OISD – STD – 173

First Revision Sept 2003

FOR RESTRICTED
CIRCULATION ONLY

FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION SYSTEM

FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Prepared by:

COMMITTEE ON ELECTRICAL FIRE PROTECTION

OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE

7th Floor, ‘New Delhi House’
27-Barakhamba Road
New Delhi 110001

NOTE

1
Oil Industry Safety Directorate(OISD) publications are prepared for use in the oil and
gas industry under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. These are the property of
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and shall not be reproduced or copied and loaned
or exhibited to others without written consent from OISD.

Though every effort has been made to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data
contained in these documents, OISD hereby expressly disclaims any liability or
responsibility for loss or damage resulting from their use.

These documents are intended to supplement rather than replace the prevailing
statutory requirements.

2
 FOREWORD

The oil industry in India is nearly a 100 years old. Due to various collaboration
agreements with foreign companies, a variety of practices have been in vogue and
various international codes, standards are being followed. Standardisation in design
philosophies and operating and maintenance practices at a national level was hardly in
existence. This lack of uniformity coupled with feedback from some serious accidents
that occurred in the recent past in India and abroad, emphasised the need for the
industry to review the existing state of the art in designing, operating and maintaining oil
and gas installations.

With this in view, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 1986 constituted
a Safety Council assisted by the Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) staffed from
within the industry in formulating and implementing a series of self regulatory measures
aimed at removing obsolescence, standardising and upgrading the existing standards to
ensure safer operations. Accordingly OISD constituted a number of functional
committees comprising of experts nominated from the industry to draw up standards
and guidelines on various subjects.

The first edition of the document on ‘Fire Prevention and Fire Protection System
for Electrical Installations’ was prepared by the Committee on ‘Electrical Fire Protection’
and published in July 1996. The present revised edition has been prepared by
Committee constituted with help of member industries. This document is based on the
accumulated knowledge and experience of industry members, and various national and
international codes and practices.

It is hoped that the provision of this document, if implemented objectively, may

go a long way in improving the safety in the oil and gas industry.

This document will be reviewed periodically for improvements based on the new
experiences and better understanding. Suggestions from industry members may be
addressed to:

The Coordinator
Committee on Electrical Fire Protection
OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE
7th Floor, ‘New Delhi House’
27-Barakhamba Road
New Delhi – 110 001

3
 COMMITTEE ON ELECTRICAL FIRE PROTECTION

LIST OF MEMBERS

____________________________________________________________________

NAME ORGANISATION
____________________________________________________________________

LEADER

Shri V P Sharma Engineers India Ltd.

MEMBERS

Shri K K Gupta Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

Shri N V Mani Cochin Refineries Ltd.

Shri G C Dwivedi Gas Authority of India Ltd.

Shri P Kamalasekharan Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

Shri Niraj Sethi Engineers India Ltd.

MEMBER CO-ORDINATOR

Shri J K Jha Oil Industry Safety Directorate

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4
 COMMITTEE ON REVISION OF OISD-STD-173

LIST OF MEMBERS

____________________________________________________________________

NAME ORGANISATION
____________________________________________________________________

MEMBERS

Shri R P Singh Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

Shri K S Mishra Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

Shri S M Ghotavadekar Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

Shri K V Bhaskara Rao Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

Shri Niraj Sethi Engineers India Ltd.

Shri H K Sarsar Bongaigaon Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd.

Shri A K Das Kochi Refineries Ltd.

Shri A P Chakravarty Numaligarh Refinery Ltd.

MEMBER CO-ORDINATOR

Shri C M Sharma Oil Industry Safety Directorate

GUIDANCE

Shri V P Sharma (Leader of 1st Committee) Engineers India Ltd.

Shri Anant Narayan Engineers India Ltd.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5
 FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

CONTENTS

SECTION DESCRIPTION PAGE

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

2.0 SCOPE 1

3.0 DEFINITIONS 1

4.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 3

5.0 FIRE PROTECTION FOR SUBSTATION 9

6.0 ELECTRICAL GENERATOR INSTALLATIONS 13

7.0 TRANSFORMER INSTALLATION 14

8.0 CABLE INSTALLATION 16

9.0 TEMPORARY INSTALLATIONS 18

10.0 REFERENCES 20

6
 FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION SYSTEM
FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Fire protection assumes greater
importance in context of the electrical
installations located in hydrocarbon
industry where classified hazardous
atmosphere may be encountered and
electricity may constitute one of the
sources of ignition for fire incidents and
explosions.
It is therefore imperative that the
concept of fire prevention / protection is
built into the electrical system right
from the design and engineering stage
and continued to the operation /
maintenance stage.
2.0 SCOPE
This document provides the minimum
requirements for preventing fire hazard,
containing and suppression of fire in
the electrical installations in the
petroleum, oil and gas sector.
However, this standard does not cover
off-shore oil installations. It also
excludes drilling rigs and well head
installations. Consideration has been
given to the prevalent national and
international standards on fire
protection of Electrical Installations.
This standard in no way supercedes
the statutory rules such as Indian
Electricity Rules and Regulations of the
Chief Electrical Inspectorate, Factory
Inspectorate, Chief Controller of
Explosives, Directorate General of
Mines Safety, Central Electricity
Authority or other Government bodies.
Fire protection system shall be
designed in accordance with applicable
OISD standards as amended time to
time.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this standard, the
following definitions will apply.
i) CABLE RUN
A stretch of cable(s) for carrying
electrical current from one point to the
other.
ii) CABLE TRAY
A horizontal or vertical metal / FRP
support for a cable run. A cable tray
may support one or more cables.
iii) CABLE RACK
Two or more cable trays arranged one
above the other.
iv) CABLE TUNNEL/ GALLERY
Any closed section of the structure or
building which primarily serves as a
distribution route for cables for
electrical power and / or the control &
monitoring of equipment and having
walk-through corridors. The Tunnel /
Gallery could be above ground or
below ground.
v) CABLE TRENCH
An Underground or below ground
section with RCC / Brick lining which
primarily serves as a distribution route
for cables for electrical power and / or
the control and monitoring of
equipment. RCC lined trenches are
usually provided with removable
covers.
vi) CABLE CELLAR
The space below the substation floor,
which is utilised for installation of cable
trays in sub stations with the floor
raised above grade level.
vii) CABLE SHAFT AND RISERS
Vertical ways for carrying cables
constructed either of concrete /
masonary or fabricated from steel.
7

