PART 1 GENERAL AND COMMON ASPECTS

SECTION 15 ELECTRICAL ASPECTS OF BUILDING SERVICES

FOREWORD

No building can be treated as complete and ready to occupy without the infrastructure of
services. Out of total capital expenditure of building, share of services may go up to 40 percent,
from which its value and importance can be envisaged. Under Part 8 of National Building Code
(NBC) following services have been enlisted under sections:

Section 1 Lighting and natural ventilation,

Section 2 Electrical and allied installation
Section 3 Air-conditioning and heating, and mechanical ventilation
Section 4 Acoustics, sound insulation and noise control
Section 5 A Lifts
5B Escalators and moving walks
Section 6 Information and communication enabled installations

There are some services, which have not appeared clearly in above list but can form part of
Section 6 of Part 8 of NBC. These systems are basically considered as extra low voltage
systems. These are:
a) Audio video / sound systems,
b) Telephone systems,
c) Computer / data networking,
c) Security systems – CCTV, access control systems,
d) Building management systems (BMS),

Apart from these, following services are related to life safety:

e) Fire-fighting, and
f) Fire alarm.

1 SCOPE
This Indian Standard (Part 1/Sec 15) of the code covers electrical aspects (including
electronics) required to be considered in respect of installation / construction, working /
operation of building services.
NOTE — Each of these services may require statutory approval, details of which are covered in the respective
sections

2 REFERENCES
The standards listed in Annex A contain provisions, which through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were
valid. All standards are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this standard are
encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards.
3 ORIENTATION OF BUILDING
Next to geographical region, the factor influencing need and scope of building services is
orientation of building. Orientation of building help utilize natural resources to provide
physically and psychologically comfortable living inside the buildings by creating conditions
which suitably and successfully ward off the undesirable effects of severe weather to a
considerable extent by judicious use of the recommendations and knowledge of climatic
factors.

IS 7662 (Part 1) gives recommendations on orientation of buildings.

4 LIGHTING AND NATURAL VENTILLATION

From the point of view of lighting and ventilation, the following climatic factors influence
orientation of the buildings and desired fenestration to optimize use of natural resources:
a) Solar radiation and temperature,
b) Relative humidity, and
c) Prevailing winds.

4.1 Lighting - Natural

During the daytime, use of natural light to the possible extent shall form one of the principles
of Good Lighting. It is nature’s call and conserving energy is today’s need to save and protect
environment. Good visibility and other parameters are easily met with natural light source.

4.2 Lighting – Artificial

4.2.1 When the daylight starts diminishing or there are limitations to use daylight, artificial
lighting becomes inevitable. Illumination Engineering is a specialized branch which gives
inputs for good lighting design. For detailed aspects of illumination SP 72 and IS 3646 (Part 1)
shall be referred. Important aspects of lighting are:

a) Lux Level — A functional requirement from the point of view of visibility.

(Lux=Lumen/m2). Depending on application; uniform, task oriented, average and
allowable maximum and minimum lux levels are taken in to consideration while
designing.
b) CRI — Colour Rendering Index, is a parameter used to measure ability of light
source to reveal natural colour of object it is measured in percentage. 100 indicates
accurate, 90 indicate good colour rendering.
c) CCT — Correlated colour temperature measured in Kelvin helps indicate colour
appearance, for example, cool white 5 000 K, yellowish warm-light 3000K which
are selected to create required ambiance.
d) Glare — It is measured as Glare Index which relates to the discomfort / difficulty of
seeing.
4.2.2 Following applications decide design parameters and selection of light source:

a) Indoor — Functional requirement:

1) Dwellings,
2) Commercial,
3) Industrial,
4) Educational,
5) Auditoriums / theaters, and
6) Exhibition centers, art galleries, museums.
7) Sports
b) Indoor — Aesthetic:
1) Mood,
2) Ambiance, or
3) Spot
c) Outdoor — Functional requirement
1) Streets / paths, or
2) Garden.
d) Outdoor / external — Aesthetic
1) Façade, or
2) Ceremonial.

4.3 Electrical Aspects of Lighting

4.3.1 Wiring Installation

Illumination design of required artificial lighting, which considers various factors mentioned
under 4.2 above decides selection of type, wattage and required number of light fittings. The
layouts are prepared locating positions of lighting fixtures not conflicting with the sweep of
fan blades. It is one of the basic requirements for design of wiring installation.

4.3.2 Safety
Light sources dissipating heat shall be carefully wires, located and installed so that they shall
not cause hazard during their service life.

4.3.3 Emergency Lighting

Important areas where visibility during emergency is necessary and mandatory, lighting fixture
shall be suitable to sustain under such situation and shall be provided with standby source of
electric supply.

4.3.4 Energy Conservation

a) Lighting fixtures shall be selected which have good efficacy (Lumen/watt). LED
lights are giving improved efficacy day by day.
b) Circuits shall be so designed that portion of lighting where daylight is available can
be switched off.
c) Occupancy sensors help automatic switching off lights when the particular portion
is not occupied / used by persons.
 d) Under green building concept lighting power density is one of parameter in deciding
rating.

4.4 Ventilation
4.4.1 Ventilation of buildings is required to supply fresh air for respiration of occupants, to
dilute inside air to prevent vitiation by body odours and to remove any products of combustion
or other contaminants in air and to provide such thermal environments as will assist the
maintenance of heat balance of the body in order to prevent discomfort and injury to health of
the occupants.
4.4.2 The following govern design considerations:
a) Supply of fresh air for respiration,
b) Removal of combustion products or other contaminants and to prevent vitiation by
body odours,
c) Recommended schedule of values of air changes for various occupancies, and
d) The limits of comfort and heat tolerance of the occupants.

4.5 Methods of Ventilation

General ventilation involves providing a building with relatively large quantities of outside air
in order to improve general environment of building. This may be achieved in one of the
following ways:
a) Natural supply and natural exhaust of air,
b) Natural supply and mechanical exhaust of air,
c) Mechanical supply and natural exhaust of air, and
d) Mechanical supply and mechanical exhaust of air.

4.5.1 Ventilation – Natural / Artificial

Adequate fenestration with due consideration to wind directions help avail natural resource of
ventilation. Design considering natural air circulation cross ventilation, convection currents
saves electrical energy cost. Renewable natural resources shall hence be explored to optimum
level to conserve energy and protect environment.

For human comfort artificial ventilation is needed which is provided with various types of fans.

4.5.2 Ventilation – Mechanical

Ventilation is integrated in Airconditioning system where concern is human comfort. However,

forced / mechanical ventilation is needed in specific areas and purposes. It is important where
dust free environment, positive pressure, smoke evacuation is needed. Reference should be
made to IS 3103 and IS 3362 which cover methods of mechanical ventilation.

4.6 Electrical Aspects of Mechanical Ventilation

4.6.1 As per the design equipment requiring electrical supply shall be provided with electrical
installation of required specifications and guidelines given under Section 9 of Part 1.

4.6.2 When mechanical ventilation system relates with human life safety, in emergency,
electrical supply integrity must be ensured for its operation till certain predetermined time. The
electrical installation and material shall be of such grade, specifications and quality.

