walls
comply with the requirements stipulated in this Chapter.
b- In case one of the two buildings mentioned in the preceded item is actually built,
the relevant boundary is firstly determined, provided it makes this building comply
with requirements stipulated in this Chapter.
3-7-3 ​External Walls: Structural Requirements and Firefighting
3-7-3-1 ​The firefighting of the external walls (interfaces) should be less than what
is mentioned in table (3-f), except for areas that are considered unprotected openings,
considering exceptions stated in item (3-7-4).

Table No.(3-f) Requested Firefighting for External Walls (Interfaces)

Occupancy Group Percentage of unprotected Requested Firefighting (in
openings hour)
(a), (b), (c ), (d), (f-3) Less than 25% 1
More than 25% ¾
(e) (f-1), (f-2) Less than 25% 2
More than 25% 1

3-7-3-2 ​Any external wall should be made of incombustible materials (except for
the exceptional cases in branch items (3-7-4-4), (3-7-4-5). While it is allowed for the
internal cladding to be combustible with the condition to comply with requirements stated
in Chapter (3-6), provided that the wall is capable for achieving the required firefighting,
without incombustible cladding support.

3-7-3-3 ​
a- Any section of the external wall that does not achieve the stated requirements in
branch items (3-7-3-1), (3-7-3-2) is considered an unprotected opening.
b- Any opening supported with an automatic closing means and has the requested
firefighting of the external wall, is considered among protected openings.
3-7-3-4 ​If any structural item (e.g. beam, arch) is a part of the external wall, it
should have the firefighting requested for the external walls. Additionally, it has to be
incombustible unless it is excluded from the exceptional cases mentioned in item (a) of
the branch item (3-7-4-4) or branch item (3-7-4-5).
3-7-3-6 ​
a- It is allowed to make claddings on external surfaces for interfaces, provided they
are incombustible (except for exceptional cases mentioned in item “b” of branch
item 3-7-4-3), provided they achieve the requirements mentioned in the following.
b- The quality of external surfaces for interfaces – in respect of flame spread and
smoke production rates - should not be less than rates stated in table (3-g). This is
similarly applied for any claddings on external surfaces for interfaces and for any
coverings for open balconies.
Table (3-g) Types Allowed for Flame Spread and Smoke Productions Rates
For External Surfaces of Interfaces and Any Claddings/Coverings for the Open
Balconies
Building Height External Surfaces and their Covering of Open Balconies
Claddings
Less than 8 m Type (c ) Type (b)
From 8 to 24 m Type (b) Type (a)
More than 24 m Type (a) Type (a)

Provided it is considered that the meaning of building height is the whole building height
and not merely the counted one for the interface, pursuant to branch item (3-7-1-6).
3-7-3-7 ​In case one of the building sides is built on the silent i.e. property boundary
separating it from the neighbor land, this side is not considered an interface, but together
with the adhesive wall, a fire wall (either if actually or allowed to be built in future) (item
3-3-3), and should have a firefighting equal to half of the required period for the fire wall
as per quality of the building occupancy (branch item 3-3-3-4).
3-7-4 ​Exclusions
3-7-4-1 ​If the interface entirely lies in the ground floor only, while it is overlooking
a street or street edge, provided that the separating distance between this interface and
street axes should not be less than 9m, then it is allowed for the ratio of unprotected
openings in the interface to be 100%, regardless what is stipulated in branch item (3-7-1-
2), with a condition that the height of ground floor does not exceed 5m.
3-7-4-2 ​An increase to double of what is situated in branch item (3-7-1-2) is
allowed for ratio of unprotected openings in the interface, if the building is entirely
provided with an automatic water sprinkler system, or if all openings in the interface are
closed with reinforced glass, with a condition that this glass is characterized by the
following:
a- The glass thickness should not be less than 6mm.
b- The reinforcement net intervals should not exceed 25x25mm and buried inside
glass sheets during manufacture.
c- The reinforced glass should be located in fixed steel frames.
d- The area of glass inserted in frames should not exceed 8m2 and are divided into
units separated with steel lines from each other, provided one unit does not exceed
0.80m2 and no more than 1.35m for any of its dimensions.
