For environments where gas fire suppression will be performed, the area must be sealed to prevent the gas from leaking into the external environment. According to NFPA and ISO 14520 standards for Halon alternatives and inert gases, the minimum duration for the gas to remain in the room after being released into the environment is 10 minutes. While the fire may be extinguished immediately after the gas is released, the gas needs to remain in the room for this 10-minute period to prevent the risk of re-ignition.

The purpose of the leak test is to determine the leaks in the room based on area (m²) and calculate how long the gas can stay in the room. The test is performed with the help of a fan. First, the pressure inside the space is increased, and then air is drawn out of the room, venting it to the outside. The air pressure inside the room and through the fan is measured using manometers. These values are evaluated by certified software. The differential pressure between these values reveals the leaks in the room. After calculating the leaks in the room, if the gas stays for the required 10-minute duration, the room is considered to have passed the test. Otherwise, revisions are made to the sealing of the gaps.

Our company uses original RETROTEC equipment and RETROTEC software for the Room Leak Tightness Test. Additionally, our company holds the following certifications:

• RETROTEC Enclosure Integrity Training: Level 1 – Basic hold time and peak pressure evaluation for the Installer and AHJ.

• RETROTEC Enclosure Integrity Training: Level 2 – Basic Enclosure Integrity Testing and Peak Pressure Analysis.

• RETROTEC Enclosure Integrity Training: Level 3 – Advanced Enclosure Integrity Testing and Evaluation.