4.6.3 In case of ducting provision of dampers shall there to restrict spread of fire.

5 ELECTRICAL AND ALLIED INSTALLATION

5.1 General

Electrical Installation is a prime utility service to become any building functional. Many other
building services also depend on electrical supply for its operation. It has some architectural
and civil work requirements. Reference is made to all other sections from different parts of this
code and especially Section 9 of Part 1, where various aspects have been elaborated in detail.

5.2 Design

Design shall be based on basic principles of:

a) Safety,
b) Quality, or
c) Integrity and continuity.

Safety is of prime importance and statutory requirement. Supply quality and continuity are also
basic needs of building service. Prolonged failure of electrical supply may bring life to
standstill especially in high-rise buildings. Standby supply source of required capacity, shall
therefore be designed, installed and maintained. Depending on capacity and time duration it
may be battery based or a Generating set.

5.3 Risk of Fire

Electrical supply and installation, apart from its need and use, carries high risk of fire
endangering safety of life and property. Stringent norms are required to be followed. Improper
installation, use, handling, operation and maintenance may lead to serious hazards. Reference
is made to Section 10 to 13 and Section 22 from Part 1 of this code.

5.4 Supply Integrity

Supply integrity under emergency conditions and evacuation operation is most important
requirement. Electrical installation supplying critical load, shall be of such material, which will
withstand under fire conditions till desired time of 2 or more hours anticipated for evacuation
operation. It shall also be backed up with required capacity of standby supply arrangement.

6 AIR-CONDITIONING AND HEATING

6.1 General
Air conditioning is process of treating air to:
a) Cool / heat to regulate temperature;
b) Humidify / dehumidify to regulate moisture;
c) Filter to reduce contaminants;
d) Ventilate to regulate fresh air requirement, air quality and odour; and
e) Circulate to regulate air motion-no drafts, no suffocation.

Its application can be divided in to two categories, comfort air-conditioning and process air-
conditioning. Comfort air-conditioning relates to human comfort. Process air conditioning is
to provide above controlled parameters of air suitable for a process, for example, preservation
of food items, controlled temperature may be 40C or -200C, for operation theatres cleanliness
of air shall be of prime importance, textile mill needs higher humidity.

NOTE — Under ‘air-conditioning’, heating and ventilation form a part of the system and are referred as Heating, Ventilation, and Air-
Conditioning (HVAC).

6.2 Design

6.2.1 For the design of the system studying existing situation and set target of desired level of
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for required application, in possible climatic condition all around the
year is of prime importance. IAQ if not monitored and maintained properly, may lead to
discomfort, sickness loss of efficiency or loss of product under process air-conditioning.

6.2.2 In design of the system assessment of following factors is important:

a) Climatological data;
b) Outdoor air quality and properties of air;
c) Psychometry;
d) Orientation, of building;
e) Use, occupancy
f) Heat load / Cooling load; and
g) Air distribution.

6.2.3 Systems

Depending on requirement, worked out on area, use and Tonnage of Refrigeration (TR) system
may be:
a) Unitized, window, split for small areas;
b) Packaged, VRF for medium areas; and
 c) Central; for large areas.

Window, split units are factory assembled and are generally available up to 3TR capacity. Split
types which are more popular due to very low noise levels comprises indoor and outdoor unit
connected with refrigerant piping. It requires additional condensate piping. It shall be noted
that; like window type unit, there is no provision of fresh air intake for split type units.

Packaged / VRF systems are generally available up to 15 / 20 TR or more capacity depending

on manufacturer’s design. These systems require arrangements of refrigerant piping,
condensate piping and ducting.

Central Air conditioning systems are usually used for large areas, TR may extend to required
capacity. System comprises chillers, refrigerant / chilled water and condenser water pumps and
piping, Air Handling Units (AHU), Fan Coil Units (FCU) / Cassette units, cooling tower.
Location of plant room comprising chillers is usually away from area to be airconditioned.
AHUs are closer and FCUs within conditioned space. Cooling tower is installed in open air
preferably near chillers, to restrict length of condenser water piping.

Proper selection and design of system is a job of air conditioning expert where type of use, load
conditions, quality, efficiency, economy in installation and running cost are important factors.

6.3 Electrical Aspects of a.c. Systems and Heating

Two main aspects are:

a) required electrical installation, and

b) electrical consumption.

6.3.1 Electrical Installation

Electrical Installation shall suite the manufacturer’s requirements.

6.3.1.1 Load

On broad basis electrical load per TR varies between 1 to 1.5 kW. Under advanced technologies
it may reduce further. Nature of load mainly being inductive involving in-rush of current, shall
be considered for selecting size of cable and protections.

6.3.1.2 Harmonics

With the increased use of inverters, variable frequency drives harmonic distortion may occur
if adequate filters are not designed and provided. Manufacturer’s specifications shall be
checked for provision of inbuilt filters and necessary additional provision shall be made
checking actual requirements depending on site tests.

6.3.1.3 Window / Split type

Separate circuit with C type MCB with required ampere capacity generally 16/20/25 A or as
per manufacturer’s recommendation, depending on TR rating shall be provided for window /
split type units. Though most of the units are controlled with remote control, and location of
indoor unit sometimes inaccessible, a controlling switch shall be available in accessible
position with a power outlet near indoor unit. Generally wiring between indoor unit and outdoor
unit is done by the service provider / installing agency. However, efficient earthing shall be
ensured at the point of supply outlet.

6.3.1.4 Packaged type

Electrical Supply point with adequate size and type cable, earthing and controlling switchgears
shall be made available as per manufacturer’s requirement. Controlling switchgear shall be
provided near the individual equipment in accessible position. Rated current capacities shall be
adequate. Many times, such locations are in open. Appropriate ingress protection from external
influences shall be provided to guard from adverse climatic effects and an arrangement for ease
and safety to operating / maintaining personnel.

6.3.1.5 Central plant

As per equipment layout of AC system comprising compressors / chillers, chilled water,

condenser water pumps, cooling tower, AHUs, FCUs; electrical supply arrangement shall be
done in consultation with the concerned agency. Cable sizes, types, routes, controlling
switchgears and protections shall be as per the guidelines given under Part 1, Section 9 and
related clauses from Section 10 to 13 of this part of this code.

6.3.1.6 Conduits

Where conduits are used for carrying insulated electrical conductors and when such conduits
pass from a non-air-conditioned area into an air-conditioned area or into a fan chamber of duct,
a junction box shall be installed or other means shall be adopted to break the continuity of such
conduit at the point of entry or just outside, and the conduit should be sealed round the
conductors to prevent air being carried from one area into the other through the conduit and
thereby giving rise not only to leakage and inefficiency but also to the risk of condensation of
moisture inside the conduits.

6.3.2 Heating

In case of air-conditioning plants where re-heating is used, a safety device shall be incorporated
in the installation to cut off automatically the source of heating, by means of some device, as
soon as the temperature reaches a predetermined high level
6.3.3 In case of air-conditioning plants where heating by means of an electric heater designed
to operate in an air current , a safety device shall be incorporated in the installation to cut off
the supply of electricity to the heating device whenever there is failure of the air current in
which the heater is required to operate. Serious harm to the plant and sometimes fires may be
caused by negligence in this respect.

