Room Integrity Testing – Frequently Asked Question

We have collated some of the most frequently asked questions related to Room Integrity Testing. We hope it helps to you to understand the requirements of BS EN 15004.

Why do I need a room integrity test on my server room?

A - The test is a requirement of the British Standard for gaseous fire extinguishing systems – BS EN:ISO 14520. Most fire insurers will require evidence that the test has been conducted and the result is satisfactory.

How quickly can a room integrity test be arranged?

A - Usually within a few days.

How long does the enclosure test take?

A - Usually between 1 and 2 hours.

Will the server room integrity test set off alarms?

A - No. The enclosure test is completely independent of the detection system.

Is the room integrity test disruptive?

A - No. It is only necessary to stop access to the room for 10-15 minutes. Personnel can continue to work in the room. The enclosure test can be paused if immediate access becomes required.

Do servers need to be switched off during the enclosure integrity test?

A - No the equipment can keep running.

Do air conditioning units need to be switched off during the enclosure integrity test?

A - Recirculation (chiller) units may continue to run. Air supply/extract ducts passing into the enclosure will need the dampers closed or temporarily sealed.

Will I get a certificate if I pass the room integrity test?

A - It will be issued within a few days. This should be retained for possible inspection by the authorities/insurers. A summary certificate can be issued at the time of enclosure test if required.

Where do I store the pass certificate?

A –It is a good idea to laminate the certificate and then attach it to the front of the enclosure door, as it lets the fire officer know when the next annual test should be undertaken.

What happens if the room fails the server room enclosure test?

A - We can carry out an inspection to identify leakage paths for remedial sealing. These will be pointed out at the time of the enclosure test and a plan included in the report. It is recommended that a retest be conducted after remedial action to confirm the adequacy of the retention time.

Can remedial sealing be done at the time of the server room enclosure test? - Yes, provided the leakage can be swiftly remedially, or temporarily, sealed.

Can APT undertake remedial sealing?

A- Yes we can do this if requested or the client can arrange remedial sealing themselves.

Do you supply any literature to help us prepare for the enclosure test?

A - Yes, we supply all our clients with an easy to follow checklist to help them prepare for the room enclosure test.

How often should the room integrity test be undertaken?

A - The relevant British Standard (BS EN:ISO 14520) specifies that the test should be conducted annually as part of routine maintenance and/or after works have taken place to the enclosure envelope.

If you would like more information in regards to a server room integrity test, please contact us now at info@airpressuretesting.net or call us on 07775623464.

What Happens If I Don’t Have Valid Room Integrity Testing Certification

It is a requirement of the BFPSA that all protected enclosures have valid enclosure certification; it’s also a requirement of all major commercial institutions. The benefits of ensuring room integrity are widely recognised by insurers and regulatory authorities, who frequently require such testing to prevent critical system failure valuable assets such as server rooms and data centres.  

In the relevant ISO standard BS EN15004, it states that it is ‘mandatory that as a minimum you should undertake room integrity testing annually on your enclosure if it’s protected by a gaseous fire suppression system’. If you don’t have valid enclosure certification you may negate your buildings insurance in the event of a fire.

The certification should always be attached to the front of the protected enclosure. If you don’t have the certification fixed to the front of the enclosure, then the chances are that your enclosure does not have valid certification.

Sometimes there can be some confusion as to the amount of testing required.  Many clients/insurers think that the envelope does not require testing until modifications have taken place, and so the testing is not carried our annually. In many cases they are not even aware that works have taken place thus reducing the integrity of the enclosure envelope. As a minimum the room integrity test should be undertaken annually or straight after modifications have taken place to the enclosures envelope.  

To reduce the chance of potential fire damage to your valuable assets, it is essential that a room Integrity test plan is adhered to at all times. APT can formulate a testing schedule and warn you of any impending tests to ensure you have valid certification at all times.

If you are unsure if your protected enclosure requires testing, please contact us now at: info@airpressuretesting.co.uk or call us direct on: 01525 303905. We offer a rapid response service throughout England and Wales to ensure you have valid certification in place. 

How often is a Room Integrity Test required?

It is a requirement of British Standards BS EN15004 that any gaseous fire suppression system that protects an enclosure should have a room integrity test when it is commissioned and annually thereafter. It should also be retested if any works are carried out to the building envelope, this can include works such as the installation of a new door or seals and new cables, pipe work or ductwork.

Studies reveal that the predominant cause of failure of gaseous extinguishing systems is poor room sealing. It is also found that room integrity performance reduces with time, usually due to changes in construction, cabling or services or simply by natural movement of the enclosures envelope.

It is important to ensure that good room integrity is established and maintained within areas such as data centre spaces, particularly bearing in mind the potential consequences of system failure.

We offer a rapid response service for room integrity testing throughout England and Wales. If you would like some more information in regards to testing your enclosure please contact us now at info@airpressuretesting.co.uk or call us direct on: 01525 303905