viii) CABLE VAULTS
Cable vaults are generally built below a
control room wherein cables from
various facilities terminate before
entering the control panels.
ix) ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
Electrical installations include
generating stations, sub-stations,
switch gear rooms, transformers,
cabling systems and outdoor switch
yards.
x) FIRE STOP
A through penetration fire stop is a
specific construction consisting of
materials that fill the opening around
penetrating items, such as cables,
cable trays, Bus Ducts, conduits, ducts
and pipes, and their means of support
through the wall or opening to prevent
the spread of fire.
xi) FIRE BARRIERS
Fire barriers are passive fire protection
systems which prevent propagation of
fire through floor penetration or wall
penetrations.
xii) FIRE BREAKS
Fire breaks are passive fire protection
systems like chemical coating which
prevent the propagation of fire in
horizontal or vertical run of cables and
prevent spread of fire to nearby
combustibles, e.g. for preventing
propagation of fire in long cable runs in
the cable galleries, cable trenches and
cable cellars etc.
xiii) CLASSIFICATION OF
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
Flammable liquids vary in volatility and
have a flash point below 93 degree C.
These are divided into following three
classes as per the Petroleum
Act,1934:
“Petroleum Class A”: means petroleum
having a flash-point below twenty-
three degrees centigrade.
“Petroleum Class B”: means petroleum
having a flash-point of twenty-three
degrees centigrade and above but
below sixty-five degrees centigrade.
“Petroleum Class C“: means
petroleum having a flash-point of
sixty–five degrees centigrade and
above but below ninety-three degrees
centigrade.
xiv) HAZARDOUS AREA
In accordance with the Petroleum
Rules applicable to Hydrocarbon
liquids, an area shall be deemed to be
a hazardous area, where:
a) Petroleum having flash point
below 65 0 C or any flammable gas or
vapour in a concentration capable of
ignition is likely to be present
b) Petroleum or any flammable
liquid having flash point above 650C is
likely to be refined, blended, handled
or stored at or above its flash point.
The Petroleum Act, 1934 is applicable
for Hydrocarbon liquids with Flash
Point upto 93 Degrees Celsius.
xv) VOLTAGE
The difference of electric potential
measured in volts between any two
conductors or between any part of
either conductor and the earth as
measured by a suitable voltmeter and
is said to be;
“Low” where the voltage does not
exceed 250 volts under normal
conditions subject, however, to the
percentage variation allowed in Indian
Electricity Rules;
“Medium” where the voltage does
not exceed 650 volts under normal
conditions subject, however, to the
percentage variation allowed by Indian
Electricity Rules;
“High“ where the voltage does not
exceed 33,000 volts under normal
conditions subject, however, to the
percentage variation allowed by Indian
Electricity Rules;
8
“Extra High” where the voltage
exceeds 33,000 volts under normal
conditions subject, however, to the
percentage variation allowed by Indian
Electricity Rules.
xvi) INDOOR TRANSFORMER
The transformer installations which
have limitations in approach for the
Fire Tender (in other words, which are
not easily accessible by a fire tender)
shall be considered indoors for the
purpose of fire protection.
xvii) SWITCH GEAR
Switch gear shall denote circuit
breakers, cut outs and other
apparatus used for the operation,
regulation and control of circuits.
xviii) SWITCH BOARDS
Switch Boards shall mean a Panel
assembly including the switch gear for
the control of electrical circuits,
electrical connections and supporting
frame.
xix) SUB – STATION
Sub – station means any premises or
enclosures / building or part thereof,
being large enough to admit the
entrance of a person after the
apparatus therein is in position,
containing apparatus for transforming
or converting energy to or from a
voltage, apparatus for distribution or
any other apparatus for switching,
controlling or otherwise regulating the
energy, and includes the apparatus
therein.
a) Large Sub-Station
Sub Station housing High and Medium
Voltage cabling and switchgear.
b) Small Sub-Station
Sub Station having Medium and Low
Voltage cabling and switchgear.
xx) GENERATING STATION
Any building or part thereof where
power generating sources are
installed and operated along with
switchgear, switch boards and other
equipment required to generate /
control power.
xxi) SHALL
“Shall’’ indicates a mandatory
requirement.
xxii) SHOULD
``Should’’ indicates a requirement
which is recommendatory in nature.
4.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
i) Electrical installations including
generating stations, distribution station
etc. are exposed to considerable fire
risk since these facilities handle
hydrocarbons as fuels, as well as,
mineral oils for transformers which are
highly flammable. Oil and gas
handling or bearing equipment,
storage of fuel oil, piping related to
fuel oil and gas are risk prone areas.
ii) All the above fire risks need to be
minimized by taking suitable
measures for the prevention of fire
and also for protection against fire.
iii) Electrical equipment shall be
regularly inspected and tested to
prevent the chances of fire.
Precautions to be adopted for fire
safety of electrical installations should
conform to relevant Indian Standards
i.e IS : 1646, OISD-STD-137 etc.
iv) Periodic tests of electrical
equipment shall be carried out as per
IS : 1646 and preventive maintenance
schedule shall be prepared based
upon the recommendations of
equipment manufacturers.
v) Flammable cleaning fluids such as
gasoline, benzene, ether, alcohol etc.
shall not be used on energized
equipment. These fluids may,
however, be used on de-energized
equipment. The equipment should be
left in de-energised condition at least
half an hour after such cleaning.
9
 vi) All electrical equipment shall be
kept free of carbon dust, oil deposits,
grease etc.
vii) All electrical equipment shall be
effectively earthed in accordance with
requirements of IS : 3043, OISD-RP-
149.
viii) Generating stations shall be
kept clean and free from any
obstacles at all times. Waste material
shall not be dumped near storage
areas for oil, gas and other
combustible material.
ix) Naked flame, welding etc. shall
not be permitted in storage area or in
the vicinity of fuel oil tanks. In case it
is unavoidable, prior permission in
writing, from appropriate authority,
shall be obtained and due care and
protection shall be exercised in line
with provisions under OISD-STD-
105 in respect of Work Permit .
4.1 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FOR
HAZARDOUS AREAS
4.1.1 In order to ensure that electrical
equipment does not become a
source of ignition in an oil / gas
handling installation, it is necessary
that the equipment is suitably
selected for installation in hazardous
areas.
4.1.2 Following factors shall be considered
for proper selection of electrical
apparatus and equipment for areas
where risks due to flammable gases
or vapours may arise:
a) Area classification i.e. Zone-0,
Zone-1 or Zone-2 (Refer OISD-STD-
113 for definitions)
b) Gas group classification i.e. the
gas group IIA, IIB or IIC (Refer OISD-
STD-113 for gases covered in the
gas groups)
c) Temperature classification i.e.
T1,T2, T3, T4,T5 or T6 (Refer OISD-
RP-147 for temperature ranges)
d) Environmental conditions in
which the apparatus is to be
installed:
i) Electrical apparatus in general
and switching and controlling
apparatus in particular should be
installed in safe area i.e. non-
hazardous area.
ii) While deciding the route of
overhead power lines, necessary
consideration shall be given to avoid
overhead lines passing through
hazardous areas.
Electrical equipment intended for
service in hazardous area shall be
selected in accordance with IS:5571
and these shall be tested by
agencies such as CMRI, ERTL, CPRI
or independent test laboratory of
country of origin for such equipment.
Indigenous Flameproof equipment
shall comply with relevant BIS
standard as per requirements of
statutory authorities. All hazardous
area equipment shall be approved by
the applicable statutory authority.
For details on hazardous area
classification, enclosure protection
etc., OISD-STD–113, OISD-RP-149,
NEC – 1985, IS:5571, 5572, IS:
13408, Petroleum Rules and Oil
Mines Regulations shall be referred.
4.2 PLANT EARTHING
4.2.1 It is recommended that all electrical
equipment be suitably earthed.
Earthing system shall, in general
cover the following:
• Equipment earthing for personnel
safety.
• System neutral earthing, and
• Protection against Static and
Lightning discharges.
The earthing system shall have an
earthing network with required
number of earth electrodes
connected to it. The following shall
be earthed:
• System neutral
• Current and potential transformer
secondary neutral
10

