Electric Vehicle Charger Station -

Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia (FRDM) ’s

Perspective

Presented by : Ts Dr Mohd Zaid Bin Ab Ghani

1 INTRODUCTION

2 EV FIRE INCIDENT

3 FIRE HAZARD OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE

4 FIRE SAFETY STRATEGIES OF EV

5 FIRE SAFETY FOR EV CHARGING STATION

6 CONCLUSION
 Introduction
What is Electric
z Vehicle?
 Introduction
What is Electric
z Vehicle?

Electric Vehicle
(EV)

Petrol or Diesel
Vehicle
BAHAGIAN KESELAMATAN KEBAKARAN
IBU PEJABAT, JABATAN BOMBA DAN PENYELAMAT MALAYSIA
The Growing Demand For Electric Vehicles
BAHAGIAN KESELAMATAN KEBAKARAN
IBU PEJABAT, JABATAN BOMBA DAN PENYELAMAT MALAYSIA
Future EV Charging Points In Malaysia
BAHAGIAN KESELAMATAN KEBAKARAN
IBU PEJABAT, JABATAN BOMBA DAN PENYELAMAT MALAYSIA
BAHAGIAN KESELAMATAN KEBAKARAN
IBU PEJABAT, JABATAN BOMBA DAN PENYELAMAT MALAYSIA
Model Electric Vehicles In Malaysia
SENARAI 900 EVCP YANG TELAH DIPASANG MENGIKUT LOKASI
JUMLAH
LOKASI PEMAANGAN EVCP PEMASANGAN PERATUSAN PEMASANGAN
Shopping Mall 251 27.9% Sebanyak 2000 pemasangan
Showroom 134 14.9%
Petrol Station 108 12.0%
EVCP akan diadakan pada
Hotel & Resort 84 9.3% tahun 2023.
Office 78 8.7%
Strata 49 5.4%
Galleria 34 3.8% * Sumber daripada Pihak MITI
F&B 34 3.8%
Others 31 3.4%
Recreation Centre 27 3.0%
Themepark 14 1.6%
Hospital 13 1.4%
R&R 12 1.3%
Convention Center 10 1.1%
Airport 9 1.0%
University 5 0.6%
Gas Station 4 0.4%
Prayer Hall 2 0.2%
Library 1 0.1%
Grand Total 978 100%
BAHAGIAN KESELAMATAN KEBAKARAN
IBU PEJABAT, JABATAN BOMBA DAN PENYELAMAT MALAYSIA
BAHAGIAN KESELAMATAN KEBAKARAN
IBU PEJABAT, JABATAN BOMBA DAN PENYELAMAT MALAYSIA
Types Of Charger Station In Malaysia
Slow charging (3kW) Fast charging (7-22kW)
Best for overnight or In public charging
all-day charging at home stations. This car
or work. This car recharge recharge takes 3–4
takes around 8 hours. hours.

Rapid charging (43-50kW) Super charging (>150kW)

Many electric vehicles are Several gas stations
incompatible and only have installed this
allow to charge to 80%. It charging. This vehicle
takes 30 minutes to charging method takes
charge up to 80%. 10 minutes to charge
80%.
 Fire Breakout in Malaysia

Statistics show in the year 2010 to 2018 the number of overall building fires related in Malaysia
has reached a total of 49,818 cases, which claimed 1000 lives and 2,656 injured.

The number of fires is consistent above 5000 cases every year, with a mean of 5,335 cases.

The total estimated loss within the period is approximately more than RM 21.945 billion.

The majority of fire incidents that occurred in the residential buildings.

 Fire Breakout in Malaysia

Type 2018 2019 2020 2021 AVERAGE

Structure 5,368 7,393 6,910 7,477 7,102

Vehicle 2,834 3,387 3,242 2,950 3,103

Losses & 2018 2019 2020

2021 AVERAGE Fire in Malaysia in average (from 2018 to
Salvage (RM,
value bil)
(RM,
bil)
(RM,
bil)
(RM, bil) (RM, bil) 2021)

Structural Fire 7,102 /year

Losses 1.03 1.29 1.03 1.14
1.12
Estimated Loss RM 1.12 billion/ year
Salvages
value
7.91 14.14 13.24 5.44 10.18 Salvages value RM 10.18
billion/year

