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1.0 Introduction

Located at Jalan SS13/3A, Subang Jaya, this four-storeys multipurpose building known as

Lifepoint, Subang Jaya Assembly of God was constructed from the old Faber Castell office

and factory that is now changed into a church that is also commonly used as a community

center to hold various events and activities. SH Teh Architect had redesigned the building

alongside the existing structures on the 21th of November 2009 and renovated once more on

the 10th of October 2011.

Architect: Ar. Teh Soh Huang

Total floor area: 4559.2m2

Address:

14 Jalan SS13/3A

47500 Subang Jaya

Selangor Darul Ehsan

Malaysia.

1.1 Abstract

The following research report will be a compilation of the working building services in the

Lifepoint Building such as the Air conditioning and ventilation system, Electrical supply

system, Mechanical transportation and Fire protection system. This report will further delve

into the process that these systems undergo in accordance to the Uniform Building By-Laws

and other related regulations as well as our own analysis on the advantages and disadvantages

of the services.

SITE

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MECHANICAL VENTILATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM

2.0 Introduction

Life Point Church operates mostly on split unit air conditioning system because of its small

divided spaces. But the main hall is too big for split unit air conditioning system to provide

conditioned and quality air. So the centralised air conditioning system is used to provide

adequate fresh cool air to the main hall. The air handling unit is located just behind the main

hall which is on top of the robbing room and there are not one but two rooms (one for each

sides). This is to reduce the ductwork required to transfer the cool air from the AHU and to

reduce heat lost from the cool air thus increasing the efficiency of the air conditioning system

and as a strategic if one breaks down. The condenser units are placed outside the robbing

room for the same reason.

Figure 2.0.1: Location plan of AHU Figure 2.0.2: Entrance of AHU

Room

Figure 2.0.3: Location of Condenser Units Figure 2.0.4: Condenser units outside robbing room

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2.1 Literature Review

A HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) system is to provide the people

working inside buildings with conditioned air so that they will have a comfortable and safe

work environment. Conditioned air means that air is clean and odour-free, and the

temperature, humidity, and movement of the air are within certain comfort ranges. (BNP

Media, 2000) To ensure that the air quality in a building is maintained, The American Society

of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has set standards that

more than 80% or more of a commercial building occupants accepts the indoor air quality

provided.

2.1.1 Mechanical Ventilation

To avoid symptoms of sick building syndrome, mould growths, asthma and dust mite

allergies, provision of air circulation must be integrated with building design. Air infiltration

can be achieved by natural or mechanical ventilation means. Natural ventilation by these

means is difficult to regulate in defined quantities, therefore low-energy-use mechanical

ventilation systems, particularly those with a heat recovery facility, are becoming quite

common in new-build homes. But when there is enough air ventilation provided from the

openings of the building, mechanical exhaust might be needed to extract stale air from

internal spaces.

Requirements for an acceptable amount of fresh air supply in buildings will vary

depending on the nature of occupation and activity. Air change per hour or ventilation rate is

preferred criterion for system design. This is calculated by dividing the quantity of air by the

room volume and multiplying by the occupancy. (Hall & Greeno, 2007)

Typical mechanical ventilation systems used by buildings are supply ventilation system,

exhaust ventilation system and balance ventilation system. (Energy star, n.d.)

Figure 2.1.1.1: Exhaust Ventilation (Central Air, Inc., 2014)

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Case Study

2.1.2 Air-Conditioning

Air-conditioning is a process that simultaneously conditions air; distributes it combined with

the outdoor air to the conditioned space; and at the same time controls and maintains the

required spaces temperature, humidity, air movement, air cleanliness, sound level, and

pressure differential within predetermined limits for the health and comfort of the occupants,

for product processing, or both. (Wang & Lavan, 1999)

Air conditioning is achieved by developing the principles of moving air in ducted

ventilation systems to include a number of physical and scientific processes which enhance

the air quality. The objective is to provide and maintain internal air conditions at a

predetermined state, regardless of the time of year, the season and the external atmospheric

environment. For buildings with human occupancy, the design specification is likely to

include an internal air temperature of 19-23C and relative humidity between 40 and 60%.

(Hall & Greeno, 2007)

Types of air conditioning system, individual system, space system, packaged system, air

system, water system, central plan refrigerant and heating system, and control system. (Wang

& Lavan, 1999)

In assembly buildings with seating, people generally remain in one place throughout a

performance, so they cannot move away from drafts. Therefore, good air distribution is

essential. Because of the configuration of these spaces, supply jet nozzles with long throws of

15 to 45m may need to be installed on sidewalls. For ceiling distribution, downward throw is

not critical if returns are low. This approach has been successful in applications that are not

noise-sensitive, but designer needs to select air distribution nozzles carefully. (ASHRAE,

2011)

Figure 2.1.2.1: Standard of Air Change Rate (Mitsubishi Electric, 2011)

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2.2 Mechanical Ventilation

Indoor

Outdoor

Figure 2.2.1: Air flow of Spot Ventilation System

Figure 2.2.2: Ground Floor Plan, rooms where Mechanical Ventilation is applied

The spot ventilation system practiced in this building is the extract system where they use

natural inlet and mechanical extract. The internal space is constantly ventilated whilst indoor

air is drawn out causing space to be slightly depressurized. This type of mechanical

ventilation is used in the toilets and the pantry of the case study building. This is mostly

practised in hot humid climates where there is a risk of drawing hot outdoor air into

remaining holes and cracks in the construction assembly where it could reach cool interior

surfaces, condense, and cause moisture problems, stated by Energy star (n.d.)

Natural inlet (Openings)

Mechanical outlet

(Propeller Fan)

Stale air

Fresh Air

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2.2.1 Natural inlet Windows

Figure 2.2.1.1: Windows in the Toilet Figure 2.2.1.2: Window in Pantry

As stated in UBBL 39(1) that every room designed shall be provided with natural lighting

and natural ventilation by means of one or more windows having a total area of not less than

10% of the clear floor area of such room and shall have openings capable of allowing a free

uninterrupted passage of air or not less than 10% of such floor area. The large window

opening for the rooms stated in Figure 2.2.2. are slightly exceeding the required area

accordance to the function and usage of the rooms and the area of the respective rooms.

Where the pantry has an area of 17.1 but there is a 2.25 of window opening provided

which is 13.1% of the total floor area meeting the requirement of UBBL.

In UBBL 39(4), every water-closet, latrine, urinal or bathroom shall be provided with

natural lighting and natural ventilation by means of one or more openings having a total area

of not less than 0.2 square metres per water-closet, urinal latrine or bathroom and such

openings shall be capable of allowing a free uninterrupted passage of air. Whereas the total

area of the female toilet is 22.2 and the windows have a total area of 1.8 which is again,

more than what is required as there are just five water-closets in the female toilet. Having

windows that exceeds the requirements isnt all a bad thing as horizontal railings are installed

for security and safety purposes. By having large surface area of window openings allows

prevailing wind to pass through it introducing fresh air into the internal spaces of the building

while maintain the indoor air quality.

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2.2.2 Mechanical extract Propeller fan

According to the Third Schedule (2), the inlets should be at high level with extraction points

at low level. Re circulation arrangements should not be provided. The incoming air should be

filtered and air-conditioned (the theatre temperature being capable of adjustment with

mechanical requirements within the range 20 C to 24.4C. Control over humidity of air in

the rooms should be provided to ensure that it will be within the range of 55% to 65%. And in

the Third Schedule (5), Air inlet points shall be not lower than two-thirds of the height of the

room and exhaust air openings shall be within 1 metre of the finished floor level of the

enclosure.

This method of natural inlet and mechanical outlet is used only in various part of the

building. Locations like, toilets, pantry. As mentioned, internal space requires stale air to be

transferred out to ensure that indoor air quality is maintained and to have a comfortable

internal environment.

2.3 Air-Conditioning System

Air-conditioning system is a system for controlling the temperature and humidity of air in a

building. (Space Air conditioning plc, 2014) Besides controlling the temperature of the room

in the building, air-conditioning provides ventilation to the space bringing oxygen for the

occupants to breathe in while filtering off dust, pollen and other micro particles from the

recycled air that will bring harm them.

There are two types of air-conditioning systems in our building which are the split unit

air-conditioning system and the centralised air-conditioning system.

