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IS 15908:2011 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for selection, installation and maintenance of control and indicating equipment for fire detection and alarm system code of practice. This standard provides a code of practice for the selection, installation, and maintenance of Control and Indicating Equipment (CIE), which is the central panel of a fire detection and alarm system. It outlines requirements for the panel's location, power supplies, cabling, and routine maintenance to ensure system integrity and reliability.
Selection, Installation and Maintenance of Control and Indicating Equipment for Fire Detection and Alarm System Code of Practice
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! The CIE must be installed in an area with low fire risk, easily accessible to authorized personnel and fire services, but secured from public interference.
! Strictly follow cable segregation requirements in Clause 8 to prevent electromagnetic interference from power cables, which can cause false alarms or system malfunction.
! Battery health is critical. Regularly check battery terminals for corrosion and perform discharge tests as per the maintenance schedule in Clause 10, as battery failure is a primary cause of system non-performance during a power outage.
Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings - Part 1: Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises
A comprehensive code of practice covering the entire system lifecycle, closely matching the intent of IS 15908.
NFPA 72-2022NFPA (US)
HighCurrent
National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
The primary US code for all aspects of fire alarm systems, including control equipment, installation, and maintenance.
EN 54-2:1997+A1:2006CEN (European Union)
MediumCurrent
Fire detection and fire alarm systems - Part 2: Control and indicating equipment
Focuses specifically on the product manufacturing and functional requirements of the CIE, which IS 15908 references.
ISO 7240-2:2017ISO (International)
MediumCurrent
Fire detection and fire alarm systems — Part 2: Control and indicating equipment
Provides international product and functional requirements for CIE, forming a basis for many national standards.
Key Differences
≠IS 15908 requires a secondary power supply (battery) to last for 24 hours in standby followed by 30 minutes in a full alarm condition. In contrast, NFPA 72 typically requires 24 hours of standby followed by only 5 minutes in alarm (or 15 minutes for voice evacuation systems).
≠BS 5839-1 defines a stringent classification for fire-resistant cables ('Standard' and 'Enhanced') and dictates their usage based on the system's operational needs (e.g., phased evacuation requires 'Enhanced'). IS 15908 mandates fire-resistant cables but does not have this explicit and detailed 'Standard' vs. 'Enhanced' classification system.
≠BS 5839-1 outlines a detailed 'Grading' system (e.g., Grade M, L1-L5, P1-P2) to categorize systems based on the level of life safety and property protection required. IS 15908, like NFPA 72, does not use this specific grading methodology, instead focusing on system functionality and component compliance.
≠Regarding battery restoration, IS 15908 requires the charger to restore the batteries to full capacity within 24 hours. NFPA 72 is more lenient, allowing up to 48 hours for the charger to restore a fully discharged battery.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 15908 and its international counterparts (BS 5839-1, NFPA 72) mandate a structured regime of regular inspection, testing, and maintenance to ensure the long-term reliability and functionality of the fire alarm system.
≈All standards require the Control and Indicating Equipment (CIE) to provide clear, distinct, and unambiguous visual and audible indications for different system states, primarily separating Fire, Fault, and Normal conditions.
≈The fundamental requirement for a reliable secondary power source, typically sealed rechargeable batteries, to ensure system integrity and operation during a primary power failure is a core principle in IS 15908, BS 5839-1, and NFPA 72.
≈All standards emphasize the need for logical and manageable detection zones to aid in the quick identification of a fire's location. The concept of limiting zone size by floor area and search distance is common practice, with IS 15908 sharing the 2000m² limit with BS 5839-1.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Standby Power (Alarm Duration)
30 minutes in full alarm load (after 24hr standby)
5 minutes in full alarm load (after 24hr standby)
NFPA 72-2022
Battery Recharge Time
Within 24 hours to restore full capacity
Within 48 hours to restore full capacity
NFPA 72-2022
Maximum Detection Zone Floor Area
Should not exceed 2000 m²
Should not exceed 2000 m²
BS 5839-1:2017
Maximum Search Distance in a Zone
Generally taken as 60m (as per NBC)
The travel distance from a point in the zone to the point of entry should not exceed 60m
BS 5839-1:2017
Response Time to Manual Call Point
Indicate alarm within 10 seconds of activation
Indicate alarm within 10 seconds of activation
EN 54-2
Delay to Fault Indication (Cable Fault)
Maximum 100 seconds from occurrence
Maximum 100 seconds from occurrence
EN 54-2
Manual Call Point Mounting Height
1.4m from finished floor level (as per IS 2189)
1.4m +/- 200mm from finished floor level
BS 5839-1:2017
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Secondary power supply standby duration24 hours
Secondary power supply alarm duration (after standby)30 minutes
Maximum time to indicate a circuit fault100 seconds
Maximum time to indicate a power supply fault300 seconds
Minimum cable conductor cross-sectional area1.5 sq mm
Where should the Fire Alarm Control Panel (CIE) be located?+
In an area of low fire risk, preferably on the ground floor or main entry level, readily accessible to emergency responders. (Clause 6.2)
What is the requirement for the backup power supply?+
A secondary power supply (batteries) must be able to operate the system in standby mode for 24 hours, and then for at least 30 minutes in full alarm condition. (Clause 7.4.2)
What is the minimum recommended size for cables used in fire alarm systems?+
The minimum cross-sectional area for any conductor in a cable should not be less than 1.5 sq mm. (Clause 8.4)
How often should the CIE and its batteries be tested?+
Daily checks for fault indicators, weekly tests for zone functionality, and yearly checks for battery capacity and overall system performance are recommended. (Clause 10)