• Metallic non-current carrying
parts of all electrical apparatus such
as transformers, switchgears,
motors, lighting / power panels,
terminal boxes, control stations,
lighting fixtures, receptacles etc.
• Steel structures, loading
platform etc.
• Cable trays and racks, lighting
mast and poles.
• Storage tanks, spheres,
vessels, columns and all other
process equipment.
• Electrical equipment fencing
(e.g. transformer, yard etc.)
• Cable shields and armour.
• Flexible earth provision for
wagon, truck.
• Pump handling Hydrocarbon if
its base Plate is separate from
motor‘s base plate.
• Turbo driven pump handling
hydrocarbon
4.2.2 Plant earthing design shall generally
be carried out in accordance with
the requirements of Indian Electricity
Rules and IS : 3043. Following
requirements should be met:
• All earth connections should be
visible for inspection to the extent
possible.
• Unless adequately connected to
earth elsewhere, all utility and
process pipelines should be bonded
to a common conductor by means
of earth bars or pipe clamps and
connected to the earthing system at
a point where the pipelines enter or
leave the hazardous area except
where conflicting with the
requirements of cathodic protection .
4.2.3 Where installed, lightning protection
shall be provided as per the
requirements of IS:2309. Self
conducting structures having metal
thickness of more than 4.8 mm may
not require lightning protection with
aerial rod and down conductors.
They shall, however, be connected
to the earthing system, at least, at
two points at the base.
OISD-GDN-180 may be referred for
details on lightning protection
4.3 The resistance values of an earthing
system to the general mass of earth
should be as below:
• For the electrical system and
equipment a value that ensures the
operation of the protective device in
the electrical circuit but not in excess
of 4 Ohms. However, the generating
stations and large sub stations, this
value shall not be more than 1 Ohm.
• 10 Ohms in the case of all non-
current carrying metallic parts of
major electric apparatus or any
metallic object.
• Earthing of Tanks
a) Every tank or other
receptacle for the storage of
petroleum in bulk, other than a well
head tank or tanks of less than
50,000 litres capacity containing
petroleum Class C shall be
electrically connected with the earth
in an efficient manner by not less
than two separate and distinct
connections placed at the opposite
extremities of such tank or
receptacle. The roof and all metal
connections of such tank or
receptacle shall be in efficient
electrical contact with the body of
such tank or receptacle.
b) The connections and the
contacts required under (a) shall
have as few joints as possible. All
joints shall be rivetted, welded or
bolted and also soldered to ensure
both mechanical and electrical
soundness.
c) The resistance to earth shall not
exceed 7 Ohms and the resistance to
any part of the fitting to the earth
plate or to any other part of fitting
shall not exceed 2 Ohms.
11
 • All joints in pipelines, valves,
plants , storage tanks and associated
facilities and equipment for petroleum
shall be made electrically continuous
by bonding or otherwise; the
resistance value between each joint
shall not exceed 1 Ohm.
Pipeline runs / installations having
cathodic protection shall be
governed by Rule-109 of Indian
Petroleum Rules-2002.
4.3.1 Earth rods and conductors shall be
designed to cope with the conditions
imposed. The earth conductor shall
be adequately sized to carry the
applicable maximum earth fault
current without undue temperature
rise. All joints shall be protected
against corrosion.
4.3.2 All the electrical equipment operating
above 250 volts shall have two
separate and distinct connections to
earth grid.
4.3.3 In all cases, connection to earth
should be made in accordance with
IS : 3043.
4.3.4 For further details on earthing
installation practices, refer OISD-RP-
147 and OISD-RP-149.
4.3.5 The main earthing network shall be
used for earthing of equipment to
protect it against static electricity.
An independent earthing network
shall be provided for lightning
protection and this shall be bonded
with the main earthing network below
ground, minimum at two points.
4.3.6 An approach for removing fire or
explosion danger is to provide means
for adequate dissipation and
prevention of accumulation of static
electricity, thereby ensuring that
static discharges do not occur. One
of the methods to eliminate risk of
static electricity build up is
grounding and bonding.
The subject of Static accumulation
caused by flow of petroleum products
and the mitigation methods are dealt
in detail in OISD-STD-110 and same
should be referred.
4.4 MINIMISING EQUIPMENT FAILURE
4.4.1 Maintenance
a) Proper functioning of electrical
equipment can only be ensured by
means of periodic preventive and
predictive maintenance of the
equipment. This enhances
equipment life and also ensures
safety of the equipment, installation
and operating personnel.
b) Maintenance may be daily,
weekly, quarterly or annual
depending upon the type of
equipment. Adequate logs shall be
maintained to ensure that
maintenance is carried out as per
approved checklists. Preventive
maintenance should be carried out
as per schedules laid down in OISD-
STD-137.
c) Live parts of switch gear shall
be made inaccessible from any
inadvertent physical contact, lizard
entry etc. These shall be suitably
covered by barriers and shrouds.
d) It shall be ensured that the
electrical installation shall be rust /
corrosion protected. This should be
achieved by painting all equipment at
regular intervals by use of zinc
passivated, nickel plated hardware,
stainless steel hardware, through
provision of canopies for outdoor
equipment and covering of terminal
boxes to prevent ingress of water etc.
Battery rooms shall be kept dry and
well ventilated and all terminals shall
be kept covered with petroleum jelly
to avoid corrosion.
e) During maintenance if any
equipment is removed from panel
doors, etc. which leaves an open cut-
out on the equipment, the same shall
be promptly sealed using blanking
plates or other means, to ensure that
there is no loss of the degree of
ingress protection and also that this
does not provide a means of access
for entry of dust / vermin etc. It shall
12
be ensured that all unused cable
entries are blanked off.
f) All battery banks shall be
routinely checked for healthy cell
voltage, specific gravity of cells,
electrolyte level etc.
g) Insulation resistance of all
electrical equipment, such as, all
switchboards, motors, transformers,
cables etc. shall be routinely
measured and logged to ensure
healthiness of equipment.
h) Dielectric strength of
transformer insulating oil, Oil Circuit
Breakers etc. shall be measured at
regular intervals and recorded and oil
filtration shall be carried out
wherever necessary. Dissolved Gas
analysis for transformers rated
5MVA and above may be carried
out as a predictive method to assess
health of transformer.
i) All cable terminations, bus-bar
joints, etc. shall be tightened, more
so for equipment subjected to
vibrations, to ensure that there are no
hot spots which could lead to fire /
equipment failure.
j) Settings of protective relays shall
be checked to ensure that they are
set as per the recommended
settings. Protective Relays shall be
tested / calibrated once an year to
ensure proper operation as per
manufacturer’s recommendations.
k) Unused cable entries in any
switchboard / Electrical installation
shall not be kept open.
l) Conduits used for cable entry
shall be sealed and earthed.
m) All wall openings of an electrical
sub station including cable entries
shall be properly sealed to arrest
water entry inside sub station.
n) All switchboards shall be
provided with safety interlocks as
covered under OISD-RP-149 and
inspected as per OISD-STD-137.
o) Transformer and switchyards
shall be maintained free of vegetation
/ dry grass.
p) Earth grid resistance shall be
measured and recorded regularly to
ensure operation of related protective
devices in case of fault. The
periodicity and documentation shall
be governed by IE-Rule 61 (5&6).
For bulk storage tanks, Rule-128 of
Petroleum Rules 2002 shall be
followed in respect of testing of earth
connections.
Water should be poured in the earth
pits at regular intervals to maintain
the required earth resistance.
q) Special emphasis shall be laid
on the maintenance of equipment
installed in hazardous areas to meet
requirements of Rules-112 & 113 of
Indian Petroleum Rules-2002. The
rules are quoted for ready reference:
Rule-112:
“Maintenance of approved electric
apparatus and wiring:
All electric apparatus and wiring in a
