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