Building services-final-copy-to-print

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONS)
BUILDING SERVICES II
(BLD60503)
Case Study and Documentation of Building Services System
SP SETIA HEADQUARTER BUILDING
LECTURER: DR. KAM KENN JHUN
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 19TH JUNE 2017, MONDAY
Group Members
CHLOE SIM TIING ERN 0322932
CHRISTINA HO CHIA HUI 0326499
CHAN YI FUNG 0323057
GOH SONG KIT 0322013
KAM PEI CHI 0327295
LEE FONG YEN 0321976
LOO SIAH MONG 0321995
PUI CHUN SHIAN 0323470
RANEE LEOW KAI YEN 0328173
WONG JIA JING 0327221

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Table of Contents
No. Description Page
1. S P Setia BHD Corporate Headquarter 3
2. Abstract 4
3. Acknowledgement 5
4. Project Objectives 6
5. 1.0 Introduction to HVAC
1.1 Mechanical Ventilation: Jet Fan System
1.2 Centralized Air Conditioning System
1.3 Refrigeration System Flowchart
1.4 Packaged Air Cooled Chiller
1.5 Cooling Tower
1.6 Air Handling Unit
1.7 Multi-Zone Variable Air Volume (VAV)
1.8 Underfloor air distribution
1.9 Diffuser
7-22
6. 2.0 Introduction To Electrical Supply System
2.1 High Tension Room (HT)
2.2 Low Tension Room
2.3 Genset Room
2.4 Electrical Riser Room
2.5 Safety Precautious In All Room
2.6 Solar Panel That Generates Electricity For The Building
23-39
7. 3.0 Introduction to Vertical Transportation System
3.1 Types of lift
3.2 How does the lift system works
3.3 Types of lift available in the building
3.4 Arrangement of lifts
3.5 Components Of The Gearless Machine Roomless Lift
3.6 Safety Features of The Lift
3.7 Calculation of Lift System in SP Setia Headquarters Building
40-61
8. 4.0 Introduction To Fire
4.1 Passive Fire Protection (PFP)
4.2 Active Fire protection
62-86
9. Identification Of Problem With System
I. HVAC - Airlock issue in water chiller pump system
II. Fire Protection System - Smoke detector over sensitive
87-89
10. Ways to solve and improve the system
l. HVAC - Airlock issue in water chiller pump system
II. Fire Protection System - Smoke detector over sensitive
90-91
11. Conclusion 92
12. Appendix 93-96
13. Reference 97-99

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S P Setia BHD Corporate Headquarter
S P Setia BHD Corporate Headquarter is centrally located in Setia City, commercial centre of Setia
Alam. Setia Alam is a 4,000-acre township in Shah Alam, Selangor. It consists of 11 floors,
including a rooftop and two basement level. The S P Setia corporate headquarters is set on three
acres and has a timeless design. It can be seen from Persiaran Setia Alam.
The Setia corporate HQ promotes a holistic and well-balanced lifestyle for employees. As a
sustainable, high value, vibrant and interconnected modern commercial town centre, Setia City
aims to create a benchmark for new urban development’s locally, regionally and globally, and
the developer’s corporate HQ stands at the pinnacle of this by ensuring that all developments
within the commercial centre meet the minimum standards of sustainability.
S P Setia BHD Corporate Headquarter is the first private sector owned office building and only
the third building in Malaysia to be awarded a Green Building Index (GBI) Platinum rating. The
building’s concept is derived from the collective vision of S P Setia to build a headquarters with
an environment that encourages a balanced and green lifestyle in every aspect of the company’s
philosophy.

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Abstract
This case study report is based on the observation and analysis of the building’s service
system. A site visiting was planned in order for us to investigate and analyse the building’s service
system. The building that we’ve chosen is S P Setia BHD Corporate Headquarter. Building service
system that we look into by analysis S P Setia BHD Corporate Headquarter includes the
Mechanical and Air-conditioning System, Electrical Supply System, Vertical Transport System and
Fire Protection System of the building. By having the chance to take to analyse the systems more
in deep, we had the opportunity to understand in detailed regarding each of the system in the
building.
Through this assignment, we are able to distinguish and differentiate the installation of
various types of services in the building. Apart from that, we are also able to illustrate the services
construction in schematic diagrams base on the guidelines and clauses stated in the Uniform
Building by Law (UBBL).

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Acknowledgement
Upon completing this case study report, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to
S P Setia Headquarter for allowing our team to visit their building in order for us to observe and
analyse the building system. On top of that, S P Setia Headquarter also arranged a professional
technician of the building, Mr. Khali to guide us. With Mr. Khali’s attentive and patient guidance
and explanation of all the building service systems, we are able to gather sufficient information
with true understanding.
We would also like to thank the management department of S P Setia Headquarter for
the approval of permission and also the thoughtful arrangement made. We had the opportunity
to enter almost all the prominent service room including the control room to see the system
component that involve and also how the system function.
Last but not least, we would also like to extent our gratitude to our lecturer, Mr. Kam for
the lesson taught in class and tutorial practices given which help us a lot in understanding the
building service system. This enable us to interpret better when visualizing the systems during
the visit.

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Project Objectives
1. To enable students to expose to the building services system in a building through a real-life
case study.
2. To introduce students the various type of building service system that are available in a
building which are the Mechanical Ventilation and HVAC System, Electrical Supply System,
Mechanical Transportation System and Fire Protection System.
3. To increase awareness and understanding of the principles of building service system in a
building.
4. To enhance students’ knowledge on how the building services systems, work and process in
a building for students.
5. To allow students to be more experience on the building services system in a building.
6. To obtain the basic knowledge of the building services system.

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1.0 Introduction to HVAC
Mechanical ventilation helps to provide fresh air in a building by circulating the fresh air
through ducts and fans rather than relying on airflow through the building’s small holes or cracks
in walls, roofs or windows. Without mechanical ventilation, moisture, odors and other pollutants
can build up inside a building which can reduce the productivity of occupants. This can be
prevented by installing fans directly in walls or windows, or in air ducts to supply into or remove
air from the building.
Air conditioning provides cooling, ventilation and humidity control for all parts of the
building. The use of air conditioning system in a building can provide human thermal comfort,
improved air quality, silent operation, reduce humidity and provide controllable comfort. To
maintain indoor air conditions, air conditioned buildings normally have sealed windows since
open windows counteract the system.

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1.1 Mechanical Ventilation: Jet Fan System
Jet fans system is found in the basement or enclosed car parking space of SP Setia Headquarters
building where it provides either normal ventilation and also even help extract smoke in the
event of a fire, or a combination of both. The jet fan system includes 3 ventilations elements, the
carbon monoxide detection sensors, a control panel and CFD (computational fluid dynamics)
analysis. These 3 elements are critical for a ventilation system to operate effectively in the car
park.
Figure 1.1.1: Jet fans found at the top of the basement car parks in SP Setia HQ
Jet fan system consists of a set of axial impulse fans, which operates similarly to a ducted system.
When it is installed on the ceiling, this system ventilates the air from the top areas to the bottom
areas where it creates a continuous flow of air. The jet fans are able to prevent airs being trap in
certain areas as well as comprehensively purify the air at both the top and bottom layers of the
basement car park.