Figure 2.2.2.1: Propeller in Kitchen Figure 2.2.2.2: Surface Mounted Fan

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2.3.1 Centralised Air Conditioning System

Figure 2.3.1.1: Location of Central Air Conditioning System

Figure 2.3.1.2: Central Air Conditioning System (Pisupati, 2014)

This centralized air-conditioning system could be seen in the main hall, where the air

handling unit (AHU) is located behind the stage. In this case, there are two AHU room in the

building to provide conditioned air to the main hall which is the biggest room in the whole

building. There are few basic mechanical components which work together to create a

comfortable internal environment for the users. (How Central Air Conditioner Works, n.d.)

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One of the components is the compressor (refer 2.3.2.3) which controls the pressure

difference in the whole central air conditioning system. The high pressured gas from

compressor will then moves to the condenser (refer to 2.3.2.4) to release the heat outdoor

with the aid of condenser fan in the unit. The refrigerant is condensed here turning it to liquid

form. The evaporator (refer to 2.3.2.7) and blower (refer to 2.3.2.11) work as one to cool

down the main hall. The refrigerant flows through the evaporator whereas the blower is

responsible to suck the return air into the AHU then blow it out through the evaporator while

the refrigerant removes the heat from the air. There is a meter device, which controls the

amount of refrigerant passing through, called expansion valve (refer 2.3.2.6). In events of

fire, fire damper (refer to 2.3.2.15) in the ducting system will act. (Knapp. 2014)

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2.3.2 Components of Air Conditioner

2.3.2.1 Refrigerant Cycle

Figure 2.3.2.1.1: Refrigerant cycle in air-conditioner (Warrior Press, 2014)

For air conditioner to operate, the refrigerant must be used repeatedly. The refrigerant

undergoes the same cycle of compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation in a

closed circuit. (Hoffman, 2006)

High pressure liquid Low pressure liquid

Condenser

Expansion

Valve

Evaporator

Compressor

High pressure gas Low pressure gas

Figure 2.3.2.1.2: Basic Refrigerant Cycle

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Firstly, the refrigerant goes into the compressor (refer 2.3.2.3) as a low pressure gas and

comes out as a high pressure gas. The gas will then move to the condenser (refer 2.3.2.4) and

the gas will start to condense into liquid while removing its heat outside. As the high pressure

liquid flows into the expansion valve (refer 2.3.2.6), the flow of liquid is restricted and the

pressure is lowered as it leaves the expansion valve. After that, the low pressure liquid moves

into the evaporator (refer to 2.3.2.7) and ended up in the compressor where the cycle is

repeated.

2.3.2.2 Air Cycle

The air cycle between the interior spaces and the AHU room works together as one. Air cycle

is a process where the conditioned air is distributed back to the room. The heat inside the

spaces is removed when the air is absorbed by the evaporator (refer to 2.3.2.7). Then the hot

refrigerant will flow back towards the condenser (refer to 2.3.2.4) and release the heat back

to the external environment.

Figure 2.3.2.2.1: Schematic diagram of Air Cycle

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2.3.2.3 Compressor

Figure 2.3.2.3.1: First Floor Plan with Compressor indicated

Total compressors used for site are ten, five on the right and another five on the left. This

is done in case there is an emergency breakdown, thus the other five compressors can still be

operated. This component is located in the condenser unit which is the Packaged Unit Air

Conditioning System, located outdoor for ventilation. Type of compressor used would be the

reciprocating compressor, where gas is extracted into cylinder in piston stroke, discharge

valve opens when compressed, as the low pressured vaporized refrigerant flows through the

compressor, it will be compressed to high pressure causing it to be very hot. One of the

advantages of using reciprocating compressor would be that high pressure could be achieved

with low mass flow and is cheap.

Figure 2.3.2.3.2: Condenser Unit with Compressor Inside

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2.3.2.4 Condenser

The condenser and compressor are placed together in the same system, as they used the

centralised air conditioning system, while them both plays different role, the condenser is in

charge of removing heat from the high pressure liquefy refrigerant thus condensing the liquid

to vapour form.

2.3.2.5 Air Handling Unit Rooms (AHU)

Diagram 2.3.2.5.1: First Floor Plan with AHU Room indicated.

The AHU Rooms are located at the back of the main hall and the compressors being behind

the room allows easy access and maintenance. It is important to locate the AHU room in an

appropriate location as it affects structural costs, architectural design. Inside there is the

control panel (refer 2.3.2.8), evaporator (refer 2.3.2.7), expansion valve (refer 2.3.1.6),

blower (2.3.2.11) and the entire system needed to run the air-conditioning system. There are

Figure 2.3.2.4.1: Condenser Unit

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a total of two AHU rooms in the entire building. Both used to facilitate just for the main hall.

The AHU room is usually restricted as it is where the machinery is located. It is important for

the ventilation engineers to design the AHU room accordance to required air conditioning

system to it. According to ASHRAE (2011), making sure that the room meets the projects

budget and provides compliance with the prescribed regulatory requirements such as building

life safety, energy and ventilation code is important.

2.3.2.6 Expansion Valve

Situated in the air handler where it is near the evaporator. When the high pressure liquid

flows through the expansion valve, it will then lowered the pressure of the liquid and

restricted the volume of the flow of the liquid and its pressure as it passes to the condenser.

2.3.2.7 Evaporator

Positioned in the AHU Room this is behind the main hall. It is a system filled with coils

where it will convert low pressure liquid refrigerant into low pressure vapour refrigerant

when the refrigerant absorbs heat. This is known as the evaporation process. Low pressure

liquid that was partially collected from the expansion valve and main hall will be passes on to

condenser unit to be pressurized by the compressor.

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2.3.2.8 Control Panel

Electricity for the air conditioning system is separated from the power and lighting system.

This is due to the fact that if the electric circuit for the lighting trips, they would be able to

control their air conditioning system. This could be taken into account as an emergent

solution. The air conditioning system has their very own panel board in the consumer switch

room. And each air conditioning unit has their own circuit breaker, each labelled accordingly

in order not to cause confusion for personnel who have little knowledge on the air

conditioning system. Control panels allow occupant to adjust room temperature accordingly

to fit their comfort.

Figure 2.3.2.8.1: HVAC System Control Panel in Consumer Switch Room (left) Control Panel

of Compressor to indicated designated temperature (right)

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2.3.2.9 Air Filter

Air filter placed on the exterior of machineries and equipment are used to protect the

machinery and equipment. It is generally used to filter out dust and unwanted substance

before being suck into the system. Filters needs to be changed occasionally, as used filter

would affect the quality of airflow in space.

2.3.2.10 Ventilation

Louver placed on the on the wall of room in order to provide ventilation to AHU room. The

ventilation is also used to allow air flow inside room, thus to be recycle. And accordance to

ASHRAE (2011), by providing ventilation means into the breathing zone of facility

occupants.

Figure 2.3.2.10.1: Ventilation louver inside AHU

Room

Figure 2.3.2.9.1: Air filters on machinery Figure 2.3.2.9.2: Tissue being used as

demonstration

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2.3.2.11 Blower

This blower fan is located near the evaporator to blow warm return air passed the evaporator

coil to remove heat from the return air and discharge the cool supply back to the internal

spaces through the cone diffuser.

2.3.2.12 Supply Air Diffuser

Air supply for large spaces should be designed in order to provide thermal comfort for user.

According to ASHRAE (2011), air is generally distributed from height of 4.3m and greater.

By designing the diffuser at a tall height, air could be flow out and produce a constant

temperature for space. The evaporator behind the cone diffuser, a system of coils that, when

filled with cold refrigerant, it cools the air around it. It will then convert low pressure liquid

refrigerant into low pressure vapour refrigerant. Hence cool air is produced.

2.3.2.13 Return Air Griller

Figure 2.3.2.13.1: Mechanical

extraction in main hall under stage

Figure 2.3.2.12.1: A line of cone Diffuser Figure 2.3.2.12.2: Close-up of Cone Diffuser

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The Third Schedule (5) pointed out that, air inlet points shall be not lower than two-thirds of

the height of the room and exhaust air openings shall be within 1 metre of the finished floor

level of the enclosure. Whereas the louvers acting as openings, allows the mechanical

extraction in the AHU Room, absorbs the water vapour and stale air, where the ducts would

bring the unclean air and odour to compressor as to recycle the air. This mechanical extract

is also to help maintain cleanliness of the carpet, just so the carpet would not absorb the water

vapour causing it to be moist.

2.3.2.14 Duct System

Ducting is used to transfer cool air to space. It is also used to convey exhaust air from hood to

the outside along with any grease, smoke, VOCs and odours that are not extracted from the

airstream along the way. These ducts act as an airstream from the internal to the external, vice

versa. The ducts must be grease tight; it must be clear of combusts, or combustible material

must be protected so that it cannot be ignited by fire in ducts; and ducts must be sized to

convey the volume of airflow necessary to remove the effluence as stated in ASHRAE, 2010.