16

16
 Fire Source

Fire Source (2013-2018)

• Five (5) years of statistics of fire sources (2013-2018) show that electricity with a total of
12,970 cases is the leading source for fire outbreaks in Malaysia (Bomba, 2019).
 Source of Ignition
for Structural Fire
Source: Fire Investigation Div. FRDM

NO SOURCE OF IGNITION 2018 2019 2020 2021 AVERAGE

1 Lightning 40 70 43 61 54 0.8%
2 Spontaneous Combustion – self
heating 12 7 12 8 10 0.1%

3 Electrical 3,893 4,334 4,256 4,558 4260 60.0%

4 Lighter 538 586 494 525 536 7.5%
5 Gas Equipment 1,189 1,388 1,225 1,328 1283 18.1%
6 Firework/firecracker 18 16 8 28 18 0.2%
7 Friction 42 41 43 38 41 0.6%
8 Open Flame 169 206 167 199 185 2.6%
9 Glowing fire 464 524 441 519 487 6.9%
10 Explosion 8 12 13 8 10 0.1%
11 Chemical Reaction 13 9 8 10 10 0.1%
12 Hot Surface 217 174 189 180 190 2.7%
13 Others 17 24 11 12 16 0.2%
14 Undetermined 6 2 0 3 3
18 0.0%

TOTAL 6,626 7,393 6,910 7,447 7,102

 Source of Ignition for Structural Fire
Source: Fire Investigation Div. FRDM

Electrical 2018 2019 2020 2021 AVERAGE

Arcs 783 1,051 1,009 964 952 22%

Sparks/Short Circuit 1,558 1,762 1,035 1,110 1,366 32%

Overcurrent/Overload 423 223 294 243 296 7%

Resistance Heating 1,129 1,298 1,918 2,241 1,647 39%

TOTAL 3,893 4,334 4,256 4,558

19
 Cause of Fire
for Structural Fire
Source: Fire Investigation Div. FRDM

No Cause of Fire 2018 2019 2020 2021 AVERAGE

1 Natural 52 77 55 69 63 0.9%

2 Accidental 6,301 7,046 6,615 7,180 6,786 95.6%

3 Incendiary 267 268 240 225 250 3.5%

4 Undetermined 6 2 0 3 3 0.0%

20

20
Is The Electric Vehicle Considered Safe?
Statistics Of Fire Involving EV
As many as 337 fires involving EVs were reported
until December 2022 worldwide

The fire at Stavanger

The fire at Liverpool's
Airport, Norway in 2020
Echo Arena, United
which destroyed 300
Kingdom in 2017
vehicles and damaged
involved the fire of 1400
1300 vehicles and
vehicles and destroyed
partially collapsed
the entire building.
buildings.

PERCENTAGE OF LOCATIONS INVOLVING EV

FIRES
23% Outside and parked (31%)
31% Outside and driving (28%)
Underground or enclosed space

28% (23%)
17% Unknown (17%)
Electric Vehicle Fire Hazard
Electric vehicle (EV) fire
hazards are a topic of concern
and study in the automotive
industry. While EVs are
generally considered safe, it is
important to be aware of
potential fire hazards and
safety measures associated
with these vehicles. Here are
some key points related to EV
fire hazards

1. Battery Fires
2. Protection from common
road hazards
3. Thermal Management
4. Charging Infrastructure
 Electric Vehicle Fire Incidents in Global
Electric Vehicle (BUS) Spontaneous Ignition
(a) (b)

(a) Hong Kong’s first locally designed electric bus, and; (b) the fire scene of this electric bus on 14 December
2015

High Speed Collision Issue

(a) (b)

(a) Tesla Model S caught fire after a collision near Seattle, USA; and (b) Tesla Model S crashed on a concrete
construction barrier in Austria at high speed and started a fire
Thermal Runaway In Lithium Ion Batteries
Thermal Runaway Understanding
Thermal Runaway Uncontrolled heat release causing
in Lithium Ion self-sustaining reaction in lithium-ion
Batteries batteries. Reaction can cause battery fire or
explosion.

