Building fire safety
IoT fire detection for older Hong Kong buildings: scope and planning
Some older buildings of six storeys or fewer can use connected fire detectors with extinguishers for specified improvement requirements. Owners should confirm eligibility first, then compare installation, connectivity and ongoing maintenance costs.
Quick answers
Does IoT detection remove the other direction requirements?
No. The circular concerns the specified hose-reel and manual-alarm alternative. Other applicable requirements still need to be addressed.
Legal information
Requirements vary by premises. Confirm the work with the responsible professional using the premises use, approved plans, licence conditions and any written directions.
Check the building's eligibility first
Circular 3/2026 addresses target composite and domestic buildings of six storeys or fewer under Cap. 572. It accepts IoT detection with portable extinguishers as an alternative to specified hose-reel and manual-alarm requirements.
Send the Fire Safety Direction, floor count and building use to the relevant professionals or FSD to confirm eligibility. Once that is established, make sure the plan also addresses the other fire-safety requirements in the direction.
Assign installation, communications and monitoring roles
The circular’s arrangement combines fire installations with signal transmission and monitoring services. When comparing proposals, ask how the detectors connect, where signals are sent and who receives and follows them up.
Ask the proposal to name the parties responsible for devices, connectivity, the platform and maintenance. Clarify fault contacts, access to individual units and handover arrangements if the service provider changes.
Compare ongoing costs and access requirements
Ask suppliers to itemise installation, connectivity, platform, maintenance and replacement charges, with the contract term and renewal costs. Owners or the owners’ corporation can then compare total costs over the same service period.
Installation and later maintenance may require access to several flats, so owners or the owners’ corporation should discuss suitable times with residents. Afterwards, ask for device locations, test results and maintenance contacts for day-to-day management.
Practical checklist
- Confirm the Cap. 572 direction and building details
- Check storeys, use and applicability
- Assign FSI, communications and platform roles
- Compare installation and ongoing charges
- Plan unit access and record handover
Discuss an older-building fire-improvement plan
Share the building's storeys, use and Fire Safety Direction so we can review installation improvements and specialist coordination.
- Review written requirements and existing installations
- Clarify the proposal and service responsibilities
- Arrange a site survey and works quote
Official sources
The official documents below provide the full requirements and any updates.
Related reading
Received a Fire Safety Direction? Deadlines, responsibilities and quotations
For a direction under Cap. 502, 572 or 636, start with the full document, deadline and responsible parties. Separate fire installations from building works before arranging quotations.
Read articleA plain-language guide to the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance
Received a Fire Safety Direction for an older residential or mixed-use building? Start with the requirements and deadline. This guide explains Cap. 572, the departments involved and how owners and managers can organise improvement work.
Read articleFire alarm and detection annual inspections: a preparation checklist
Arranging an alarm or smoke-detection inspection? Have the contractor confirm the systems and tests, then prepare equipment records and tenant access. This guide also explains what to check in the report.
Read articleRELATED SERVICE
Send the direction for an initial review
Explore the service, or email or call us to ask about your premises.
Discuss the work your premises need
Share the premises, proposed scope and timing. For tender enquiries, include the brief and submission deadline. Available drawings and recent reports help us review the work; you can contact us before everything is ready.
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