In order to control the volume of air flow to space, dampers (refer to 2.3.4.1), are used. It is

the ventilation engineers job to figure the specified type of ducting that would suit the

airway based on the velocity of air. As ASHRAE (2010) stated that if the air way is oversized

and velocity is low, it will cost more than necessary. Appropriate air velocity should be under

6m/s.

Figure 2.3.2.14.1: Ducting System in AHU Room

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2.3.2.15 Dampers

Dampers are found inside ducting system of ventilation. Its serve to control the volume of air

exhausted out from HVAC system. Also serving the purpose of fire protection if fire breaks

out and smoke kindled, dampers can be used to block out smoke from flowing to another

space. As static fire dampers applied in HVAC system are built in to shut down in the events

of a fire upon detection. (Knapp, 2014)

2.3.2.16 Pipe System

There are two main lines in the Pipe System; liquid line and suction line.

The liquid line is located between the condenser unit and the evaporator. In the

condenser unit, the condenser fan will introduce air into the unit and heat from the internal

spaces absorbed by the refrigerant will be released to the external surrounding. The smaller

diameter of the tube carries liquid refrigerant from the condenser unit where the line will get

very hot when the refrigerant is pressurised as it passes through the tube. In the Life Point

Church, the liquid line is not insulated as the heat transfer between the refrigerant and the

surrounding is minimal because of the climate in Malaysia.

The suction line is a larger diameter tube that carries refrigerant vapour between the

evaporator and the condenser unit. This line is very cold when it is in operation because the

vaporized refrigerant expands as it cools down. When the refrigerant pass through the

evaporator, the return air will be sucked into the unit and cool air will be blown out by the

blower in the evaporator causing the rooms temperature to be cool. This line has to be

insulated using the rubber insulation pipe to prevent heat gain from the external surrounding.

Suction /

Vapour Line

Liquid Line

Figure 2.3.3.6: Refrigerant line

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2.3.3 Split Unit Conditioning System

The split unit air-conditioning system integrated by Life Point Church is the ductless split

unit where there is no fresh air introduced into the spaces. The existing indoor air is recycled

and recirculated unless there are openings to provide ventilation. Different types of indoor

units identified in the building which is the wall mounted and the ceiling mounted/cassette

type.

Figure 2.3.3.3: Wall mounted type Figure 2.3.3.2: Wall mounted type

Figure 2.3.3.4: Ceiling mounted type

Figure 2.3.3.1: Location of Split Unit Air Conditioner

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The wall air conditioners are frequently used in singles room where prayers or meetings

are held. Each unit would have their own outdoor unit, making a total of 75 units. Piping

system (refer to 2.3.2.16) could be seen traveling on walls or panel from space to space as

shown in Figure 2.3.3.5, connecting from their individual outdoor unit to their own

personalize indoor unit. They could be control individually using a simple remote control,

allowing user to easily control the temperature to their liking.

The prayer rooms are ventilated using this system. Individual condenser is place at

designated location, mostly in rooms designed for minimum amount of people. This system

isnt used as often, especially when the centralized air conditioning system is being used.

Figure 2.3.3.5: Piping System

Figure 2.3.3.6: Split Unit Air-Conditioning

System (heatingpartscenter, 2012)

Figure 2.3.3.7: Refrigerant line of split unit air

conditioner (Snyder, 2014)

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The split unit air conditioner consists of two units which are the condenser unit,

which is placed outdoor, and the evaporator, which is the indoor unit. The condenser unit

consists of compressor and condenser where they work together as a whole. The outdoor and

indoor units are both connected by copper tubing that are insulated by black rubber insulation

pipe. The copper tubing is the refrigerant line which runs between the evaporator coil in the

air handler (indoor) and the condenser unit that contains the compressor and condenser coil

(outdoor). The insulation on the suction or vapour lines (refer to Piping System 2.3.2.16)

connecting to the outdoor condensing unit is very important in maintaining the efficiency of

the system and reducing energy consumption. (Snyder, 2014)

Figure 2.3.3.8: Indoor Unit (Evaporator) Figure 2.3.3.9: Outdoor Unit (Condenser Unit)

2.3.4 Analysis

The centralised air conditioning system in the main hall are switch on at all times, this is

to cut cost on the electricity. As by having the compressors on at all times, the energy to turn

it back off and on would cost more than having the compressors running straight for three

hours. The condenser units for the split unit air conditioners are also located at places that are

easier to reach for maintenance.

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ELECTRICAL SUPPLY SYSTEM

3.0 Introduction

Life Point Church is a four-storeys height community building which consisted of different

functional spaces, such as halls, cafeteria, classrooms and sports area, to serve the users.

Electricity plays an important role in supporting the function of the spaces. The electrical

system used in the building is three-phase four wire system, which are the system applied in

Malaysia. Since it is a community building which can carries large amount of users, the

power of 415v instead of 240v is required to be supplied to the equiprment throughout the

building.

The total area of Life Point Church is 2130m square, which the indoor connected

substation is needed. A transformer comes along with the substation is located just right next

to it in a TNB transformer room, followed by the building consumer switch room.

Buku Panduan Piawan Elektrik:

An indoor main distribution substation with 33/11kV power is required in order to supply a

building with total area of 2116m square.

Figure 3.0: The image shows the location of main switch room and M&E room at the ground floor.

As shown in Figure 2.0 there is a Mechanical and Electrical room (M&E) in the

ground floor which located right next to the Main Hall. This room consists of different

distribution boards which controls electricity supply towards different spaces in our site. In

the first and second floor, there is no M&E room but only a distribution boxes which are

located seperately in each floor since it does not have to support heavy electrical equipment

such as the air-conditioning system in the main hall located at ground floor.

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3.1 Literature Review

The electric power industry shapes and contributes to the welfare, progress, and technological

advances of humanity. (El-Hawary and El-Hawary, n.d.) As time goes, the power plants and

generating station were built bigger in size so that they could perform better and produce

higher voltage of electric power that could be transmitted over a great distance towards

different industries to the consumers.

Figure 3.1.1: The transport of electricity and brief introduction on the flow. (Australian Government

Department of Industry, n.d.)

In Malaysia, the electrical system used is three-phase four wire system. Three-phase four

wire distribution systems have been used to supply single-phase low-voltage loads. The

advantages of this system is that it is grounded and it has a neutral phase compared to three-

phase three wire system.

The structure of the electrical power system included a generation system which

consist of generators and transformers. In Peninsula Malaysia, we have Tenaga Nasional

Berhad (TNB) which operates different types of power generators, such as hydroelectric,

coal-fired plants, oil-fired plants and also plenty biomass and hybrid power station that

supply electrical power. TNB uses mostly coal-fired plants but due to the consideration of

environment, excessive conservation of fossil fuels are not recommended to be used. Hence,

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other approaches such as hydroelectric power plant is slowly developing in Malaysia

electrical power generation system.

Electricity is processed by step-up transformers before it is connected to the national

grid. (Hall & Greeno, 2005) A step-up transformer reduces loses in line in order to ensure the

transmission of power could carry on longer and to a long distance. Once the power reached

its consumer unit, a step-down transformer is now needed to reduce the voltage to a required

value depends on the needs of the consumer unit. That is why a substation is needed to

transform power with high efficiency from one level of voltage to another before entering a

building. Next, the electricity will goes through distribution system which utilise the

overhead and underground conductor. The distribution system can be classified into two,

which is the primary distributional line which serves small industries and the secondary

distribution network that utilises commercial and residential consumers. The planning of an

electrical power system should be continue in a consumer unit in order to protect the power

system. This operational planning included instrument transformer, circuit breakers,

disconnect switches, fuses and lighting arresters. All the compartments are working in

cooperation with each another and are placed on panel boards in the consumer switch room.

Figure 3.1.2: A TNB Substation in larger scale that supply power for industrial building which located right

next to our site.

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Case Study

3.2 TNB Substation

Diagram 3.2: Schematic diagram of the system component of the electrical power supply system flow from

the input to the output source.

According to the TNB Electricity Supply Application Handbook, Tenaga Nasional Berhad

(TNB), is charged with the two main responsibilities. The first is to generate, transmit and

distribute and sell energy to consumer throughout Peninsula Malaysia. And following by to

plan install, operate and maintain electricity installation for the generation, transmission and

distribution of electricity. The parties such as consultant engineers are involved in making

decision to change the substation number, size, location and the consumer switch room.