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Figure 1.1.2: Basic component of a jet axial system
The jet system is able to easily control areas of the ventilation system in order to reduce the effects
of smokes but only to the area affect by the fire event. This system is also able to control the
overpressure of the firefighting zones and the under pressure of the site of fire, which stops the
smoke from spreading by drastically reducing the temperature of the fire affected zones.
Figure1.1.3: the event where the fire starts Figure1.1.4: Jet fan system starts running
Figure1.1.5: The fire smoke is exhausted

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1.2 Centralized Air Conditioning System
SP Setia Headquarter uses a centralized air-conditioning system in the building. This
system consists of two separated parts. It includes the outdoor and indoor unit. The typical
outdoor unit contains electrical components, a condenser coil, compressor and a fan whereas
the indoor unit contains the evaporator coil, refrigerant and a thermostat that acts as a
temperature control system.
Generated by electricity power, the refrigerant flows through a closed system of
refrigeration lines between the indoor unit and the outside unit. The warm air within a building
is absorbed into ductwork by a motorized fan. After the air is being cooled, it is being transported
through connecting ducts to vents throughout the whole building, cooling down the interior
temperature. The refrigeration cycle repeats itself.

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1.3 Refrigeration System Flowchart
In the centralized air-conditioner, the refrigeration cycle is a process where heat is
removed from an unwanted area and transferred to another area. The air conditioner will not
produce heat by itself. For heat to be able to transfer, a temperature and pressure difference
must exist at different places.
The refrigeration system operates by extracting heat from a lower pressure region
(evaporator) into a higher temperature and pressure area (condenser). For example, if the air
surrounding the evaporator is of 35 degree Celsius, cold refrigerant of 25 degree Celsius flows
through the evaporator will cause the cold refrigerant to absorb the heat from the hotter space.
By absorbing the heat from the warm space, it helps cool down the space. The heat is then being
transferred to the condenser through compressor.

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1.4 Packaged Air Cooled Chiller
One of the chillers used in SP Setia Headquarter are packaged air-cooled chillers. A
packaged air cooled chiller usually consists of a tank, pumps and microprocessor controls besides
the basic components such as compressor, evaporator, condenser and expansion valve. Since air
cooled chillers are of closed-loop systems, they make a better process cooling option compared
to water cooled chillers. Closed loop systems allow the chiller to have instantaneous cooling
ability and also helps to save water significantly by recirculating the coolant.
The designed air cooled chillers used are easy to operate. The ‘plug and play’ design closed
loop systems are used because this design helps to reduce maintenance cost for the building and
overall, lowers down the lifetime cost of the unit. Regular maintenance of the air-cooled chillers
includes cleaning of condenser, ensure proper air flow around the unit and making sure the PH
level of water is maintained at 7.
The cycle of an air-cooled chiller starts in the evaporator, where a liquid refrigerant is
allowed to flow over the evaporator tube bundle and evaporate, letting the heat absorbed from
the chilled water circulating through the bundle. The compressor then draws out the refrigerant
vapor from the evaporator. The refrigerant vapor is pumped into the condenser by the

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compressor to raise its temperature and pressure. Then, the refrigerant condenses on the
condenser tubes, releasing its heat to the cooling air. The high pressure liquid refrigerant from
the condenser will pass through the expansion device that reduces the refrigerant pressure and
temperature as it enters the evaporator. Lastly, the refrigerant is allowed to flow through the
chilled water coils to absorb more heat and completing the cycle.
This is the microprocessor control within the chillers. Having a microprocessor control
allows the system to be more precise. It offers more accuracy and durability compared to other
types of control system.
Figure1.4.1: Cold water tank storage in SP Setia Headquarter Building

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Figure1.4.2: Chiller pump in SP Setia Headquarter Building
These are the condenser and
evaporator. The refrigerant enters the
condenser in a superheated state and
changes from vapor to liquid as most
of the heat is being released into an
external space.

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To maintain a chiller system in its best condition, the compressor oil is replaced annually
and the air filter must be cleaned thoroughly every month to make sure clean air is produced
when it goes through the filter. The refrigeration system has to be shut down daily by the end of
the day to avoid overheating.

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1.5 Cooling Tower
A total of 5 cooling towers are found on the rooftop of SP Setia Headquarter Building.
Cooling towers known as evaporative coolers, used in centralized air-conditioning to cool down
warm water from a chiller condenser. They are installed on the rooftop to allow optimum
ventilation. It uses evaporation of water to release heat from the system. The heat from within
the building is transferred to chilled water, which is then transferred into the refrigerant then to
the cooling water. The heat within the cooling water is removed by allowing it to make contact
with moving air. Water is usually dispersed and allowed to drizzle from a certain height by gravity

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The inside of a cooling tower consists of components such as a fan, fan motor and guard,
sprinkler, pipe, suction tank, outlet etc. Each of the components have their specific function that
work together to ensure the cooling tower is functioning properly. The diagram bellow shows the
inner parts of a cooling tower.
Figure 1.5.1: Basic principle of the cooling tower system work

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1.6 Air Handling Unit
Figure 1.6.1: Inside AHU room of SP Setia Headquarter Building
There are a total of 32 Air Handling Unit rooms in the building. Each floor has 3 AHU except
Level 7 that has 4. Air handling unit purpose is mainly to re-condition and circulate air as part of
a heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system. Air handling unit is used to re-condition
outside air that is taken in and then release the fresh air into the building. Since all the exhaust
air is removed, it makes it an acceptable indoor air quality. The fresh air being released is either

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heated by heating coil or cooled by cooling coil, depending on the desired temperature for the
re-conditioned air for the building.
The air handling unit is a large metal box that contains separate ventilators for supply and
exhaust, heating and cooling coils, heating and cooling recovery systems, sound attenuators,
mixing chambers, air filter racks and dampers. Air handling units have ductwork that is linked to
them to allow distribution of conditioned air through the building and return to the air handling
unit. To conserve energy, increase capacity and at the same time reduce costs, a heat or cooling
recovery exchange is installed in the air handling unit. Air handling units are usually designed for
outdoor purposes, especially on roofs of a building. Hence, it is also known as a rooftop unit (RTU).
The air handling unit consists of components such as:
1. Supply Duct
2. Fan Compartment
3. Vibration Isolators
4. Heating and/or Cooling Coil
5. Filter Compartment
6. Return air duct

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1.7 Multi-Zone Variable Air Volume (VAV)
SP Setia Headquarter uses multi-zone variable air volume (VAV) in the server and control room
of the building only. This system is used because it consume less power and since underfloor air
distribution system is more suitable to be use in a much larger area. Besides that, their server
and control room requires a 24-hour use of air conditioning system compared to other parts of
the building.

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1.8 Underfloor air distribution
SP Setia Headquarter uses underfloor air distribution (UFAD) as a strategy to provide ventilation
in their building as part of the HVAC system. This system is used on every floor except for the
control server room zones. Underfloor air distribution system provides conditioned air from the
air handling unit (AHU) through floor diffusers by using the underfloor plenum beneath a raised
floor. The conditioned air then forms a reservoir of fresh cool air by spreading across the floor.
Contaminated air or heat sources is lifted to the high level to be discharged from the space. Due
to air supplied in much closer proximity to the occupants, the supply air temperature is much
higher compared to the conventional overhead system. A task/ambient conditioning (TAC)
system is used which enables the users to control the thermal comfort conditions in their local
environment.
Figure 1.8.1: Swirl Floor diffuser of SP Setia Headquarter Building
Figure1.8.2: An illustration of how conditioned air is distributed and returned in SP Setia HQ Building

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1.9 Diffuser
SP Setia Headquarter Building uses only 2 types of diffusers which are the floor swirl diffuser and
the ceiling diffuser. The ceiling diffuser is only installed at first floor lobby area while the floor
diffuser is installed on every other floor of the building. On the lobby, the floor diffuser act as the
supply diffuser which helps to distribute conditioned air directly to the breathing zone. The ceiling
diffuser act as the return air diffusers which functions to extract warm air from the area back to
the air handling unit (AHU). On the other floors, the floor diffusers act as both the supply and
return air diffuser.
Figure 1.9.1: Floor Swirl Diffusers In SP Setia Headquarter Building
Figure 1.9.2: Ceiling Diffusers In SP Setia Headquarter Building

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2.0 Introduction To Electrical Supply System
The National Grid system transmits electricity through a network of cables. Tenaga
Nasional Berhad (TNB) is the only electric utility company where it involves generation,
transmission and distribution of electricity. Current generated will pass through step up
transformer to prevent loss of energy as heat. Electric transmission serves as a mid-point
between electric generation and electric usage. Energy is transmitted across high voltage
transmission to lower voltage distribution lines through step down transformers and a series of
sub-stations. Setia Headquarters (HQ) has a monthly bill of RM80, 000 and uses solar system to
generate electricity to reduce the overall cost of electricity bill.

