In new residential homes in Singapore, and existing dwellings undertaking relevant fire safety works, a fire alarm system in the form of a Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD) may be necessary. There is no mandatory HFAD requirement for existing homes not undergoing fire safety works, but SCDF recommends this device be installed.
The demands vary with the type of house, the number of storeys and the floor design. Being familiar with the HFAD in Singapore would allow homeowners to know what is applicable before they purchase or install one.
What Is a Home Fire Alarm Device?
An HFAD is a smoke or heat detector that can be set to trigger an alarm when it detects a fire. The SCDF recommends smoke detectors for primary home fire protection, as they may give earlier warning than heat detection.
For homes in these residential categories, fire alarm rules are pretty clear about what’s needed: the kind of detection technology you have to use, how the alarms get their power, how they’re tested, and which product standards they meet.
When Is an HFAD Required in Singapore Homes?
An HFAD must be installed in new residential premises. It must also be installed on existing residential premises when any fire safety works are undertaken, and the relevant plans are submitted on or after 1 June 2018.
Existing properties not carrying out fire safety works are not required to install an HFAD for this clause. However, SCDF still recommends that homeowners install an HFAD. They are also part of the HFAD in Singapore for residential properties.
How Many HFADs Does a Home Need?
The requirement varies with the number of storeys and circulation areas of the home. A single-storey HDB flat, apartment, condominium or landed home shall be required to have at least 1 smoke detector. It shall be located in a circulation area or escape route. Such as a living room or corridor.
For a multi-storey home, there should be a minimum of one smoke detector on each storey. If a storey has a circulation area greater than 70 m2, the minimum number of smoke detectors on this storey should be at least two. When looking at home fire alarm regulations for a larger residential layout, this is a key point to take note of.
Where Should an HFAD Be Installed?
It should be installed over a circulation or escape route. Examples are a living room, landing or corridor.
Additional detectors can be placed around other areas if needed for better protection. SCDF warns that if you place the device too close to kitchens or spots where smoke often shows up, you’ll probably get false alarms. So, it’s best to keep some distance from these areas.
What Features Should an HFAD Have?
To be compliant, the device must use smoke detection or to be a multi-sensor detector with smoke detection.
It should also include:
- Status indicator lights
- A temporary silence or reset function
- An alarm sounder
- A test button
- A long-life built-in battery with 10 years minimum life and low-battery indication, or a household electrical supply.
- Meeting the requirements of EN 14604, AS 3786 or UL 217
- Certification or listing recognised by SCDF.
These specifications are used to identify a compliant HFAD in Singapore from a basic household alarm, which may not fulfil the requirements.
How is an HFAD Different from a Building Fire Alarm System?
An HFAD has been designed to give an early warning within an individual residential unit. The requirements for a building-wide SCDF fire alarm system will vary depending on the building purpose group, size and layout.
Electrical fire alarm systems are separately addressed in the SCDF Fire Code. Provisions are specified for residential units under the relevant purpose groups and are also specified via HFAD requirements, etc. Arrangements for manual and automatic alarms will be required for other building types.
In other words, the requirements for commercial buildings cannot be imposed on a stand-alone residential unit.
What Should You Check Before Buying an HFAD?
Confirm the product specifications before purchasing. The devices shall comply with the relevant detection, power, testing and certification requirements.
| Check | What to Confirm |
| Detection | Smoke detection capability |
| Power | Long-life battery or household electrical supply |
| Testing | Test button and warning functions |
| Standards | EN 14604, AS 3786 or UL 217 |
| Certification | Applicable SCDF-accepted listing or certification |
| Location | Suitable circulation area or escape route |
| Interconnection | Required where multiple devices are installed |
What Are the Current SCDF Fire Alarm Requirements?
Based on the building type, the SCDF fire alarm provisions are different in terms of purpose groups, height and size of the building. As an example, the Fire Code requires the HFAD provision for all residential units under Purpose Group I and II. Other purpose groups do not require any alarm provisions.
This really counts in mixed-use developments. The rules for a residential unit and a commercial space in the same building aren’t always the same. What works for one doesn’t always apply to the other.
What Happens During Home Renovation?
Renovation work can trigger fire safety requirements. Examples of fire safety work requirements are works involving fire doors, roofs over open balconies, and walls between residential units and communal areas.
If you are uncertain that work being proposed is fire safety work, seek authorisation from the appropriate authority before commencing. This is especially true when looking at home fire alarm regulations at the planning stage.
How Should Homeowners Maintain an HFAD?
All equipment should be maintained by the home owner/occupant. It is recommended by the SCDF to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to regularly test the HFAD. It states that, as a minimum, a homeowner should press the test button once a month.
Replace the device in the manner indicated by the manufacturer when the device is reaching end of life. Replace the device if the low-battery indicator sounds or the device does not operate correctly during testing.
How Can Firetronics Help?
Firetronics can provide homeowners with information about the relevant detection requirements for their home and advise which HFAD is appropriate. The appropriate combination will vary according to the type of house, its configuration and the SCDF provisions that apply.
If you are looking at SCDF fire alarm requirements for a renovation or new residential property, check the current requirements before installation. For an existing home, installation requirement depends whether any applicable fire safety works are carried out.
Residential Fire Safety Checklist
Before installing a device, check:
- Whether it is a new build or an existing property
- Whether fire safety works are planned
- Number of storeys
- Circulation area on each storey
- Required detector locations
- Product standards and certification
- Battery or electrical supply
- Interconnection requirements
- Testing and maintenance needs
The SCDF fire alarm requirements need to be checked against the current Fire Code and HFAD guidance rather than the earlier documentation. A compliant fire alarm system should match the requirements that apply to your specific residential property.
