Fire (Room) Integrity Testing

Room Integrity Testing

Enclosures protected by gaseous fire suppression systems should be tested for air-tightness upon commissioning of the system and annually thereafter to the required NFPA 2001 or ISO14520/ BS EN 15004) methodologies. This is critical to ensure that the system will work effectively when activated; too much air-leakage will result in the concentration of the fire suppressant agent falling too quickly. A room which incorporates a gas suppression system will need to be suitably sealed so that it can hold the gas within its envelope without any gas escaping for a retention time of no less than ten minutes in most cases.

ATUK provide all the necessary Room Integrity Testing. We have extensive experience in testing all types and sizes of enclosure, from server rooms in offices to hospital intensive care units. In each case we carry out the necessary volumetric calculations prior to the test and use calibrated test fan systems along with specialist software to determine results immediately upon completion of test. We issue fully compliant reports, incorporating the test data information and certification soon after the test has been undertaken.

The test uses a calibrated fan to pressurise and de-pressurise the area of concern. The fan is adjusted to a steady pressure and then maintained whilst readings are taken. The two results are averaged and a more accurate result is achieved. If the test passes we issue a compliant report to our client. In the unforeseen event of a failed test result, we will locate and record the air leakage areas using smoke-puffers (where practical and permitted). Our visit will ensure you have all of the required information to undertake accurate remedial works, prior to organising a re-test.

Fire Sealing Guide

Fire suppression, gaseous extinguishing systems are critically dependent upon the extinguishing concentration being maintained for a specified period after discharge. Excessive leakage of the extinguishing gas through the construction or ventilation system could result in re-ignition, so the criterion used to determine whether the amount of leakage is acceptable in the retention time. In most circumstances, the extinguishing gas is lost via leakage through low level apertures to be replaced by fresh air entering at high level, creating a descending interface. A minimum retention time of ten minutes applies in most cases.

Main Areas to Focus On

The majority of failures are caused by the lack of enclosure integrity or to adequately retain the fire suppression gas for the required holding period. The main areas to focus on include:

• Sealing all holes, cracks or penetrations leading into or out of the enclosure
• Seal pipe and cable trays where they penetrate the perimeter boundaries of the enclosure
• Walls to be caulked/ silicone sealed around the inside perimeter at both high and low level
• Sealing of block walls (where porous).
• Sealing of windows/glazed sections to the area
• Provide door sweeps or drop seals, and weather stripping around jambs

Once the appropriate remedial work has been undertaken the enclosure should be re-tested to confirm if an acceptable level of integrity has been reached.

We provide a pro-active service to all our clients and work with them to achieve the best possible results. Early advice at the beginning of a project can add on expensive and difficult remedial works at the completion stage of a project.

Please contact ATUK for any services you may require