hazardous area shall at all times be so
maintained as to retain the
characteristic on which their approval
has been granted”
Rule-113:
“Repair and test work:
1) No Flame proof or intrinsically
safe apparatus shall be opened and
no work likely to impair the safety
characteristics of such apparatus or
electric wiring connected thereto
shall be carried out until all voltage
has been cut off from said apparatus
or wiring. The voltage shall not be
restored thereto until the work has
been completed and the safety
characteristics provided in connection
with the apparatus and wiring have
been fully restored.
2) Notwithstanding anything
contained in this rule, use of soldering
apparatus or other means involving
13
flame, fire or heat or use of industrial
type of apparatus in a zone “1” area
shall be permitted for the purposes of
effecting repairs and testing and
alterations, provided that the area in
which such apparatus or wiring has
been installed, has first been made
safe and certified by a competent
person after testing with an approved
gas – testing apparatus to be safe and
free from inflammable vapours, gases
or liquids and is maintained in such
conditions, so long as the work is in
progress”
No alteration that might invalidate the
certificate or other document relating
to the safety of the apparatus, shall be
made to any apparatus.
If replacement components such as
cable glands, conduit or conduit
accessories, are available only with
thread forms which differ from those
provided on the apparatus, suitable
adaptors having necessary
certification and approval shall be
employed.
Equipment enclosures and fittings
shall be examined to see that all
stopping plugs and bolts are in
position and properly tightened.
Locking and sealing devices shall be
checked to ensure that they are
secured in prescribed manner.
Replacement fasteners, nuts, studs
and bolts shall be of the type specified
by the manufacturer for the particular
apparatus. No attempt shall be made
to replace or repair a glass in a
flameproof enclosure e.g. in a
luminaire or other enclosures, except
by replacement with the complete
assembly or part obtainable from the
manufacturer, complying with the
approval certificate.
If at any time, there is a change in the
area classification or in the
characteristics of the flammable
material handled in the area or if the
equipment is relocated in the area, the
area classification drawing should be
correspondingly revised and a check
shall be made to ensure that the
equipment selection corresponds to
the revised area classification.
A system shall be established to
record the results of all inspections
and the action taken to correct
defects.
4.5 FIRE ALARM AND GAS
DETECTION SYSTEM
4.5.1 Each installation should be equipped
with a fire detection and alarm system
which shall be able to detect fire at
the earliest and to give an alarm so
that appropriate action can be taken
(e.g. evacuation of personnel,
summoning of fire fighting
organisation, triggering of the
extinguishing process etc.)
4.5.2 The alarm system may be activated
by automatic detection devices viz.
smoke detectors, heat detectors etc.
or by manual operation of manual call
points i.e. brake glass units.
4.5.3 Installations involving hazardous
gases shall additionally be equipped
with gas detection system which shall
be able to detect the leakage of
hazardous gases and give alarm
when the gas concentration has
reached 20% of lower explosive limit
(LEL) and should activate the shut-
down system, as well as give signal
to shut-off valves to prevent further
release of the hazardous gases in the
concerned areas when 40% LEL has
reached. The tripping should be based
on a logic to prevent any nuisance
operation.
Gas detectors shall be employed in
outdoor / indoor process areas
handling hydrocarbons.
4.6 COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
The plant shall have adequate
communication system in line with the
requirements of OISD-RP-149.
4.7 EMERGENCY LIGHTING
4.7.1 In addition to the normal lighting, each
installation shall be equipped with
emergency (AC) and critical (DC)
lighting.
14
4.7.2 Emergency lighting shall enable the
operators to carry out safe shut-down
of the plant, to gain access and permit
ready identification of fire fighting
facilities such as fire water pumps, fire
alarm stations etc.
4.7.3 Critical lighting, sourced from 220V or
110V DC system shall enable safe
evacuation of operating personnel
and shall be employed along escape
route, assembly point and critical
installations such as first aid centre,
control rooms, manned sub-stations,
fire water pump house etc.
4.7.4 As a good engineering practice, the
AC emergency load should be
considered as 20-25% of normal
lighting load. In small plants, with
small AC emergency load and where
there is no separate standby DG set,
critical DC lighting system may take
care of the entire emergency lighting.
4.7.5 For hazardous areas, emergency
lighting fixtures shall be explosion
proof Ex(d) type, irrespective of the
area being classified as zone-1 or
zone-2.
4.7.6 For details on lighting philosophy and
installation practices, refer OISD-RP-
147, OISD-RP-149.
4.8 REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTROL
ROOM / BUILDING
Manned areas such as control rooms,
operator rooms etc. and areas
housing critical equipment including
power supplies required for safe shut
down of plants located close to
process units / hydrocarbon storage
areas shall be governed by
provisions in OISD-STD-163.
4.9 REQUIREMENTS AND EQUIPMENT
PROTECTION
The electrical system shall be
designed and selected to ensure the
following:
a) Protection of equipment against
damage which can occur due to
internal or external short circuits,
overloading, abnormal operating
conditions, switching, lightning surges
etc.
b) The continuity of operation of
those parts of the system not affected
by the fault, is maintained.
c) Personnel and plant safety.
Accordingly, relays and protective
devices shall be suitably selected and
coordinated. Refer OISD-RP-149 for
further details.
5.0 FIRE PROTECTION FOR SUB-
STATION
5.1 Sub-station is a vital Electrical
installation which has a number of
sources of fire hazards like Cables,
Transformers and Circuit Breakers.
Cables are normally PVC/XLPE
insulated and pose fire hazard in
case of overheating or short circuit.
An Oil filled Transformer contains
large quantity of oil and is liable to
explosion and fire in case electrical
faults do not clear fast or get
sustained. Circuit Breaker and other
switchgear items may cause low
intensity fire along with explosion in
case of severe earth fault.
5.2 LOCATION OF SUB-STATION
5.2.1 The sub-station shall be located in a
safe area as close to the load centre
as possible. Consideration should be
given to cooling tower sprays, vapours
contributing to insulation breakdown
etc. and other factors affecting the
safe operation of the sub-station.
Refer also OISD standard 118 ‘Layout
for Oil and Gas installations’)
5.3 LAYOUT OF SUB STATION
Following requirements should be
borne in mind while engineering the
layout of a sub-station:
i) Access for initial installation of the
switchgear, possible removal,
overhaul or replacement, as well as
fire fighting etc.
ii) Ease of operation.
15
 iii) The location must be considered
in conjunction with possible cable
routes.
iv) It is imperative that any water
tanks or pipes are not positioned
directly above the switchgear.
5.3.1 In large plants, the main sub-station
floor shall be raised above grade level
and the space below the sub-station
floor (cellar) shall be utilised for
installation of cable trays.
5.3.2 Every sub-station shall have a
minimum of two exits. These exits
shall be located at opposite ends of
the building, to prevent the possibility
of operating personnel being trapped
in case of fire. Large sub-stations
shall have three exits. Maximum
distance for a man trapped in fire shall
not exceed 30 meters to the nearest
fire escape. Panel and equipment
layout shall be so designed that
personnel can go out from any exit.
The doors shall open outward and be
equipped with exit signs.
5.3.3 The cable cellar level of the sub-
station floor shall be suitably raised
from adjacent grade level to avoid
water ingress. The roof shall be given
adequate water proofing treatment to
ensure that rain water does not seep
into the sub-station.
5.3.4 In line with provisions under Rule-64-
2(e-iv) of Indian Electricity Rules, Dry
Type transformers should be preferred
over Oil filled transformers for indoor
duty. If unavoidable, location and
provisions for indoor transformers
shall be governed by relevant clauses
of Rule-64 of Indian Electricity Rules.
Further guidelines on sub-station