6.3.4 Air-conditioning and ventilating systems circulating air to more than one floor or fire
area shall be provided with dampers designed to close automatically in case of fire and thereby
prevent spread of fire or smoke. Such system shall also be provided with automatic controls to
stop fans in case of fire, unless arranged to remove smoke from a fire, in which case these shall
be designed to remain in operation.

6.3.5 Air-conditioning system serving large places of assembly (over 1 000 persons), large
departmental stores or hotels with over 100 rooms in a single block shall be provided with
effective means for preventing circulation of smoke through the system in the case of a fire in
air filters or from other sources drawn into the system even though there is insufficient heat to
actuate heat sensitive devices controlling fans or dampers. Such means shall consist of suitable
photo-electric or other effective smoke sensitive controls, or may be manually operated control

6.3.6 Electrical Consumption

Air conditioning being major guzzler of electricity involving huge running cost, needs precise
design and selection of equipment. For human comfort, 22 to 240C temperature is considered
as standard as per ASHRAE. However, considering average range of maximum to minimum
temperature in Indian Tropical region setting upper limits will not affect comfort. Considerable
power saving can be achieved with setting the temperature at 10 higher.

6.3.6.1 Small capacity, Room air conditioners

Based on Energy Efficiency, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) issues star rating, from 1 star
to 5 stars. A unit with 5 stars has maximum energy efficiency. It is denoted by EER (Energy
Efficiency Ratio). EER is mentioned as ratio in W/W that is heat removed in watts (3412 BTU
= 1 kW/hr) to power used in watts within that hour. For EER fixed parameters are considered
as base As per recent modification ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is
considered, which is more precise as it considers seasonal power consumption with the
variation in temperatures in different seasons, summer, winter. Room air- conditioners are
available as fixed speed and variable speed with Inverter technology. Efficiency of Inverter
type room air conditioners is very good as input power is precisely controlled as per actual
requirement.

6.3.6.2 Medium capacity

Advanced technology with variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems give very good results in
reducing electricity bills.

6.3.6.3 Large capacity

In major systems having central plant, location of various equipment like compressors/ chillers,
AHUs, allied piping and ducting design, lengths, cross section aspect ratio (perimeter: cross
section ratio) play important role in deciding efficiency of the system. Selection of proper
compressor and drives also contribute power saving.

6.3.6.4 Heat recovery systems

These systems help to conserve energy and reduce heating / cooling demands. Scope shall be
checked from the experts.

6.3.6.5 Thermal storage

Such system utilizes power in off-peak period to create chilled product under low tariff (energy
charges) zone of the day. This thermal storage is utilized in peak demand period reducing
resultant aggregate demand and give good savings.

7 LIFTS, ESCALATORS AND MOVING WALKS SERVICES

7.1 General

With the trend of horizontal and vertical expanse of buildings; lifts, escalators and at places
like air ports where there is huge horizontal spread. Horizontal walks are becoming inherent
part of the building services. These services require architectural planning and civil work
provisions along with electrical work. These points therefore come within the scope of primary
planning.
7.2 Lifts

7.2.1 Design of lifts is done on the basis of anticipated / available / assessed data of human
traffic at peak time, number of floors and vertical travel, round trip time and application. These
factors decide persons carrying capacity of lift, number of lifts (weight considered per person
is 68 kg) and speed. For safety aspects, design requirements, installation, operation,
maintenance and inspection requirements IS 14665 series shall be referred.

7.2.2 Civil Work

Depending on type, construction of lift requires shaft which is RCC construction. As per
designed speed and capacity of number of passengers, it requires pit of required depth (below
lowermost floor level), overhead (vertical clearance from topmost floor level to bottom of
machine room slab), a machine room on top of slab. In case of Machine Room Less (MRL)
lift, there is no need of machine room and in case of Capsule Lift, requirement and
specifications of shaft may vary or can be eliminated. Door openings (width x height), landing
sill shall be as per manufacturer’s requirement. All details shall be taken from manufacturer in
advance at planning stage. Adequate provisions as per norms shall be made in respect of
ventilation, positive pressure.

7.2.3 Fire Lift

Provision of fire lift is mandatory. This lift and related structure shall have rated fire withstand
rating and shall perform and sustain desired operation, function during fire/ emergency.

7.3 Escalators

Need and provision of escalator is seen usually at public places where service to the quantum
of public is to be given. Hence, the installations are seen in cinemas, malls, railway stations,
offices with higher occupancy, etc. Civil work infrastructure needs to be provided as per
manufacturer’s requirements. For safety aspects, design requirements, installation, operation,
maintenance and inspection requirements IS 4591 series shall be referred.

7.4 Moving Walk Ways

Places where walking distance (horizontal) within building is more and time taking, provision
of walkways is done. It is usually seen at airports.

7.5 Manufacturers Responsibilities

7.5.1 Reference is drawn to Lift Act and Rules made there under by respective state
governments and IS 14665 series. Manufacturer shall coordinate with architect, civil
construction agency and electrical contractor to see all structural, electrical requirements are
met and shall construct the lift, escalator, walk-ways complying statutory requirements, and
standards, norms.

7.5.2 Work related to all safeties, control cabling, telephone, alarm, automatic rescue device
and battery backup and electrical cabling after point of supply to machine, lift car, protections
comes in the purview of lift manufacturer. He shall adhere to all norms.

7.5.3 Testing Commissioning, getting inspected and permission from concerned authority to
operate lift is manufacturer’s responsibility. Manufacturer shall handover lift with all
documentation, guarantees / warranties, maintenance schedule to the owner. He shall provide
information in respect of obligations of owner especially in respect of maintenance of lifts.

7.6 Electrical Aspects of Lifts, Elevators, Walks

7.6.1 General

The requirements for main switches and cabling with reference to relevant regulations may be
adhered to. The manufacturer should specify, on a schedule, particulars of full load current,
starting current, maximum permissible voltage drop, size of switches and other details to suit
requirements. For multiple lifts a diversity factor may be used to determine the cable size and
should be stated by the lift manufacturer.

7.6.2 Electrical Wiring and Apparatus

7.6.2.1 All electrical supply lines and apparatus forming part of point of supply to be provided
to manufacturer for his further work in connection with the lift / escalator / moving walks
installation shall be so constructed and shall be so installed, protected, worked and maintained
as per relevant sections of this code.
7.6.2.2 All metal casings or metallic coverings containing or protecting any electric supply
lines of apparatus shall be efficiently earthed. Earthing system shall conform provisions of IS
3043 and CEA measures related to safety and electric supply regulations 2010.

