Selection, Installation and Maintenance of Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm System Code of Practice

IS 2189: Scope & Key Specifications

Scope (Clause 1.2)

• Covers minimum level of fire detection protection.
• Allows installation of systems with higher protection levels for special risks.
• References other IS standards for detailed specifications:

  IS No.	Title
  2175:1988	Heat sensitive fire detectors for automatic fire alarm systems
  8757:1999	Glossary of fire safety terms
  11360:1985	Smoke detectors for automatic electrical fire alarm systems
  12456:1988	Code of practice for fire protection of electronic data processing installations

Detector Spacing Modifications (Clause 6.3 & Table 2)

• Spacing reduced in high air movement areas using multiplying factors based on air changes per hour (ACH):

• Example: For 15 ACH, spacing = 0.74 × nominal spacing.

Detector Layout Highlights

• Max spacing between detectors on sloped ceilings: 3 ft (0.9 m)
• Permitted mounting: Above false ceiling or below raised floor with steel support.
• Not permitted: Mounting below false ceiling without support.

Rounding Off (General)

• Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical values to maintain precision.

flowchart LR
    A[Fire Detection System] --> B[Minimum Protection (IS 2189)]
    B --> C[Detector Spacing]
    C --> D[Adjust for Air Movement]
    D -->|Use Multiplying Factor| E[Reduced Spacing]
    B --> F[Higher Protection Systems Allowed]
    B --> G[Referenced Standards]
    G --> H[IS 217

IS 2189: Key References, Tables & Specifications

1. References (Clause 1.2)

IS 2189 refers to these key standards for fire detectors and fire safety:

2. Detector Spacing Modifications for High Air Movement (Clause 6.3.3(b)(1), Table 2)

Use these factors to reduce spacing between detectors in high air movement areas.

3. Detector Layout Guidelines (Clause 6.3, Fig. 2)

• Maximum spacing between detectors: 3 ft (0.9 m)
• Suitable for sloped ceilings (peaked and shed types)
• Mounting allowed above false ceilings or below raised floors with steel supports
• Mounting not permitted directly above false ceilings without support

4. Rounding Off (Clause None)

• Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical values.
• Maintain the same significant figures as specified values.

flowchart LR
    A[Air Changes/hr] --> B[Determine Multiplying Factor]
    B --> C[Multiply Standard Spacing]
    C --> D[Adjusted Detector Spacing]
    D --> E[Install Detectors per Layout Guidelines]

This summary ensures compliance with IS 2189 for fire detector

IS 2189: Definitions and Terminology (Clause 3.0 & Related)

• Reference Standard: Definitions and terminology in IS 2189 are aligned with IS 8757: 1999 (Glossary of terms associated with fire safety).
• Scope (Clause 1.2): IS 2189 sets minimum protection levels but allows for higher protection systems for special risks.
• Rounding Off: Final test or analysis values must be rounded per IS 2:1960 rules, retaining the same number of significant digits as specified.

Key Points from IS 8757 (Glossary):

• Terms like Fire Detector, Heat Detector, Smoke Detector, Fire Alarm System are defined.
• Consistent terminology ensures uniform understanding and application.

Detector Spacing (related to terminology in Clause 6.3):

• Spacing adjusted for air changes per hour (ACH) using multiplying factors:

Typical Detector Layouts:

• Max spacing between detectors (S) and minimum distance from walls or ceiling slopes is defined (e.g., 3 ft or 0.9 m max for sloped ceilings).

flowchart TD
    A[IS 2189 Terminology] --> B[IS 8757 Glossary]
    A --> C[Minimum Protection Level]
    A --> D[Rounding per IS 2:1960]
    B --> E[Fire Detector]
    B --> F[Heat Detector]
    B --> G[Smoke Detector]
    C --> H[Detector Spacing Adjusted by ACH]
    H --> I[Spacing Multiplying Factors]

Summary: Use IS 8757 for definitions; apply spacing modifiers per air movement; round values as per IS 2. This ensures clarity and compliance in fire detection design.