layout may be referred to OISD-RP-
149.
5.3.5The switchgear layout shall allow
sufficient space at front of the
switchgear to withdraw and maneuver
the circuit breaker trolley and at the
rear to allow access for cable
terminations, maintenance and
inspection of equipment. Indian
Electricity Rule No.51(c) shall be
referred in the context.
5.3.6 The design of the floor must take
account of any fixing arrangements
and base channels for switch boards.
It is essential to ensure that the holes
or slots for cables are clear of floor
steelwork or reinforcement.
5.3.7 Switch boards should be provided with
space heaters of sufficient rating to
prevent condensation. Switchgear
located in a high ambient temperature
(for example, in a boiler house of the
building) should be adequately
ventilated in order to avoid excessive
cubicle temperature.
5.3.8 Cable trenches inside sub-stations
shall be filled with sand, pebbles or
similar non-flammable materials or
covered with incombustible slabs. All
cable entries to the sub-station
building should be properly sealed to
prevent entry of any fluids/chemicals
etc. IE-Rule-64-2 (g) shall be referred
in the context.
5.3.9 Fire extinguishers, suitable for
electrical fires (CO2 type) and round
bottom fire buckets with clean dry
sand, conspicuously marked, should
be kept in easily accessible position
near the switchgear enclosure.
5.3.10 The switchgear rooms should be kept
clean and tidy and should not be
used as a storage room, especially
for combustible materials such as
discarded printer outputs,
newspapers, cans, rags for cleaning
etc.
5.3.11 a) Transformers and equipment
installed outdoors, having an
individual or aggregate oil content of
2000 Litres or more shall be located
in a suitably fenced and locked
enclosure separated on all sides by
at least 6 Metres from any building
including substation. There should be
no door or window opening in the
surrounding building if transformers
are within 6 Metres thereof.
b) If the transformers are within 6
Metres of doors and window
openings of surrounding buildings
then they shall be protected by single
16
 fireproof doors and 6 mm thick wired
glass in steel frames respectively.
c) Separating walls shall be provided
between transformers having an
individual or aggregate oil content of
2000 Litres if the distance between
transformers cannot be maintained as
6 metres minimum.
d) Separating walls shall not be
necessary in case of transformers
having an aggregate oil capacity
exceeding 2000 Litres but individual
oil capacity of less than 5000 litres if
the distance between transformers
and other apparatus is more than 6
Metres or if the transformers are
protected by an approved type of high
velocity water spray system.
e) Where, however, oil capacity of
individual transformer is larger than
5000 litres, separating walls shall be
provided unless all equipment /
buildings / plants are located at a clear
distance of not less than the following:
Oil Capacity
of Individual Clear Separating
Transformer Distance(Mtrs)
5000-20000 Lit. 8 equipment
20000-30000 Lit. 15
f) The provisions as above shall not
be applicable if the transformer is filled
with non-combustible insulant liquid.
5.3.12 Separating walls between sub-station
and outdoor transformer bays, if
required, shall have a four hour fire
rating. In general, a 230 mm thick
reinforced concrete wall or a 355 mm
thick brick wall is considered to
provide adequate fire protection.
Separating walls shall be carried right
upto the roof level, unless the roof is
more than 3 mtrs. above the highest
point of the equipment, in which case,
the wall shall be carried upto a height
of at least 600 mm above the top of
the equipment (e.g: Transformer
conservator) level. The separating
wall shall extend at least 600 mm
beyond the width of the transformer
and cooling radiators.
All openings from out door transformer
bays into the building shall be sealed
to prevent smoke from entering other
portions of the sub-station.
The requirements under this clause,
however, do not apply to dry type
transformers or transformers having
sulphur hexa fluoride, non-flammable
coolants and having primary voltage
not more than 33 kV.
5.4 TRANSFORMER
It is essential to pay major attention to
early detection of any abnormality /
fault and to protect the transformer
from faults/fires so that fault is cleared
before transformer catches fire.
Regular monitoring of checks as
specified by manufacturer (such as Oil
Temperature, Winding Temperature
and calibration / testing of IDMT and
instantaneous Over current / Earth
Fault protections, Stand by earth fault
protection, Restricted earth fault
protection, Differential protection etc.)
should be followed.
a) OUTDOOR TRANSFORMER
For outdoor transformer, fire fighting
and fire prevention
arrangement shall be as per Clause
7.0.
It shall be ensured that the discharge
from any pressure relief devices on
the transformer shall be directed away
from any nearby equipment in order to
prevent any damage to that
equipment by discharged flaming oil.
b) INDOOR TRANSFORMER
Selection of indoor transformer shall
be guided vide clause 5.3.4.
Separating wall for indoor oil
transformers shall be as per Clause
5.3.12.
5.5 SWITCHGEAR ROOM
a) Smoke detectors of ionization and
optical types in sufficient quantity on
cross-zoning principle with suitable
time delay devices incorporated as
per guidelines given in IS:2189,
17
 should be installed in large
substations .
b) Capacitor units containing a
flammable dielectric fluid, if located
indoor, should be separated from
adjacent electrical equipment by a one
hour fire barrier.
c) Fixed exhaust and ventilation
systems should be switched off
during a hydrocarbon leak.
d) The Battery rooms should be given
special attention and the amount of
hydrogen evolved from the batteries
during charging should be well
ventilated to preclude a build-up of
flammable atmosphere. The entrance
door to a battery room shall have a
NO SMOKING warning sign. Light
switches should be located outside
the battery room. Lighting fixtures
shall be corrosion resistant and gas
tight.
5.6 CABLE TUNNEL/ GALLERY
An effective fire / smoke Detection
system shall be installed. Alarm /
annunciation system shall be
provided in Control Room / Manned
Sub station to facilitate appropriate
action. Performance / efficacy of
such system shall be checked
periodically and documented.
Selection of fire fighting equipment
should be governed by provisions
under item 5.8.
As an abundant safety measure,
fixed fire extinguishing system with
deluge facility using water spray may
be applied for cable galleries and
cable tunnels.
The water spray system consists of a
number of spray nozzles mounted on
piping network covering the complete
span of cable trays laid horizontally
and vertically. To avoid total
flooding, cable galleries and tunnels
may be divided into a number of
zones. Each zone is controlled by
one deluge valve assembly
connected to detection network.
When fire occurs in a particular zone,
detection unit in that zone will actuate
and corresponding deluge valve will
open and spray water.
5.7 CABLE CELLAR
An effective fire/smoke Detection
system shall be installed. Alarm /
annunciation system shall be
provided in Control Room / Manned
Sub station to facilitate appropriate
action. Performance / efficacy of
such system shall be checked
periodically. Selection of fire fighting
equipment should be governed by
provisions under item 5.8.
Additionally, Hydrants at strategic
locations for fighting fire in major
emergencies may be installed.
5.8 FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT FOR
MINOR FIRES
5.8.1 Electrical de-energisation / isolation
of the equipment from the energized
system should be the first step to
fight an electrical fire. Following
should be given attention:
i) Where energized electrical
equipment is involved in a fire, the
non-conductivity of the extinguishing
media is if utmost importance, and
only extinguishers expelling dry
powder, Carbon Di-oxide (without
metal horn) or vaporizing liquids
should be used. Once the electrical
equipment is de-energised,
extinguishers suitable for the class of
fire risk involved can be used safely.
ii) All foams are electrically
conductive and should not be used
on fires involving exposed energized
electrical equipment. After de-
energization, fire extinguishers
should be used depending on class
of fire.
5.8.2 Annexure B of IS:2190 shall be
referred for assessment of class of
fire / nature of occupancy criteria etc.
Following fire fighting equipment
shall be provided in electrical sub-
station to fight minor fires:
i) Dry Chemical Powder fire
extinguisher (10 Kg. Capacity)
18