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2.0.1 Electrical Supply System
TNB Room
High Tension (HT)
Room
Low Tension (LT)
Room Riser Room

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2.1 High Tension Room (HT)
HT room receives power supply directly from transmission cables. Components in HT
room are checked annually.
2.1.1 Components in High Tension Room
Transformers
Setia HQ contains two transformers which are used to transform electrical energy from
one circuit to another. It steps down power supply from TNB room.

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Battery Bank
Battery found in HT room is to provide standby power but it is not for long-term supply.
It generates electricity by converting chemical energy to electrical energy

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2.2 Low Tension Room
It is a room where it further distributes power supply into smaller region. LT room is
located in between of HT room and genset room.
2.2.1 Components in Low Tension Room
Main Switch Board (MSB)
Setia HQ has two MSB which generally where the service protection device and supply
authority metering equipment is located. MSB is used to distribute large incoming supply of

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current into smaller currents or easily controlled parcel for further distribution. It consists of
busbars which carry large currents and supported by insulators. It is guarded by safety switches
and fuses. Circuit breakers are mounted to prevent overcurrent.
Essential Main Switch Board (EMSB)
EMSB provides automatic or manual control and testing of emergency engine. It monitors
the emergency generator in operation and for controlling feeding to essential services.

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2.3 Genset Room
Setia HQ uses diesel generator as a secondary source to generate electricity during power
failure.
2.3.1 Components in Genset Room
Diesel Generator
It is a combination of diesel engine and electric generator to generate electrical energy.
It generates 600A of electricity.

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Diesel Tank
It has a diesel capacity of 2,700 Liter
Control Panel
It is used to monitor diesel generator. Readings are taken on a daily basis.

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Automatic Mains Failure (Amf) Board
It is the power switch to emergency standby generators in the event of a significant loss
of mains power or total blackout. Without AMF panels, generators need to be operated manually
which will lead to lost data, potential damage to electrical equipment and huge amounts of
disruption.
UBBL
Section 253.
(1) Emergency power system shall provide to supply illumination and power automatically in
the event of failure of the normal supply or in the event of accident to elements of the
system supplying power and illumination essential for safety to life and property.
(2) Emergency power system shall provide power for smoke control systems, illumination, fire
alarm systems, fire pumps, public address systems, fire lifts and other emergency systems.

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(3) Emergency system shall have adequate capacity and rating for the emergency operation
of all equipment connected to the system including the simultaneous operation of all fire
lifts and one other life.
(4) All wiring for emergency system shall be in metal conduit or of fire resisting mineral
insulated cables, laid along areas of least fire risk.
(5) Current supply shall be such that in the event of failure of the normal supply to or within
the building or group of buildings concerned, the emergency lighting or emergency power,
or both emergency lighting and power will be available within 10 seconds of the
interruption of the normal supply. The supply system for emergency purposes shall
comprise one or more of the following approved types:
(a) Storage battery
Storage battery of suitable rating and capacity to supply and maintain at not less than
87.5 percent of the system voltage the total load of the circuits supplying emergency
lighting and emergency power for a period of at least 1.5 hours.
(b) Generator set
A generator set driven by some form of prime mover and of sufficient capacity and
proper rating to supply circuit carrying emergency lighting or lighting and power with
suitable means for automatically starting the prime mover on failure of the normal
service.
Electrical supply act 1997, it is listed that:
Regulation 15, apparatus, conductor, accessory, etc.
Any conductor or apparatus that is exposed to the weather, water, corrosion, under heating or
use in inflammable surroundings or in an explosive atmosphere shall be constructed or protected
in such a manner as to prevent danger.

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2.4 Electrical Riser Room
It is a room dedicated to electrical equipment which is located at every floors in Setia HQ.
2.4.1 Components in Electrical Riser Room
Distribution Board
It is an electric panel that distributes power to the consuming loads while providing a
protective fuse or circuit breaker for each circuit. It serves as final distribution point. It is often
seen mounted on walls.

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Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCCB)
It is a type of electrical protection device that can be used for a wide range of voltages
and frequencies. It is customized to protect electrical circuit from damage caused by overload
circuit. It has a manual trip setting. MCCB of Setia HQ comes with busbar.
UBBL
Section 240.
(1) Every floor or zone of any floor with a net area exceeding 929 square meters shall be
provided with an electrical isolation switch located within a staircase enclosure to permit
the disconnection of electrical power supply to be relevant floor or zone served.
(2) The switch shall be of a type similar to the fireman’s switch specified in the Instituition of
Electrical Engineers Regulations then in force.

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2.5 Safety Precautious In All Room
Rubber Mat
Rubber mat is hard wearing and non-slip which is subjected to rigorous voltage testing
(max 50kV) and high tension.
Carbon Dioxide (Co2) Tank
It is activated when there is a fire break out and will be pull out automatically to avoid
explosion. It extinguishes fire by taking away the oxygen element and also removing the heat
with a very cold discharge.

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Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is an emergency lifesaving procedure that is done when someone’s heartbeat has
stopped. The board contains the steps to save a person after being electrocuted. It is located in
all the electric rooms.
Warning Sign For Electric Shock Hazard
This warning sign is pasted on all machineries to warn people the possibilities of being
electrocuted. Extra precautions must be taken.

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Danger Sign
At the door of each room, there is a danger sign with electricity symbol to show that it is
dangerous to enter. A person without profession license requires permission from the
department to enter the room.

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2.6 Solar Panel That Generates Electricity For The Building
Photovoltaics solar panels are the conversion of light into electricity. The
electricity travels by a cable from the array down to an inverter in the attic. The inverter
converts the electricity from direct current to alternating current electricity then the AC
power is sent to the fuse board and to all the power outlets in the building. The maximum
watt of one solar panel is 250 watt. Giving average 6 hours of full sun each day, it is 250
watts x 6 which gives 1.5 kWh in a day. Setia Headquarters has around 168 solar panels
which means 1,500 watts x 168 solar panels = 252kWh.
2.6.1 Solar Log
It is to monitor the photovoltaic plants and optimizes own energy consumption. Besides, it is to
monitor the instantaneous output and input power in watts.

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3.0 Introduction to Vertical Transportation System
The different means of travelling between floors in a building is known as the vertical
transportation system. It is a must for all buildings with more than one story to have at least one
set of stairs and the provision of stairs is a very important consideration when designing buildings
in order to ensure that all the occupants of the building can escape safely in the event of a fire.
A building with the correct number of elevators will achieve performance requirement. Efficient
vertical transportation is central to the success of a building, and getting the right advice at the
pre-planning stage is crucial to ensure that the other design team members can proceed,
confident that the individual buildings have adequate space provision for effective movement of
people and goods.

