bulletin 09

Ford Motor Company Transient Record

J Paquet (jhiggi37) SFD File No.: Bulletin No. 9: Corporate Security and Fire Record Retention Code: S + 5, O

October 31, 2012 Security: Proprietary

When printed, this becomes and uncontrolled document

Verify the latest revision on the Corporate Fire Protection Website at www.security.ford.com

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING

BULLETIN NO. 9

INSTALLATION OF

CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

Complete Revision: June 2, 2011

Revision: October 31, 2012

Fire Protection Bulletin No. 9

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishing Systems

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. SCOPE ................................................................................................................................1

II. DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................................................2

III. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .........................................................................................3

A. Other Fire Protection Engineering Bulletin Requirements ...................................3

B. Fire Risk Analysis ....................................................................................................3

IV. APPROVALS .....................................................................................................................4

V. DESIGN REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................4

A. Methods of Application ...........................................................................................4

B. Equipment................................................................................................................5

C. Detection and Actuation ..........................................................................................8

D. Personnel Evacuation ............................................................................................13

E. Fire and Supervisory Alarms ................................................................................13

F. CO2 Evacuation.....................................................................................................14

VI. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................14

A. Area Preparation ...................................................................................................14

B. Storage Containers ................................................................................................14

C. Piping and Hangers ...............................................................................................14

D. Discharge Nozzles ..................................................................................................14

E. Electrical ................................................................................................................15

VII. SYSTEM ACCEPTANCE ...............................................................................................15

A. Documentation.......................................................................................................15

B. Visual Examination ...............................................................................................15

C. Functional System Testing ....................................................................................15

D. Discharge Test........................................................................................................16



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I. SCOPE

This Bulletin provides the minimum requirements for the installation of carbon dioxide (CO2)

extinguishing systems when required by other Ford Bulletins and Topics. When actuated,

these systems reduce the oxygen content below a point where combustion and life can be

sustained. This gas does not conduct electricity and is clean, dry, and harmless to both

equipment and process liquids. It is also heavier than air and tends to migrate into trenches

and basement areas. The use of CO2 systems requires strict observance of safe practices.

Typical hazards protected by CO2 systems include heat-treat quench tanks, machining

operations, operations using flammable liquids, computer and telecommunication facilities,

dynamometer operations, and specialized equipment.

Additional Bulletins, Standards, and codes for reference are:

• Bulletin No. 10, “Protection of Machine and Process Enclosures.”

• Bulletin No. 20, “Bulletin Deviation and Code Variance Protocol.”

• Bulletin No. 24, “Computer Centers Security and Fire Protection Standards.”

• Bulletin No.25, “Telecommunication Rooms and Closets Security and Fire

Protection Standards.”

• Bulletin No.27, “Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Requirements for Fire

Protection Systems and Equipment.”

• Bulletin No. 32, “Proprietary Alarm Systems.”

• Bulletin No. 40, “Fire Protection for Engine Testing.”

• Bulletin No. 41, “Fire Protection for Hot and Cold Engine Test Cells.”

• Ford Motor Company power lockout procedures - Energy Control and Power

Lockout (ECPL).

• NFPA 12, “Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems.”

• NFPA 70, “National Electrical Code.”

• NFPA 72, “National Fire Alarm Code.”

• NFPA 101,”Life Safety Code.”

This Bulletin and any associated topics are owned by Ford Corporate Fire Protection

Engineering, Corporate Security and Fire.

These requirements apply to all Company owned and leased facilities including subsidiaries

of Ford Motor Company. Where Local, State, Federal, or National codes are more stringent

than these standards, or other Company standards referenced here, the more stringent

requirements shall be followed.



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Written approval is required from Corporate Fire Protection Engineering or the National Fire

Protection Engineer for deviations from these requirements.

II. DEFINITIONS

High Pressure System

Steel cylinders, usually 23, 34, or 45 kg (50, 75, or 100 lb) liquid capacity, are used to store

the CO2 at high-pressure and room temperature. The CO2 in the cylinders is stored at

between 55-62 bars (800-900 psi). The cylinders are arranged in banks and individually

connected to a common discharge manifold. A piping system carries the CO2 to discharge

nozzles. A connected reserve bank of cylinders is provided. The reserve bank permits a

secondary automatic or manual discharge if additional CO2 gas is needed to extinguish the

fire.

Low Pressure System

In a low-pressure system, liquid CO2 is stored in an insulated pressure vessel that is

refrigerated to about -18°C (0

°F). At this temperature, the CO2 exerts an internal pressure of

about 20.7 bars (300 psi), thus making it possible to store large quantities of liquid in a

relatively lightweight container. Two or more hazards are often protected by a single low

pressure storage unit. The liquid CO2 is delivered through pipes to discharge nozzles.

Automatic systems are equipped with a timer control that permits a discharge for a period

calculated to extinguish the fire and then shuts off the discharge of CO2. Pressure relief

valves are provided on the CO2 storage vessel to release excess pressure if the refrigeration

fails and the temperature and pressure begin to rise.

Hand Hose System

A hose and nozzle assembly connected by fixed piping or connected directly to a supply of

extinguishing agent. A CO2 hand hose system is for manual fire-fighting. The discharge

horn (nozzle) is attached to a rubber hose normally stored on a hose reel. The CO2 source

may be from separate cylinders or a central storage unit. A hand hose system is not a

substitute for fixed pipe protection.

Local Application

A system consisting of a supply of carbon dioxide arranged to discharge directly on the

burning material. Local application may reduce the oxygen in the atmosphere within a room

or enclosure to the point where life cannot be sustained.

Total Flooding

A system consisting of a supply of carbon dioxide arranged to discharge into, and fill to the

proper concentration, an enclosed space or enclosure around the hazard. Total flooding

reduces the oxygen in the atmosphere within a room or enclosure to the point where

combustion and life cannot be sustained.

Listed or Approved Products:

Equipment, materials, or systems included in a list published by an organization concerned

with evaluation of products. The listing must state that the equipment or material meets



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appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified

purpose.

Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc. (UL) listing or Factory Mutual approval are the normal

means to meet requirements for listed or approved products. Where UL listed or FM

approved equipment, materials, or systems are required, but not available, equipment listed

by a nationally recognized laboratory in the country of use may be substituted if approved by

Ford Corporate Fire Protection Engineering or the National Fire Protection Engineer.

Shall

Indicates a mandatory requirement.

Should

Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.

III. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Ford Fire Protection Engineering Bulletin Requirements

Carbon dioxide (CO2) systems must be installed when required by Ford bulletins

and/or topics covering specific hazards. These include the following:

• Computer Centers - Bulletin No. 24.

• Telecommunication Centers - Bulletin No. 25.

• Engine Test Facilities – Bulletin Nos. 40 and 41.

• Heat treat systems using hot oil.

B. Fire Risk Analysis

Use the Fire Risk Analysis for Working with Oils (See Bulletin No. 10) to determine

the need for such protection at the tool, in the enclosures, in the exhaust ducts, in the

mist collectors and in the chip collection systems. Ford Corporate Fire Protection

Engineering or the National Fire Protection Engineer and the Property Loss Prevention

Consultant shall concur when CO2 protection is not required based on the results of

this analysis.

Some of the factors that shall be considered in this analysis include:

• Ignition Sources

• Type of oil system

• Flash point of the coolant.

• Machining process

• Hazard of the operation (drilling, reaming, lapping, honing, grinding, heating,

etc.)



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• Tool speed and feed.

• Housekeeping

• Amount of mist generated.

• Adequacy of the mist collection system

• Operational considerations

• Potential for Business Interruption

IV. APPROVALS Installation of new carbon dioxide extinguishing systems shall be approved before installation

begins.

A. Corporate Approvals

Detailed plans with equipment layout, construction, and fire protection details shall be

submitted to the Property Loss Prevention Consultant and Corporate Fire Protection

Engineering or the National Fire Protection Engineer for review and approval. Work

shall not commence prior to receiving these approvals.

B. Local Approvals Plans and related details shall be submitted to the local Authority Having Jurisdiction

(AHJ) if required. Work shall not commence prior to receiving approval from the

AHJ.

V. DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

A. Methods of Application

1. Local Application

Design local application systems to discharge CO2 gas over the surface of the

material or liquid being protected. Upon agent release, deliver CO2 to the

hazard within 17 seconds at the rate determined from NFPA 12 and discharge

the CO2 for a minimum of 30 additional seconds. Conduct discharge tests of

these systems after they are installed to verify they can meet these

requirements.