7.6.2.3 All cables and other wiring in connection with the lift installation shall be armoured
(except where flexible cable required for operational purpose) of Fire Survival grade to provide
supply integrity with resistance to fire with mechanical impact and water jet as per category
FWS 120 as per BIS Doc ETD 09 (15371) (under development).

a) Power Supply Mains — The lift sub-circuit from the intake room should be separate
from other building service. Each lift should be capable of being isolated from the mains
supply.
b) For banks of interconnected lifts, a separate sub-circuit is required for the common
supervisory system, in order that any car may be shut down without isolating the
supervisory control of the remainder.
c) Lighting — Machine rooms and all other rooms containing lift equipment should be
provided with adequate illumination and with a switch fixed adjacent to the entrance.
At least one socket outlet and light point, should be provided at each floor level in the
lift shaft including pit.
d) 3 phase power supply cable for machine and 1 phase power supply cable for lighting
shall be routed through lift shaft and first terminated in machine room, (when provision
of machine is there). 1 phase supply cable shall again be re-routed through shaft for
lighting and power supply outlet. No cables, which are not part of lift installation, shall
be run in the lift well. The lift cables shall be run in respective lift wells. Wiring in
machine room shall be run in rigid metallic trunking. The trunking in machine room
floor shall be flush with the finished floor.
e) Residual current devices shall be of appropriate type and sensitivity. It shall:
1) have 10 times the maximum leakage current (300 mA maximum) as tripping
current and be suitable for frequency converters with a 3-phase supply.
2) be sensitive for sinusoidal currents up to 1 000 Hz, insensitive for currents more
than 1000 Hz.
NOTE — These kinds of RCDs are generally classified as ‘Type B’.
3) never be protected with a 30 mA residual current device (RCD). The 30 mA
RCD may trip when the lift starts and stall the operation. If the construction-time
power supply is for some reason protected with a 30 mA residual current device
 (RCD), suitably sized isolation transformer needs to be provided.

8 SOUND SYSTEM / AUDIO VIDEO SYSTEM

8.1 Sound System

Sound system is used for public announcement /address, entertainment, alerts, crowd, visitors,
vehicle management. It is an important tool in emergency situation / disaster management. It
comprises one or more basic components from following:

a) Speaker (indoor / outdoor),

b) Amplifier,
c) Mixer,
d) Microphone,
e) Microphone cables, or
f) Speaker cables.

8.2 Conference System (Audio)

Usually installed in meeting halls. Comprises set of microphones, speakers, controller unit and
optional amplifier for external speakers. Microphones / delegate units are installed on meeting
table. They have individual on / off control which a person using it is supposed to operate.
There is also chairman unit with master control which can disable delegate units speakers may
be integral part or installed separately. Different components of system are interconnected by
copper cables of high purity to minimize drop. Microphones are generally looped. For
convenience and redundancy microphones may be grouped to form number of loops and
connected to controller. For audience, additional separate speakers may be connected through
amplifier.

8.3 Audio-Video or Audio-Visual (AV) System

Installation of audio visual system may be done for entertainment, public announcement, board
meetings, presentations, video conference / web meeting. Basic components used are speakers,
microphones, DVD players, video camera, electronic video screen or video projector and wall
/ screen. Display units may be single or multiple located at different locations. It may have
recording facility.

8.4 Design and Layouts

Design and layouts of system shall be preplanned with the help of experts. Acoustical
requirements if any shall be checked and met with. In case. If the number of the equipment is
large, they shall be mounted on racks of suitable dimensions of metal or wood, in such a manner
that the controls are within easy reach. The patch cords shall be neatly arranged. For outdoor
installations, the line-matching transformers shall be mounted in weather-proof junction boxes.
In large open grounds such as an outdoor stadium, care shall be taken to ensure that the sound
heard from different loudspeakers do not have any noticeable time lag.

NOTE — Many times requirement of system is not envisaged / considered at initial stage. Under circumstances anticipatory provision
for cabling between possible / planned locations of equipment and provision of power outlets shall be made. This helps avoid breakages
especially in case of concealed wiring

8.5 Electrical Aspects

8.5.1 Cabling Material

Special types of copper cables shielded, braided, tinned, flat, twisted, coaxial, recommended
by system designer, suitable for particular task and application with high purity shall be used.

8.5.2 Installation

Cables shall be enclosed in separate and independent conduits / trunking for each system and
shall be installed 200 mm away from power cables / or as specified by system provider.
Crossings shall be done in right angle. Terminations shall be proper and rigid as per
recommended method prescribed by equipment manufacturer. The positioning of equipment
shall be such that the lengths of the interconnecting cables is kept to the minimum to avoid
drops losses in transmission.

8.5.3 Electric Supply

Electric supply shall be provided at amplifier / control equipment rack of audio system, through
power outlet with efficient earth terminal. Supply shall be stable without voltage fluctuations,
UPS / battery based supply may be used considering sensitive electronic equipment. This
battery based supply is also necessary where any interruption is not desirable. Use of SPD may
be made to prevent equipment damage from possible voltage surge. For video system separate
power supply outlets close to display units electronic screen / video projector will be necessary.

8.6 For guidance on selection of equipment of public address system and their installation
and maintenance, reference shall be made to IS 1881 and IS 1882.

9 TELEPHONE SYSTEMS
9.1 General
Intercom system is important private internal communication system forming one of the
building services. It may integrate with external public network.

9.2 Design

Requirements shall be assessed at planning stage, with the exchange of information within
concerned users and architect / consultant. Design and layouts of equipment showing locations
and routes of cabling shall be planned, in advance. It shall form a coordinated activity with
construction and other building services.

9.3 Main Components of the System

Main components of the system are:

a) Telephone instrument,
b) Patch cord,
c) Socket /registered jack (RJ series),
d) MDF /junction boxes of required sizes,
e) Krone modules,
f) EPABX exchange,
g) Power supply, and
h) Telephone cables 2-4 pairs, jelly filled armoured / un-armoured cable 10 to 100 pairs.

9.3.1 EPABX

Electronic private branch exchanges (EPABX) may be connected to the public exchanges
through exchange lines or limited to internal communication. EPABX permit internal
communication between the extensions of a system and external communication, for approved
branch systems. EPABX is specified with number of incoming lines and outgoing lines of
internal communication. For example, 3/8 means exchange having facility to connect three
incoming lines from other private or public network and 8 lines of internal network.

9.3.2 Backbone Cabling

Generally, the inter-floor/inter-building backbone cabling is included in the scope of main

building design. The backbone cabling should accommodate analog voice signal alone or
analog and data signals simultaneously, as the case may be. It is the speed of data transmission
and bandwidth, which matter most in the design of the communication backbone.

9.4 Exchange of Information

9.4.1 The exact requirement of the subscribers shall be assessed before drawing out the
specification of the EPABX system. This means that information on number of subscribers in
the building, distribution of the phones in the floors and other areas, nature of traffic etc. are to
be collected.

9.4.2 The initial and final requirements of the installations should be ascertained as accurately
as possible by prior consultations. Plans shall show:

a) details of the installations proposed;

b) the accommodation and location of the EPABX console, monitor, etc; and
c) the ducts and cable routing required for wiring.
9.5 Design Requirements

9.5.1 The basic architecture and performance requirements of the modern day
communication system is microprocessor-based pulse code modulated (PCM)/ Time Division
Multiplexing (TDM) technology.