3-7-4-3 ​If there is an incombustible separator facing any opening in the interface
(e.g. balcony separator), provided this separator is free of any openings and has the
required firefighting for the external walls, then the protected part of the opening in this
separator is to be cancelled when counting the interface unprotected openings area.
4-4-7-3 ​
a- Being incombustible condition for external walls may be disregarded, in respect of
small residential buildings, e.g. chalets, with a condition that the building height
should not exceed 3 floors and provided that the distance between interface and
external relevant boundary does not exceed 3m and the firefighting required for the
wall is realized.
b- Being incombustible condition for external cladding may be disregarded, provided
the building height is not more than 15m and that the distance between the
interface and the relevant boundary is not less than 3m, with a condition that these
external cladding are characterized with the requirements stated in branch item (3-
7-3-6).
3-7-4-5 ​As for any building that belongs to group of occupancies (f-3),
incombustible condition and firefighting requirements stipulated in item (3-7-3-1) may be
disregarded, with the following conditions:
a- The building should be just one floor.
b- The external wall should not be a bearing one.
c- The distance between external wall and relevant boundary is not less than 3m.
3-7-4-6 ​In case the ground floor is – or containing – a garage or parking of no more
than 400m2, all sides of garage are allowed to be opened, disregarding requirements
stipulated in branch item (3-7-1-2) with the following conditions:
a- The garage should be separated from the rest of the building with vertical and/or
 horizontal fire walls which are characterized with the required firefighting as per
table (2-b) attached to branch item (2-3-2-5).
b- With regard to any garage edge that lies on the street, branch item (3-7-4-1).
c- With regard to any garage edge that does not lie on the street, the distance between
the garage edge and the relevant boundary is not less than 3m.
3-7-4-7: ​In case the external wall is free of openings while it has not the required
firefighting and its firefighting is not less than half an hour, it is dealt as if ratio of its
unprotected openings is 75%. But if its firefighting is less than half an hour, it has to be
dealt as if ratio of its openings is 100%.
3-7-5-1 ​A separating distance of no less than 90cm should be available between any
two openings in the external wall that one of them lies on the other, in case they are in
two different fire spaces. This distance should be either part of the external wall that has a
firefighting not less than what is required in branch item (3-7-3-1) (as the mentioned one
in dimension (q) in shape No. (8-3), or a horizontal salient umbrella which has a
firefighting not less than half an hour as per the mentioned one in dimension (p) in form
(3-9).
3-7-5-2 ​If there are two openings in a two facing interfaces at a vertical fire
separator, provided these openings approximately lie at the same horizontal level, the
horizontal distance among them should not be less than:
90cm ​ ​if the angle between the two interfaces is more than 135°
120cm ​if the angle between the two interfaces ranging from 90 and 135°
(See Shape No. 3-10)

3-7-6 ​Protection from Exposing Risk from Less height Building:

3-7-6-1 ​All regulations stipulated in this item are about protection from exposing
risk resulting from height difference and do not dispense from applying all requirements
stated in the preceded items of this chapter.
3-7-6-2 ​Regulations shown in this item are enforceable for the following cases:
a- Compact parts of one building which are with different heights.
b- Compact buildings with different heights.
c- Buildings of different heights that are separated from each other, if the horizontal
distance between two buildings is less than what is stated in table (3-h).
3-7-6-3 ​The low ceiling should be incombustible. However, it is prohibited to
practice any activity that may lead to fire, or to store any combustible materials on the top
roof of the low building.
3-7-6-4 ​In case the top ceiling of the building - or of the low part of the building –
has a firefighting that is not less than one hour while it is free of openings or attached
with protected openings through automatic closing means with firefighting of no less than
one hour, or if its firefighting is not less than half an hour, while the building is low and
attached with an automatic water sprinklers system with a condition that the top ceiling is
free of opening or its openings are protected with automatic closing means with a
firefighting of no less than half an hour, in this case, it is considered that there is no
exposing risk as a result of height variation.
3-7-6-5 ​
a- If there is a horizontal distance among two buildings of different heights, not less
than what is stated in table No. (3-h), it is considered that there is no exposing risk
as a result of height variation.