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3.1 Types of lift
The types of lift that is used in SP Setia Headquarters Building is the electric lift, which is also
known as the traction lift. Elevators are generally powered by electric motors that either drive
traction cables or counterweight systems like a hoist, or pump hydraulic fluid to raise a cylindrical
piston like a jack. On the other hand, there is another type of lift which is hydraulic lift, which
uses the principle of hydraulic to pressurize an above ground or in-ground piston to raise and
lower the car. The reason why hydraulic lift is not used in this building because hydraulic lift is
only used for low-level building with 2-5 floors only.
3.2 How does the lift system works
SP Setia Headquarters building uses the machine-roomless (MRL) elevators which does not
require a machine room. Most machine roomless elevators are used for low to mid rise buildings.
The elevators in the machine room less can usually serve up to 20 floors in mid-rise buildings.
In SP Setia Headquarters building, the building emphasizes on go green technology as the system
that used in lift lobby is the energy efficient 'KONE' brand lift. Lights signalization and ventilation
can consume a considerable amount of energy even when elevator is not moving, but in this
system, the lift is always in standby mode. Unnecessary cost can be saved when signalization
display are dimmed, and car fan is turned off when lift is not in use.
Besides, the lift system also works by the ‘first call system’ whereby the lift will operate according
to which occupant that press the button first. The system emphasizes on first come first serve
basis.

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3.3 Types of lift available in the building
i) Fireman lift
When installing a lift in a building, positioning of lift should be located at which it may
provide convenient access for all the building users for example in central entrance
lobby in the building.
For fireman lift, each unit is able to carry a load of 1495kg (22 person) with a speed
1.75m/s.
Figure 3.3.1: Interior view of
fireman lift in SP Setia
Headquarter Building
Figure 3.3.2: Exterior view of
fireman lift in SP Setia

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ii) Passenger lift
A passenger lift travels vertically within a specially prepared lift shaft and has a
completely enclosed lift car. The control systems are designed to give the most
economical distribution of passengers throughout the building and passengers are
transported between floors at reasonably quick speeds.
Each unit is able to carry a load of 1430kg (21 persons) with a speed of 1.75m/s
whereby the car capacity is slightly different from the fireman lift.
Figure 3.3.3: Interior view of
passenger lift in SP Setia
Figure 3.3.4: Exterior view of
passenger lift in SP Setia

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3.4 Arrangement of lifts
Lift arrangement is fixed depending on the number of lifts needed in a building. According to
UBBL, the maximum horizontal distance of lift lobby is 45m. The system design concept of SP
Setia Headquarters building is three cars as shown in figure below.
The number of lift will have an effect on the quality of service to the users in the building.
According to UBBL :
Installation Quality of service
1 lift for every 3 floors Excellent
1 lift for every 4 floors Average
1 lift for every 5 floors Below Average
Figure 3.4.1 and 3.4.2
Indicates which floor
does the lift stops at

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Figure 3.4.3: Lift arrangement in lobby B Figure3.4.4: Lift arrangement in lobby A

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3.5 Components Of The Gearless Machine Roomless Lift
Figure 3.5.1 Parts of the Lift
System
MRL Machine
(Gearless Traction
Machine)
Counterweight
Main Wire Rope
Brakes
Car
Car Panel
Buffer
Counterweight filler

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Machine Room less Elevators
Gearless Traction Machine and Regenerative Drive
The elevator uses a gearless mechanism with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The
motor is installed using a permanent magnet that sticks the motor permanently and work with
Variable Voltage Variable Frequency (VVVF) drive. The gear-
less permanent magnet synchronous AC motor controlled by an electronic motor drive, is the
most power efficient elevator drive system when installed with a power regeneration inverter
(regeneration unit). The regeneration unit takes the excess power from electrically braking and
from the loading situations where the motor is actually slowing the elevator down. This excess
power is regenerated and fed back into the power grid to be used elsewhere.
Figure 3.5.2: Function of regenerative drive Figure 3.5.3: permanent magnet motor

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Controller/ Control cabinet
The control panel controls and monitor the operation of the lifts. The panel receives signals from
users through car operating panels., and initiates the direction of the lifts, whether it goes up or
go down. The controller of a machine room less elevator is designed compact to be installed flat
inside the hoistway. The control panel for lift systems is located at level 9 of the SP Setia
Headquarters Building, and can be monitored from the control room located at Level 1 of the
building.
Figure 3.5.4: Monitoring of lifts in
control room

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Hoistway & Pit
SP Setia Headquarters Building uses a green hoisting system made hydraulic and geared hoisting
units obsolete. With this drive system, this has increase the elevator energy efficiency.
Car Guide Rail and Guide Shoes
Guide Rails are steel tracks in the form of a “T” that is usually mounted to the sides of the
hoistway and run the length of the hoistway. To guide the car and counterweight along the path
of the guide rails, guide shoes are devices mainly used. As they travel along the guide rails, lateral
motion of the car is assured and counterweight is kept at a minimum.
There are two types of guiding shoes which are the roller guides and sliding guides. Sliding guides
slide along the faces of the rails while roller guides on the other hand uses rollers that rotate on
guide rails. SP Setia Headquarters building uses roller guides in their machine room less elevators.
In addition to not requiring lubricant, they also reduce noise and vibration.
Figure 3.5.6: Roller
Guides
Figure 3.5.5: Sliding
Guides

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Counterweight
Counter weight functions to provide traction and to balance the weight of car about 40%-50% of
the car rated load. It is a tracked weight that is suspended from cables and moves within its own
set of guide rails along the hoistway walls. In SP Setia Headquarters building, the elevator's
structural steel frame carries steel plate counterweights in order to balance the car. This reduces
the necessary consumed power for moving the elevator.
Buffers
A buffer is a device that halts a descending car or counterweight beyond its normal limit and the
impact when elevators run into the pit can be soften during an emergency. They may be made
of polyurethane or oil type. The buffer can either accumulate or dissipate the kinetic energy of
the car or counterweight. Oil buffer, which uses a combination of oil and springs to cushion
descending car or counterweight is more commonly found in traction elevators.
Counterweight

51
Wire Ropes
Wire ropes, has strands that consist of a number of steel wires that hoist lift cars. The elevators
in SP Setia Headquarters building uses polyurethane-coated steel rope belts that helps save space
on the hoistway and is lighter than conventional steel ropes. The flexible and flat coated-steel
belt eliminates the metal-to-metal effect of conventional systems. In order to achieve a quiet
operation and superior ride comfort, it is coupled with a smooth-surface crowned machine
sheave. This reduces building and system operating costs, and frees up valuable space.
Figure 3.5.7: Polyurethane-coated steel ropes

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Lift Car
Lift Frame
Lift frame is a load carrier element in the elevator car as well as its function of isolating vibrations
due to running. To support the platform and car enclosure, a suitable car frame fabricated from
formed or structural steel members is used with adequate bracing. When slung from the lifting
points on the crosshead, the crosshead has sufficient strength to lift the fully loaded car.

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Platform
The platform of the elevators in SP Setia Headquarters building is made of steel and the underside
of the platform is fireproofed. The platform has sufficient mechanical strength to sustain forces
which will be applied during normal operation, safety gear operation and impact of the car to its
buffers.
Door Operator
Door operator opens and closes the car doors using a motor-driven device that is mounted on
the elevator car. A power unit mounted on top of car moves the car door open or closed when
an elevator car is level with a floor landing. Door operation is automatic at each landing with door
opening being initiated as the car arrives at the landing and closing taking place after expiration
of a time interval.
Platform
Car Wall

54
Door Safety Devices
Door safety device is any type of device that is used with automatic power operated doors that
detect obstructions to the normal closing of the elevator doors. This can either cause the doors
to change the door motion by either stopping it, or causing it to reopen or go into some other
mode of operation, such as nudging. SP Setia Headquarters building uses the electronic
passenger detector, that is installed at the edge of doors. When it strikes an object, the
movement cause the door to reverse the direction.
Figure 3.5.8 Electric
Door sensor

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Landing
Landing Doors
Landing Doors function to prevent objects from entering the path of the lift. SP Setia
Headquarters Building's landing doors are made of steel and are fire protected.
Landing Fixtures
A. Car Operating Panel
Car operating panel (COP) is a panel that is mounted in the car, that contains the car operating
controls, such as the call register buttons, door open and close, alarm emergency stop and
whatever other buttons or key switches that are required for operation.
Figure 3.5.9 : Operating Panel in
Fireman Lift
Figure 3.5.10: Operating Panel in
Passenger Lift

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B. Push Buttons outside the lift
The buttons enable users to give instructions to the lift control system by pressing the up or down
button. SP Setia Headquarters building uses light emitting diodes in their lift system.
C. Hall Indicators
This shows the floor that the lift is at and informs the users the direction of the lifts, whether it
is going down or up.
D. Maintenance Access Panel
A panel is mounted next to every lift for maintenance purpose. Technicians are able to service
the lift systems through this maintenance panel, as there are no machine room for them to carry
out maintenance services.

