IS 1646:1982 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for fire safety of buildings (general). This code establishes the fire safety requirements for electrical installations in buildings. It provides guidelines for wiring, switchgear, transformers, and emergency lighting to prevent electrical fires and ensure that installations do not facilitate the spread of fire or hinder safe evacuation.
Lays down general requirements for fire safety of buildings, including fire resistance, means of escape, and fire fighting provisions.
Overview
- Status
- Current
- Usage level
- Frequently Used
- Domain
- Fire Safety — Swimming Pools and Sports Facilities
- Type
- Code of Practice
- Amendments
- Amendment 1 (1995)
Also on InfraLens for IS 1646
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Ensure all cable penetrations through fire-rated walls and floors are appropriately sealed with fire-retardant materials to maintain compartmentation.
! Wiring for emergency lighting and fire alarms must be strictly segregated from normal power wiring to prevent simultaneous failure during a fire.
! Oil-filled indoor transformers must be housed in dedicated rooms with 4-hour fire-resistant walls and adequate oil containment measures.
Frequently referenced clauses
Updates & Amendments1 amendment
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
cablesconduitsswitchgearstransformerstransformer oil
International Equivalents
🌐
International Comparison — Coming Soon
We're adding equivalent international standards for this code.
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
fire resistance of transformer room walls4 hours
clearance for outdoor oil filled transformers6 meters (unless fire separating wall is provided)
transformer oil capacity requiring soak pit> 2000 liters
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Wiring
Clause 5 - Switchboards and Controlgears
Clause 6 - Transformers
Clause 8 - Emergency Lighting
Clause 9 - Earthing
Frequently Asked Questions3
What is the fire resistance requirement for walls enclosing an indoor transformer room?+
The walls separating the transformer room from other parts of the building must have a fire resistance of not less than 4 hours.
When is a soak pit mandatory for a transformer?+
A soak pit is required when the oil capacity of the transformer exceeds 2000 liters, to contain the oil in case of leakage or fire.
Can combustible conduits be used in escape routes?+
Wiring in escape routes should preferably be in non-combustible conduits or trunking; if combustible, they must be concealed within non-combustible building elements.
QA/QC Inspection Templates
📋
QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.