From substation supply

Consumer Switch Room

Panel Board Switch Gear

Mechanical and Electrical Room

Distribution Board

Consumer Unit

3 Phase Miniature Circuit

Breaker (MCB)

Ring Circuit

Figure 3.2.1 The location of TNB room

which is located at the ground floor of the

building.

Figure 3.2.2 The exterior look of TNB

transformer room and TNB switch room which are

placed next to each other.

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The TNB transformer room transfer voltage from high to low. It is located between

the generation station and the consumer switch room to ensure that the electricity can flows

through in different voltage levels. The total area of TNB switch room in Live Point Church

is 6600mm x 6000mm x 4000mm. It reached the requirement as stated in Malaysian Grid

Code.

Malaysian Grid Code: The TNB switch room was required to reach a minimum size of

6000mm x 5000mm x 4000mm where the size could be modified through discussion by both

TNB and consultant engineer.

In the TNB transformer room, a 1000kVA transformer is used. 15-1000kVA

transformer is categorised under a three phase transformer. (Jefferson Electric, 2014) This

type of transformer is used for all general three phase loads, either indoor or outdoor, which

included lighting, industrial and commercial applications. Advantage of using the three phase

transformer is that it is smaller, lighter and cheaper than three individual single phase

transformer connected together. (Storr, 2013)

Figure 3.2.3: The symbol indicating voltage of

the transformer used.

Figure 3.2.4: Meter and fire alarm at the

exterior of the TNB substation for safety purpose.

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3.3 Consumer Switch Room

A consumer switch room contains of different compartments of operating power system, such

as panel board, distribution board, switch panels and physical TNB check-up meter. It

maintains the reactive power balance and acts as a control center to distribute electrical power

throughout the building. Electric supply from the TNB substation is transferred to this room

where it serves as the main electrical distribution room for the Live Point Church. Hence, it is

placed next to the TNB substation to ensure that the power is transferred within a short

distance to prevent excessive loss of electrical power. Fire protection equipment such as fire

extinguishers, fire sprinkler and fire alarm are placed inside room to ensure safety. Besides,

the door and windows in the room are well protected as well, so that the fire will not spread

to other places.

Figure 3.3.1: The location of consumer switch room which located right next to the substation, and the side

entrance.

Figure 3.3.2, 3.3.3, 3.3.4: Emergency light, Fire extinguishers, smoke detector and fire sprinkler are used.

The detail of fire protection system in the consumer switch room will be further explain in Topic 3: Fire

Protection System. These equipment are necessary in ensure the building safety.

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3.4 Panel Board

The main compartment which is located in the Consumer Switch Room is the panel board. It

has an assembly of switches and circuit protection devices from which power is distributed.

This distribution of the large incoming electricity supply from the TNB substation into

appropriate electricity voltage is required in order to serve their individual purposes.

The type of panel board used in this building is the metal enclosed panel board. Metal

enclosed panel board in which components arranged in separate compartments with metal

enclosures is intended to be earthed (Stokes, 2003). The boards are to be totally enclosed with

sheets of steel fabricated for safety purposes. The components of the board included the main

switch devices, circuit breaker and busbar chambers.

Figure 3.4.1: Panel boards inside the Consumer Switch Room.

Figure 3.4.2: A separated panel board that only supply electrical power to the air-conditioning system.

Mr. Eddie, the person in-charged in M&E said that, the air-conditioning system is the

largest and the most important system in Life Point Church. The breakdown of this system

will influence much to the function of the building and its users. Hence it has to be separated

by having an individual switch board that only takes control on itself to ensure that the falls

in other systems will not interrupt the operating of it.

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3.5 Switch Gear

As mentioned, switch is one of the important part in a compartment of a panel board. A

mechanical switching device is capable in making, carrying and breaking currents under

normal circuit conditions. (Stokes, 2003) As observed, each switch gear in a panel board

contains of a main circuit breaker, an earth leakage circuit breaker, and a meter. Busbar

chamber is another main component that is hidden in the panel board.

Diagram 3.5: Diagram shows the components in a switch gear.

Switch Gear

Switches Circuit Breaker Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker

(ELCB)

Busbar Chamber

Metering apparatus

Figure 3.5.1: The component in

compartment in the panel board, which

included switches, circuit breaker, and meter.

Figure 3.5.2: A kilowatt hour meter is used

for the reading of energy consumed.

Panel

Board

Meter

Circuit

Breaker

ELCB

MCB

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3.5.1 Switch

Switch has a function which is more or the same as a circuit breaker. But switch is relatively

cheaper than circuit breaker in a distributional system. The only difference between a switch

and a circuit breaker is that switch does not interrupt fault current flow. (Stokes, 2003) The

function of circuit breaker on interrupting current will be further explain.

Figure 3.5.1.1: The switch to control capacity bank.

3.5.2 High Performance Circuit Breaker

Circuit breaker is an important feature that ensure the safety in the operation of an electrical

grid. It is a device that could interrupts and makes, short-circuit current as well as operating

on load current. (Stokes, 2003) It has to be turned on all time because there are two main

tasks, first, is its responsibility in the daily switching of lines during normal operating on load

current, and secondly for the disconnection of the power supply in case of power overload or

short circuit while the power is off. (Pinnekamp, 2007) The type of circuit breaker used is a

low-voltage high performance circuit breaker.

Figure 3.5.2.1: High performance circuit breaker used found in the switch board

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3.5.3 Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB)

Earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) is also an important part in the panel board. An ELCB

is a device used in cutting off the power once it detects the happening of leakage from the

installation to the earth. (Parmer, 2011) The type of ELCB used is a current operated. This

component is also known as Residual-current devices (RCD). It trips the contact of the circuit

conductors once the imbalance in current is detected.

Figure 3.5.3.1, 3.5.3.2: The images show two different types of Residual-current Devices used in site.

3.5.4 Busbar Chamber

Busbar is a grounded copper bar in a panel board to which all the neutral and groundling

wires are connected to different equipment such as distribution board, substation and the

switch gear. Copper is chosen is because it could conduct electricity better than other metals

especially brass and aluminium. Besides, it is relatively cheaper as well.

Figure 3.5.4: Cables that are connected to the busbar chamber which is placed inside the board. It connects

the busbar to the other electrical apparatus through different wires.

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3.6 Mechanical and Electrical Room (M&E)

M&E stands for the Mechanical and Electrical. The M&E room locates different distribution

boards in it.

3.6.1 Distribution Board (DB)

The Distribution Board, refers to an equipment which connects, controls and protects a

number of branch circuits fed from one main circuit of a wiring installation in a building or

premises for easy and safe handling of incoming power supply. (The Development

Commissioner, 2003) It might consists switches, bus bars, fuse link and some other protective

equipments.

3.7 Consumer Unit

Figure 3.6.1.2: Members consisted in one

Distribution Board.

Figure 3.6: Outlook of the M&E room

with different DB that controls different

areas and systems which is located at ground

floor.

Figure 3.6.1: In the first and second floor, there is no

room to store the DB. But they put the DB in a cabinet

which is located in classroom.

Figure 3.6.1.1: Example of Distribution

Board. It is called DB in short.

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3.7 Consumer Unit

A consumer unit is very similar to the distribution boards where both acts as a control to

different system. But consumer unit is smaller than DB and it is not directly connected to the

main panel boards in the Consumer switch room. It is called fuse box in short. This unit

contains a two-pole switch isolator for neutral supply cables and the phase. It also has three

bars for the line, neutral and cpc (circuit protective conductor) to earth terminals. The line bar

is provided with miniature circuit breakers (MCB) each to protect individual circuits from

overload. (Hall & Greeno, 2007)

3.7.1 Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)

The low voltage miniature circuit breaker has the same function other circuit breakers. It is a

fuse that switches off electricity when abnormal circuit condition is detected. But it is

preferably use compare to a fuse because of its quick restoration and automatic system.

Figure 3.7: Consumer unit found in the third floor which controls the lighting system in the sport

complex.

Figure 3.7.1: MCB found in the fuse box

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3.8 Ring Breaker

A ring breaker circuit would be taken around the site with supplies taken into each building.

Using underground electrical cables which are loop-in into the buildings accordingly from the

substations. This provides a higher stability of supply and lower number of cables compared

to radial system. It is not connected to the either the distribution board or the consumer unit.

3.9 Analysis

In conclusion, due to safety purposes, the TNB rooms are well locked and have been taken

care in good condition. It proves that the management of the building has been threating the

TNB switch room as an important space since the high voltage of electrical power could

endanger the users.