57
3.6 Safety Features of The Lift
A. Over-speed Governor
The elevator can be protected from over-speeding in the down direction by a governor in the
machine space on the elevator car frame. The governor is equipped with a remote means for
testing and resetting.
B. Hoistway Door Interlock
The hoistway door locking mechanism functions as a means to lock each hoistway door
mechanically. In order to prevent operation of the elevator if any of the elevator’s hoistway doors
are open, they are interconnected electrically. The interlock circuit will be broken in event of the
doors are forced open, causing the elevator to immediately stop.

58
C. Load weighing device or the overload sensor
To sense the nearness of car floor during loading of isolation springs, the overload sensor
device is mounted on the lower transom. The distance between car floor and sling is altered
depending on the load through the operation of sensor. A distance screw shall be provided close
to the sensor for protection purposes.
D. Emergency Alarm Switch
It will sound an alarm when activated by a passenger and in most elevators. Assistance can be
linked through an emergency telephone or intercom.

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E. Fireman's Switch
In case of any fire, when the switch is turned on, all elevators will be brought down to the first
floor. This switch is to be provided to all passenger lifts. In SP Setia Headquarters building, the
Fireman's lift switch is located at the side of the fire lift, and it can only be used by authorities
when a fire happens.

60
3.7 Calculation of Lift System in SP Setia Headquarters Building
A. Probable Number of Stops
S1 = 𝑆 − 𝑆 (
𝑆−1
𝑆
)
𝑛
S1 = 9 − 9 (
8
9
)
21
= 9 − 0.759 = 8.24
= 8 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝𝑠
B. Upward Journey Time
Tu = 𝑆1 (
𝐿
𝑆𝑉
+ 2𝑉) ; L= 9 x 3m, V= 1.75m/s
Tu = 8 (
27
9𝑥1.75
+ 2(1.75))
Tu = 8 (
27
15.75
+ 3.5)
= 41.71𝑠
C. Downward Journey Time
Tu = (
𝐿
𝑉
+ 2𝑉)
Tu = (
27
9𝑥1.75
+ 2(1.75))
Tu = (
27
15.75
+ 3.5)
= 18.929𝑠
= 19𝑠

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D. Passenger Transfer Time
Tp = 2𝑛
= 2(21)
= 42𝑠
E. Door Opening Time
To = 2(𝑆1 + 1) (
𝑊
𝑉𝑑
) ; Door width= 1.2m, Door speed= 0.5m/s
To = 2(8 + 1) (
1.2
0.5
)
= 2(9)
1.2
0.5
= 43.2𝑠
F. Round Trip Time
RTT= 41.71 + 18.929 + 42 + 43.2
= 145.91 s
= 2m 26 s

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4.0 Introduction To Fire
Fire is a visible effect process which combines chemically with oxygen from the air and it
releases light, heat, and smoke such as combustion or burning. It occurs between oxygen in
the air and some sort of fuel. The products from the chemical reaction are completely
different from the starting material. The reaction will continue as long as there is enough heat,
fuel and oxygen. This is known as the fire triangle. Fire are easily initiated and normally
breakouts due to the inability of a building cooling system to control. Thus, water supply
system becomes an essential aspect in the form of sprinklers to dismantle fire.

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4.1 Passive Fire Protection (PFP)
PFP is an integral component of structural fire protection and fire safety in a building. The
purpose of PFP is to prevent fire from spreading quickly and provide adequate time for people
to escape from the building safely. Passive fire protection system must comply with the
associated listing and approval of use to provide effectiveness expected by building codes.
Passive fire protection also serves to ensure the building remains as safe as possible for entry
in this situation.
Fire Escape Route Plan
When fire occurs in the building, fire exits and emergency staircases must be located
strategically and should provide the shortest route to the assembly place. It is a protected or
isolated passageway, which will lead the people to the outside of the building. In SP Setia
Headquarters building, there are 2 main routes to allow the occupants to escape the building
to the assembly place. They are the 2-fire staircase, one located at the end of each floor and
the other one will be located near to the lift, so the occupant would not be crowded to escape
in one direction.
Figure 4.1.2: An example of fire
escape route plan
Figure 4.1.1: Fire escape route plan of
ground floor level in SP Setia
Headquater Building.

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Referring to UBBL, generally commercial buildings shall have minimum of 2 fire staircase with
two separated exit doors leading to assembly area and different direction and the fire
staircases travelling distance shall not be more than 30 meters for safety purpose. It also
provides direct access to the street passage-way to enable the evacuation of occupant from
the vicinity of a building so they can prevent from fire or smoke.
Under UBBL 1984 Section 169: Exit Route
-No Exit route may reduce in width along its path to travel from the storey to the final exit.
Under UBBL 1984 Section 178: Exists for institutional and other places of Assembly
-Emergency Exit point had illustrated the route in the plan is to avoid any undue danger to
occupants of the place of assembly from fire originating in the other occupancy or smoke
therefrom.
Under UBBL 1984 Section 188: Travel distance in place of assembly
-Exits in any place of assembly shall be arranged that the distance travelled from any point to
reach an exit.
Figure4.1.3: Fire escape door from the
building to the assembly area

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Fire emergency staircase
As mentioned above, each floor in Setia HQ has fire emergency staircases which are
connected from the top floor to the bottom floors. This allows the occupants to escape from
the building to the assembly point in an event of a fire or any emergency events. According
to the law, the building should not have more than one means of exits, and should consist
separate exits or doors that leads to a corridor or other space giving access to separate exits
in different directions. The dimension of riser is 175mm, the thread dimension is 275 and the
railing dimension is 910mm. According to the riser standard, it should not be more than
180mm and the thread has to be minimum of 255mm.
Figure 4.1.4: Fire Escape Staircase in Setia HQ
Under UBBL 1984 Section 168: Staircases
-Except as provided for in By-Law 194 every upper floor shall have means of egress via at least
two separate staircases.
-Staircase shall be such width that in the event of any one staircase not being available for
escape purposes the remaining staircases shall accommodate the highest occupancy load of
any one floor discharging into it calculated accordance with provisions in the Seventh
schedule to these By-Laws.
-The Required width of a staircase shall be the clear width between walls but handrails may
be permitted to encroach on this width to a maximum of 75 millimeters.

