Room Integrity Testing
Room Integrity Testing
Sovereign Extinguishing provide Room Integrity Testing, a mandatory prerequisite to the installations of Gas Suppression Systems.
Gas Suppression Systems release gas agents into a room when a fire occurs in order to extinguish flames. For this system to work effectively, a room must be able to hold the gas for a set period of time, typically 10 minutes.
What is a Room Integrity Test?
A Room Integrity Test assesses the integrity of a room to ensure that a Gas Suppression System can be used successfully.
To be effective, gas agents must stay in the room for around 10 minutes. Possible holes or unsealed areas could lead to gas agents escaping the room and subsequently not extinguishing the fire.
How Does a Room Integrity Test Work?
Using Room Integrity Test Equipment, pressure is created in the room. The pressure dissipation period is measured using sensors to ascertain the Hold Time of the room.
This test indicates how long a room will hold the gas agent in the event of a fire.
Does a Room Integrity Test Cause Disruption?
No – People can continue to be in the room and work while the test is ongoing. Similarly, equipment is not affected by the test.
The Room Integrity Test Equipment is placed at the main door so the entrance may be blocked for approximately an hour.
What are the Standards for Room Integrity Testing?
A Room Integrity Test is mandatory after a Gas Suppression System installation for the compliance of BS EN 15004, which also states a Room Integrity Test must be carried out annually thereafter.
Standards for UK and US compliance for Room Integrity Testing include ISO 14520 and NFPA 2001.
How Often Should You Perform a Room Integrity Test?
British Standards state Room Integrity Tests should be performed annually to ensure effectiveness of your Gas Suppression System.
A Room Integrity Test is also advised following any changes to the room such as minor building work. Even the drilling of a small hole requires a retest of the room. Major building works or room reconfigurations may require the entire Fire Suppression System to be reviewed.
Sovereign Extinguishing offer comprehensive Fire Suppression System design, installation and maintenance, consulting on effective solutions tailored to spaces.
Room Integrity Sealing
Many rooms fail their Room Integrity Test due to excessive room leakage and poor room integrity.
Should your room fail the Room Integrity Test, Sovereign Extinguishing offer a bespoke room sealing service to meet your integrity requirements. Where others struggle to understand the exacting requirements of room sealing, our expert team have many years’ experience in using smoke as an identifier, and various intumescent specialist sealing products.
Through using a professional specialist company to get it right the first time, you will save time and money on multiple retests and sealing attempts.
Pressure Relief Venting
Gas Suppression Systems release gas agents into a room which will alter the pressure of the room and have possible effects on structural integrity or equipment.
To avoid over or under pressurisation, a Pressure Relief Vent (PRV) is installed. The vent has louvre blades which open and release gas to prevent a peak positive or negative pressure spike.
Our team can advise on the correct PRV choices for fitting following a Room Integrity Test.
