Fire detection system to cover 6,000 older buildings in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Fire Services Department will expand its IoT fire detection pilot scheme this month to about 6,000 residential and composite buildings with seven or more storeys, following a successful trial in 10 smaller buildings. A modified sprinkler system connecting directly to government water mai
The Fire Services Department will expand its Pilot Scheme of IoT Fire Detection System this month to older buildings with seven storeys or more, covering about 6,000 residential and composite buildings, the department announced.
The pilot scheme, launched earlier this year, initially installed the system in 10 older buildings with six storeys or fewer. The department said the trial had gone well and it had received about 300 expressions of interest from building owners.
The system automatically detects fires and sends alerts to a service provider's platform within about 10 seconds, before transmitting them to the Fire Services Communications Centre through a dedicated line. Installation may require on-site signal tests to determine suitability, and owners must agree on the system, service provider and pricing plan, which may take time.
In a separate initiative, the department will introduce a modified sprinkler system with direct water pumping in October, in collaboration with the Water Supplies Department. The system is expected to cover about 900 buildings subject to relevant statutory requirements.
Unlike conventional sprinkler systems, which generally require large water tanks, the modified system allows sprinkler pumps to connect directly to government water mains, subject to water supply and fire safety requirements.
The department said it would coordinate with the Water Supplies Department to receive notifications of water supply suspensions and alert frontline personnel to affected buildings, allowing contingency measures to be activated when necessary.