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-The Required width of a staircase shall be maintained throughout its length including at
landings.
-Doors giving access to staircase shall be so positioned that their swing shall at no point
encroach on the required width of the staircase or landing.
Under UBBL 1984 Section 198: Ventilation of Staircase Enclosures
-All Staircase enclosure shall be ventilated at each floor by either permanent openings or
open-able windows to open air having a minimum free area of 1m2 per floor. Since, SP Setia
HQ Building is awarded as a GBI Platinum rating building. Therefore, it is built to encourage
balance green life style. In context with this, the building is built to minimize energy
consumption and therefore exhaust fan which might consume high level of electricity is not
installed in the building.
Figure 4.1.5: Window Opening

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Fire Door
Fire door provides a certain fire-resistance rating. It is used as a part of passive fire protection
system to delay the spreading of fire or smoke between compartments and to enable safe
egress from a building or structure. In SP Setia HQ building, the material used in the fire doors
is the combination of aluminium, gypsum board, steel, timber and vermiculite-boards, which
helps prevent or delay the fire from spreading and give extra time for occupants to run out of
the building.
Figure 4.1.6: Fire Escape Door
Under UBBL 1984 section 162: Fire Doors in Compartment Walls and Separating Wall.
- Fire doors of the appropriate Fire-Rated protection (FRP) shall be provided.
- In accordance with the requirements for wall specified in the Ninth Schedule to these By-
Laws, openings in compartment walls and separating walls shall be protected by a fire door
having a FRP
- Openings in partitions enclosing a protected corridor or lobby shall be protected by fire
doors having FRP of half hour.

68
Emergency Exit Signage
The exit emergency signage is mostly located on top of the fire door. The sign indicates the
way to outdoor area or assembly point. It is an effective guidance tool that helps people
reduce panic and confusion by providing a clear directional system in case of an emergency.
These signs are ever ready when the emergency happen. The letters are written in block
letters which is big and clear enough to be seen easily and are always installed with bright
green lights to attract attention when there is no electricity supply. The emergency exit
signage function opposes the building’s electrical supply. When the main electrical supply has
been cut off, the exit sign will automatically switch on.
Figure 4.1.7: Emergency “KELUAR” [EXIT] Signage
Under UBBL 1984 Section 172 :Emergency Exit [KELUAR] Signs
-A sign “KELUAR” with an arrow indicating the direction shall be placed in every floor where
the direction of the travel to reach the nearest exit is not immediately apparent.
-All exit signs shall be illuminated continuously during periods of occupancy.
-illuminated signs be provided with two electric lamps.

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4.2 Active Fire protection
Is a group of system that require mechanical, electric or electronic activation. Active Fire
protection can be activated manually or automatically. The purpose of active fire protection
within the fire containment process is to detect, alert about, and seek to eliminate the fire
hazard.
Fire Extinguisher
Figure 4.2.1: Fire Extinguishers in Setia Headquarters.
ABC powder fire extinguisher are widely used in Setia HQ and carbon dioxide fire extinguisher
located in HVAC room and Genset room due to usage of flammable material. Intended for
initial outbreak of fire to prevent escalation into full scale fire. It provides pathway for
occupant to escape from the fire event. Fire extinguisher cannot use for large fire due to
limited capacity. Different types of fire extinguisher are selected for the type of fire
anticipated. It should be light for the occupant to carry. Types of fire extinguisher include
water, foam, dry powder and carbon dioxide.

70
According UBBL 1984 Section 227 : Portable fire extinguishers should be designed, tested,
installed and maintained in accordance to
- Portable extinguisher shall be provided in accordance with the relevant codes of
practice and shall be sited in prominent position on exit routes to visible from all
directions and similar extinguisher in a building shall be of the same method of
operation.
Location of Fire Extinguisher
- AT conspicuous location where it is easily spotted
- Near room exits, corridors, stairways, lobbies and landings
- Within recessed closets if sited along protected corridor to prevent
- Not more than 20m from a potential fire hazard
- Not at location where fire might prevent access to it
MS1539 : Specification for portable fire extinguishers.
Part 1 : Construction & Test methodology
Part 3 : Selection & Application - Code of Practice
Part 4 : Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguisher – Code of Practice

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Fire Alarm System
Figure4.2.2: Manual Call Point Figure 4.2.3: Fire Alarm Bell
In Setia Headquarter building the fire alarm system control panel is located in the control room.
Manual call point is connected to the fire alarm bell, and is located below the fire alarm bell.
Through the fire alarm system, fire event can be detected through heat and smoke. Fire Alarm
Bell provides warning for evacuation process to be carried out. Fire Alarm System consist of
manual and automatic activation.
Manual Call point
Personnel uses a device to activate the alarm system by breaking the frangible element. The
requirement to install should be at 1.2m above floor level for easy access and visibility. It
should be located at exit routes, entry floor landings of staircases and exits to the outside.
Manual call point should have an interval of 30m between each other and is usually below
Fire Alarm Bell.
Fire Alarm Bell
A device that produce loud noise to inform the occupant. It provides a minimum sound
pressure level of 65dB (A) or +5 dB (A) above any background noise which last for more than
30 second. Fire alarm bell can be activated manually or automatically, such as breaking the
manual call point or activated from fire control room or will be triggered when smoke and
heat detected.

72
According to UBBL 1984 Section 237 : Fire alarm
- Fire alarm shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth Schedule to these by-laws
- All premises and building with gross floor area excluding car park and storage area
exceeding 9290 square meters or exceeding 30.5m in height shall be
- Provided with a two-stage alarm system with evacuation (continuous signal) to be
given immediately in the affected section of the premises while an alert
- (Intermittent signal) be given adjoining section
- Provision shall be made for the general evacuation of the premises by acion of a
master control

73
Voice Communication System
Figure4.2.4: Firemen Intercom Panel Figure4.2.5: Firemen Intercom
Figure4.2.6: Firemen Intercom Panel
In Setia HQ, the voice communication system is connected to the fire station. Fire brigade will
determine whether is a system faulty or happening fire event, if no respond is given, fire
brigade will arrive to the location for confirmation. The voice communication system consists
of an intercom panel and a phone. If a fire event occurs in any floor, the alert lamp on the
intercom panel will light up for the respective floors. The communication between firemen
intercom panel and any firemen intercom. The firemen intercom is located at every staircase
of each floor.

74
According to UBBL 1984 Section 238 : Voice communication system
- There shall be two separate approved continuously electrically supervised voice
communication system, one a fire brigade communication system and the other a
public address system between the central control station and the following areas :
A) Lifts, lift lobbies, corridors and staircase
B) In every office area exceeding 92.9 square metres in area
C) In each dwelling unit and hotel guest room where the fire brigade system may be
combined with the public address system.

75
External Fire Hydrant
Figure4.2.7: Fire Hydrant
External fire hydrant in Setia HQ is located near the emergency assembly area and the other
one located at the visitor parking. The location is easily accessible by fire brigade and fire
truck. It is a 2-way external fire hydrant. It is a water supply outlet on the external of the
building and is connected directly to the water supply mains to provide water to each hydrant
outlet and for the fire fighter. External fire hydrant shall be located not more than 91.5m from
the nearest point of fire brigade access and at least 1 hydrant in a building. The requirement
is not more than 30 m away from the breeching inlet for the building and must be more than
6m away from the building. Besides that, external fire hydrant apart along access road must
not space more than 90m and 6m is the minimum width of access road. Hydrant can
withstand 26 tons of load. Types of external Fire Hydrant includes 3 ways and 2 ways, which
is the water outlet of the fire hydrant.
According to UBBL 1984 section 225 : Detecting and extinguisher fire
- Every building shall be serve by at least one fire hydrant located not more than 91.5
metres from the nearest point of fire brigade access.

76
Hose Reel
Figure4.2.8: Hose Reel
Every floor consists of fire protection system room which consist of wet riser, hose reel and
fire extinguisher. Hose reel is use during early stages of fire and comprises hose reel pumps,
fire storage (hose reel) tank, hose reels, pipe works and valves. Besides, hose reel must be
located whereby occupant can access without exposing to danger. The steps includes turning
on stop valve, running out hose, turning on water nozzle and direct stream at base of fire.
According to UBBL 1984 Section 244 (c) : Portable extinguishers (BS CP402 Part 3 : 1964)
- Hose reel shall be located at every 45 meters (depends on the building form). Besides,
fire hose reel should be located at the strategic places in building, especially nearer to
firefighting access lobbies in order to provide a reasonably accessible and controlled
supply of water for fire extinguishing.