Deformation Causes Consequences

Penetration Temperature Thermal
Vibration
1. Internal Cell Short 1. Off Gas
Dendrites Circuit Increase Runaway • Explosive
Particles 2. External Short • Toxic
Circuit (Produce dangerous gases
such as Carbon Monoxide
3. Over Voltage (CO), Hydrogen Chloride
4. Overcharge (HC), Hydrogen Fluoride
5. Over discharge (HF), Hydrofluoric Acid,
Nickel, Aluminum and
6. Overcurrent Lithium)
7. External Heating
8. Manufacturing Cell 2. Fire
Exothermic
Defects Temperature
Reactions
Increase
9. Physical Damage
10. Electrolyte
Flammability
Firefighting Strategies for Electric Vehicle
There are much fewer studies on the
suppression of battery fire and fire-extinguishing
technologies. They have identified that LIB fires
are:

• difficult to extinguish,
• requiring large quantities of suppressant,
• and may re-ignite.

These re-igniting fires are difficult to deal with as

they can occur at random and even after a
significant amount of time has passed since the
primary thermal event.
 FIRE SAFETY ISSUES PERTAINING
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION
Electric Vehicle Fire Incidents in Global
Charging Issue

The fire on a Tesla Model S while being charged at the supercharging station in Norway on 1 January 2016,
where the fire also spread to the passenger compartment

The PHEV Porsche Panamera got on fire during charging on 16 March 2018 Thailand:
(a) the fire was intense and damaged the owner’s house; (b) firefighters tried to extinguish the fire using water
 Fire Safety in EVCS

◻ Fire Safety refers to fire

prevention, limiting the spread
of fire and smoke extinguishing a
fire and the chance of a quick
and safe exit (NFPA, 2011)

◻ “Protection in the aspects of fire

prevention, control and
extinguishment for a certain area
based on the availability of risks
in that area" (JBPM,1997)
 Objective of Fire Safety

1 2 3 4
Property Business Environmental
Life Safety
Protection Continuity Protection

31
 Fire Safety Guideline for
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
FDRM Draft Guideline
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
FDRM is working with
professional bodies (PAM,
IEM,) & Zero Emission
Vehicle Association (ZEVA)
and others to draft out the
guideline for public.

Current stage is completed

and it will published soon

Implementation of fire safety to

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION
INSTALLATION ON PREMISES
 Purpose And Scope Of Guideline
PURPOSE

This guideline is a procedure for application and approval of

EVCS installation on premises (inside and outside the building)
in terms of fire safety

SCOPE OF CONTROL

These guidelines are provided for fire safety control for the
installation of EVCS in premises and commercial areas only and do
not involve the installation of EVCS in small residences.
 REFERENCES

a) Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) – Amendments to Fire Code 2018 – 9th Batch of
Amendments.
b) The Buildings Regulations 2010 – Infrastructure for the charging electric vehicles (Approved
Document S)
c) NFPA 70: National Electrical Code.
d) NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in Workplace.
e) NFPA 88A: Standard for Parking Structures
f) Garis Panduan Perancangan Tempat Letak Kenderaan Elektrik (TLK EV), PLANMalaysia
g) Guide on Electric Vehicle Charging System (EVCS) - Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST).
h) MS 1539: Specification for Portable Fire Extinguisher – Part 3: Selection and Installation – Code of
Practice.

BAHAGIAN KESELAMATAN KEBAKARAN

IBU PEJABAT, JABATAN BOMBA DAN PENYELAMAT MALAYSIA
PENEMPATAN EVCS
ARAS
TANAH
STESEN
MINYAK
DAN KE
ATAS

3
1 2
KAWASAN DI DALAM UNENCLOSED/
DI LUAR KAWASAN OPEN ROOF
TERBUKA DI BANGUNAN
REHAT DAN
LUAR BANGUNAN RAWAT TOP LEVEL
BANGUNAN

KAWASAN
ARAS
TERBUKA DI BAWAH
TEMPAT LETAK TANAH
KERETA

BAHAGIAN KESELAMATAN KEBAKARAN

IBU PEJABAT, JABATAN BOMBA DAN PENYELAMAT MALAYSIA
Fire Safety Requirements (Basics) For EVCS

Fire appliance access as required by UBBL 140.

Fire Extinguisher (FE) as per MS 1539.

Vehicle Fire Blanket based on the number of charging bays

provided.

Fire safety marking as prescribed by JBPM.

Natural or mechanical smoke control system.