To be located inside sub-station.
The number should be determined
based on a maximum travelling
distance of 15 meters. At least 1 fire
extinguisher shall be provided for
every 100 m2 area.
ii) CO2 Extinguisher (4.5 Kg.
Capacity)
To be located in sub-stations. The
number should be determined based
on a maximum travelling distance of
10 meters. At least 1 fire
extinguisher shall be provided for
every 100 m2 area.
iii) Sand Buckets
One in each Transformer Bay. The
use of fire buckets shall not be
considered as a substitute for fire
extinguishers.
The inspection & maintenance of the
above fire extinguishers shall be
based on the guidelines of OISD-
STD-115.
5.8.3 Water should be used with discretion
in areas of electrical equipment.
Provision should be made to prevent
inadvertent operation of a water
suppression system. When water is
used, an adequate drainage system
should be provided. Before selecting
water for use indoors, it should be
determined if the equipment is water
tight.
If conditions are such that the
equipment cannot be de-energized
and the fire cannot be extinguished
by non-conducting agents, water
spray may be used with proper
nozzle selection. Water-spray
nozzles can be used safely and
effectively on voltages upto 138 KV,
phase to phase with the following
precautions :
i) Only spray type nozzles are
used.
ii) The minimum distance from the
equipment is at least 2 meters.
iii) The fire fighter does not stand in
a pool of water.
ANSI/IEEE Standard 979 may be
referred for further guidelines on the
types of water-spray nozzles.
5.8.4 Carbon dioxide is ineffective for
outdoor applications because it is
rapidly dispersed by wind.
6.0 ELECTRICAL GENERATOR
INSTALLATIONS
6.1 A fire in a generating installation
would affect the continuity of power
supply along with consequent loss of
production and probable replacement
of highly valuable equipment. It is
necessary that every effort be made
to reduce the chances of fire.
One of the prime causes of fire is the
failure of insulation. Other causes
relate to fuel burning equipment, lube
oil systems and fuel oil handling /
storage systems.
6.2 Gas Turbo generator (GTG) room
shall be adequately ventilated and
shall be provided with fixed automatic
hydrocarbon detector (LEL detectors)
and alarm system. All cable
trenches, tunnels and other
basement areas on the turbo
generator building shall also be
similarly protected.
6.3 a) The fire protection system of
generators should consist of
standard practice of generator
manufacturers. This can be realised
in most case by CO2 flooding within
the generator enclosure on
occurrence of a fire. Monitoring of
such a fire and CO2 flooding shall be
automatic. If it is not automatic, CO2
cylinders shall be readily accessible.
Simulation of operation of system
shall be carried out at regular
intervals.
b) Generators halls should be
provided with automatic fire detection
system such as smoke detectors. In
case of generator halls with high
roofs, liner beam type smoke
detectors may be employed.
19
 Additionally, manual call points
(break glass boxes) shall be
employed for fire alarm.
c) Fixed fire water spray type
protection system shall be used for
controlling a fire involving large
quantities of lubricating Oil on
Turbine generators. This shall consist
of two systems of water protection,
one for areas below the operating
floor of the turbo generator and
designed to extinguish pool fires and
also providing protection against heat
generated by three dimensional or
spray fires. The other is a water
spray system for oil fires at or around
the bearing housings. Fixed C02 or
dry chemical extinguishing systems
have been found to be inadequate for
basic protection of turbo generator
because of the likelyhood of re-
ignition and, further, these
extinguishing media may not be
sufficient to cope with a long duration
fire. However, in some cases, fixed
dry chemical or C02 systems backed
by water spray systems should be
provided.
6.4 Gas intake to gas turbines shall be
through separate pipe-lines with
remote controlled solenoid / motor
operated valves located in the open
area. Additionally, manually
controlled stop valves shall be
located near the gas turbines.
6.5 All fuel oil tanks located above
ground, with a capacity exceeding 45
KL shall be bonded to the ground
with at least two separate and distinct
connections on the opposite
extremities of such tank. The roof
and all metal connections of such
tanks shall be bonded to the body of
such tanks.
6.6 To prevent the hazard of static
electricity, the fill and recirculation
lines to storage tanks shall
discharge below the liquid level.
6.7 Adequate illumination shall be
provided at all locations, for effective
fire fighting purposes. The minimum
illumination level shall be 150 lux for
boiler house, turbine hall etc. and
150-200 lux for control rooms and
sub-stations.
6.8 a) Emergency diesel generator (DG)
sets are normally required to be
operated only on failure of the
normal supply. These emergency
DG sets shall be located in well
ventilated rooms and provided with
air exhaust equipment in order to
dissipate the heat generated during
power generation. The day tank for
diesel shall not be located inside the
emergency DG room as it is a
potential source of fire and may also
release flammable vapours. The day
tank shall be located outside the DG
room within a fenced area, preferably
with a corrugated sheet roof to
provide protection from direct sun
and rain.
Emergency Diesel Generator should
be provided with auto cut in system.
b) The exhaust from the emergency
DG shall be conveyed outside the
DG room through an exhaust pipe.
The direction of exhaust pipe shall be
so chosen as to help disperse the
exhaust away from the DG room.
c) Batteries for starting the DG set
shall have containers of non-
corrosive, non-flammable material.
Batteries shall be located in a well
ventilated location, to prevent the
accumulation of an explosive
mixture.
7.0 TRANSFORMER
INSTALLATION
7.1 A transformer is the main equipment
in the switchyard / sub-station which
is prone to fire hazards due to the
large quantity of oil it contains.
Special attention shall be devoted to
safeguard the transformer and other
nearby equipment against fire.
7.2 SEPARATING WALL
Separating walls shall have fire rating
and specifications as per clause
5.3.12. Separating wall shall also be
designed to withstand the explosion
of transformer bushing or lightning
arrestor. Clause no. 5.3.11 shall be
20
 referred for provision of separation
walls / safe inter distance etc.
7.3 OIL CONTAINING PIT
In order to prevent oil, whether from
a small leakage or outflow from
transformer tank, from reaching and
polluting the water bearing stratum,
transformers shall have the following
provisions, depending on the oil
capacity of the transformer.
7.3.1 Oil Capacity upto 2,000 litres
Transformers installed adjacent to
sub-station/buildings shall, where oil
capacity does not exceed 2,000
litres, be provided with a layer of 100
mm deep stones of about 40 mm
granulation, all around the
transformer, for a width of 20% of the
transformer height or with a minimum
width of about 800 mm.
7.3.2 Oil Capacity exceeding 2,000
litres
Transformers installed adjacent to
sub-station / building shall, where oil
capacity exceeds 2,000 litres of oil in
a chamber, be provided with oil
containing pits.
The oil containing pit may be shaped
as illustrated in Figure – 1, where two
alternative solutions are considered.
In both schemes, it is recommended
that the pit shall extend all around the
transformer for a width of 20% of the
transformer height, with a minimum
width of about 800 mm.
CASE – 1
The oil containing pit shall be able to
contain an quantity of oil equal to that
of the oil contained in the
transformer, plus the volume of water
in the fixed fire fighting installation (if
any) plus a certain margin for rain
water. This margin should be
proportionate to the quantity of rain
falling in the region where the sub-
station lies and to the frequency of
the maintenance and emptying
operations.
The whole pit around the transformer
shall be filled with stones of about
40/60 mm granulation except that the
top 150 mm of the pit shall be devoid
of stones. A layer of stones of this
size extinguishes the burning oil
penetrating it. A Porosity factor of
40% may be considered for 40/60
mm size gravel.
CASE – 2
The oil containing pit shall be similar
in construction to CASE – 1,
however, it shall be able to contain a
quantity of oil corresponding to
approximately a third or even less
than the volume of oil contained in
the transformer. In such a case, the
oil containing pit shall be connected
to a waste oil tank as per Clause
7.3.3.
In case oil capacity exceeds 9,000
litres, in any chamber, provision shall
be made for draining away of any oil,
which may escape or leak from the
tanks, to a waste oil tank as per
Clause 7.3.3.
In both the cases, it shall be possible
to empty the pit by means of a pump.
If the emptying is automatic, the
emptying system shall be laid out
and controlled in such a way as to
prevent oil flowing into the general
drains of the sub-station. The bottom
of the pit shall be constructed of
impermeable concrete.
7.3.3 Waste Oil Tank
The oil containing pit, when of a
smaller volume than required, say
able to contain a quantity of oil
corresponding to only a third of the
volume of oil contained in a
transformer, shall be connected by a
draining pipe of earthenware or steel,
not less than 150 mm diameter, to a
waste oil tank situated in suitable
place. If only one waste oil tank
collects the drainage of several
containing pits, the tank should be
situated either in a place central to
the transformers or in the lowest part
of the sub-station to assist drainage.
The tank shall be of sufficient
21
 capacity to receive, without
overflowing, the contents of the
largest transformer of the sub-station
plus the water of any fixed fire
fighting system, and a certain
quantity of rain water collected from
all pits. No other drain shall lead to
the tank. This tank shall be provided
with an air vent large enough to avoid
over pressure during operation. The
vent shall be provided with a flame
arrestor. The whole internal surface
shall be impermeable. (Refer
Figure:2).
7.4 FIRE PROTECTION
The first para of Clause 5.4 on fire
prevention rather than fire fighting
should be recapitulated .
7.4.1 Fixed fire extinguishing systems for
oil filled transformers shall be
provided if any one of the following
conditions exists:
a) Neither separating walls having
fire rating and specs as per 5.3.12
are erected in line with criteria under
clause 5.3.11 nor the inter distance
criteria under same clause is met.
b) The transformers of the sub-
station/ switch station are located in
the basement of the building.
7.4.2 In case, fixed fire extinguishing
systems are to be installed, they
may consist of the following:
i) Water Spray (Mulsifyre)
System
Such a system shall be provided
with automatic high velocity water
spray system (Mulsifyre System) or
foam water spray.
Complete impingement on all
exterior surface (except bottom
surface) shall be done with a rate