2. Total Flooding

Provide automatic closing devices for all openings, such as windows, doors,

and exhaust ducts to maintain gas concentrations. Provide additional CO2 to

compensate for leakage.

a. Surface Fires

This classification applies to fuel handling areas, engine dynamometer

cells, operations using gasoline or alcohol mixed with gasoline (such as

hot test stands and engine carrousels), paint mix rooms, etc.



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Attain the design concentration, as determined by NFPA 12, within one

minute and maintain it for a minimum of three minutes.

b. Deep Seated Fires

This classification applies to electrical hazards, computer room sub-floor

areas, anechoic chambers, tape library rooms, etc.

Achieve a 30% concentration within 2 minutes and a 50% design

concentration within 5 minutes. Maintain the 50% concentration for at

least 20 minutes.

3. Duct Protection

a. Design Concentration

Design concentration shall be 65%. There is no “hold time”

requirement.

b. Closure of Openings

Provide appropriate interlocks to assure that ventilation fans, filter

systems, dust or mist collectors, or process machinery are shut down

prior to CO2 discharge. When no other engineering method is practical,

dampers may be used to obtain the design concentration.

B. Equipment

1. General

a. All CO2 storage units and equipment shall conform to NFPA 12 or to

local requirements if more stringent.

Note: It is preferable to locate low pressure storage tanks outside the

building in an area not subject to direct sunlight.

b. CO2 systems should be designed with a connected reserve supply of

agent.

2. Piping

a. All carbon dioxide piping shall be galvanized steel when exposed to the

weather or corrosive atmospheres. Do not paint galvanized pipe.

Corrosion resistant materials or protective coatings shall be used when

piping is installed in corrosive atmospheres. Identification labels should

be placed on the piping at 20 foot intervals.

b. Pilot piping shall be 9 mm (3/8 in) hydraulic tubing, SAE-J524, with

compression type fittings. Piping shall be supervised.



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c. High Pressure Systems

1) Piping shall be ASTM A53 or ASTM A-106 Galvanized Steel

Piping if exposed to the weather or corrosive atmospheres. In

other applications pipe as approved in NFPA 12 shall be used.

a) Sizes less than 25 mm (1 in) diameter – Schedule 40

b) Sizes 25 mm (1 in) diameter and greater – Schedule 80

2) Fittings shall be:

a) Class 300 malleable iron, threaded up through 50 mm (2

in).

b) Class 2000 forged steel or equivalent threaded for sizes

larger than 50 mm (2 in).

c) Flanged fittings shall be Class 600 malleable iron upstream

of any stop vaves and Class 300 malleable iron

downstream of stop valves or for systems with no stop

valves.

d. Low Pressure Systems

1) Tank Headers and Manifolds shall be:

a) Schedule 80 piping welded.

b) Extra strong butt welded fittings.

2) Piping between Master and Selector Valves or hose reels shall be

welded Schedule 40.

3) Piping Downstream of Master-Selector and Selector Valves shall

be:

a) Schedule 40 piping with welded joints and fittings.

b) Schedule 40 welded piping with Class 300 malleable iron

fittings through 75 mm (3 in).

c) Schedule 40 welded piping with Class 1000 ductile iron

fittings for 100 mm (4 in) and larger.

Exception: Schedule 40 grooved piping and fittings are

allowed within the area protected by the system only where

approved by Ford Corporate Fire Protection Engineering.

Fittings and couplings shall be UL Listed, FM approved,

ductile iron grooved fittings with EPDM gaskets, Victaulic

Style 77. Fabricated (segmented) welded fittings are



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prohibited. Allow for piping contraction per

manufacturer’s guidelines.

4) Fittings

a) Class 300 malleable iron, ASTM A-197, threaded up

through 75 mm (3 in).

b) Class 1000 or Class 3000 forged steel threaded fittings for

sizes 100 mm (4 in) and larger.

5) Tank Pressure Relief Valve

a) The tank relief valve shall discharge through a vent pipe

that terminates outside the building.

b) Direct CO2 discharge away from fresh air intakes and other

building openings.

3. Selector and Isolation Valves

Locate all isolation and selector valves in accessible areas. Provide ladders and

platforms to reach all valves not accessible to personnel standing at floor level.

a. Isolation Valves (to be used during equipment maintenance).

1) Install only UL listed and FM approved safety shut-off valve with

lock out capability in the carbon dioxide supply pipeline serving

the protected area.