Table (3-h)
Least horizontal distance among two buildings of different heights for no exposing
risk consideration as a result of height difference
No. of Floors that are potentially participate Horizontal distance (in meter)
in flame spread
1 7.5
2 10
3 12
4 or more 14
b- Floors that may take place in flame spread is the top floor of the low building in
addition to any following number of floors (to the bottom), if there is no fire
separation ceiling among them of a firefighting not less than:
o One hour: for buildings that are included in group of occupancies (a), (b),
(c), (d), (f-3).
o Two hours: for buildings that are included in group of occupancies (e), (f-1),
(f-2).
3-7-6-6 ​Distances stipulated in table (3-h) is merely specified for protection of
exposing risk resulting from height variance. Their availability does mean to apply
requirements of item (3-7-1).
3-7-6-7 ​If the horizontal distance among two buildings of different heights, is less
than the least one mentioned in table (3-h) while the low ceiling does not comply with
what is mentioned in branch items (3-7-6-3) and (3-7-6-4), the following have items have
to be fulfilled:
a- horizontal distance increase between the two buildings (if possible) provided it is
not less than the set distance in table (3-h), or
b- providing protection means for all higher openings available at the building
interface, which are facing the low building, effective the top ceiling leveling of
the law building upwards to a height not less than the set horizontal distance in
table (3-h), with no allowance for any tabs, ornaments, or cladding that are
incombustible along this height.
3-7-6-8 ​Possible Protection Means mentioned in item (b) of the previous branch
item are:
a- closing the opening with a material that has a firefighting not less than ¾ hour, or
 b- close it with reinforced glass which is placed in a steel frame in the way shown in
branch item (3-7-4-2), or
c- Providing it with an automatic closing means:
1. reinforced glass installed in a frame of steel, or
2. normal glass installed in a frame of steel, with an automatic water
curtain, or
3. any other automatic closing means which has a firefighting not less than
¾ hour.

Chapter 8
3-8 Detectors and Fire Alarm Systems
3-8-1 ​General
3-8-1-1 ​It is a must to provide fire detectors, alarms and connections in all
necessary cases as per requirements at unit five and six of this section of the code, or
when asked by the competent authority for the purpose of fire status report and notifying
the building occupancies to take the necessary procedures for people’s protection.
3-8-1-2 ​When providing fire detectors and alarms as per this section of the code,
they should be designed, installed, tested and maintained as per terms of mentioned in
Unit 1 of this section of the code.
3-8-1-3 ​All components of fire system (detectors, alarm, control panel, main
monitor, typical notices, communication means, and transfer of signals) should be
accredited to be used in their right purposes to ensure integrity with each other for
providing their due functions.
3-8-1-4 ​Systems should be provided with means, special circus to monitor all
components and giving warning sound and light signals when any defect happens in
equipment or circus they are serving.
3-8-1-5 ​A program for testing and periodical maintenance for systems, as per
requirements of Chapter 1 of Part 3 of this code, is to be provided
3-8-1-6 ​Alarm system consists of three parts as follows:
a. Signal initiating devices, which start signal in case of manual or automatic
operation.
b. Signal control devices, which are the control panels that receives signal
generated from signal initiating devices and move it signal indicating
devices.
c. Signal indicating devices which make the special alarm signal.
3-8-2 ​Types of Alarm Systems:
3-8-2-1 ​Types of alarm systems are divided into many types according to some
ways:
a. Way of signal initiation which happens in the following methods:
 1. Manual signal initiation.
2. Signal initiation by automatic fire detection.
3. Signal initiation by automatic fire detection resulting from operation of
extinguishing systems.
b. Way of signal issuance which is divided into many ways, some of them are as
follows:
1. Systems of one stage: which alert occupants of the building in general.
2. Systems of two stages: which alert certain people who are responsible for
evacuating occupants of the building, by issuing a (designated) encrypted signal
to alert with fire warning all over the whole building, known for the responsible
persons supervising evacuation. This happens in the first stage of system
operation, then followed by a sustainable fire alarm all over the whole building
in order to warn the rest of building occupants.
