Introduction to Gas-Tightness Testing Services for Gaseous Fire Extinguishing Systems

Gas Fire Suppression System Airtightness Testing Service Introduction

To ensure the extinguishing effectiveness and safety of gas fire suppression systems in energy storage systems, machine rooms, data centers and other critical facilities, Shanghai Tengxi Construction Engineering Co., Ltd. provides professional airtightness testing services. The service scope is wide, IT applies to energy storage systems such as battery energy storage station machine rooms, data centers, industrial cleanrooms, archives, power control rooms and other places that require high-reliability fire protection. We combine advanced testing technology and firestop reinforcement measures to comprehensively improve the integrity of enclosed spaces and ensure that gas fire suppression systems can operate effectively in the event of a fire. As a professional airtightness testing service provider, Shanghai Tengxi has advanced equipment and rich experience, can issue accurate determination reports based on test data, provide reliable decision support for clients and insurance institutions, and help clients optimize fire safety management.

• Standards Basis

Shanghai Tengxi’s airtightness testing services strictly follow international and domestic authoritative standards to ensure the scientificity, consistency and credibility of test results:

NFPA 2001(2022) Annex D-Enclosure Integrity Procedure National Fire Protection Association standard, which specifies integrity testing requirements for enclosures of gaseous fire extinguishing systems. The test /h)/h) focuses on assessing air leakage quantity unit: and natural leakage rate unit: air changes per hour, using doorway fan testing method to ensure that agent concentration retention time meets requirements.

FM 4-9 -Fire Extinguishing Systems FM Global IT standard, applicable to high-value asset protection scenarios such as machine rooms and data centers. Specific requirements include:

2.5.3 InspectionTestingand Maintenance 2.5.3.1FM2-81 Perform inspection and testing of the gaseous fire suppression system in accordance with data sheets and manufacturer manuals 2.5.3.2 Annual inspection of the protected area integrity, including pressure relief vents 2.5.3.3 Monitor changes in the enclosure and promptly seal penetrations FM 2-81-Fire Protection System InspectionTesting and Maintenance Ensure there are no adverse conditions affecting system effectiveness such as changes in area occupancy risk, enclosure damage or signs of alteration.

GB 50263-2007 "Design Code for Gaseous Fire Extinguishing Systems" Chinese national standard, applicable to various domestic projects, specifying design and testing requirements for gaseous fire suppression systems, ensuring the agent maintains effective concentration in enclosed spaces for more than minutes.

• Applicable Scope

Shanghai Tengxi’s airtightness testing services are applicable to the following scenarios:

• Energy storage systems: such as battery energy storage power stations, ensuring the reliability of gas fire suppression systems under high pressure or special environments.

IT machine rooms: protect servers and network equipment, ensure data security and business continuity.

• Data centers: address complex cabling and high-density equipment layouts, ensure airtightness meets standards.
• Industrial cleanrooms: maintain clean environments and ensure fire safety.
• Archive storage: protect valuable documents from fire threats.
• Power control rooms: ensure safe operation of critical power equipment.
• Test Process Description

1. Test preparation phase

• Close all doors, windows and ventilation systems, disconnect HVAC external connections, and ensure the test environment is isolated.
• Remove components on the test door that may affect sealing such as decorative strips

220V·Provide power supply for blower operation.

• No personnel are allowed to enter during the test to avoid interfering with data collection.

2. Key precautions

• Ensure the test space is completely sealed to avoid external air interference.
• Install the blower at the test door, fitting tightly to the door frame to prevent leakage.
• Accurately measure space volume, including common leakage-prone areas such as raised floors and ceiling voids
• Avoid touching equipment during the test to ensure accurate pressure measurements.

3. Test steps

• Environmental parameter recording: record time, temperature, altitude, space dimensions and agent type, etc., to lay the foundation for data analysis.

• Simulated operating state: seal vents and potential leakage points to approximate actual fire suppression conditions.

10~60Pa·Positive and negative pressure testing: conduct within the pressure differential range to determine air leakage paths.

• Leakage point localization: use smoke sticks and thermal imagers to precisely identify leakage areas.
• Report generation: provide detailed reports including leakage quantity and leakage rate data for acceptance and insurance assessment.

Suggested testing frequency: once a year, or immediately after facility modifications, to ensure continued compliance.

• Result Determination Criteria

Test results are judged based on the measured air leakage quantity and natural leakage rate, referring to standards such as NFPA 2001:

1085%·Passing criteria: the agent maintains an effective concentration in the enclosed space for at least minutes usually above

• Nonconformance handling: if the leakage rate exceeds limits, firestop reinforcement is required and retesting performed.

Note: Door fan testing evaluates leakage under worst-case conditions and may demand higher airtightness than actual discharge tests; thus passing the test is an important step to ensure airtightness, but not completely equivalent to discharge test results.

• Subsequent Firestop Reinforcement Measures

FM If the test fails, Shanghai Tengxi provides certified firestop services, reinforcing the following leakage points:

• Metal and plastic pipe penetrations
• Cable trays and conduits
• Insulated duct systems
• Wall and ceiling gaps

Use materials FM-certified materials: such as firestop putty, firestop sealant, combining airtightness and fire resistance to ensure blocking of flame and smoke during a fire.

Installation certification

• Implemented by firestop contractors with FM 4991 certification to ensure construction quality and long-term reliability.

After sealing is completed, airtightness retesting can be performed to verify reinforcement effectiveness and ensure the facility meets gas fire suppression system requirements.

• Shanghai Tengxi Advantages Summary
• Professional technology: equipped with advanced airtightness testing equipment, operated by a team from FM-certified firestop contractors to ensure accurate results.
• Report evaluation: provide leakage distribution maps and recommended measures in the test report, which can serve as a basis for insurance assessment.
• One-stop service: covering airtightness testing, firestop sealing and retesting to efficiently solve all needs.