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IS 2189 : 2006Code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of automatic fire detection and alarm system

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OverviewValues7InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 2189:2006 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for selection, installation and maintenance of automatic fire detection and alarm system. This code establishes the requirements for the planning, design, selection, installation, and maintenance of automatic fire detection and alarm systems in buildings. It provides comprehensive guidelines on detector spacing, zoning, alarm sound levels, and power supply to ensure reliable early warning in the event of a fire.

Provides guidelines for the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of automatic fire detection and alarm systems.

Quick Reference — Top IS 2189:2006 Values

Key limits for detector spacing, manual call point placement, zoning, sounder levels, power backup, and cabling.

✓ Verified 2026-04-27
ReferenceValueClause
Max Coverage Area (Smoke Detector)— For smooth, flat ceilings up to 5m height. Reduces with height.80 m²Annex C (Table C-1)
Max Spacing 'S' (Smoke Detector)— For smooth, flat ceilings. Max side of any bay is 10.7 m.9.1 mAnnex C (Table C-1)
Max Coverage Area (Heat Detector)— For smooth, flat ceilings up to 7.5m height. Reduces with height.50 m²Annex C (Table C-1)
Max Spacing 'S' (Heat Detector)— For smooth, flat ceilings. Max side of any bay is 8.5 m.7.5 mAnnex C (Table C-1)
Min Distance from Wall (Detectors)— Minimum distance from any wall, partition or obstruction.500 mmCl. C-2.2
Mounting Range from Ceiling (Detectors)— Sensing element must be within this range below the ceiling.25 mm to 600 mmCl. C-2.1
Obstruction Rule (Shallow Beams)— If beam depth is less than 10% of ceiling height, it can be ignored.Depth <10% of ceiling heightCl. C-2.4
Obstruction Rule (Deep Beams)— If beam depth is more than 10% of ceiling height, treat as a wall.Depth >10% of ceiling heightCl. C-2.4
Mounting Height (Manual Call Point)— Measured from the finished floor level to the center of the MCP.1.4 mCl. D-2
Max Travel Distance (Manual Call Point)— No person should have to travel more than 30 m to reach an MCP.30 mCl. D-1
Min Sound Level (General Areas)— Or 5 dB(A) above any other noise likely to persist for more than 30s.65 dB(A)Cl. E-2.1
Min Sound Level (Sleeping Areas)— Measured at the bed-head with all doors closed.75 dB(A)Cl. E-2.1
Max Floor Area per Zone— A single fire alarm zone should not cover more than one floor.2000 m²Cl. 6.2.2
Max Search Distance in a Zone— To locate the fire from the zone entry point on the control panel.60 mCl. 6.2.2
Max Devices per Zone— Maximum number of detectors and manual call points in a single zone.32Cl. 6.2.2
Min Standby Power Duration— Battery backup must operate the system in quiescent state for 24h.24 hoursCl. 5.3.2.2
Min Alarm Duration (on Battery)— After 24h standby, must power all sounders for at least 30 min.30 minutesCl. 5.3.2.2
Min Cable Conductor Size— For solid copper conductors used for system wiring.1.5 mm²Cl. 5.4.2
Required Cable Type— Cables should be fire resistant type, conforming to relevant standards.Fire ResistantCl. 5.4.2
Maintenance Frequency (Panel Check)— Check control panel for correct operation and fault indicators.WeeklyAnnex G (Table G-1)
Maintenance Frequency (Zone Test)— Test at least one detector or MCP in each zone to check panel response.QuarterlyAnnex G (Table G-1)
⚠ Verify against the latest BIS/IRC publication and project specifications. Amendment Slips may modify values.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Essential
Domain
Fire Safety — Building Planning and Design
Type
Code of Practice
Earlier editions
IS 2189:1999
Typically used with
IS 2175IS 11360IS 1554IS 694IS 1646
Also on InfraLens for IS 2189
7Key values2Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Never mount smoke detectors directly next to HVAC supply vents; the airflow can blow smoke away from the detector, preventing activation.
! Cables for fire alarm systems must be segregated from other electrical power cables to prevent electromagnetic interference and ensure system survivability during a fire.
! Regular maintenance is critical; many systems fail during emergencies due to lack of periodic testing and cleaning of detector heads.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 5System Design and PlanningCl. 6ZonesCl. 7Siting and Spacing of DetectorsCl. 8Siting of Manual Call PointsCl. 9Alarm Sounders and Visual AlarmsCl. 11Cables and WiringCl. 13Maintenance and Servicing
Pulled from IS 2189:2006. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
smoke detectorsheat detectorsfire alarm panelscablesmanual call points

International Equivalents

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Key Values7

Quick Reference Values
minimum sound level of alarm65 dB(A) or 5 dB(A) above background noise, whichever is greater
maximum sound level of alarm120 dB(A)
mounting height of manual call point1.4 m above floor level
maximum travel distance to manual call point30 m
maximum floor area per zone2000 sq.m
minimum distance of detector from wall500 mm
minimum distance of detector from air supply grille1 m

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Spacing of Heat and Smoke Detectors
Table 2 - Limits of Ceiling Heights for Detectors
Key Clauses
Clause 5 - System Design and Planning
Clause 6 - Zones
Clause 7 - Siting and Spacing of Detectors
Clause 8 - Siting of Manual Call Points
Clause 9 - Alarm Sounders and Visual Alarms
Clause 11 - Cables and Wiring
Clause 13 - Maintenance and Servicing

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 2175:1988Specification for heat-sensitive fire detecto...
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IS 11360:1985Reciprocating Compressors for Refrigerants - ...
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IS 1554:1988PVC insulated (heavy duty) electric cables fo...
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IS 694:1990PVC insulated cables for working voltages up ...
→
IS 1646:1997Code of Practice for Fire Safety of Buildings...
→
Handbook & Design Rules
Design Rules (NBC 2016)
📐Fire Smoke Detector Spacing
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the correct mounting height for a manual call point (MCP)?+
MCPs should be fixed at a height of 1.4 m above the floor level.
What is the minimum audible sound level for a fire alarm?+
A minimum of 65 dB(A), or 5 dB(A) above any background noise likely to persist for more than 30 seconds, whichever is greater.
What is the maximum allowed floor area for a single fire alarm zone?+
The floor area of a single zone should not exceed 2000 square meters.
How far should a detector be placed from a wall?+
Detectors should be placed at a minimum distance of 500 mm from any wall or partition.

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