Besides, there is a TNB check-up meter recording the data of power used in the

consumer switch room. The checking up of the system is not only providing information to

the TNB, it also ensure the safety of the building by protecting the system.

In the other hand, the planning of the distribution board in the first and second floor

are lack of consideration. This is because of the cabinet is placed in a public open area, the

learning room for children. The engineers should have consider the safety of users before

they plan the location to place the distribution boards.

Lastly, as shown in Figure 3.8.1 and Figure 3.8.2, some of the plug points are not in

good condition and the cable cover has also been destroyed leaving the cable exposed. The

management should have more check-up and repair the broken parts to ensure the users

safety.

Figure 3.8.1 Circuit plug point found on site.

Figure 3.8.2: The cable that connected the ring

breaker circuit to the substation

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MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

4.0 Introduction

Figure 4.0: Location of Elevator at Ground Floor Plan

The church is using machine room less elevator system. This elevator system is newly built

along with the new main lobby. There is only one passenger lift in this four storey building.

The model of lift used is Schindler 3300AP. It installed next to main lobby entrance and main

hall. It has to be designed according to local laws for safety purpose and user friendly. For

example, the handrail of the car is installed according to the height of wheel chair. The total

weight that it can withstand is approximately 1160kg according to the notice pasted in the

elevator. It is able to transport 17 person at a time.

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4.1 Literature Review

Mechanical transportation system include elevator, escalator and moving walkway. In this

report, the mechanical transportation system that we cover is vertical mechanical

transportation system. Elevator is vertical transportation equipment that efficiently moves

people and goods between floors of a building (Web.mit.edu, 2014).

An ideal elevator installation provide minimum waiting period for the car at each

landing level, comfortable acceleration, rapid loading and unloading of doors, quiet operation

of door, secure, safe and quick (Pickard, 2002).

The number of elevator installed is due to several factors, which are the population of

users occupy the building, type of building occupancy, number of floor and height, starting

and finishing times of the population, position of building in relation to public transport

services (Pickard, 2002).

The type of elevator can been classified to four system, which are hydraulic elevator,

traction elevator, climbing elevator and pneumatic elevator. In the case study, the elevator we

study is traction elevator. Type of elevator is chosen according to building height, building

type, hoist mechanism, elevation users and type of users. (Safety rules for the construction

and installation of lifts - Part 1: Electric lifts (First revision), 2012)

There are three types of traction elevators, which are geared traction elevator, gearless

traction elevator and machine-room-less elevator. The type of traction elevator can be

identified by location of machine room and type of traction machine used. Machine-room-

less elevator does not required machine room. The traction motor is directly attach to top side

of lift shaft. MRL elevators saves building space as it does not required machine room. The

building electricity can saves up to 70% as the motor works with Variable Voltage Variable

Frequency (VVVF) drive. Hence, the expenses of MRL elevator is lower than other traction

elevator. (Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Part 1: Electric lifts (First

revision), 2012)

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Case Study

4.2.1 Operation Chart of Machine-Room-Less Traction Elevator

ACVF

Lift Frame

Traction Machine

Car Guide Counterweight Guide Counterweight

Guide

Gu

Overspeed Governor

Buffer

Wire Rope

Platform

Door Operator Door Safety

Devices

Landing

Landing Door

Landing

Fixtures

Lift Shaft

Lift Car

Lift Pit

Car

Main Control Panel Second Floor Lift Frame

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4.2.2 Control Panel

Figure 4.2.2.1: Key Hole to open Main Control Panel

Figure 4.2.2.2: Interior of Main Control Panel

Figure 4.2.2.3: Elevator Section

The main control panel is installed at lift frame of second floor for service purpose and

safety purpose. It receive the voltage supplied from main electricity supply (TNB) and turn

down the voltage to predetermined voltage level to controls the entire elevator system and

ACVF machine that located in machine room. It receives signal from users through car

operating panels. It also initiates raise or lower directional command and starting or stopping

lift car.

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4.2.3 ACVF

Figure 4.2.3.1: ACVF in lift shaft

Figure 4.2.3.2: Elevator Section

The ACVF functions to receive signal from main control panel and control the components in

lift shaft. It has been installed beside the traction motor. If there is emergency, the main

control panel will cut down the electricity provide to ACVF, then the entire elevator system

will be stopped.

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4.2.4 Traction Machine

Figure 4.2.4.1: Gearless Traction Motor in Machine

Room

Figure 4.2.4.2: Cooling Fan installed at Gearless

Traction Motor

Figure 4.2.4.3: Elevator Section

Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Part 1: Electric lifts (First revision)

i. The ratio between the pitch diameter of sheaves, pulleys or drums and the nominal

diameter of the suspension ropes shall be at least 40, regardless of the number of

strands.

Gearless traction machine is used in the studied elevator system. It includes machine, traction

sheave, brake and encoder. The gearless motor used enable a direct power transfer to avoid

loss of power. A cooling fan is installed on to the motor to avoid overheat. The traction

sheave is connected directly to the shaft of the traction motor, the motor rotation is

transmitted directly to the traction sheave without any intermediate gearing. The drive used

gearless machine for smooth ride quality. As the gearless machine allow smooth ride quality,

it does not required oil lubrication. A frequency converter is equipped with stand-by power

mode for emergency purpose.

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4.2.5 Overspeed Governor

Figure 4.2.5.1: Plan view of Lift Shaft

Figure 4.2.5.2: Overspeed

Governor on top of lift shaft

Figure 4.2.5.3: Safety Contact of

Overspeed Governor

Figure 4.2.5.4: Speed limit of

Overspeed Governor

Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Part 1: Electric lifts (First revision)

i. Tripping of the overspeed governor for the car safety gear shall occur at a speed at

least

Equal to 115 % of the rated speed.

ii. The tripping speed of an overspeed governor for a counterweight or balancing weight

safety gear shall be higher than that for the car safety gear according to (i), not,

however exceeding it by more than 10 %.

iii. The direction of rotation, corresponding to the operation of the safety gear, shall be

marked on the overspeed governor.

iv. The minimum breaking load of the rope shall be related by a safety factor of at least 8

to the tensile force produced in the rope of the overspeed governor when tripped

taking into

Governor Pulley

Safety Contact Governor Rope Tension Spring

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account a friction factor max equal to 0.2 for traction type overspeed governor.

v. On the overspeed governor a data plate shall be fixed indicating :

a) The name of the manufacturer of the overspeed governor;

b) The type examination sign and its references;

c) The actual tripping speed for which it has been adjusted.

There are two overspeed governor installed for this elevator system. One is installed on top of

lift shaft and another one is installed at lift pit. It functions to stop and hold the governor rope

with a predetermined force when car exceeding 40% of the rated speed. The predetermined

speed of the car is approximately 1 m/s, if the car speed is detected over this predetermined

speed, the tension spring will first response, then trigger the safety contact and locking plate.

A cable is usually attached to the safeties on the underside of the car, which is governor rope.

The governor rope runs down through a pulley at the bottom of the shaft and back up to the

machine room and around the governor sheave.

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4.2.6 Guide Rails

Figure 4.2.6.1: Counterweight Guide

Figure 4.2.6.2: Car Guide with Oil Lubricant Attached on it

Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Part 1: Electric lifts (First revision)

i. The guide rails, their joints and attachments shall be sufficient to withstand the loads

and

forces imposed on them in order to ensure a safe operation of the lift.

ii. For T-profile guide rails the maximum calculated permissible deflections are :

a) 5 mm in both directions for car, counterweight or balancing weight guide rails on

which safety gears are operating ;

b) 10 mm in both directions for guide rails of counterweight or balancing weight

without safety gears.

iii. Guide rails for counterweights or balancing weights without safety gear may be made

of

formed metal sheet. They shall be protected against corrosion.

Guide rails including car guides and counterweight guides. The machined channel and 'T'

section secured to car and wall respectively. It guides the car and counterweights to ensure

that they will travel in a uniform vertical direction. In order to ensure smooth ride, the cotton

that soaked with oil attached to the surface of guide rails, hence it is able to lubricate the

guide rails during travelling. The oil level has to be checked frequently to ensure it does not

goes below the red line to improve travel quality.

Counterweight

Guide

Cotton

Car Guide

Oil

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4.2.7 Counterweight

Figure 4.2.7.1: Counterweight Guide

Figure 4.2.7.2 Elevator Section

Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Part 1: Electric lifts (First revision)

i. If the counterweight or the balancing weight incorporates filler weights, necessary

measures shall be taken to prevent their displacement. To this effect the following

shall be used:

a) Either a frame in which the fillers are secured, or

b) If the fillers are made of metal, and if the rated speed of the lifts does not exceed 1

m/s, a minimum of two tie-rods on which the fillers are secured.