2) Provide supervised tamper switches on these valves to indicate

abnormal position and to report these conditions to security.

b. Selector Valves

Install only UL listed and FM approved master, selector, and

master/selector valves.

4. System Pressure Relief devices

a. Every high pressure cylinder shall have a high pressure rupture disc.

b. Pressure relief devices shall be installed where valves create sections of

piping that may be closed.

c. Pressure relief devices for high pressure systems shall be set to operate at

165 – 220 bar (2,400 – 3,200 psi). Pressure relief devices for low

pressure systems shall operate at 31 bar (450 psi).

d. Pressure relief devices shall be arranged so their discharge will not injure

personnel.



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5. Enclosure Pressure Relief Venting

a. The need to vent air displaced by a CO2 discharge shall be considered.

See NFPA 12 for guidance.

b. Venting shall be from the upper portion of the protected area to avoid

reducing the CO2 concentration.

C. Detection and Actuation

1. General Requirements

a. Design CO2 systems for automatic and both electrical and mechanical

manual operation.

b. Detection and Release Functions

The CO2 actuation system shall perform the following functions:

1) Start a pneumatic time delay to allow personnel to evacuate areas

subject to CO2 discharge.

2) Actuate distinctive and unique electrical and mechanical audible

and visual alarms (siren or slow whoop horn, strobe/horn and

warning light) that will be heard and seen within the protected

area. The design of these warning alarms shall be unique to the

carbon dioxide system.

3) Actuate flashing or revolving red warning lights or a strobe/horn

unique to CO2 at each entrance to the protected area. A sign

instructing occupants to evacuate the area immediately if the

signal is flashing shall be posted. Lights shall continue to operate

until area has been cleared for safe re-entry.

4) Actuate a pressure switch that will transmit an alarm on system

discharge to the main building fire alarm panel and to the local

alarm panel. The alarm shall identify the CO2 system and the area

involved.

5) Shut down ventilation systems serving the protected area. Close

fire doors, windows, dampers in ducts, etc. Do not shut off

lighting that is needed to evacuate the area.

6) Shut down process equipment in the protected area such as fuel

and paint pumps, solvent pumps, agitators, machining equipment,

and mist collectors. Shut down any equipment that may present a

safety hazard during an emergency, such as conveyors and

moving machinery.

7) For Computer Centers, see Bulletin 24. For Telecommunication

Rooms, see Bulletin 25.



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2. Equipment

a. Control Panels

1) Use releasing control panels that are listed and/or approved, or

listed by a nationally recognized fire protection testing laboratory.

2) The control panel on automatic or manual release shall perform

the following functions:

a) Monitor detection and releasing device circuits.

b) Actuate releasing devices.

c) Actuate associated fire and evacuation/warning devices.

d) Transmit appropriate fire and trouble alarms to the facility

fire alarm system.

e) Initiate interlocks for facility, ventilation, and process

equipment shutdown.

f) Supervise the circuits for these devices.

3) Class A or Class B circuits are both acceptable.

4) Provide battery backup power for the control panel. Size batteries

to provide 24 hours of operation under normal load and an

additional 20 minutes under full alarm condition.

5) Do not install electrical time delays in the control panel circuitry.

Adjust any existing electric timer so it provides a very minimum

delay (0 seconds) before the pilot control valve(s) is energized. In

all cases, a pneumatic delay is required to establish the length of

time delay. See Section V.D. “Personnel Evacuation” for time

delay requirements.

b. Initiating Appliances (Detecting Devices) Automatic CO2 systems require a fire detection mechanism that will

cause the system to operate when a fire occurs in the hazard being

protected. These fire detecting devices are strategically located at the

protected area.

1) The following detector types are acceptable for specific

applications:



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DETECTOR TYPE TYPICAL USE

Linear beam detectors

(Existing only)

Large Computer Rooms (See Bulletins 24

and 25)

Ionization/Photoelectric

detectors

Computer Rooms (See Bulletins 24 and

25 for details)

Air Sampling Smoke

Detection

Computer Rooms (See Bulletins 24 and

25 for details)

Rate compensated- fixed

temperature detectors

Process Equipment, Ductwork, Testing

Fixtures, Dynamometer Rooms

2) Consult Corporate Fire Protection Engineering or the National

Fire Protection Engineer for the specific type of detector to use

for different hazards

3) Install all detection system circuit wiring in conduit. Thin wall

conduit is acceptable.