77
Sprinkler System
Figure 4.2.9: Upright Sprinkler Figure 4.2.10:Sprinkler’s Pump
Sprinkler is an automatic system to detect, control, extinguish fire and warn the occupants in
an event of fire. It comprises fire pumps, water storage tanks, control valve sets, sprinkler
heads, flow switches, pipework and valves. There are two types of system, which are the dry
and wet system. Wet system discharges water, while dry system discharges pressurized air.
The sprinkler head function as fire detector and discharge point of water. Upright sprinkler is
used in Setia HQ and pendant sprinkler head is used for aesthetic value purpose, where water
is the main firefighting agent. According to the Occupancy Hazard Group, there are three
types of hazard group, which are Light hazard, Ordinary Hazard and High Hazard.
According to UBBL 1984 Section 226 : Automatic system for hazardous occupancy
- Where hazardous processes, storage or other automatic extinguishing system, it shall
be of a type and standard appropriate to extinguisher fires in the hazardous material
stored or handles or the safety of the occupants.
According to UBBL 1984 Section 228 : Sprinkler valves
- Sprinkler valves shall be located in a safe and enclosed position on the exterior wall
and shall be readily accessible to the Fire Authority.
- All sprinkler systems shall be electricity connected to the nearest fire station to
provide immediate and automatic relay of the alarm when activated.

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Automatic CO2 System
Figure4.2.11: Automatic CO2 system Figure 4.2.12: CO2 Container
Automatic CO2 System is used in electrical and mechanical room such as HVAC, Transformer,
Genset, LV MSB as it contains flammable material and electrical equipment. The automatic
CO2 system replaces water with carbon dioxide that is stored in the red cylinders. The gas’s
density is heavier than air therefore, it flows around obstacle. Audio and visual alarm will
activate for confirmation before discharging the gas. Carbon dioxide is more effective in
putting out fire as it can displace oxygen immediately.
According to UBBL 1984 Section 236 : Special Hazards
- Places constituting special hazards or risks due to the nature of storage, trade,
occupancy, or size shall be required to be protected by fixed installation, protection
devices and systems and special extinguisher as may be required by the Fire Authority.

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Smoke Detector
Figure4.2.13: Ionized Smoke Detector
Smoke detector is a device that used to detect smoke causes by flame. Setia HQ uses Ionized
smoke detector and located in mechanical room and lift lobby, but not in office area because
office area have less chance to caught on fire. Ionization-type smoke detector ionized air and
causes current to flow between the two electrically charged plates that consist small amount
of radioactive material. Smoke will disrupt the ions and reduces the current flow and cause
alarm sound. It is very important to alert occupants in the event of fire, and triggered sprinkler
system. Smoke detector is usually install under flat horizontal ceilings, every point should not
exceed 7.5m. For 100m2, there must be at least one smoke detector, the height of the smoke
detector shall > 25mm and < 600mm above ground.
According to UBBL 1984 Section 153 : Smoke detector for lift lobbies
- All lift lobby shall be provided with smoke detectors.
- Lift not opening into a smoke lobby shall not use door
- Reopening devices controlled by light beam or photo detectors unless incorporated
with force close features which after thirty second of any unless incorporated with a
force close feature which are thirty second of any interruption of the bean cause the
door to close within a preset-time.

80
Wet Riser
Figure4.2.14: Wet riser Figure4.2.15: Close up picture of a wet riser
Riser can be categorized into two types wet and dry. Setia HQ uses wet riser, located in a fire
protection system room at every floor. Wet riser is a water outlet that maintain a running
pressure of 410 kPa at the highest landing valve and give a flow rate of 2.3 I/s. Wet riser is
required when the highest floor of the building is > 30.5m but < 70.5m above the fire
appliance access level. Breeching inlet for wet riser, at the ground level for fire fighter to pump
water into it. The air release valve open automatically to release air and closes when the riser
is full of water.
According to UBBL 1984 Section 231 : Installation and resting of wet rising system
- Wet rising system shall be provided in every building in which the topmost floor is
more than 30.5 meter above fire appliance access level.
- A hose connection shall be provided in each firefighting access lobby.
- Wet riser shall be of minimum 152.4 millimeters diameter and shall be hydrostatically
tested at a pressure 50% above the working pressure required and not less than 14
bars fir at least 24 hours.
- Each wet riser outlet shall comprise standard 63.5 milimeters instantaneous coupling
fitted with a hose of not less than 38.1 millimeters diameter equipped with an
approved typed cradle and a variable fog nozzle

81
- A wet riser shall be provided in every staircase which extends from he ground floor
level to the roof and shall be equipped with a three-way 63.5 millimetress outlet above
the roof line.
According to UBBL 1984 Section 248 : Marking on wet riser.
- Wet riser, dry riser, sprinkler and other fire installation pipes and fittings shall be
painted red. All cabinets and areas recessed in walls for location of fire installation and
extinguishers shall be clearly identified to the satisfaction of the Fire Authority or
otherwise clearly identified.

82
Water Pump and Water tank
Figure4.2.16: Stanby pump (left) and Duty pump (right)
Duty pump and standby pump is used in Setia HQ. Duty pump function to provide sufficient
pressure of water to achieve the required discharge flow rate and throw length of the water.
Standby pump functioned similar to duty pump. If duty pump fail to function or under
maintenance standby pump are then in used. These pumps are control by a control panel.
System that used pump are wet riser, hose reel and sprinkler.
Figure4.2.17: Hose Reel Tank Figure4.2.18:Location of Wet riser and Sprinkler Tank
Setia HQ consist of water tanks located on the Level 9 (M & E) for fire protection, hose reel
water tank and wet riser and sprinkler system water tank is located at the basement floor.
Each of the system consist of two water tank RC 1 and RC 2 to supply water. Water tank at
ground level must be equipped with 2 pumps, operational and standby to pump the water

83
up. The tank is compartmented and made out of pressed steel, fiberglass reinforced polyester
(FPR) or concrete. Level indicator and external surface of the tank shall be painted red or a
red band of minimum 200m should be painted.
According to UBBL 1984 section 247 : Water storage
- Water storage capacity and water flow rate for firefighting systems and installations
shall be provided in accordance with the scale asset out in the Tenth Schedule to the
By-Laws.
- 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
connection accessible to fire appliances.
- Storage tank for automatic sprinkler installation where full capacity is provided
without need for replenishment shall be exempted from the restrictions in their
location.

84
Fire Switch
Figure4.2.19: Firemen’s switch
A firemen’s switch is used by a firefighter to disconnect current from high voltage devices. It should
be visible and located below 2.75m above ground. In Setia HQ building, firemen’s switch is located at
staircase of every floor. Firemen’s switch is compulsory for any electrical device operating at over 1000
volts AC or 1500 volts DC.
According to UBBL 1984 Section 240 : Electrical isolating switch
- Every floor or zone of any floor with a net area exceeding 929 square metres shall be
provided with an electrical isolation switch located within a staircase enclosure to
permit the disconnection of electrical power supply to the relevant floor or zone
served.
- The switch shall be of a type similar to the fireman’s switch specified in the Institution
of Electrical Engineers Regulations then in force.

85
Control Room
Figure4.2.20:Control Room Figure4.2.21: Firemen Intercom Panel
Figure4.2.22: HVAC Monitoring system Figure4.2.23: CCTV Monitoring System
Setia HQ control room is located at the ground floor and is only accessible to some staffs. The room
contains CCTV monitoring system, digital alarm communicator, HVAC monitoring system, and PA
system. The room functions to monitor any faulty and emergency events through the monitoring
equipment. If the alarm goes off, staffs are able to take necessary action by either resetting the alarm
or sending a warning to occupants for evacuation process.