It provides traction and acts as a balance to the weight of car about 40% to 50% of the car

rated load. It also reduces the size of lift motor and provide safety measure when the

counterweight on its buffer, hence removing traction from car.

Counterweight

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4.2.8 Buffers

Figure 4.2.8.1 Oil Buffer at Lift Pit

Figure 4.2.8.2: Elevator Section

Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Part 1: Electric lifts (First revision)

i. Lifts shall be provided with buffers at the bottom limit of travel of the car and

counterweight

Oil buffer is used in this elevator system. It functions to accumulate and dissipate the kinetic

energy of the car or counterweight. Oil buffer is commonly used for traction elevators. It is

combination of oil and springs to reduce speed of descending car or counterweight. It is

located in elevator pit. It requires routine cleaning and painting to ensure it is in well

performance specification.

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4.2.9 Schindlers Traction Media

Figure 4.2.9.1: Traction Pulley in Traction Machine

Figure 4.2.9.2: Elevator Section

Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Part 1: Electric lifts (First revision)

i. The ends of each chain shall be fixed to the car, counterweight or balancing weight, or

suspension points of the dead parts of reeved chains by suitable terminations. The

junction between the chain and the chain termination shall be able to resist at least 80 %

of the minimum breaking load of the chain.

ii. An automatic device shall be provided for equalizing the tension of suspension ropes

or chains, at least at one of their ends.

iii. Rope traction shall be such that the following three conditions are fulfilled :

a) The car shall be maintained at floor level without slip when loaded to 125 %.

b) it shall be ensured that any emergency braking causes the car, whether empty or

with rated load, to decelerate with a value not exceeding the setting of the buffer,

including reduced stroke buffer ;

Instead of using wire rope, the traction media has been used due to the improved elasticity

and smaller space requirement. The traction pulley for steel ropes is replaced by an only

85mm traction shaft. It has 8 traction media to connect to the car for safety purpose. It

requires smaller motor, which benefit the machine-room-less elevator system. It is connect to

the car and allow vertical travelling of car.

Traction Pulley Traction Media

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4.3 Safety System

4.3.1 Hoistway Door Interlock

Figure 4.3.1.1: Eye of the car level

Figure 4.3.1.2: Hoistway Door Interlock

Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Part 1: Electric lifts (First revision)

i. It shall not be possible in normal operation to open a landing door (or any of the

panels in the case of a multi-panel door) unless the car has stopped, or is on the point

of stopping, in the unlocking zone of that door.

ii. The unlocking zone shall not extend more than 0.20 m above and below the landing

level.

iii. Each landing door shall be provided with a locking device satisfying the conditions of

7.7.1.This device shall be protected against deliberate misuse.

iv. The effective locking of the landing door in the closed position shall precede the

movement of the car. However, preliminary operations for the movement of the car

may take place. The locking must be proved by an electric safety device in conformity

with 14.1.2.

v. The car shall not be able to start until the locking elements are engaged by at least 7

mm.

vi. The locking elements and their fixings shall be resistant to shock, and be made or

reinforced with metal.

It is used to prevent car door to open at false landing level. The eye has been preset to

certain height and level to allow the car door to be opened. If the door open in false level, the

eye detected the information, it triggered the interlock function, prevent the door to be opened.

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If the doors are forced open, the interlock circuit will be broken, causing the elevator to stop

instantaneously.

4.3.2 Progressive Safety Gear

Figure 4.3.3.1: Eye of the car level

Figure 4.3.3.2: Hoistway Door Interlock

Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Part 1: Electric lifts (First revision)

i. The car shall be provided with a safety gear capable of operating in the downward

direction and capable of stopping a car carrying the rated load, at the tripping speed of

the overspeed governor, even if the suspension devices break, by gripping the guide

rails, and of holding the car there.

ii. A safety gear operating in upward direction may be used in accordance with 9.10.

iii. NOTE: The safety gear operating devices shall preferably be located at the lower part

of the car.

Safety gear is a mechanical device to stop the elevator car and counterweight by gripping the

guide rails when the car is travelling over pre-determined speed. Progressive safety gear

retardation is affected by breaking action on guide rails to limit the forces on elevator car and

counterweight. A pair of safety gears is installed in bottom part of car sling and operated

instantaneously by linkage mechanism that actuated by overspeed governor.

Safety Gear

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4.4 Analysis

Figure 4.4.1: Exhaust fan at the corner of Lift

Shaft

Figure 4.4.2: Position of Exhaust Fan at Lift Shaft

Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - Part 1: Electric lifts (First revision)

i. The well shall be suitably ventilated. It shall not be used to provide ventilation of

rooms other than those belonging to the lift.

ii. The machine rooms shall be suitably ventilated. Should the well be ventilated through

the machine room, this has to be taken into account. Stale air from other parts of the

building shall not be extracted directly into the machine room. It shall be such that the

motors, and equipment, as well as electric cables, etc., are protected as far as it is

reasonably practicable from dust, harmful fumes and humidity.

NOTE: In the absence of relevant regulations or standards, it is recommended that ventilation

openings at the top of the well, with a minimum area of 1 % of the horizontal section of the

well, are provided.

UBBL

i. Where openings to lift shafts are not connected to protected lobbies, such lift shafts

shall be provided with vents of not less than 0.09 square metre per lift located at the

top of the shafts. Where the vent does not discharge directly to the open air the lift

shafts shall be vented to the exterior through a duct of the required FRP as for the lift

shafts.

ii. Every opening in a lift shaft or lift entrance shall open into a protected lobby unless

other suitable means of protection to the opening to the satisfaction of the local

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authority is provided. These requirements shall not apply to open type industrial and

other special buildings as may be approved.

The traction machine is attached by using permanent magnet at the top of lift shaft. Exhaust

fan is installed to reduce room temperature in lift shaft as these components release heat

during operation. An exhaust fan is installed on top of car too to allow ventilation in lift car.

Figure 4.4.3: Checklist for maintenance by DOSH

Figure 4.4.4: Checklist for maintenance by DOSH

Maintenance of elevator has been done every month according to the checklist in Figure 4.4.3

and Figure 4.4.4 to ensure the elevator system satisfies the requirement for safe ride. The oil

level should not be lower than the red line. The maintenance should be aware and fill in the

oil tank.

Figure 4.4.5: Oil Level of Oil Tank

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FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

5.0 Introduction

LifePoint Church is equipped with hose reel system, fire alarm system, heat and smoke

detectors, portable fire extinguishers and other passive fire systems. The walls are protected

with Fire Rated Walls to ensure the building is able to withstand the fire for a certain of time

to allow occupants to escape. For a four-storeys building, water sprinkler system is not

present. Due to its height below 18.3m, the building does not required any dry riser system.

Every fire exit and escape staircase is equipped with a Keluar sign to guide the

building occupants to the exit path. Besides, a simplified floor plan as seen in Diagram 4.0

with indications on the emergency exit is located next to the lift on every level of the building.

Emergency lights are also installed at each areas of the building to ensure illumination for the

building occupants to the nearest exits in thick smokes or sudden blackout.

Figure 5.0: Ground floor plan with legend

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5.1 Literature Review

Fire, is an oxidation process that releases energy in the form of heat and light and gases. This

process known as combustion requires fuel, high temperature and oxygen to occur. The

results caused by combustion such as flame, heat, toxic gases and insufficiency of oxygen can

pose extreme hazards to the occupants and buildings therefore fire protection is needed

(Grondzik, Stein, Reynolds & Kwok, 2010). There are three types of fire protection, active

system, passive system and education of building owners and occupants about fire safety and

fire systems.

For successful control, suppression, or extinguishment of fires, the active system

relies on containing and acting on the fire while it is still manageable to be effective. Hence

active system needs to work together with passive system that slows down the spread of fire

(Roach, 2014).

Requirements for the fire systems vary according to the building types, floor area,

height of building, types of occupancy and function of building (Uniform Building By-Laws,

2006).

Active Fire Protection

An action is required for active fire protection systems to work, either it to be by manual,

electrical or mechanical (Roach, 2014). Active system detects fire through detector that will

send signals to devices such as alarm bell to alert the building occupants. This system then

controls fire by activating fire shutter doors to limit the spread of fire and smoke to other area

of the building. It suppresses or extinguish fire through carbon dioxide system, sprinklers,

hose reel system, riser system and the use of fire hydrant.