Main electrical isolation switch (Main Isolation Switch)

KEPERLUAN PEPASANGAN KESELAMATAN KEBAKARAN - AM
VEHICLE FIRE BLANKET
AKSES
PERKAKAS
BOMBA

MENGADAKAN
SUIS VEHICLE
PENGASINGAN FIRE
ELEKTRIK BLANKET
UTAMA

KEPERLUAN
PKK - AM

PENANDAAN ALAT
KESELAMATAN PEMADAM
KEBAKARAN API

SISTEM
KAWALAN
ASAP

BAHAGIAN KESELAMATAN KEBAKARAN

IBU PEJABAT, JABATAN BOMBA DAN PENYELAMAT MALAYSIA
Placement of Electrical Isolation Switch
• The position of the main electrical isolation switch should be located at
least 3 meters from the charging bay and EVCP but not more than 15
meters.

• The EVCS main electrical isolation switch can be shared by several

EVCPs by observing a predetermined distance. Activation of any
electrical isolation switch will disconnect the electrical power source to all
EVCPs

• If the position of the main isolation switch is at a distance of less than 3

meters from the EVCP, then there should be another main isolation switch
Requirements located at least 3 meters away from the EVCP but not more than 15
On Electrical meters
Isolation Switch
• Connecting the fireman switch to the EVCS Main Isolation Switch.
• The position of the main isolation switch should be located between
800mm to 1200mm above floor level and should be located in a location
that is clearly visible and easily accessible.

• All main isolation switches must be labeled and have clear instructions
related to procedures/methods of operating the main isolation switch.

• If the main isolation switch is not clearly visible or not within eye distance
of the EVCP and parking lot, additional signage should be provided to
direct to the location of the main isolation switch.
Placement of Electrical Isolation Switch
EVCS
Electrical Max. 15m
Isolation Switch

Min. 3 m

The position of the main

electrical isolation switch
should be located at least 3
meters from the charging bay
and EVCP but not more than 15
meters.
Electrical
Isolation Switch EVCS
Max. 15m

Min. 3 m

Each EVCS shall

have automatic and
manual main
electrical isolation
switches.
Placement and Sharing Use Main Isolation Switch
EVCPs can share the
Main isolation switches must EVCS's main electrical
EVCS
be labeled and have clear isolation switch if the
operating instructions. distance is met. Electrical
isolation switches power off
all EVCPs.

Max. 15m Max. 15m

The main isolation switch Electrical If the main isolation

Electrical
should be 800–1200mm Isolation Isolation switch is less than 3
Switch Switch
above floor level and meters from the
visible and accessible. Min. 3m EVCP, another is
EVCS
< 3m needed at least 3
meters but no more
than 15 meters
away.

Max. 15m
Connecting the
The main isolation switch should fireman switch to
be clearly marked if it is not visible the EVCS Main
from the EVCP or parking lot. Isolation Switch.
 Special Fire Safety Requirements
For EVCS At Outside Building

• Position the fire hydrant at a distance not exceeding 45 meters to

the EVCS.
EVCS position with refilling points and vent pipe at least at a
Requirements distance of 12 meters.
• EVCS position with designated oil tanker parking area at least at a
On EVCS At
distance of 6 meters.
Gas/Petrol EVCS position with fuel dispensing unit at least at a distance of 8
Stations meters.
No other electrical connection/ installation within EV charger
shall be located within 500mm from the finished floor level of the
forecourt.
Example of EVCS Placement at a Gas Station
Position the fire hydrant
at a distance not
exceeding 45 meters to
the EVCS.

Fire Hydrant

5m
.4
ax
M

EVCS

Fire Hydrant
Example of EVCS Placement at a Gas Station

EVCS position with

designated oil tanker
parking area at least at
a distance of 6 meters.