9.5.2 The environmental conditions for the EPABX should preferably be controlled so that the
room air temperature is maintained between 10o C and 40o C and relative humidity between 50
percent and 95 percent.

9.5.3 Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is commonly required for commercial
buildings since it is possible to handle simultaneous calls of different types namely voice, data
and images transfer (tele and video conferencing) without any loss of data, at a minimum speed
of 64 kBps, which can be increased further depending on requirement. EPABX system shall
be capable of interfacing with other EPABX system through appropriate protocol.

9.6 Hardware Requirement

9.6.1 Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange

In EPABX system the individual call stations are connected, each by a twisted pair of wires to
the automatic exchange (see Fig. 1). This is also the termination for the exchange lines.

9.6.2 Features

There are various features available with the present day EPABX with introduction of
concerned cards. Features to be incorporated shall be decided depending on functional
requirement. Some of the most common features included are, abbreviated dialing, recorded
announcement system, last number redial, executive override, multi-party conference, call
forwarding, direct inward dialing (DID), automatic alarm make-up call, STD barring, group
hunting, networking facility.
 FIG. 1 EXAMPLE OF THE ARRANGEMENT OF A BASIC EPABX SYSTEM IN LARGE BUILDING

9.6.3 Power Supply

Depending on the size and type of installation, the telephone system requires for its operation
a dc power supply of 24 V or 48 V, which is obtained from the power mains through a rectifier.
The rectifiers, provided with closed-loop control and for small and medium sized systems, are
accommodated in the exchange housing. For large systems rectifiers (controlled) are supplied
in separate cabinets.

9.6.4 Standby Batteries

Standby batteries can be provided as an adjunct to the rectifier. These are necessary for
important installations such as police stations, fire stations, etc., to cover possible main supply
failures.

9.7 Space Requirements

9.7.1 The switching equipment for the telephone systems and small EPABX’s takes up little
room. Apart from the telephones, only relatively small wall-mounted junction boxes or
exchange units are required. The exchanges, furthermore, produce little or no noise, so that
they can be accommodated in an office if desired.
9.7.2 For large systems a separate room should be provided for the exchange equipment, and
similarly for the answering panel. Space should be allowed in planning for additional cabinets
or racks, exchange equipment platforms etc. that may be necessitated by future enlargement of
the systems. The size of the battery room depends upon the type of power supply equipment
used.

9.8 Installation

9.8.1 Wiring Installation

9.8.1.1 For wiring within buildings, wire is mainly installed in embedded PVC conduit, or
wiring cables with conductors of 0.6 mm or 0.8 mm diameter for surface wiring.

9.8.1.2 For cabling it is important to maintain a separation of at least 10 mm between the

communications wiring and power cables.

9.8.1.3 If conductors belonging to different communications systems are run together, for
example, telephone wires and loudspeaker wires, or heavily loaded slave clock circuits, there
is a risk of mutual interference between them. In such cases it is advisable to use screened
cables.

9.8.1.4 In communication cables the cores are twisted together either in pairs or in star quad
formation. For speech transmission to avoid crosstalk either a twisted pair or, in the case of the
star quad a pair of opposite cores should be used.

9.8.2 Ducts, Apertures and Channels

9.8.2.1 In the course of constructing the shell of the building the appropriate channels and ducts
should be formed in the masonry and lead-through apertures provided in walls, ceilings, joists
and pillars. Suitable accommodation should be provided for the distribution boards in large
communications system (for example, recesses, shafts etc.).

9.8.2.2 For riser cables the ducts and ceiling apertures for the riser cables should be sufficiently
large to permit the later addition of cables or PVC conduits without great expense.

9.8.3 Conduits

PVC conduit can be used for the individual sections of conduit networks in residential buildings
for the riser conduit from floor to floor, horizontal branches in the floors up to the distribution
boxes in the apartments, and between the distribution boxes in the apartments and the flush-
type junction boxes.

In addition, at least one extra conduit should be provided from one floor distribution board to
the next.

9.8.4 Wiring in Residential Building

In residential buildings a concealed wiring arrangement is most conveniently and economically

installed in an adequately dimensioned conduit network. It has been found satisfactory to
provide riser conduits or cable ducts and horizontal branch conduits to the apartments, with
distribution boxes at the junctions. With a concealed installation of this kind it is possible at
any time to alter the wiring or add to it without inconvenience to the occupier.

9.8.5 Wiring in Non-residential Buildings

In office buildings, manufacturing plants, department stores etc. particular importance is

attached to flexible arrangement and utilization of the accommodation. To this end the,
communication wiring can be run in underfloor trunking systems or window-sealed trunking
rather than on the walls.

9.8.6 Main Distribution Board

All the lines are collected in the main distribution board. The main distribution board should
be located in the same part of the building in the immediate vicinity of the telephone equipment.
If the telephone equipment extends over several buildings, each building is connected to the
main distribution board by a main cable.

9.8.7 Floor Distribution Board

The floor distribution boards should be accommodated close to the stair well. The rising mains
are run vertically to the floors.

9.8.8 Connection of Telephones

9.8.8.1 At the positions allocated for the telephones the conduit should be terminated in flush-
type boxes. For junction boxes and socket outlets for the connection of telephones, flush-type
boxes (switch boxes) to standards are adequate. A maximum of two telephones can be
connected to a junction box.

9.8.8.2 In most cases the telephone is connected permanently to the subscriber’s line through
a junction box. If it is required to be able to use it in a number of rooms, socket outlets and
plugs should be provided. Units for flush and surface mounting are available for both methods
of connection.

9.8.9 Preventive Measures

Preventive fire precautions (for example, fireproof barriers) should be considered at an early
stage of planning.

9.8.10 Inspection and Testing

The completed installation shall be inspected and simulation testing to be done to ensure that
all the designed functions are available as per the standards and norms of specified by the
manufacturer.

10 COMPUTER NETWORKING

10.1 General

Computer networking is an inherent part of building service in most of the offices, commercial
and industrial establishments. Networking is an independent and specialized subject. Speed of
development, advancement and upgradations in this field are very fast. With the increased
demand of transmission speed, band width; new product is replacing current products every
now and then and making them obsolete. The scope under this section do not cover technology,
but consider infrastructural provisions to be made in planning, and installation, basically
limited to wired networks and its aspects related to building and other building services.

This branch of technology is developing very fast, every now and then, improved versions are
replacing old ones. A note shall be taken that, components mentioned in this section may
become obsolete with the availability of new ones.