IS 2189: General Requirements - Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications

1. Detector Spacing (Clause 6.3.2, Table 1)

Spacing depends on detector type and ceiling height (in meters):

• Note: Corridor spacing ≤ 3S/2; spacing from boundary walls ≥ S/2.

2. Modified Spacing for High Air Movement (Clause 6.3.3(b)(1), Table 2)

• Formula:
  [ S_{modified} = S_{base} \times \text{Multiplying Factor} ]

3. Detector Layout

• Max spacing between detectors: 3 ft (0.9 m)
• Suitable for sloped ceilings (peaked or shed type).
• Smoke/heat detectors can be mounted above false ceilings or below false floors with proper support.

4. Additional Notes

• Optical beam detectors must cover all points in the protected space without gaps.
• Rounding off values as per IS 2:1960 rules.
• Referenced standards for detector specs:
  • IS 2175 (Heat detectors)
  • IS 11360 (Smoke detectors)

flowchart LR
    A[Ce

IS 2189: Selection of Fire Detectors — Key Points

1. Detector Types & Suitability (Annex A Summary)

2. Spacing Guidelines (Clause 6.3 & Fig. 2)

• Spacing (S) between detectors depends on ceiling height and air movement.
• For smooth flat ceilings with no forced ventilation, Table I (not fully reproduced here) provides spacing parameters.
• For high air movement areas, multiply spacing by factors from Table 2:

IS 2189: Siting and Spacing of Detectors (Clauses 6.3 & 7.5)

Key Specifications:

• Max distance to detector (flat ceiling):
  • Smoke detector: 7.5 m
  • Heat detector: 5.3 m
• Sloped roof apex spacing (height > 600 mm):
  • Smoke detectors: 7.5 m to 8.5 m
• Minimum clearance from walls/obstructions:
  • At least 500 mm from walls, beams, ducts (>250 mm depth)
  • For obstructions ≤250 mm depth, distance ≥ 2 × obstruction depth
• Partitions/storage racks within 300 mm of ceiling are treated as walls.
• Structural beams >10% of ceiling height act as walls, dividing bays.
• Maintain 500 mm clear space below detectors.

Modified Spacing for High Air Movement (Air Changes/h):

Detector Layout Notes:

• Spacing between detectors (S) is adjusted per ceiling type (flat, sloped).
• Avoid mounting detectors above false ceilings or below false floors unless permitted.
• Maintain equal spacing and clear airflow paths for effective detection.

flowchart TD
    A[Protected Area] --> B[Detector Placement]
    B --> C{Ceiling Type}
    C -->|Flat| D[Max spacing: 7.5m (smoke), 5.3m (heat)]
    C -->|Sloped| E[Spacing 7.5-8.5m near apex]
    B --> F[Obstruction Check]
    F --> G{Obstruction Depth}
    G -->|>250mm| H[Keep 500mm clearance]
    G -->|≤250mm| I[

IS 2189: Installation and Maintenance Key Points

Installation (Clause 6.3)

• Detector Spacing depends on air changes per hour (ACH). Use Table 2: Modified Spacing for High Air Movement Areas with multiplying factors:

• Spacing (S) between smoke or heat detectors is adjusted by multiplying the nominal spacing by the factor above.
• For sloped ceilings (peaked or shed), max spacing between detectors is 3 ft (0.9 m).
• Mounting detectors above false ceilings or below raised floors is permitted only with proper support (steel angle/channel). Direct mounting on raised floor panels without support is not permitted.

Maintenance

• Initial Inspection Tests (Clause 7.2): Verify detector sensitivity, wiring, and power supply.
• Periodical Maintenance (Clause 7.3): Clean detectors, test alarm circuits, and check for mechanical damage.
• Maintenance Schedule (Clause 7.4): Follow manufacturer and code recommendations; typically quarterly or semi-annual inspections.

flowchart TD
    A[Installation] --> B[Determine Air Changes/h]
    B --> C[Select Multiplying Factor]
    C --> D[Calculate Detector Spacing = Nominal Spacing × Factor]
    D --> E[Install Detectors with Correct Spacing]
    E --> F[Mounting Checks (False Ceiling/Floor)]
    F --> G[Initial Inspection Tests]
    G --> H[Periodical Maintenance]
    H --> I[Maintain Schedule per Clause 7.4]

This ensures optimal detector performance and compliance with IS 2189.

