How long will the Room Integrity Test Take?

How long will the Room Integrity Test take?

Our high powered testing equipment can undertake enclosure tests on rooms with an envelope up to 900m2. The room integrity test usually takes between 25 - 30 minutes to set up - as long as the room is fully prepared and isolated. Once we have set up the equipment the test takes a further 10 -20 minutes to conduct if it results in a pass. If the enclosure fails the test it may take longer to inspect if smoke testing is required due to a test failure.

The results can be produced on the same day, with the full detailed report within 24 hours. We can usually undertake up to two room integrity tests on the same site during a single visit, if the enclosures are in close proximity and are fully prepared for the testing.

It is worth noting that throughout the test, there is no requirement to shut down any Computer equipment within the test enclosure so disruption can be kept to minimum. 

We offer a rapid test response service throughout England and Wales as we know the importance of protecting your high value systems and assets protected from fire damage.

If you would like some more information in regards to Room Integrity Testing on your protected enclosure, please contact us now at info@airpressuretesting.co.uk or call us direct on: 01525 303905. 

What is a Room Integrity Test?

What is a Room Integrity Test?

A room Integrity test predicts how long fire suppressant agents take to descend to a given level in the room without having to discharge the actual suppression system – this is usually 10 minutes for the most popular gases).  The room is then sealed, and then a series of tests is undertaken.

A blower fan unit is temporarily fixed into the test doorway to pressurise and de-pressurise the enclosure, afterwards a series of pressure and air flow measurements are taken from which leakage characteristics of the enclosures are established. The predicted retention time is then calculated using the extinguishing system data and the leakage characteristics. 

For most extinguishing system types, a retention time of ten minutes is the minimum period the suppressant agents is required to be retained for within the enclosure. NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, requires that a minimum concentration of 85% of the adjusted minimum design concentration be held at the highest level of combustibles for a minimum period of 10 minutes. This is usually long enough to prevent re-ignition for most deep-seated fires and should provide adequate time for the emergency services to attend and prevent the fire taking hold.

If you would like some more information in regards to Room Integrity Testing,  please contact us now at info@airpressuretesting.net or call us direct on: 01525 303905

Room Integrity Test

Room Integrity Testing

All gaseous fire suppression system that protects an enclosure should have a room integrity test when it is commissioned. It is a requirement of British Standards BS EN15004 and NFPA 2001.

In the corresponding ISO standard BS EN15004, it states that it is mandatory to undertake the integrity testing annually on your enclosure if its protected by a gaseous fire suppression system’.

It is worth noting that if you don’t have valid enclosure certification you may negate your buildings insurance in the event of a fire.

Sometimes insurers may be confused, as BS EN 15004 asks that you undertake any modifications to the building envelope within the annual period you should test it after the modifications are complete; however you are also required to undertake the testing on annual basis as a minimum. 

If you would like some more information in regards to Room Integrity Testing, please contact us now at info@airpressuretesting.co.uk or call us direct on: 01525 303905. 

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