3-8-2-2 ​The alarm system of two stages is obliged in the following cases:
a. If it has been noticed that the one stage system may lead to panic – owing to
type of occupants.
b. In case nature of the building occupation does not request training occupants
to respond to fire alarm.
c. In general, in all cases evacuation is better under the supervision of certain
responsible persons who are capable (in number and efficiency) to control.
3-8-2-3 ​The alarm system may confine to warning the responsible individuals
excluding the rest of the building occupants (through an encrypted signal). It is better for
the nature of building occupants, if approved by the competent authority.
3-8-3 ​Location of installing control equipment
3-8-3-1 ​All equipment and appliances in respect of control of fire alarm system, are
bound to be installed in a place called fire control center, provided it is appropriate and
easy to be reached and used by the responsible people and extinguishing team of the
national extinguishing department.

Chapter 9
3-9 ​Automatic Sprinklers and other Extinguishing Systems
3-9-1 ​General
3-9-1-1 ​When it is asked in this code to provide automatic extinguishing systems, it
includes either automatic water sprinklers or other automatic systems as per what is set
for every case in this code.
3-9-1-2 ​In case protection is provided by automatic extinguish system, other
requirements stated in this code may be reduced. This code states such reductions in
accordance with the appropriate case.
3-9-2 ​Automatic Sprinklers
3-9-2-1 ​Whenever is asked by this code to provide extinguishing systems with
automatic water sprinklers, inspection, design, installation, checking, operation test and
maintenance for such systems have to be in compliance with requirements and terms
stated in the specified chapter in part 3 of this code.
3-9-2-2 ​In areas protected by automatic sprinklers, if it required to install automatic
heat detectors to start signal initiation, it may be cancelled provided the automatic
sprinklers system is attached with a means to start signal initiation by water movement
(this is not enforceable when the type of the required detectors are smoke ones).
3-9-3 ​Other Traditional Extinguishing Systems
When it is requested by this code to provide other automatic systems other than the
automatic water sprinkler one, it is a must to be tested in design, installation, operation
and maintenance in accordance with requirements and terms stated in specialized
chapters in part three of this code.
3-9-4 ​Monitoring Systems for Automatic Sprinklers
3-9-4-1 ​Whenever it is requested in this code to provide monitoring system for
automatic extinguishing one, while the latter is the automatic sprinklers, it is obliged for
this monitoring system to be for all items that may affect efficiency in sprinklers
operation, provided it gives a warning of designated sound at the control panel when
anything reduces the efficiency may happen. Some of the items for which monitoring is
bound to be provided are as follows:
a. Main control valve of water feeding line for sprinklers: It is monitored provided a
warning is issued at closing for any reason.
b. Water leveling at the sprinklers tanks: Water leveling is monitored in case tanks are
used for other purposes than feeding sprinklers net. Provided a warning is issued
when a leveling reduces less than what is allowed to feed sprinklers with the
sufficient requested water amount.
c. Fire pumps: They are monitored in order to issue a warning when power cut, when
operation starts and when responding to automatic operation from the pressing
buttons or from their special control panels.
3-9-4-2 ​Monitoring systems for other automatic extinguishing systems, other than
automatic water sprinklers are subject to requirements and conditions stated in their
special chapters in part 3 of this code.
3-9-5 ​Manual Extinguishing Systems and Equipment
3-9-5-1 ​Whenever it is requested in this code to provide manual extinguishing
systems, either portable or moveable on wheels, it is a must to examine types of
surrounding spaces and location of systems as per requirements stated in the specified
chapter of part 3 in this code.
3-9-5-2 ​Whenever it is requested in this code to provide extinguishing systems
through fire net and boxes outside the building, or by internal fire extensions and boxes,
design, execution, operation text and maintenance are to be in compliance with
requirements and conditions stipulated in the specific chapter of part 3 in this code.
 Chapter 10
3-10 ​Consistence with Operations of Firefighters
3-10-1 ​General
3-10-1-1 ​The designer has to consider potential entry for national firefighters and
has to prevent any hindrances to the way.
3-10-1-2 ​He also has to consult the national firefighters with regard to the effect of
extinguishing operations, whenever necessary, on design.