Mi
n.
6m
EVCS position with
refilling points and Mi
vent pipe at least at n.
12
a distance of 12 m
meters.
Example of EVCS Placement at a Gas Station

EVCS position with fuel

dispensing unit at least
at a distance of 8 meters.
8m
Min.
 Fire Safety Requirements
For EVCS At Outside Building

• Position the fire hydrant at a distance not exceeding 45 meters

with the EVCS.
• Charging Bay layout is either vertical (900), parallel (1800) or
angled (300/450/600).
Requirements For • The minimum size of the charging bay is based on Plan Malaysia
EVCS In Rest And regulations
Treatment (RnR)
Areas, Open Areas
Outside Buildings Or Establish A 2.5m Wide Partition On The Left And Right Of
Open Parking Lots. The Charging Bay

• The spaced area must be marked with a yellow zebra

crossing and installed with a parking poll to prevent any
activity in the area
Establish a 2.5m Wide Partition On The Left And Right Of The Charging
Bay
Electrical Isolation Switch EVCS

2.5m Isolation Distance 2.5m Isolation Distance

The spaced area must be

marked with a yellow zebra
crossing and installed with a
EVCS EVCS EVCS parking poll to prevent any
activity in the area
Electrical
Isolation
Switch

2.5m Isolation Distance 2.5m Isolation Distance

 Fire Safety Installation Requirements for
EVCS At Outside Building

• EVCS should not be more than 30

meters from the fire hydrant or landing
valve wet riser or dry riser.
Unenclosed/Open • Other requirements should be the same
Roof Top Level as PKK requirements for EVCS rest and
treatment areas (RnR), in open areas
outside buildings or open parking lots.
 EVCS Fire Safety Requirements
In The Building
• The position of the EVCS is not more than 12 meters from
the car ramp of each floor or boom gate.

• The position of EVCS should not be more than the second

level above the designated floor, which is the lower level,
level 1 and level 2.
Fire Safety
Installation • 2-hour fire resistance for walls, ceilings or floors. The
construction material is wet construction or roller shutter
Requirements
without insulation.
In The Building
• Establish a fire safety installation system (PKK) such as an
automatic water spray system (sprinkler) or deluge system
or water monitor that works continuously.

• Have a smoke detector that is directly connected to the Fire

Alarm Panel, PKK system and roller shutter (if any).

• Establish a mechanical smoke management system.

 EVCS Fire Safety Requirements
In The Building
The position of EVCS should not be more than
Ground Level and Above the second level above the designated floor,
which is the lower level, level 1 and level 2.

Level 2

Level 1

Level
G Only at Level G, Level 1 & 2
 EVCS Fire Safety Requirements
In The Building
Underground level The position of EVCS should not be more than the first level
below the master floor (designated floor) which is only on
basement level 1.

Only at Level Basement Level 1

 EVCS Fire Safety Requirements
In The Building

EVCS

Max.
12m

The position of the EVCS is not more than 12

meters from the car ramp of each floor or boom
 EVCS Fire Safety Requirements
In The Building
Smoke Control System Install a fire safety
installation
Sprinkler system (PKK)
such as a
sprinkler, deluge,
or water monitor.
Establish a
mechanical smoke
management system.

Smoke Detector

Connect smoke
detectors to the Fire
Alarm Panel, PKK
system, and roller
shutter.
2-hour fire-resistant walls, ceilings,
and floors. Wet construction or
uninsulated roller shutters are used.
Submission Of EVCS Installation Proposed Plan

Principal Submitting Person (PSP) and Submitting Person (SP)

need to submit Architectural and M&E plans for proposed new
projects or amendments for review and approval.

Inspection Of EVCS Installation

Inspection will be carried out on
EVCS. The PSP and SP need to
submit an application for
inspection purposes.
The PSP and SP must submit the
distribution license document
issued by the Energy Commission
(ST) when making an inspection
application

G8: certificate of fire safety installation requirements

JBPM will issue (architecture)
endorsements for the
following certificates: G9: certificate of fire alarm system and fire extinguishing
system (mechanical and electrical).
 Enforcement on Existing EVCS Installations

JBPM will implement enforcement by issuing Fire Hazard Elimination

Notices (MBK) for premises that install EVCS that do not comply with
JBPM's requirements.

Premises that have installed EVCS on the date these guidelines come into
force must fully comply with the requirements of these guidelines within 2
years from the date of their enforcement. During that year, the owner of the
premises and the EVCS installer must be fully responsible if anything
happens inside and so on.
 Conclusion: Fire Safety Challenge for
Electric Vehicle Charger Station in Malaysia
Fire Safety Challenge
z of EVCS?

• High Temperatures and Humidity

• Electrical Grid Capacity
• Adequate Infrastructure
Development
• Education and Awareness
• Regulatory Compliance