4) All wiring installations shall conform to NFPA 70.

c. Releasing Circuits

The discharge valves on CO2 systems are opened by actuating releasing

circuitry in the system’s control panel. This circuit actuates a solenoid

valve(s) that control(s) the opening and closing functions of each

discharge valve after a pneumatic time delay.

1) Use only solenoid valve(s) approved for use with the releasing

device circuit in the system control panel.

2) Install all releasing device circuits in conduit. Thin wall conduit

is acceptable.

3) A service disconnect switch shall be provided to allow the system

to be tested without actuating the fire suppression system. The

service disconnect switch, when operated, shall interrupt the

releasing circuit to the suppression system, and shall cause a

supervisory signal at the suppression system releasing panel.

d. Time Delay

1) Install a pneumatic time delay for all automatically operated CO2

systems.



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a) A pneumatic time delay consists of a normally closed,

pressure-operated valve and a cylinder which acts as an

accumulator.

b) When pilot pressure is applied to the timer, an adjustable

needle valve permits pressure to accumulate in the cylinder

on a controlled basis. When pressure in the cylinder

reaches a given level, it acts on the valve piston causing

the valve to open which, in turn, permits pilot pressure to

be applied and opens the hazard valve.

2) For low pressure systems, install this device in the pilot actuation

line between the pilot cabinet and the selector or master-selector

valve.

3) For high pressure systems, install this device between the

discharge manifold and the lockout valve for each specific hazard.

e. Emergency Manual Release

1) High Pressure System

Provide a pneumatic manual release device(s) at the storage

cylinders or on the control heads. The release shall be accessible

and located within one column bay of the hazard being protected.

2) Low Pressure System

For low pressure systems only, provide an emergency manual

release for each hazard protected including all master, selector,

and master-selector valves. The release shall be accessible and

located within one column bay of the hazard being protected.

f. Notification Appliances (Alarm Sounding Devices)

Both electric and pneumatic horns are required. Visual alarms shall also

be provided.

1) Electric Alarm Horns

a) Provide electric alarm horns for each hazard protected by a

CO2 system.

b) Also, provide electric alarm horns in nearby areas

susceptible to accumulation of CO2.

c) Alarm devices shall have a distinct sound. The sound level

shall be 15 db above ambient.

d) Distinguish all CO2 alarm horns by providing identification

signage or labeling.



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e) Alarm horns shall be connected to and supervised by the

fire detection control panel associated with the specific

hazard area.

f) Add a pressure switch in the pilot actuation line ahead of

the discharge delay to trigger the alarm.

Exception: For low pressure systems, when

electro/pneumatic relays operated by pilot pressure and

electrical impulse are used, no pressure switch is required.

2) Pneumatic Alarm Horns

a) Provide pneumatic alarm horns (sirens).

b) Alarm devices shall have a distinct sound. The sound level

shall be 15 db above ambient.

c) Distinguish all CO2 alarm horns by providing identification

signage or labeling.

d) For high-pressure systems protecting multiple hazards,

provide a pneumatic alarm in the general area, not in each

hazard, unless individual hazard alarms are required by

local authorities.

e) Pneumatic alarm horn(s) shall sound simultaneously with

the start of pneumatic discharge delay.

3) Visual alarms

Visual alarms conforming to NFPA 72 shall be installed.

a) Provide visual alarms within the protected areas.

b) Provide a visual alarm above the entrance to each hazard.

c) Visual alarms shall activate with the start of the pneumatic

discharge delay.

g. Signage

1) Warning signs shall be affixed in a conspicuous location in every

protected space; at every entrance to protected spaces; in spaces

near the protected spaces where it is determined that carbon

dioxide could migrate, creating a hazard to personnel; and at each

entrance to carbon dioxide storage rooms and where carbon

dioxide can migrate or collect in the event of a discharge from a

safety device of a storage container.



Page 13 of 17

a) For new CO2 installations, provide signage in conformance

with NFPA 12, Sections 4.3.2.2 and 4.3.2.3.

b) For existing installations, signage is required at the

locations identified above. Existing signs are acceptable if

the facility has an effective training program in place

covering all suppression system-related signage, with all

personnel with access to the protected space either trained

on the signage or accompanied at all times by a person

who has received the training.

c) Signage shall be provided at each warning device stating

the function of the alarm and instructing occupants to

evacuate the area.