10.2 Design and Layout

In networking, different topologies exist which is decided by network designer. Physical

network correlates with actual setup of various components. Locations of these components
and cabling routes is part of planning, especially when cabling is concealed type, underfloor.
Layouts shall be finalized jointly in consultation with network designer. To avoid conflicts
between different service providers it shall be mutually agreed by Architect / MEP consultant
and other service providers. Main components of networking are:

a) Information outlets,
b) Network switch(s),
c) Transceiver,
d) Router(s),
e) Patch panels,
f) LIU with adapter pigtails etc.,
g) Rack,
h) Patch cords, cross cords,
j) Cables – STP/UTP category (Cat6, Cat7),
1) Optical fibre
k) Connectors.
10.3 Installation

10.3.1 Selection of Cables

Selection of cables shall be as per recommendations of system designer. Cat5, Cat5e cables are
becoming obsolete with the advancement in technologies. There is continued improvement in
capacity of cable to support bandwidth and handle data transmission speed. At present Cat6
cables are widely used which can transmit 1 GBps over 100 m length and Cat7 can transmit 10
GBps over 100m length. To be on safer side the length shall not exceed 90m. Unshielded
Twisted Pair (UTP) cables are most widely used however in the locations where
electromagnetic interferences are likely to be predominant or where power cables are in close
vicinity; Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) shall be preferred. To overcome restriction of length,
OFC shall be used. Single mode Fibre optic cables do not have limitation of length. Multimode
OFC can support higher speed but may have limitation of length above 500m.

10.3.2 Method of Laying

Depending on location, and number of cables; conduits, trunking, raceways of adequate cross
section shall be selected. Clearances from other services as recommended by system designer
shall be maintained. Depending on circumstances provision of raised floors may be necessary
in certain areas to facilitate routing of cables. While installing restriction of bending radii of
cables shall be observed.

10.3.3 Structured Cabling

In large setups, data centers, very large number of cables are required to be handled. If cabling
is not planned and installed as per protocols, may lead to mess, create difficulties in
maintaining, augmenting. It will also disturb aesthetics. To resolve this issue, instead of point
to point, preference shall be given to structured cabling. It helps maintain neatness, facilitates
move / shift, add, change in existing network, in a very convenient and easy way. It saves time,
tracing is easier, chances of human error are less.

10.3.4 Terminations

Terminations are done with a connector. This device terminates a segment of cabling or
provides a point of entry for networking devices, such as computers, hubs, and routers.
Connectors can be distinguished according to their physical appearance and mating properties,
such as jacks and plugs (male connectors) or sockets and ports (female connectors). There are
many types of connectors. Most commonly used connectors in cable networking are RJ 45 (RJ-
Registered Jack).

10.4 Testing
Installation shall be tested for desired performance. Network performance test shall be carried
out to quantitatively or qualitatively measure the performance of a computer network. A
network performance test primarily tests the uplink and downlink speed of a network. It defines
how quick and responsive a network is to user / data communication. It is done by uploading
and downloading a data object from the network and measuring both upload and download
speeds, throughput, successful message delivery rate and more.

10.5 Electrical Aspects

10.5.1 Network Cabling

Clearance of 200mm shall be maintained between network cables and electric power cables.
Crossings shall be at right angle.

10.5.2 Electric Supply

LAN equipment is sensitive and vulnerable to voltage fluctuations / surges. SPDs shall be
installed on the circuits providing electrical supply equipment. Distribution of Electric Supply
to all computer networking shall be through UPS with required backup depending on situation.
Electrical distribution and layouts shall be so designed that circuits and routes supplying
computer system equipment will be distinct from other services.

10.5.3 Earthing System

Earthing system is an important aspect of network reliability. It shall be efficient. There shall
not be difference in ground potential between supply sources to different equipment, within
same network. Earthing inefficient to dissipate surge properly to earth, may lead to electrical
noise, faulty data signals, dropped packets, thus decreasing throughput and overall efficiency
of network in data cables in the system. It has been diagnosed that many times cause of damage
to network equipment, such as switches, routers, storage devices, etc., is improper earthing. All
equipment in the rack shall be properly earthed with paint piercing washers, bonding cords /
jumpers and nut-bolts to connect body of equipment to frame of rack and rack to, common
bonding earthing bus. High purity copper backbone bus and other spares used for earthing
system in network will mitigate risk of failures.

11 SURVELLIENCE / SECURITY SYSTEMS

11.1 Foreword

Surveillance and security systems, as the name suggests, are designed to keep an eye and cover
blind spots in building and premises, monitoring authentication and vigil on persons entering
and exiting, etc. These systems primarily consist of security cameras and automated access
control mechanism.
11.2 CCTV

11.2.1 Function

Close Circuit Television (CCTV) has many fold applications. It is important tool of
surveillance and can be linked with security system of building like access control, employees
monitoring, life safety and evacuation under emergency condition, and can be integrated with
BMS for other various aspects. With computer controlled analytics and identification software
it is possible to analyse specific object / identity / action from the video streaming or for
forensic application. Depending on need retention, storage, preservation of recorded data is
possible. The preservation may be set for pre-set time period, and quality from which capacity
of storage device is decided. CCTV system can be wired or wireless. Scope considered under
this section is not going into the details of technology but the factors to be considered in respect
of layouts, installation of CCTV system and coordination with other services including
electrical aspect.

11.2.2 Design and Layout

Design and selection of cameras and equipment comes in purview of system designer /
provider. The locations of cameras, equipment and if necessary, control room, shall be marked
on drawing, in consultation with architect and other service providers so that conflicts will not
occur during installation, functioning will not be disturbed and maintenance in future can be
attended with ease.

11.2.3 Components

Depending on scope / expanse, system may comprise following components for which
location, routes need to be decided and marked on drawings:

a) IP Based CCTV
IP Based Network Camera
CAT6 Cables
PoE Network Switch
Network Video Recorder (NVR) with Surveillance HDD /NAS system/Video Servers
etc.
LED Monitors/Display
Network Rack
RJ 45 Connectors
Optical Fiber Cable (OFC)
Transceiver
LIU with adaptor pigtails etc.

b) Analog CCTV
CCTV Camera
 3+1/ 4+1 CCTV Cables
DVR (Digital Video Recorder with Surveillance HDD
LED Monitors/Display
DVR Rack
BNC Connectors and Power Connectors
Power Supply

11.2.4 Electrical Aspects

11.2.4.1 Cabling

Cabling shall be done by maintaining required clearances from other services and run through
independent enclosers. Conduits of distinct colour coding may be used for identification. In
case of electrical power cables, distance 200mm shall be maintained.

11.2.4.2 Electric supply

Supply for CCTV system shall be provided through independent circuit. All necessary
measures may be considered to maintain supply quality and integrity. Provision of UPS with
adequate backup shall be done as a security measure so that recording doesn’t get interrupted
by malicious act. Electrical supply panels of important nature may be kept under CCTV
surveillance.

11.3 Access Control

11.3.1 Function

Access Control System makes it possible to watch and control entry and exit of person in
building. It can identify, authenticate, record timings of entry and exit and hence presence of
person in the building. Premises requiring security use different types of access control systems
with varied levels of security depending on type of use; residential, commercial, institutional,
or places of high security. The data available may be of use for security, administrative purpose,
crime investigation, etc.

11.3.2 Design and Layout

11.3.2.1 Access point may be decided by building administration / management, security

personnel, depending on size, expanse, level of security. Access control may comprise
biometric, RFID, door controllers with electromagnetic locks and card readers, integrated with
CCTV for identification of person, intrusion detection etc. A wired security system is
connected by low-voltage wires and a wireless security system may employ tiny radio
transmitters which transmits signals to the central control unit. Uninterrupted power supply is
an important requirement for these systems.
11.3.2.2 Emergency considerations
While designing, most important part of access control system is its operation during
emergency, like fire; where fast evacuation is of prime importance. Under the circumstances if
the egress is hindered by locked doors, it is going to be fatal. There are many ways and methods
through which the behavior of Access control system under fire conditions can be designed.
Centralized / individual door access control, power supply to magnetic locks, provision of pull
stations near the doors, location of control panel, power supply, access to these points have
important role in this regard.

11.3.2.3 Integration of fire alarm system

The door access control reader and the electric lock may be wired to the fire alarm in a number
of different ways. A system may be designed to drop power to the electric lock or use an IP
device that drops power using the network connection or add a power control box that drops
power when the fire alarm system detects a fire.

NOTE — Point shall be noted that it is a prime liability of concerned owners / administrators of building and system provider to make
and maintain all necessary provisions in respect of emergency conditions.

11.3.3 Electrical Aspects

The system shall be provided with Uninterrupted Power Supply with backup for assessed or
mandated time period but not less than 2 h. The power circuits shall be independently controlled
with FS grade wires. The wiring used in access control system shall observe all fire related
parameters in respect of selection of material and installation method to maintain supply
integrity for assessed time period of not less than 2 h.

NOTE — It is important to note that occupants shall be trained to handle Access Control system installed at entrance, and exit doors and
shall form a apart of drill.

12 BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

12.1 General

Building Management System (BMS), a computer-based automation to control / monitor

various building services, is a very important tool and general need especially in projects
having expanse of medium to large extent. It is possible to control, operate monitor building
services through a central control station integrating various services as given below:

a) Illumination
b) HVAC
c) Security systems
1) Access control
2) CCTV
3) Alarm
4) Motion detectors
5) PA system
d) Fire alarm
 e) Fire fighting
f) Elevators

12.2 Design

12.2.1 At planning stage architect in consultation with owner / stake holders shall enlist various
services which are going to be incorporated in the building. Further it shall be decided about
adoption of BMS and its scope single or multi-task.

12.2.2 A BMS consists of software and hardware; the software program, usually configured in
a hierarchical manner, can be proprietary or IP based with open standards. Design and
integration of different building services shall consider following aspect which are achievable
through limited human resources, eliminating possibilities of human error.

12.2.2.1 Electric supply and energy consumption

Effective monitoring and targeting of electric supply quality and continuity within internal
distribution. Optimising energy consumption with the use of various types of sensors, PLCs,
actuators, to allow automatic setback override during unoccupied periods as well as adaptive
occupancy scheduling.

12.2.2.2 Illumination
Lighting controls programmed to turn on / off, dim by integrating occupancy / motion sensors,
photo sensors, timers, on time of day / work time scheduling in system, to reduce unnecessary
artificial lighting via motion sensors and as well as by controlling daylight harvesting louvers.

12.2.2.3 HVAC
Climate control by monitoring HVAC system to avoid waste, suit precise requirements Indoor
Air Quality (IAQ), Demand controlled Ventilation for human comfort and health. For example,
controlling mix of fresh air with returned air, by placing sensors in room / duct, monitoring air
dampers, chilled / hot water line valves in Constant Air Volume (CAV) or VFDs in Variable
Air Volume (VAV) system by adjusting CFM.

12.2.2.4 Maintenance
Follow and monitor maintenance schedules for improved equipment / plant reliability, minimal
breakdowns / outages and increased service life.

12.2.2.5 Water management

Save water and energy by monitoring water storage through pumping, rainwater harvesting,
sewage treatment plant (STP), Water treatment plant, etc.

12.2.2.6 Emergency / fire situation

In case of fire, isolating electrical supply other than involving emergency services, automated
operation of fire-fighting system by integrating fire alarm, CCTV system. Automated
operations in HVAC system like closing of dampers in the ventilation system to control smoke
spreading, shut down air handlers, start smoke evacuation fans, and send all the elevators to
the ground floor and park them to prevent people from using them.

12.2.3 Main components of BMS system are:

a) Work station(s)
b) Computer / server
c) Back-up arrangements
d) Control units
e) Various types sensors
f) Actuators
g) Cable network, LAN
h) Required software
j) Internet connection

12.3 Benefits

BMS system benefits in many ways and is recommended in major projects. The main points
are given below:

a) Data can be consolidated onto a single system, which helps reporting, managing
information, decision-making and record keeping.
b) Comprehensive reporting with functionality for customizable reports delivers greater
transparency into system history and promotes compliance.
c) Integrating and managing various building services functionality of which may be
interdependent.
d) Control can be achieved from single workstation which allows facility-wide insight and
control for better performance.
e) Efficient resource deployment can result in reduced operational costs, empowering
operators, simplifying training and decreasing false alarms.
f) Real-time view into facility operations and deep trend analysis provide data-driven
insight to optimize your energy management strategies and minimize operational costs,
targeting energy efficiency.
g) BMS can help support growth and expansion of the system in the future.
h) With help of information from BMS it is easy to observe maintenance schedules with
optimum use of maintenance staff. It helps predictive maintenance and avoid
breakdowns.
j) Strategic mobile or desktop control, exceptional alarm management and integrated
security solutions helps to see the big picture, helping to speed up response time and
mitigate risks for the property, people and business.

12.4 Electrical Aspects

12.4.1 Energy Conservation

BMS deals with energy demand management (EDM). Controls waste and reduces electrical
energy consumption. It helps to improve and maintain quality of supply, supports energy
efficiency.

12.4.2 Cabling

Network topology, bus, cables; their type; twisted, shielded, screened, CAT 6; core material
high purity copper / fibre optic; shall be as per recommendation of system designer. Length
shall be restricted in accordance with cross section, maximum allowable drop to restrict data
loss and speed. Separate conduits shall be used with adequate spacing between cabling of other
services.

12.4.3 Electrical Supply

Electrical Supply to control room shall be through UPS with adequate backup time to suite
specific requirement. Use of Fire Survival cables shall be done from source of main supply to
UPS and further distribution to power outlets for related equipment

12.5 Precautions

Following points shall be considered as precautionary measures:

a) Administrative control shall be well defined with responsibilities;
b) Considering risk of hacking necessary measures shall be taken to prevent it;
c) Data shall be backed up. Access rights shall be kept as record; and
d) System shall be maintained, primarily it shall be performance based, critical items shall
be identified and checked periodically.

13 FIRE ALARM / DETECTION AND FIGHTING SYSTEMS

13.1 General

Fire-fighting and alarm system is most important building service related to life safety of the
occupants in the building This service comes under purview of legal provisions made under
the Act and Rules notified by respective State Governments. Table 7 under Part 4 of National
Building Code categorizes various types of buildings depending on occupancy and height and
prescribes provisions to be made in respect of fire prevention and life safety. Provisions of part
4 from NBC has been adopted by most of the states and UTs and made it mandatory. For details
Part 4 of SP 7 may be referred. The portion under this section is to overview the systems
installed to detect the fire, prevent from spreading and save the lives under fire situation and
electrical aspects related to these systems. Fire alarm system and fire-fighting system are
interdependent but based on different engineering aspects.