IS 2189: Testing and Commissioning Key Points

1. Initial Installation Inspection Tests (Clause 7.2)

• Visual check for secure, undamaged, and protected cables and equipment.
• Functional tests on heat detectors (7.2.5) and smoke detectors (7.2.6, 7.2.7).
• Ensure all components meet design specifications before commissioning.

2. Commissioning Definition (Clause 3.20)

• Process to verify the installed system meets all defined functional and performance requirements.

3. Quarterly Inspection & Test by User (Clause 7.4.5)

• Log Book Review: Check entries since last inspection.
• Battery Testing:
  • Inspect primary and secondary batteries for condition and electrolyte specific gravity.
  • Prevent contamination between acid and alkaline cells.
• Alarm Function:
  • Test manual trigger devices, alarm sounders, remote links.
  • Simulate faults to check control panel indicators.
• Visual Inspection:
  • Confirm detector spacing (≥ 750 mm radius clear space).
  • Check manual call points are unobstructed and conspicuous.
  • Inspect for moisture ingress or deterioration.

4. Annual and Triennial Tests (Clause 7.2.e)

• Electrical installation tested at least once every 3 years.
• Defects recorded and remedial actions logged.

Summary Table for Inspection Frequency

flowchart TD
    A[Installation Complete] --> B[Initial Inspection & Tests]
    B --> C[Commissioning]
    C --> D[Quarterly Inspection & Tests]
    D --> E[Annual Inspection]
    E --> F[Electrical Installation Test (3-year)]
    F --> G[Defect Rectification & Logging]

Note: Always maintain detailed log book entries for traceability and compliance.

IS 2189: Special Requirements for Electronic Data Processing (EDP) Installations

Key Points & Specifications

• Fire Detection & Alarm Systems:

  • Must comply with IS 12456:1988 (Code of practice for fire protection of EDP installations).
  • Where IS 2189 and IS 12456 differ, IS 12456 prevails (Clause 6.3.9).

• Smoke & Heat Detectors:

  • EDP centers with high-value equipment must be protected by smoke detectors (Clause 5.2.2.1).
  • Use detectors conforming to:
    • IS 2175: Heat sensitive detectors
    • IS 11360: Smoke detectors

• Detector Spacing (Modified for High Air Movement Areas):

• Detector Layout:
  • Max spacing between smoke/heat detectors: 3 ft (0.9 m) on sloped ceilings.
  • Placement allowed above false ceilings and below raised floors with proper supports (steel angle/channel).
  • Not permitted to mount detectors below false ceilings or above raised floors without support.

Summary Diagram: Detector Spacing Layout

graph TD
    A[Smoke/Heat Detector] ---|Spacing S ≤ 3 ft (0.9 m)| B[Adjacent Detector]
    C[Sloped Ceiling (Peaked Type)] --> A
    D[Sloped Ceiling (Shed Type)] --> B
    E[False Ceiling/False Floor] -->|Permitted with support| A
    F[False Ceiling/False Floor] -->|Not Permitted without support| B

Note: Always refer to IS 12456 for detailed fire protection design in EDP installations, especially

Guidelines for Detector Selection (IS 2189 - Clause 6.3 & Annex A)

1. Detector Spacing (Clause 6.3.2 & Table 1)

• Smoke Detectors (IS 11360)
  • Ceiling Height 5 m: Spacing ~7 m
  • Ceiling Height 10 m: Spacing ~5 m
  • Corridor spacing ≤ 3S/2
• Heat Detectors (IS 2175)
  • Ceiling Height 5 m: Spacing ~6 m
  • Ceiling Height 10 m: Spacing ~3.5 m
• Modified spacing for high air movement areas (Table 2)
  Multiply nominal spacing by factors depending on air changes per hour (ACH):

2. Detector Types & Suitability (Annex A)

3. Installation Notes

• Optical beam detectors must cover all points with no blind spots.
• Spacing should consider ceiling shape (peaked/sloped) and obstacles.
• Avoid mounting detectors above false ceilings or below false floors unless permitted.