86
According to UBBL 1984 Section 237 : Fire alarm
- Every large premises or building exceeding 30.5 meters in height shall be provided
with a command and control central located on the designated floor and shall contain
a panel to monitor the public address, fire bridge communication, sprinkler, water
flow detectors, fire detectors and alarm system and with a direct telephone
connection to the appropriate fire station by passing the switchboard.
According to UBBL 1984 Section 155 : Fire mode of operation
- The fire mode of operation shall be initiated by a signal from the fire alarm panel which
may be activated automatically by one of the alarm devices in the building manually.

87
Identification Of Problem With System
I) HVAC - Airlock issue in water chiller pump system
SP Setia HQ building’s air-conditioning system uses water chiller and therefore water
piping which are use to facilitate the flow of water from the cold water tank, to the cooling
tower than the chiller, is one of the main component of the whole building air-conditioning
system. In context with this, airlock issue tend to arise. So, how airlock issues arise and the
consequences of airlock in piping of air-conditioning system?
An airlock is a restriction of, or complete stoppage of liquid flow caused by gas trapped
in a high point of liquid-filled pipe system. When pressure is applied, instead of the liquid
flowing as it would if the system was full of liquid. Airlock problems often occur when one is
trying to re-operate a system after it has been deliberately or accidentally emptied. Base on
our case study on SP Setia HQ building, we’ve studied that in order for one chiller to operate,
it has to be supported by 4- 5 Air Handling Unit (AHU). We’ve take note that the AHU rooms
need to be operated at least 15 minutes time ahead, before turning on the chiller to prevent
electrical current to chiller from tripping out. On account of this crucial steps, failing to do so
will cause chiller to trip out hence, airlock in the water piping connecting from cold water tank
to the cooling tower.
On top of that, SP Setia HQ building has 5 chillers in total, which are differentiate into
3 big chillers and 2 small chillers. The 5 existing chiller in the building are not operated all at
once, but instead alternately operated according to a fixed day to day schedule automatically.
This alternating schedule are applied to the 3 big chiller, not the 2 small chiller. Small chiller
of the building are only used on weekends when there are event held or during weekdays
when one of the big chiller fail to operated. To further elaborate, while operating the small
chillers, the big chiller are rested for at least two days. For this reason, re-operating the big
chiller after it’s “rest day” thus increases the chances of airlock issue to arise.
Once airlock occur in the piping system, flow of water from cold water tank blocked,
affecting the chiller’s operation hence air-conditioning system is stopped.

88
Cold Water Tank Water Piping
Cooling TowerWater Pump and piping

89
II) Fire Protection System - Smoke detector over sensitive
Smoke sensor is one of the component in the fire protection system that cannot be neglected
in order to make up a complete fire protection system for the building. When smoke is
detected by the smoke detector, it sent out signal to the fire alarm control panel as part of
the fire alarm system and issue a local audible or visible alarm from the detector itself.
Therefore, the sensitivity of the smoke detector plays a very significant role in the fire
protection system. It shall not be over sensitive which might terrified the occupants of the
building easily, but also not be retard on sensitivity to ensure the safety of the occupants.
After analysing the SP Setia HQ building, smoke detector used in the data room and server
rooms of the building is different from those used in other area in the building. Data room are
spaces in a building used for data storage, document exchange, file sharing, financial
transaction and legal transaction, which are usually o a secure or privilege nature. While
server room acting as an control room where all IT equipments are located to control almost
all building system and security. These room can be seen to be the “heart” of both the
building and the company. For these reason, it is very important to keep the room safe,
especially safe from fire, hence smoke detector plays a significant role by ensuring the
sensitivity of it toward smoke.
After discussing with the technician, smoke detector used in both the server room and data
room are over sensitive which are easily triggered by just small amount of dust instead of
smoke. This issue causes a lot of trouble, such as fear and unnecessary evacuation of
occupants to the building occupants.
Smoke Detector

90
Ways to solve and improve the system
I) HVAC - Airlock issue in water chiller pump system
The problem occurred in SP Setia HQ building is the airlock issue in water chiller pump system.
This is because the air conditioner runs the chiller first instead of the AHU. This happens very
often in SP Setia HQ building. The airlock issue can be avoided by running the AHU first. AHU
have to be run for 15 minutes then only can run the chiller. One chiller must be supported by
at least 5 AHU to prevent airlock. Once airlock issue problem happened, the screw of outlet
at the water pump have to be unscrew in order for the air to fully remove from the pipe, then
lock it and restart the system. If the system is still not functioning means that air is not fully
flown out which causes air lock issue still occurred. This process may take more than an hour.
This issue can also be avoided by running the chiller manually. By operating the system
manually, the flow of water to the water chiller are able to stop immediately without initiating
any airlock issue. If airlock issue does happen in the water pump of the small chiller, this
airlock will has a high tendency to passed on to the water pump of the big chiller the next day
when the big chiller is turn on, on a automatic operation basis. Therefore, to reduce and
prevent chances of airlock issue from happening, manual operation should be practice
instead.
Outlet to release airlock

91
II) Fire Protection System - Smoke detector over sensitive
Second issue is the smoke detector in the server and data room being over sensitive and
causes the fire alarm to ring unnecessarily. Even a small amount of dust will be easily trigger
the smoke detector. For such reason, they decided to disconnect this alarm system in the data
room and server room. In order to solve the sensitivity of the smoker detector problem, a
new smoke detector system is used, which is less sensitive but more secure. Once the smoker
is detected, it will automatically connected to the communication service and alert whether
if it is a major or a minor incident. The worker who is in charge of the system can get to know
what is happening immediately and report to the building or fire fighter. This problem can be
avoided with the new smoke detector and will no longer cause trouble.

92
Conclusion
Nowadays, the significant advancement of technology has left an impactful influence
on various building services system. There are various types of building systems that are
available in a building. Through this assignment, we are able to learn about all the systems
that are available in SP Setia Headquarters Building. The systems include the Mechanical
Ventilation and HVAC System, Electrical Supply System, Mechanical Transportation System
and Fire Protection System. Not only that, we are also able to identify and gain a better and
deeper understanding about all the systems in the building. Besides understanding them, we
are required to identify the problems faced by the systems in the building and to find a
solution for that problem. Hence, giving us the opportunity to analyse and recommending
proper and suitable solutions for the particular problems. Last but not least, through this
assignment, we are able to apply the rules and regulations from the UBBL in every system and
make sure systems in SP Setia Headquarters building abide the requirements stated.

93
Appendix
Task assigning
NO. NAME OF GROUP
MEMBERS
STUDENT I.D Task
1 Christina Ho Chia Hui
Wong Jia Jing
0326499
0327221
• Introduction
• Problem and solution
2 Chloe Sim Tiing Ern
Pui Chun Shian
0322932
0323470
• HVAC System
3 Kam Pei Chi
Ranee Leow Kai Yen
0327295
0328173
• Electrical Supply System
4 Lee Fong Yen
Loo Siah Mong
0321976
0321995
• Mechanical Transportation
System
5 Chan Yi Fung
Goh Song Kit
0323057
0322013
• Fire Protection Sytem
Photos Taken During the Site Visit
‘
Briefing before site visit in Setia
Headquarters meeting room.
Cold water supply system tour at
level 9 Setia HQ

94
Control room – showing the result of
monitoring the system
Understanding the fire system and
evacuation area of Setia HQ

95
Going through the HVAC system
Group photo after the site visit with
Mr. Mohon.

96
The letter above is the time and date arrangement with the staff of Setia Headquarters. The relevant
documents were attached in the email.

97
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