13.2 Fire Alarm System

13.2.1 The fire alarm includes fire detection and alarm notification. It helps to detect fire at an
early stage, send alerts so that appropriate action can be taken to help evacuation of occupants,
calling fire-fighting tender, initiating operation of installed fire-fighting system and hence
control spread of fire. The integrated PA system help occupants guide to escape routes and
mitigate situation of panic. IS 2189 prescribes selection, installation and maintenance of
automatic fire detection and alarm system.

13.2.2 Design and Layout

13.2.2.1 The system mainly comprises of following components:

a) Detectors — Smoke, heat, beam, multi sensor, flame, spark, etc.
b) Hooters
c) Manual call points
d) Fire alarm panels — Local / repeater /main
e) Hooter cum strobes
f) Appropriate cable

.
13.2.2.2 Design of fire alarm system shall be done by accredited or authorized agency or
person. Selection of type of system addressable and non-addressable, design and layout
(number, location, route of cables) shall comply guideline given under IS 2189 which
prescribes selection, installation and maintenance of automatic fire detection and alarm system
and Part 4 of SP 7.

13.2.2.3 Circuits controlled and powered by fire alarm system may include circuits for control
of building systems safety functions like elevator control, shut down, door release, smoke
doors, fire doors and damper control, mechanical ventilation / pressurization system. This helps
to monitor the fire prevention and life safety operations.

13.2.3 Electrical Aspects

13.2.3.1 Cabling

Cables shall be 1.5 mm2 copper. Depending on situation, the selection of cable shall be FRLSH
/ HFFR / FS (Circuit Integrity) from amongst IS 7098 (Part 1), IS 17048, BIS Doc ETD 9
(15371), Supply Integrity of required period shall be assessed evacuation period /
recommended by CFO. These cables shall be identifiable when erected on common treys,
raceways. The grade of insulation shall not be less than the other cable running along. The
routes of cables shall be such that the situation will not make adverse effect on it. The
equipment and wiring of the fire alarm system shall be independent of any other equipment or
wiring and shall preferably be spaced at least 5 cm away from each other. Depending on
requirement of mechanical protection / level above ground 2.1 m or less /riser or horizontal on
wall /ceiling / on plenum, fire alarm cables may be armored, shielded. Installation of unshielded
the fire alarm systems, shall be in metallic conduits.
13.2.3.2 Electric supply

Electrical supply for fire alarm system shall have 100 percent standby arrangement. There shall
be a provision of secondary battery continuously trickle/float charged from ac mains, with
facilities for automatic recharging in 8 h sufficiently to supply the maximum alarm load at an
adequate voltage for at least 2 h. The capacity of battery shall be such that it is capable of
maintaining the maximum alarm load on the system at an adequate voltage for at least 1 h plus
the standing load or losses for at least 48 h. Suitable overload protective devices shall be
provided to prevent discharging of the batteries through the charging equipment.

13.3 Fire-Fighting
13.3.1 General
Fire-fighting system comprises fire extinguishers of various types, water-based system with
hydrants, sprinklers, etc. The choice of fire-fighting equipment and their installation details
shall be governed by the requirements specified in Part 4 of SP 7 and statutory provisions
adopted by local bodies.

13.3.2 Design and Layout

13.3.2.1 Depending on rules the design and drawings of system showing details of
locations of fire-fighting pump room, equipment, routes of piping, storage water tank and pump
capacity, type of system, dry, wet risers, down comers, sprinklers shall be got approved from
Chief fire officer/ concerned authority at an early stage as aftermath corrections are difficult to
make. Type and capacity of pumps is based on number of hydrants, area, minimum pressure at
farthest point, head losses and accordingly lpm and HP. There is requirement of standby
arrangement, may be diesel engine driven pump, or gen-set to run electrical motor driven pump
in case of power failure.

13.3.2.2 Main components of fire fighting system are:

a) Main fire pump;
b) Jockey pump;
c) Booster pumps;
d) Control panel;
e) Piping – UG ring main, wet / dry risers;
f) Hydrants;
g) Hose pipe, hose reel drum;
h) Branch pipes;
j) Inlet connection;
k) Sprinklers;
m) Deluge valve; and
n) Diesel pump /gen-set.

13.3.3 Electrical Aspects

13.3.3.1 Electric supply

Sufficient power shall be made available for the purpose and the power source shall be entirely
independent of all other equipment in the premises and shall not be interrupted at any time by
the main switch controlling supply to the building. An indicator lamp shall continuously glow
in a prominent position to indicate status of power in the substation and in the fire-pump room.

13.3.3.2 Standby power source

In case of failure of power from main supply there shall be provision of gen-set run fire-fighting
system. Gen-set shall be of adequate capacity to bear starting load of motors.

Depending on local authority power source from feeder coming from different sub-station is
accepted as alternate source of supply.

13.3.3.3 It is important to note that electric supply and distribution layouts, routes of cables,
location of pump room and control panels shall be so designed that under fire situation supply
to the fire-fighting equipment will remain uninterrupted.

13.3.3.4 All motors and electrical equipment shall be continuously rated, drip-proof with
air inlets and outlets protected with meshed wire panels where required motors shall have a
suitable fixed warming resistance to maintain them in dry condition.
13.3.3.5 The starting equipment of the set shall incorporate an ammeter and clearly
marked to show full load current. They shall not incorporate no-volt trips.

13.3.3.6 The electric circuit for fire-fighting system shall be provided at its origin with a
suitable switch for isolation, but overload and no-volt protection shall not be provided in the
switch.
 ANNEX A
(Clause 2)
LIST OF INDIAN STANDARDS RELATED TO BUILDING SERVICES

IS No. Title
Code of practice for indoor installation of public address systems
1881 : 1998 (first revision)
Outdoor installation of public address system — Code of practice (first
1882 : 1993 revision)
Selection, installation and maintenance of automatic fire detection and alarm
2189 : 2008 system — Code of practice (fourth revision)

3103 : 1975 Code of practice for industrial ventilation (first revision)

3043 : 2018 Code of practice for earthing (second revision)
Code of practice for natural ventilation of residential buildings (first
3362: 1977 revision)
3646 (Part 1): Code of practice for interior illumination: Part 1 General requirements
1992 and recommendations for welding interiors (first revision)

4591 : 1968 Code of practice for installation and maintenance of escalators

Specification for crosslinked polyethylene insulated PVC sheathed
7098 (Part 1) : cables: Part 1 for working voltages up to and including 1100 volts (first
1988 revision)
7662 (Part 1): Recommendations for orientation of buildings: Part 1 Non-industrial
1974 buildings

14665 series Electric traction lifts

Halogen free flame retardant HFFR cables for working voltages up to and
17048 : 2018 including 1 100 Volts — Specification
SP 7: 2016 National Building Code of India

SP 72 : 2010 National Lighting Code

Doc. ETD 09 Specification for Thermosetting Insulated Fire Survival Cables for Fixed
(15371) Installation having Low Emission of Smoke and Corrosive Gases when
Affected by Fire for Working Voltages upto and including 1100V