Passive Fire Protection

Passive system does not require external power or any activation and can be grouped into

three categories according to its purposes:

i) Limiting the growth rate of fire

ii) Compartmentation of fire

iii) Providing emergency escape from fire areas

Passive system slows down fire with fire-resistant walls, floors, doors or spray-on

fireproofing mixture on critical members such as beams and columns. This protects the

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building from collapsing due to the weakening of building parts in high temperature

condition and provides building occupants with more time to evacuate.

The division of building into one or more fire compartments is intended to prevent the

spread of fire to nearby compartments and acts as the maximum extension area of the fire

(Botma, 2013). Fire compartment needs to be enclosed by fire barriers to prevent the fire

from spreading into other rooms when the fire is from the fire compartment or to act as a

protected area for the occupants when the fire occurs from outside the fire compartment area

(Buildings Department, 2012).

Passive system provides escape for occupants from fire areas through fire staircase,

corridors and emergency light (Roach, 2014) and by setting regulations such as dead end

limit to allow occupants to reach the nearest fire exits in time.

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Case Study

5.2 Active Fire Protection

5.2.1 Hose Reel System

Figure 5.2.1: Schematic drawing from hose reel system

5.2.1.1 Water Storage Tank

UBBL:

247. (1) Water storage capacity and water flow rate

for fire fighting systems and installations shall be

provided in accordance with the scale as set out in

the Tenth Schedule to these By-laws.

[Tenth Schedule]

Minimum storage required for the first hose reel-

2275 litre

For each additional hose reel- 1137.5 litre up to a

maximum of 9100 litre

(2) Main water storage tanks within the building,

other than for hose reel systems, shall be located at

ground, first or second basement levels, with fire

brigade pumping inlet connections accessible for

fire appliances.

Figure 5.2.1.1.1 Hose reel storage tank

Pressure switch

Pump control panel

Storage tank Gate valve

Hose reel

Standby diesel hose reel pump

Pressure gauge

Electric duty pump

Water

main

Check valves

Drainage

Gate valve

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Figure 5.2.1.1.2: Location of water storage tank on Ground Floor Plan

Figure 5.2.1.1.3: Storage tank level indicator

This storage tank is to supply water only for the hose reel system. It is located on the ground

floor of the building to allow it to be accessible for fire brigade, which conforms to the UBBL

247(2). This hose reel storage tank is made of pressed steel and it is 12 x8 x 4 (3.66m x

2.44m x 1.22m) with a capacity of 9085 litres, approximately the maximum capacity stated in

UBBL 247(1).

The figure on the level indicator cannot be less than 7 for the building and it will be checked

once every three days to ensure the water level and the pressure in the tank is adequate to

supply for the hose reel system during fire emergency.

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5.2.1.2 Pumps

The existing water tank pumps can be operated automatically or manually. The electric duty

pump is the main pump for the water storage to pump water to all hose reels when fire

emergency happens. If the main pump stops operating during fire, the standby diesel pump

will pump the water up.

When the hose reel is in use, water flows out of the hose causing the increase in air space and

decrease in the air pressure in the pipe. This causes the pressure in the check valves to drop

Figure 5.2.1.2.1: Electric duty pump(right) and standby diesel hose reel pump(left)

1. Electric duty pump

2. Standby diesel pump

3. Flexible coupling

4. Check valve

5. Gate valve

6. Pressure gauge

7. Pressure switch

1 2

4

3

5

6 7

Figure 5.2.1.2.2: Parts of water storage pumps

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below the adjusted pressure field setting of the pressure switch. This triggers the automatic

operation of the pump to supply water for the hose (Petromas Infiniti Sdn. Bhd., 2012). On

the other hand, the pump will shut off when the pressure is higher than the pre-set range.

Figure 5.2.1.2.5: Hose reel duty pump and stand by pump control panels

Figure 5.2.1.2.3: Pressure gauge and pressure switches

Figure 5.2.1.2.4: The control panel is to operate the pumps by manual and to check the failure of either

pump.

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5.2.1.3 Valves

5.2.1.4 Hose Reel

UBBL:

248. (1) Wet riser, dry riser, sprinkler and

other fire installation pipes and fittings shall

be painted red.

248. (2) All cabinets and areas of recessed in

walls for location of fire installations and

extinguishers shall be clearly identified to

the satisfaction of the Fire Authority or

otherwise clearly identified.

Diagram 5.2.1.4.3: Hose reel diagram

Figure 5.2.1.4.1: Hose reel

Check valve:

Also known as non-return valve, only allows water to flow in

one direction.

Gate valve:

To allow or restrict flow of water through the pipe by turning it

manually.

Figure 5.2.1.4.2: Hose reel instruction and specification

Swing

Adjustable

nozzle

Hose

Hose reel drum

Valve

Figure 5.2.1.3: Check valves and gate valves

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Hose reel acts as a first aid firefighting equipment for building users and should be located

within 30m hose coverage of the hose reel and in noticeable places beside exit doors or

staircases or along escape routes. It should also be located at places least likely to be

endangered by fire such as staircase landing (Hall & Greeno, 2013). For every 800m2 of floor

area there should be a hose reel installed. The building has a hose reel for every main areas

on the ground floor as seen in Diagram instead for every 800m2 due to the division of spaces.

This allows users from each space to have their own hose reel.

The hose reels used are manufactured according to Australian Standard AS1221 and are

approved by QAS Australia. The rubber hose is 30 meters in length and has a test pressure of

1.5MPa (15 bar).

945.7m2

246.6m2

288.0m2

239.2m2

65.7m2

36m 24m

27m

Hose reel (in building)

Hose reel (outside building)

Exit door

Figure5.2.1.4.4: Location of hose reels in Ground Floor Plan

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The hose reels used are all swing type automatic hose reels which have built-in internal

valves. The internal valve functions by opening after two revolutions of the hose reel and will

close automatically when the hose is wound back to the reel (Semarak Industri Sdn. Bhd.,

2013). Swing type hose reel allows the hose to be pulled in different directions.

Figure 5.2.1.4.5: Hose reel cabinets

Even though the cabinets have see-through glass panels but there is no identification such as

painted red or signage on the cabinets as required by UBBL 248. (2)

5.2.2 Fire Alarm System

Smoke and heat triggers the detectors

signal sent to alarm system

Building occupants are

alerted

electrical signals sent to other active systems to control and

extinguish the fire

Signal sent to

Fire Alarm

Control Panel

at Guard

House

Location of

fire or

smoke is

identified

Fire is

extinguished

manually

Manual

breakglass

unit or key

switch box

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5.2.2.1 Smoke and Heat Detectors

Figure 5.2.2.1.3: 7 Location of smoke detectors and heat detectors in Ground Floor Plan

Figure 5.2.2.1.2: Heat detectors

Smoke detector

Lift

Heat detector

6m

UBBL:

153. (1) All lift lobbies shall be provided with smoke detector.

Pantry and toilet area

Figure 5.2.2.1.1: Smoke detectors

Connection to fire alarm

panel (at Guard house)

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The spacing for the heat detectors is approximately 6m each for LifePoint Church as to

ensure quick detection of fire outbreak. From Figure 5.2.2.1.3, one smoke detector is located

at the lift lobby, conforming to the UBBL 153. (1). Another smoke detector is also installed

at the water storage tank area, to detect possible smoke coming from the pumps.

For the building, no smoke or heat detectors are installed at the pantry and toilet areas. As

seen in Figure 5.2.2.1.3, all detectors are connected to the Fire Alarm Panel at the Guard

House.

Smoke detector

There are commonly two types of smoke detectors available in the market, which is the

photoelectric and ionization. Photoelectric detector requires more smoke than ionization

detector to be activated (Smoke detectors, 2006).

The light beam is projected to the supervisory photocell in a straight line. When smoke enters

the detector, the light beam is deflected to the alarm photocell and this creates a current to

activate the alarm system.

Figure 5.2.2.1.4: Photoelectric detector (Grondzik, Stein, Reynolds & Kwok, 2010)

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Opposite charged ions are attracted by the positive and negative charged plate electrodes

which causes the flow of ions. The movements of ions between the plates then produce small

electric current. When smoke particles enter the chamber, the ion flow slows down and the

current is disrupted. This causes the alarm to sound.

Heat Detector

This heat detector has a combination of rate-of-rise and fixed temperature units. The rate-of-

rise unit operates when the rate of surrounding temperature rises exceeding a preset amount

usually around 8oC/minute. This rate of change of temperature causes the bellows to expand

and touches the rate-of-rise contact and sound the alarm.