3-10-2 ​Access Routes
3-10-2-1 ​For entrances of buildings that do not directly lie at the street, the
following are to be considered:
a- Providing the appropriate access routes and fire extinguishers, providing they can
load fire trucks and equipment. Also, provided its wideness and design allow
movement of the said trucks and their necessary maneuvers. The designer has to
consult the national firefighters in this regard.
b- If entering the building needs to pass a private way or bridge related to the
building or to a group of joint buildings, among which is this specific building, the
way or bridge has to be designed provided it loads the heaviest truck or equipment
to be used by national firefighters.
c- It is essential to take into account the unavailability of any natural or industrial
hindrances that may prevent fire trucks and equipment from reaching the building
to the limit that makes them control any internal fire.
3-10-2-2 ​It is essential also to take into account the unavailability of any obstacles,
covers, or huge banners that make any internal fire at the building uncontrolled, or lead to
accumulating smoke resulting of fire among then and the building for they hinder the
national firefighting.
3-10-3 ​Capability of Direct Approach to Floors of the Building above or under
Ground Floor:
3-10-3-1: ​Above Ground Floor
a- In attrition to any conditions in this respect that may be stipulated in the fifth
chapter (High Buildings), any floor above the ground one, has to include at least
one window through which the building may be broken into. Also, one interface at
least should be located at a street or yard, provided the number of windows does
not be less than one for every distance of 16 meters measured horizontally at the
interface.
b- The window mentioned in item (a) should not be less than 85cm wide, 110cm high
and 100cm seat high from the floor level. It should be internally and externally
easy opened. It should not be covered with a material that is hard to be broken, i.e.
reinforced glass. In case it is covered with any material, it is a must to be easy
broken, i.e. a wooden or unreinforced normal glass leaf. No obstacles are to be
 located in front or behind them that may prevent easy use.
3-10-3-2 ​Under Ground Floor
a- A direct approach capability should be available, from one street at least to any
basement - any horizontal distance of which is more than 23 m - through an
opening of no less than 110cm high, 85 wide and 100cm seat high from the
basement internal floor. In case its seat is more than 100cm from the basement
internal floor, a stair leading from this opening to the basement internal floor is to
be available.
b- This opening may be attached with a door or window, provided it is internal and
external easy opening or breaking.
3-10-3-3 ​In addition to the required exits, pursuant to fourth door, it is entitled for
the competent authority to provide conditions for additional breaking out entrances. They
have to be in appropriate proportions that allow passing of firefighters. However, they
should not be characterized with exits conditions stated in fourth chapter.
3-10-3-4 ​Benchmarks should be placed at entrance openings dedicated for rescuer
and firefighters, clarifying their use for this purpose. This should be located inside and
outside the entrance.
3-10-4 ​Water Supply:
3-10-4-1 ​A sufficient water supply for firefighting operations should be provided.
3-10-4-2 ​In small buildings – in case approved by the competent authority – the
water supply for firefighting operations may be the nearest general water tap. This source
should not be more than 60m far from the building entrance.
3-10-4-3 ​Excluding the case mentioned in the preceded branch item (3-10-4-2), an
appropriate water source for firefighting should be available, approved by the competent
authority. According to what is decided by the competent authority in light of size and
nature of activity of the building, one or more of the following is to be provided:
a- One or more fire tap near to or around the building.
b- Fire taps inside the building attached with vertical extensions, either dry or wet.
c- Firefighting hose reels connected with wet vertical extensions.
3-10-4-4 ​ n adequate firefighting water supply for the mentioned sources in branch
A
item (3-10-4-3) is to be provided. It should be approved from the competent authority.
The general water net may be the source of this supply. It may be also as follows,
provided obligations stated in branch item (3-10-5-7) are provided:
a- Automatic fire pumps attached with general net or ground tanks, should be
connected with the reserve source of electric current, or a reserve pump operating
by liquid fuel is provided, or
b- Top tanks, or
c- Any other means approved by the competent authority, including a system that
includes more than one means.
3-10-4-5: ​When studying water supply, the following are to be taken into account:
a- Building size and nature of its activity.
b- Number of fire branches and duration that are potentially to be used and necessary
water pressure for fighting.
c- Requirements for the automatic firefighting system with water sprinklers, if any.
d- Stipulations of the Egyptian Code in respect of health installation inside the
building.
