Room Integrity Testing Terminology

Room Integrity Testing Terminology

For fire suppression system to work properly, the room must have sufficient integrity to retain an extinguishing concentration for a specified period after discharge - usually 10 minutes) if the enclosure can’t adequately hold the extinguishment the fire may reignite causing further damage. As this is the predominant cause of failure, the British and International Standard (BS: ISO14520) requires that a server room integrity test be conducted on system installation and thereafter at annual intervals, failure to do so may negate your buildings insurance. 

What is a Descending Interface

The fire retardant agent is discharged from the ceiling –highest point) into the protected enclosure. An ‘interface’ with a constant concentration - known as the Initial Concentration) descends from the discharge level as gas leaves escapes from the enclosure via air leakage paths. The time it takes for this ‘interface’ to reach the minimum protected height such as the top of the server racks is defined as the Hold time. The time retention time for a Room Integrity Test Pass is usually set at 10 minutes.

What is Continual Mixing

The suppressant Agent is discharged at near-ceiling level into the enclosure, thereafter fans circulate gas throughout the room, resulting in a uniform agent concentration. This concentration begins at initial concentration and lowers until it eventually reaches a specified minimum concentration. The time it takes for the initial concentration to reach the minimum concentration is defined as the hold time.

What is an Extended Discharge

Typically extended discharges consist of an initial discharge for 10 to 60 seconds to get the concentration up to the design concentration. Then the extended discharge will continue at a lesser rate. The intention is for the extended discharge to replace the agent that leaks out of the room. It is assumed that the extended discharge will create enough turbulence to create a continual mixing situation throughout the extended discharge period.

We hope the above information has been helpful, if you require a room integrity test, please contact us now at info@airpressuretesting.net or call us on 07775623464.

Typical Air Leakage Paths During Fire Enclosure Test

Typical Air Leakage Paths During Fire Enclosure Test

The video below shows a typical area of air leakage which was enough to result in a failed protected enclosure test. 

One of the main problems was the top of the enclosure which was approx five meters high making safe access very difficult. 

Using our 'low impact' smoke testers we were able to quickly locate the air leakage paths and recommend the required sealing works - a service we also offer in house.  

Before you book in your protected enclosure test have a good look at the video below and make sure you haven't missed any similar air leakage paths on your project; or, you may fail your protected enclosure test. 

If you would like more information about preparing for your annual enclosure test please contact us now at: info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk  or visit or website at www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk alternatively you can call us direct on: 07775 623464

Fire Integrity Testing - Smoke Testing and Remedial Works

Fire Integrity Testing - Smoke Testing and Remedial Works

The majority of fire enclosure test failures are caused by the lack of enclosure integrity or the ability of the enclosure to adequately retain the extinguishant. The correct initial design concentration is achieved but the enclosure is not able to retain it for the required/recommended holding period which is usually 10 minutes.

Remedial work should then be undertaken to reduce the leakage from the protected enclosure. This could include:

• Sealing all holes, cracks or penetrations leading into or out of the protected space
• Pipe chases and cable trays to be sealed around the outside and inside where they         penetrate the perimeter boundaries of the enclosure
• Walls to be caulked around the inside perimeter at both high and low level
• Sealing of porous block walls
• Addition of door sweeps or drop seals, weather stripping around jambs
• Sealing of windows/glazed sections to the area

One of the advantages of the sealing works being conducted whilst a test fan kit is in place, is that by utilizing ongoing smoke testing air leakage paths can be quickly found and sealed resulting in a fire enclosure test pass.

If you require our fire enclosure testing services, please call Darren on: 07775623464 or email us at: info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk 

Room Integrity Testing

Room integrity Testing

Enclosures protected by gaseous fire suppression system -such as server rooms, should be tested for air-tightness upon commissioning of the system and annually thereafter. 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.

Air Pressure Testing provides the necessary Room Integrity Testing to the required NFPA 2001 or ISO 14520 methodologies. We have undertaken thousands of enclosure integrity tests around the UK and Europe.

We can also arrange an Annual Test Plan and remind you when the tests are required to make sure your buildings insurance is not at risk.

If you require our fire enclosure testing services, please call Darren on: 07775623464 or email us at: info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk