Fire Prevention - Halon

Halon 1301 Systems Submittal

Plan Submittals

Plans submitted to Central Fire Protection District for review shall include the folowing information as a minimum.

1. Drawings are to be scaled in either 1/8" or 1/4" format.

2. Reflect the location of the hazards to be protected.

3. Note the locations of all openings (doors, windows, and vents).

B. System Details:

1. Quantity of Halon required and provided. Reflect the design concentration required, and 80% of that value for test purposes. The minimum concentration shall be 5%.

2. Storage container pressure.

3. Internal volume of the container.

4. Location, type and flow rate of each nozzle.

5. Hydraulic piping design to include equivalent lengths of pipe for fittings and hose.

6. Location of the Halon storage container.

7. Location and function of detection, initiating and operating devices.

8. Location and types of auxiliary equipment and electrical circuitry.

C. Operation:

Provide an operations and maintencance manual which includes a full sequence of events and operations outline.

D. Plan Submittal:

The system designer shall provide three (3) sets of shop drawings reflecting the items noted in "A-C" above, a completed permit application and payment of applicable fees.

E. Installer/Contractor Pretest:

The installer/contractor is responsible for conducting pretests of all system components to ensure reliable and proper operation. The pretest includes but is not limited to:

1. Checking each detector for proper operation and response.

2. Check that polarity has been observed on all polarized alarm devices and auxiliary relays.

3. Check that all end-of-line resistors have been installed across the detection and alarm bell circuits where required.

4. Check that all unnecessary penetrations and voids have been effectively sealed to prevent agent leakage.

F. Functional Operations Test:

After successfully completing the pretest, the contractor may call to schedule an installation inspection and functional test. Requests for inspections can be arranged by calling the Fire Prevention secretary at (408) 378-4010 a minimum of 24 hours in advance between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. THE PERMIT NUMBER WILL BE REQUIRED TO SCHEDULE THE INSPECTION. The function test will include:

1. Disconnecting of the agent cylinder fireing mechanism to prevent unnecessary agent discharge.

2. Operation of both detection initiating circuits and verification of alarm functions.

3. Operation of manual pull stations.

4. Operation of abort switch, if supplied.

5. Verification of audible and visual supervisory signals at the control panel.

6. Operation of the automatic valves, unless such operation will damage the valve.

• F.1. Testing the Control Panel:

  1. Verify that the control panel is connected to a dedicated circuit.

  2. Check that the circuit is labeled properly.

  3. Test panel for primary power failure. 25 hour stand-by battery test.

G. Enclosure Integrity Check:

The effectiveness of the halon agent to extinguish a fire is dependent upon maintaining the required concentration within the space for the specified time period. Prior to performing the discharge/concentration test, thoroughly inspect the enclosure for unnecessary penetrations and voids. Those openings not integral to the operation of the facility shall be effectively sealed with a suitable material.

Those openings such as doors, windows and vents which are to close automatically upon activation of the system shall have their functions checked.

H. Agent Discharge and Operations Test:

• H.1. Agent Concentration Test

  In accordance with the Montral Protocol, Halon 1301 should not be used as a test agent. The use of HCFC 22, sulfer hexaflouride or Halon 122 are acceptable alternatives. The specific agent to be utilized must be noted on the plans at the time of submittal. The test procedures below would not be necessary if a "fan pressurization test" is to be performed. To perform an agent concentration test:

  1. Reconnect the firing mechanism to the agent cylinder.

  2. Observe the field calibration of the agent concentration meter.

  3. Actuate the system for discharge. The system should achieve the specified concentration within one (1) minute, and maintain at least 80% of that designated concentation for ten (10) minutes.

  There are three (3) types of failures which can occur as part of the discharge test.

  Primary failure:

  the failure of the equipment necessary to complete system discharge and achieve the initial design concentration.

  Secondary failure:

  the failure of the ancillary equipment that does not inhibit the system from completing discharge and achieving the initial design concentration (dampers, door slosures, bells, etc.)

  Room Integrity failure:

  failure of the room to hold the specified concentration for the specified time period. The cause for failure of a system must be noted on the inspection and testing form.

• H.2. Door Fan Unit Test

  An option to the concentration test is the "door fan unit test". This method relies on the pressurization of the room to verify integrity. The performance of this test shall be based upon ASTM E779-81, "Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate By Fan Pressurization". In order for this method of testing to be acceptable, the installing contractor or designer shall provide the method of performance test as outlined in Appendix B, NFPA Standard 12A, at the time of submittal:

  1. A description of the test.

  2. The time required for performance of the test.

  3. The equipment needed.

  4. Description of the HVAC System.

  5. Time conflicts with other trades to be resolved.

  6. Size of doorways to be used.

  7. Verify the existance of adequate backflow relief area outside the enclosure envelope used to accept of supply the door fan air.