3-10-5 ​Wet and Dry Vertical Extensions
3-10-5-1 ​
a- One vertical extension at least, has to be installed in any building that any of its
floors is more than 16m.
b- Number and location of vertical extensions should be in compliance with what is
stipulated in branch item (3-10-5-8).
3-10-5-2 ​If the height of any floor in a building is more than 28m, or if it is one of
the high buildings that are subject to requirements of fifth chapter, the vertical extensions
have to be wet.
3-10-5-3 ​The dry and wet vertical extensions have to be attached with an entry for
pumping water to them from fire trucks, which is about a male adapter of the type and
diameter used in regular fire trucks and a non-return valve. The entrance may shape a
collecting head of two entries, each one is a male adapter of the type and diameter used in
regular fire trucks, while a non-return valve is provided.
3-10-5-4 ​The competent authority may impose any additional requirements in this
regard, that may see necessary in light of the building location, circumstances, nature of
its contents or its current operations.
3-10-5-5 ​
a- The extension socket location should be considered to be fed by the fire truck. The
following are required:

1- The view should be clear from the potential fire truck parking to the
extension socket.
2- Distance between potential location for fire truck pump and extension socket
is no more than 18m.
3- The socket should be as near as possible from the vertical socket extension.
It is preferred to be located at the extension itself, if possible.

b- The socket of the extension should be suitable for the type of fire hoses used by
national fire fighters.
c- The socket should be installed at the external wall or fence of the building with an
 appropriate height. It should be protected from damage exposure, something
hits or falls onto. It should be obvious and distinctive.
3-10-5-6 ​A vertical extension with one fire tap at least should be provided at every
floor. The following should be considered when locating fire taps:
1- The location of the fire tap should be inside an airy lobby or corridor, if available;
or
2- Inside escalator’s shaft; or
3- Any other location approved by the competent authority.
3-10-5-7 ​ s for wet extensions, water pressure at any exit of the extension, when
A
operating the potential number of fire extensions – pursuant to nature and size of the
building – should not be less than 4kg/cm2.
3-10-5-8 ​Number and location of vertical extensions should be characterized with
the following:
1- The horizontal distance between any extension and another one should not be
more than 50m.
2- Distance of any part of a floor area should not be more than 36m from the fire tap.
Distance is to be measured along the way to the lines of fire hoses, including any
top or bottom escalator distance.
3-10-5-9 ​Beside every fire tap, a hose of 30m long with nozzle should be
provided in a distinctive box with a breakable glass interface. It may have the shape of
reel of any other shape approved by the competent authority.
3-10-5-10 ​The diameter of fire taps and hoses should be 63mm and made of a
type that complies with national firefighting gadgets.
3-10-5-11 ​In case of availability for a wet extension (one or more), a spare tank
for fire water is to be provided. The amount of reserved water necessary for feeding
wet extensions is measured according to the following:
a- In case the building is provided with one wet extension:
Reserved water amount should not be less than 60 m2 and may be reduced to no
less than 30m2 with the approval of the competent authority.
b- In case the building is provided with more than one wet extension:
The reserved water amount should not be less than 60m2 for the first extension,
and 30m2 for every other extension. The amount for the first extension may be
reduced by the approval of the competent authority, no less than 30m2.
3-10-6: ​External Fire Taps:
3-10-6-1: ​In case of providing fire taps at a certain site, they have to be installed at
sources of a sustainable water supply. The diameter of the feeding pipe should be
appropriate for the number of taps and should not be less than 100 mm.
3-10-6-2 ​The external fire taps should not be more than 25m away from the
building.
3-10-6-3 ​The external fire taps may be horizontal or vertical, pursuant to what is
appropriate and determined by the competent authority.
3-10-6-4 ​The net for feeding external fire taps surrounded by the building may be
circular (i.e. joint to each other and endless), or a horseshoe shape (i.e. having two
separate ends). If it is possible, the circular net is preferable.
3-10-6-5 ​Fie tap locations have to be chosen provided they do not make any
obstacles for exits or for national fire trucks and equipment, and also to avoid damage as
a result from normal access movement.