not less than 12.5 ltr./min/sq. meter.
Any space of width greater than 300
mm shall have separate
arrangement for spray of water.
Separate arrangement of water
spraying shall be considered for
conservator.
Piping for spraying should not be
carried across the top of the
transformer unless no other
alternative space is available.
Water spray shall not impinge on
energized bushing and lightning
arrestor.
The system operation shall be
automatic unless :
• Automatic operation presents a
hazard.
• System is attended by trained
personnel round the clock.
Foregoing clauses 5.8.1 and 5.8.3
should be kept in mind while
adopting water as a medium of
fighting electrical fire.
ii) Nitrogen Purging
Nitrogen injection system offers a
fast fire prevention and
extinguishing system for oil filled
transformers. Pressure relief valve
operation due to internal faults
activates the system and nitrogen is
injected from the bottom area of the
tank, which brings down the oil
temperature, as well as, provides an
inert nitrogen layer on top of the hot
oil to prevent any contact of oil with
oxygen. Such system may be
considered in areas where
availability of water is limited or
there is probability of water freezing.
Alternately, use of dry type
transformers may also be
considered for such areas.
Use of Nitrogen Purging is optional.
Necessary techno- economic study
is to be done by the user before
going for the system.
8.0 CABLE INSTALLATION
8.1 Electrical cables are usually
sheathed with polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) which contributes to the rapid
spread of fire. PVC also gives off
highly toxic products out of
combustion including corrosive
gases, when it is exposed to intense
heat or is involved in fire. Dense
smoke from the cable fires hinders
22
 fire fighting efforts and the approach
to the source of fire.
The concept of fire protection of
cables, cable trenches, tunnels and
galleries is based on the following
considerations:
a) Preventing / delaying fire
damage to the cables to preserve
their functioning and increasing
their resistance to fire/heat.
b) Preventing / retarding flame
propagation through cable runs.
c) Segregating cable runs into
compartments with a view to
localising a possible cable fire and
its spread.
d) Providing effective fire detection
and alarm system
e) Providing effective fire
extinguishing system.
f) Avoiding cable joints in Over
Head cable Racks and Trenches in
hazardous areas and,
g) Avoiding cable runs in close
proximity to drains carrying Steam /
Hydro carbons at high temperature.
8.2 To minimize spreading of fire due to
cables, the outer PVC sheath of
cables used in Oil industry shall
have a minimum Oxygen Index of
29.
For plants having sub station with
trenches (without cellar) and major
under ground cable runs, minimum
Oxygen index requirement, as
above, is not essential.
8.3 For various types of cable laying
methods employed, the following
precautions are recommended from
fire safety point of view:
8.3.1 Directly Buried Cables
Where cables are directly buried in
the ground after excavation of soil
and then backfilled with sand and
soil, care shall be taken to ensure
that no combustible materials such
as paper, plastic, rags, wood
shavings etc. accumulate within the
trench prior to backfilling. H.V. and
M.V cables should be segregated
by a 300 mm gap and a layer of
bricks laid between the two.
8.3.2 Cables Laid In Trenches
a) Where cables are laid in lined
trenches, the trenches shall be with
covers of fire retardant material.
b) Lined Cable trenches located in
hazardous areas, shall be filled with
sand.
c) Cables laid in lined trenches in
safe (non-hazardous) areas should
be run on cable rack/trays
supported from the walls of the
cable trench. The cable trays/racks
shall be suitably spaced to ensure
that a fire in one tier will not
propagate to another tier. Minimum
distance between tiers shall not be
less than 225 mm. Cables may also
be laid in lined trenches using the
methodology as applicable for direct
burial.
8.3.3 Cables laid in Tunnels / Galleries /
Cellars
a) Measures shall be taken to keep
the tunnels well ventilated. Cable
tunnel floors shall be provided with a
slope leading to a sump with a sump
pump. The tunnels shall be kept
dewatered at all times. Fire fighting
equipment and hydrants shall be
located at the entrances of tunnels.
b) Compartmentalisation of cable
tunnel should be done by provision
of separating walls at an interval not
more than 30 meters and by sealing
the opening with the use of fire stop
/ fire barriers.
c) All cable tunnels, cellars etc.
shall be provided with adequate
number of fire escapes, evenly
distributed, so that maximum
distance for a man trapped in fire
does not exceed 30 meters to the
nearest fire escape.
23
 d) Inter-compartment movement
should be through fire check doors.
e) Fire detection and alarm system
shall be provided in the cable
tunnels, cellars.
f) Emergency lighting shall be
provided inside the cable cellars and
cable tunnels.
g) The fire rating of fire stop when
tested according to IS : 12458 and
of barrier wall when tested
according to IS : 3809 shall not be
less than the rating of the building
components.
h) No welding or naked flame
should be allowed inside cable
tunnels and cellars. Same, if
unavoidable, shall be carried out
with proper work permit and
precautions meeting norms under
OISD-STD-105 and OISD-STD-137.
i) Fire stops should be deployed at
the locations where the trenches
enter the sub-station. Entry of
cables to the blast resistant control
room buildings shall be through fire
resistant multi cable transits
(MCTs).
8.3.4 Cables Laid On Overhead Cable
Trays
a) Cables laid on cable trays
supported on pipe sleepers etc.
shall be at least 300 mm above
grade level. The space below the
cable trays shall be kept free of dry
grass/vegetation.
b) Cable trays installed on elevated
pipe racks, especially if carrying
hydrocarbons, shall be provided
with GI sheet, of adequate
thickness, to protect the cables in
case of a fire in the pipe
rack/equipment located below the
cable trays.
c) Cable trays should not be
installed at an elevation where
acid/hydro-carbon piping is located
above the cable tray. For cables
running directly below the Air fin
coolers/ Acid/ alkali Pipelines, GI
sheet of adequate thickness shall be
provided for protection of cables.
d) Special attention, such as the
installation of fire stops or fire
breaks, shall be given to vertical
cable runs, since they propagate fire
more rapidly as compared to
horizontal runs.
8.3.5 Fire Prevention in above ground
installation
a) Above ground cable installations
where proper separation can not
be achieved, a fire resistant barrier
or shield shall be deployed between
the trays or a passive fire-retardant
coating may be applied to the
cables. Fire hazards can also be
minimized by installing fire breaks.
Fire resistance criteria shall be in
line with IS-12459.
b) Consideration should be given to
the application of passive fire
coating for the following areas:
i) Immediately after end
termination or joints upto a length
not less than one meter in either
direction.
ii) Crossing or T-crossings upto a
length not less than one meter in
either direction.
iii) Cable passing through high
temperature area, entire length.
iv) Exposed vertical length, entire
length.
9.0 TEMPORARY
INSTALLATIONS
9.1 Temporary electrical supply is
generally required for installations
erected for short periods of time
ranging from a few hours to a few
months. Temporary supply
installations need extreme care to
avoid any hazard from electrical
shock by exposure to live wires or
fire due to short circuiting. Such
installations are exposed to
environmental hazards also. It is,
therefore, necessary to take extra
precautions for such installations to
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 ensure safety of personnel and
equipment.
9.2 Temporary installations are
considered as electrical installations
open to sky or partially covered and
intended to be used for periods not
exceeding 6 months or during Plant
Turn Around.
9.3 Such installations may be exposed
to the following environmental
conditions:
• Water splashes/jets of water from
any direction
• Partial or total covering by water
• Dust/ Dirt
• Vibrations
• Impact
• Ingress of insects,rodents, birds,
vermin etc.
• Exposure of solar radiation
• Exposure of lightning strokes
Apart from the above, fire risk may
be enhanced in such temporary
installations due to the nature of
construction material and, in some
cases, due to storage of
combustible material.
9.4 Each installation shall have a main
switch with a protective device,
installed in an enclosure adjacent to
the metering point. The enclosure
housing the main switch and other
distribution equipment shall not be
affected by conditions specified in
Clause 9.3.
The room housing the main
switches shall be well ventilated with
an adequate clearances and
operational space around.
9.4.1 The main switch shall be connected
to the point of supply by means of
an armoured cable adequately
protected from rain water. Cables
shall be laid underground covered
with sand, brick and earth for
ensuring mechanical protection.
When laid above ground, cables
shall be properly cleated or
supported on rigid poles at least 2m
high. Crossing of roads shall be
avoided. The height of the main
switch shall not exceed 1.5 m
9.5 The outgoing shall be double or
triple pole switches with
fuses/MCBs. Rewirable type fuse
should not be used. Copper wire
shall not be used as a replacement
of fuse in fuse carriers . HRC fuses
of proper rating shall be used.
Loads in a 3 phase circuit should
be balanced and load on neutral
should not exceed 20% of load in
the phases at the point of supply.
9.6 An independent earthing facility
should preferably be established
within the temporary installation
premises. All appliances and
equipment shall be adequately
earthed. In case of armoured
cables, armour shall be bonded to
the earthing arrangement of power
supply source.
In case of local earthing, earth
electrodes shall be buried near the
supply point and earth continuity
wire shall be connected to local
earth electrode/ plate and further
distributed to various appliances.
9.7 Earth should not be used as Neutral
of an Electrical installation.
9.8 Unless unavoidable, Taped joints
shall be avoided and proper
Industrial Type extension cord shall
be used for joining of cables in
Construction power installation and
temporary electrical installations. If
unavoidable, taped joints shall not
be employed at heights less than
3 Mtrs. Such joints shall be
clamped at either side to avoid any
strain.
9.9 The installation shall be adequately
protected against overload, short
circuit and earth leakage by the use
of suitable protective devices. In
construction sites, protection of
personnel against indirect contact
shall be assured by automatic
disconnection of supply by means of
residual current devices having
sensitivity not exceeding 30 mA
with instantaneous tripping.
Healthiness of the RCCB/ELCB
25
 shall be checked before b) OISD-110: Recommended
commencement of work everytime. Practices on Static Electricity.

