In fire protection, both approvals are very important since the protection of life, critical assets, environment, and business continuity is dependent upon effective fire suppression systems.
One of UL’s key principles is to “promote safe working environments.” In keeping with this goal, it has evaluated clean-agent fire suppression systems. Under protocols set in the UL 2166 standard, it evaluated the “construction and operation of halocarbon clean agent fire extinguishing system units intended to be installed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the NFPA 2001 standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems. For example, to ensure systems performance, there are two parts that are considered namely systems requirement and supporting requirement.
The systems requirement consists of Compliance, Approvals, Third Party Testing, Design Manual, System Design, Discharge Characteristics, Nozzle Design and Placement, and Calculation Software. The supporting requirements consist of Interface to Detection Systems, Installation Competence, Commissioning, Room Integrity, Maintenance/ Service as per the regulation, and Periodic Testing.
In an approved system, all components must be tested as part of a system approval and consist of the following:
1. Hardware/components (compatibility of the various components must be part of third-party certification and comply with test protocol e.g. UL/FM)
2. Extinguishing Agent (fully tested to applicable concentrations and must be part of the third party certification)
3. System Design Manual (design installation, service, maintenance, and system recharge, detailed components with part numbers)
4. Calculation Software (includes specific data relevant to the system, specific manufacturer, part of the certification process, generic software not accepted).
All third-party certification bodies have different testing protocols for whole systems and not components and can be verified on their respective websites. Some of the systems with these approvals include Explosion suppression systems, sprinkler systems, detection, fire alarm, and signaling systems, water mist systems, etc.
The use of an approved system over a non-approved system guarantee:
· Right performance of the system
· Peace of mind for the end-user, insurance, and specifier
· Reduction on insurance premiums
· All parts supplied by the same manufacturer
· All parts and components are tested as part of one solution
· Avoidance of business disruption
· Systems installed to conform to the highest standards for safety and asset loss prevention
In conclusion, “there are many alternative or innovative fire suppression systems available. Where these are used, it is necessary to make sure that such systems have been designed and tested in compliant with relevant applicable codes and standards and are fit for their intended use”
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