For the fixed temperature unit, the bimetal element will expand when a certain temperature is

achieved usually at 57 oC or 85 oC. The fixed temperature contact attached on the bimetal

element will then touches the other fixed-temperature contact and electric current will flow

and activate the alarm system (Grondzik, Stein, Reynolds & Kwok, 2010).

Figure 5.2.2.1.5: Ionization smoke detector (Hall & Greeno, 2013)

Figure 5.2.2.1.6: A combination of rate-of-rise and fixed temperature detector (Grondzik, Stein, Reynolds & Kwok, 2010)

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5.2.2.2 Manual Breakglass Unit and Key Switch Box

The fire alarm system alerts the building occupants when there is a fire outbreak so that

immediate safety measure and firefighting action can be taken. This system can be operated

either automatically through the detectors or manually by breaking the glass of the breakglass

unit to activate the fire alarm.

Figure 5.2.2.2.3, Figure 5.2.2.2.4: Manual key switch boxes located outside of TNB switch room and

transformer room

Individual manual key switch boxes are installed outside of each switch room and

transformer room. This enables quick activation of fire alarm and release of carbon dioxide

gas when the room is on fire by turning the key of the key switch box. Key switch boxes are

used here instead of manual breakglass unit is to prevent anyone to intentionally activate the

Figure 5.2.2.2.2: Breakglass unit

Figure 5.2.2.2.1: Alarm bell and breakglass unit

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carbon dioxide system without emergency as only permissioned individuals and the Fire

Authority have the key.

The breakglass units and fire alarms are located along fire escape routes or next to the

emergency exits. This enables building occupants to be able to activate the fire alarm system

when fire occurs.

Diagram 5.2.2.2: Fire Alarm System on Ground Floor Plan

Smoke detector

Fire Alarm Panel at Guard

House Heat detector

Connection to Fire Alarm

Panel

Fire alarm system junction

box

Fire Alarm

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5.2.2.3 Fire Alarm Control Panel

The Fire Alarm Control Panel is located at the Guard House because it is detached from the

main building so the fire could not spread to it and there will be guards monitoring the fire

alarm panel 24 hours daily so any fire emergency can be detected immediately.

The Fire Alarm System Junction Box is located at the cafeteria, next to the Consumer Switch

Room. This is because the Consumer switch room, TNB switch room and TNB transformer

room have a separated alarm system circuit which is connected to the junction box.

5.2.3 Portable fire extinguisher

UBBL:

227. Portable extinguisher shall be provided in

accordance with the relevant codes of practice and shall

be sited in prominent positions on exit routes to be

visible from all directions and similar extinguishers in a

building shall be of the same method of operation.

Figure 5.2.3.1: Portable fire extinguisher

Figure 5.2.2.3.1: Fire Alarm Control Panel at

the Guard House

Figure 5.2.2.3.2: Fire Alarm System Junction Box

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Figure 5.2.3.2: Parts of ABC dry powder fire extinguisher

Diagram 5.2.3: Location of portable fire extinguishers in Ground Floor Plan

Main hall

New Main

Hall

Dry chemical powder

Nozzle

Discharge lever

Locking ring pin

Siphon tube

Carrying handle

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Portable fire extinguisher is a compressed cylindrical device used for small fire and as first

aid fire control. Different color codes represent the different fire sources appropriate for the

extinguisher (Greeno, 2005). The portable fire extinguishers used are red with blue band,

indicating it as 9kg ABC dry powder extinguishers which its applications are stated below:

Source: Hall, F., & Greeno, R. (2013). Portable fire extinguishers.

As seen in Diagram 5.2.3, the portable fire extinguishers are placed next to the emergency

exits or along the escape paths which complies to the UBBL 227. No portable fire

extinguisher is found in the office area.

For easy reach, portable fire extinguisher should always be hung on wall brackets. Besides it

should not be placed under excessive heat or cold, as the temperature limit stated on the

portable fire extinguisher is -20oC to 60 oC.

The fire extinguisher is placed on the ground and next to the window, under the risk of being

exposed to high temperature or accidentally knocked down by building occupants.

Class A organic solids (wood, paper, cloth etc)

Class B flammable liquids (petrol, oil, paint etc)

Class C

flammable gases (methane, propane, acetylene etc)

Electrical hazards

Figure 5.2.3.3, Figure 5.2.3.4: Placement of portable fire extinguishers

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5.2.4 Hydrant system

5.2.4.1 Pillar hydrant

Fire hydrant system functions as water source for fire protection. The pillar hydrants are

located at the opposite end of LifePoint Church site boundary. The nearest pillar hydrant to

the water storage tank is approximately 45metres away which exceeds the length of the

30metres hose.

Building area

Fire hydrant Hydrant cabinet

(with nozzles, hose

and accessories)

Water main

UBBL:

Part VIII 225. (2)Every building shall be

served by at least one fire hydrant located not

more than 91.5 meters from the nearest point

of fire brigade access.

UBBL 1984 By Laws-225(2&3):

Not more than 6 meter from the building

Not more than 30 meter away from the entrance to the building

When the hydrant is installed within the

owners boundary, each should be provided with 30meters of 65mm diameter rubber lined

hose, instantaneous couplings and nozzles.

Figure 5.2.4.1: Pillar hydrants

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5.2.4.2 Hydrant cabinet

The hydrant cabinet is placed next to the pillar hydrant and has a key attached to it. In case of

fire emergency, the key is used to unlock the cabinet and to retrieve the fire hose with nozzle

and accessories. The hose is to be attached to the pillar hydrant next to it.

Main entrance

50.421m

47.415m

Figure 5.2.4.2: Hydrant cabinet near the guard house

Diagram 5.2.4.1: Locations of fire hydrants on Ground Floor Plan

Guard House

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5.3 Passive Fire Protection

5.3.1 Fire Suppression System

Diagram 5.3.1.1: Schematic diagram on suppression system.

Diagram 5..3.1.3: The location of the fire suppression system.

4 1

5

2

3

LEGEND 1. Flashing Lights 2. Fire Alarm 3. Manual Fire Alarm with

Break Glass

4. Nozzle

5. CO2 Cylinder

Fire Detector Fire Alarm

Flashing Light

CO2 Cylinder

Diagram 5.3.1.2: Annotation on members in the system.

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The fire suppression system is required within any electrical room although an exclusion is

allowed for rooms with generators or transformers. The CO2 is an electrically nonconductive

gas that is 50% more dense than air hence it will cover the fire reducing oxygen and prevents

combustion.

Figure 5.3.1.1: The flashing lights in green state.

The fire suppression system is required within any electrical room although an

exclusion is allowed for rooms with generators or transformers hence the reason it is only

present in the switch room in the church. When fire is detected in the switch room, the

flashing light above the door will turn red before the activation of the gas system. This is to

prevent the users from entering as the CO2 gas released is an asphyxiate, especially in a small

room and can build up to a point where respiration becomes difficult.

Figure 5.3.1.2: CO2 cylinder attached to steel piping.

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UBBL:

The use of CO2 gas by requirements of National Fire Protection Association or

Jabatan Bomba in the following rooms; transformer room, high voltage switch room,

power grid room & electric T.E.N. room.

Figure 5.3.1.3: CO gas

cylinder.

Figure 5.3.1.4: Nozzle where extinguisher

agent is discharged.

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5.3.2 Fire Escape System

5.3.2.1 Fire Rated Doors

LEGEND 1. Illuminated Exit Sign 2. Stopper 3. Push Bar 4. Latches & Bolts 5. Fire Vision Panel 6. Door Handle 7. Fire Notice

1

2

4 3

5

6

7

Figure 5.3.2.1.1: 900 x 2100 1

hour fire rated door.

Figure 5.3.2.1.2: 1800 x 2100 2 hour fire rated door.

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Figure 5.3.2.1.3: Fire rate door approval label.

Fire rated doors are compartmentalised throughout the building to delay the spread of fire and

smoke from one area another area. These fire doors come with an aluminium door closer

mounted on top of the door to ensure the doors close after being opened as closing a door

remains a low priority when escaping a fire. Certain fire rated doors have a 100mm x 600mm

vision panel that allows people to see the other side of the door before entering. As people

tend to panic during a fire, most fire rated doors that has the most circulation come equipped

with a push bar allowing people to be able to open the door with ease.

UBBL:

133. Fire Resisting means the construction so designated, including doors, has a minimum

standard of fire-resistance of not less