9.10 All temporary installations shall be c) OISD-113: Classification of Area

tested before connection of supply for Electrical Installations at
to ensure suitability of protection Hydrocarbon handling Facilities.
system, adequacy of feeders,
cables etc., to check the loads in d) OISD-115: Guidelines on Fire
various circuits and sub-circuits, Fighting Equipment and Appliances
ensure proper earthing and bonding in Petroleum Industry.
etc.
e) OISD-116: Fire Protection
9.11 Temporary installation shall not be Facilities for Petroleum Refineries
employed in hazardous areas. and Oil/Gas Processing Plants.
However, adequate provisions shall
be made in the permanent electrical f) OISD-118: Layouts for Oil and
installation to cater to the Gas installations
requirements of temporary loads,
such as those requiring electrical g) OISD-137 : Inspection of
power during plant shut-down etc. Electrical Equipment

Adequate number of flameproof 240 h) OISD-147 : Inspection and Safe

V AC plug-sockets, flameproof Practices during electrical
portable hand lamps for illumination installation.
of interior of vessels / equipment,
during maintenance shall be i) OISD-149 : Design Aspects for
provided as a part of the permanent Safety in Electrical System.
electrical installation. As a good
engineering practice, these facilities j) OISD-163: Process Control
shall be accessible with a flexible Room Safety.
cable of 50 Mtrs. length. Flexible
cables used for construction power k) OISD-180: Lightning Protection.
installations shall be doubly
sheathed and fine wire armoured. (II) Latest BIS (Bureau of
Indian Standards) Publications :
415 V, TPN, 63A, flameproof
welding receptacles, outlets for IS-1646 : Code of Practice for fire
hydro-jetting/ Stress Relieving safety of buildings (General)
machines etc. shall be provided in Electrical Installations.
the plant area at regular intervals to
take care of maintenance IS-2148: Flameproof enclosure for
requirements during plant shut electrical apparatus.
down.
IS-2189: BIS guidelines for Smoke
10.0 REFERENCES Detection.

The following codes, standards and IS- 2190 : Code of Practice for
publications have either been Selection, Installation &
referred to or used in the preparation Maintenance of Portable First Aid
of this document and the latest Fire appliances.
editions of the same shall be read in
conjunction with this document: IS-2309: Protection of buildings
and allied structures against
(I) OISD Standards / Recommended lightning.
Practices (as per latest
amendments) such as: IS-3034: Code of Practice for Fire
Safety of Industrial Buildings:
a) OISD-105: Work Petmit System Electrical Generating and
Distributing Station
26
 (III) NEC-1985
IS-3043: Code of Practice for
Earthing. (IV) INDIAN ELECTRICITY ACT &
RULES, 1956 as per latest
IS:3809: BIS Standard for testing of amendments.
Fire Rating for Barrier Wall.
(V) THE PETROLEUM RULES-
IS-5571: Guide for selection of 2002 with latest amendments.
electrical equipment for hazardous
areas. (VI) IEC 331: Fire resisting
characteristics of electrical cables.
IS-5572:Classification of Hazardous
areas (other than Mines) for (VII) ANSI/IEEE STD-979: GUIDE
electrical installations. FOR SUB-STATION FIRE
PROTECTION.
IS-10028: (Part 1,2,3) Code of
practice for selection, installation (VIII) NFPA-850
and maintenance of Transformer.
“Recommended Practice for Fire
IS-10810: Methods of tests for Protection for Electric Generating
Cables. Plants and High Voltage Direct
Current Converter Station.
IS-12458: BIS Standard for testing
of Fire Rating. (IX) Oil Mines Regulation

IS-12459: Code of practice for fire

safety in cable runs.

IS-13408: Code of Practice for the

selection, installation and
maintenance of electrical apparatus
for use in potentially explosive
atmosphere (other than mining
applications or explosives
processing and manufacture).

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