3-10-6-6 ​
a- In case of making an internal net for external fire taps for a site that contains
multiple buildings for one owner, the net should be circular, unless it is impossible.
b- Making an internal net for external fire taps for a site that contains multiple
buildings for one owner, is mandatory if decided by the competent authority.
3-10-6-7 ​Requirements for External Fire Taps Net:
a- Distance between fire taps at the external net should not be more than 100m.
b- Distance between any opening at the external perimeter for any one of the
buildings served by such net (if belongs to group “f”) and fire tap, or between
building entrance (if belongs to any other group) and fire tap, should not be more
than 60m, measured along the appropriate way for the fire pipes, from fire tap to
building entrance or to any point on land level at the opening location.
c- Water pressure should not be less than 4kg/1cm2 at any fire tap of the net.
d- If the site is characterized with a certain risk, the competent authority may impose
additional requirements.
e- The availability of external fire taps net does not exempt any exiting building on
site from requirements stipulated in item 3-10-5), if applicable.
3-10-6-8 ​The external fire taps should be of 63mm diameter and made from an
appropriate substance with national fire gadgets.
3-10-7 ​Hose Reels for Preliminary Fighting:
3-10-7-1 ​The hose reels for the preliminary fighting should be from 19mm to
38mm diameter, installed on a pulley, attached with a nozzle and in compliance with
what is stipulated in this regard in the third section of this Code.
Hose reels for preliminary fighting are installed in buildings, the occupants of which are
capable of handling the preliminary fighting until approached by national forces. This is
as per estimation by the competent authority.
Reels are distributed, provided they cover the entire area of the floor, according to the
actual path for a hose of 30m long and expel distance of 6m.
3-10-7-2 ​Hose reels do not cancel the necessity of the availability of the internal
fire taps requested in branch item (3-10-5-6), unless otherwise approved by the
competent authority.
3-10-7-3 ​Hose reels are to be installed in an obvious location, easy to reach, with no
less than 1.50m high from the floor level, and permanently connected with sustainable
water supply.
3-10-7-4 ​If the hose reels are located inside walls and attached with a cover. It
should not be closed or wrapped in a way that hinders easy hose pulling.
3-10-8 ​Foam Outlets:
3-10-8-1 ​In case the basement at any building contains combustible substances in
an effective amounts, provided immersion with foam is the only significant way for
firefighting, in this case foam outlets represent a suitable method for firefighting.
3-10-8-2 ​Foam outlets must be installed wherever requested by the competent
authority.
3-10-8-3 ​Foam outlets must be installed at the external walls of the basement in the
method that facilitates being reached by firefighters. Requirements are as follows:
1- Visibility from the potential location of fire trucks to the foam outlet should be
clear.
2- Distance between potential location for foam mixer, attached to or loaded on the
fire truck, and foam outlet should not be more than 18m.
3-10-8-4 ​A foam outlet should be away from any opening in the vulnerable area.
3-10-8-5 ​A foam outlet consists of an opening at the external wall of the basement,
in which a cast, steel, copper or bronze pod is installed with a cover easy to immediately
open when necessary. The internal diameter of the pod should not be less than 25cm.
3-10-8-6 ​If the level of basement ceiling is lower than the street ground level,
provided it is impossible to install foam outlet in the external wall of the basement, it
should be installed as follows:
a- Either in basement ceiling, provided the cover of the outlet is at the finished
ground level of the floor above the basement, in a location near to the building
entrance and easy to be reached by firefighters; or
b- At the external wall of the floor above the basement, provided the outlet is
connected with a pipe with an opening in the basement ceiling so that the end of
the pipe might be at the bottom surface for the basement ceiling.
3-10-8-7 ​ metal notice is to be installed beside foam outlet on which it is written
A
the following:
“Foam Outlet”
3-10-9 ​Emergency Lighting
3-10-9-1 ​Emergency lighting has to be provided as requested at the fourth, fifth and
sixth chapter.
3-10-9-2 ​Emergency lighting has to be designed so that it might provide the
requested standard of lighting for periods stipulated in branch item (4-3-8-2) in case of
common blackout.
3-10-9-3 ​Unless there is another text, the requested standard of lighting is 10 lux (1
foot-candle) at floor level.
3-10-9-4 ​For emergency lighting, requirements stated in item (4-3-8) have to be
provided.
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