2) Manual Release Station

a) Provide a warning sign associated with each manual

release station. For new installations, the sign required by

NFPA 12, Fig. 4.3.2.3.6.2 shall be installed.

b) In addition, signage shall be provided that will clearly

identify each manual release station as to its function, the

area served, and its manner of operation.

Note: There have been instances where a CO2 release

station has been mistaken for a manual fire alarm box.

D. Personnel Evacuation

The discharge delay is to provide a period of warning for personnel to leave the area

before CO2 is discharged.

1. The time delay should be determined by actual employee evacuation time from

the most remote area in the hazard.

2. Add a safety factor for response delay (employee alarm recognition). The delay

should require evacuees to travel no faster than 0.6 m/sec (2 ft/sec).

3. Plant Security, Fire Protection, or Safety personnel shall verify the time delay

length.

E. Fire and Supervisory Alarms

Provide annunciation to the main building fire alarm panel of the following alarm and

trouble conditions:

1. CO2 discharge from a pneumatic/electric relay or a gas pressure switch (Fire

Alarm).

2. All fire detection alarms, including the first detector where zone detection is

provided (Fire Alarm).



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3. Supervisory Pilot Pressure (Low Pressure systems only) (Supervisory Alarm).

4. High/Low Tank Pressure (Low Pressure systems only) (Supervisory Alarm).

5. Lockout Valve tamper switch position (Supervisory Alarm).

6. CO2 Detection Panel - common trouble conditions (Trouble Alarm).

7. Main Tank shutoff valve (Low Pressure systems only) (Supervisory Alarm).

8. High pressure storage bottle weight supervision (only when required by local

authorities) (Supervisory Alarm).

F. CO2 Evacuation Exhaust

In all CO2 protected areas, provide a fixed means to evacuate the CO2. This shall be

achieved with a ventilating system with supervised control power that can be operated

and supervised through the control panel. Discharge CO2 to the outdoors. It shall be

directed away from fresh air intakes and other building(s) openings. The exhaust

system shall be manually actuated after the fire has been extinguished.

VI. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

These systems shall be installed by a vendor who is licensed in the installation of Carbon

dioxide (CO2) extinguishing systems and has demonstrated a 5-year history of satisfactory

CO2 extinguishing system installation.

A. Preparation of Protected Area

Permanently seal all openings in the enclosure to be protected other than in or

bordering the ceiling. Additional CO2 agent quantity and discharge capacity is

required to compensate for any openings at lower levels that cannot be closed.

B. CO2 Storage Units

1. CO2 storage units shall be located and arranged to facilitate inspection,

maintenance, and recharging.

2. Install barriers or other protection where units are subject to mechanical or

vehicular damage.

C. Pipe and Hangers

1. Piping shall be supported in accordance with Fire Suppression Systems (FSSA)

Pipe Design Handbook. Piping shall be supported at all changes of direction

and at nozzle locations.

2. Corrosion resistant materials or protective coatings shall be used when piping is

installed in corrosive atmospheres.

D. Discharge Nozzles Provide blowout caps for nozzles where clogging by foreign materials is likely.



Page 15 of 17

E. Electrical

1. Separate CO2 equipment from live, uninsulated electrical components as

required by NFPA 12.

2. Electrical power to the CO2 system shall be from a separate labeled circuit with

a breaker that supplies nothing else.

VII. SYSTEM ACCEPTANCE

The installer shall perform functional and discharge tests of the system in the presence of

Corporate Fire Protection, National Fire Protection Engineer or the Property Loss Prevention

Consultant. The appropriate Ford Acceptance form(s) shall be completed. The installing

contractor shall provide 10 working days notice of required acceptance testing. Should the

system not pass these tests, the installer is liable for all charges associated with retesting the

system.

Note: 15% of the contract price for the system shall be held back until all of the following

requirements have been met (Final Acceptance).

A. Documentation

The system installer shall, at the time of the acceptance testing, provide a listing of all

components of the system and certification that the system has been installed in

accordance with approved plans and conforms to applicable standards. A set of

approved as built drawings and calculations shall be left with plant engineering.

B. Visual examination

The system installer shall, at the time of the acceptance testing, make all components

of the system available for a visual review to verify proper installation.

C. Functional System Testing

1. The system installer shall functionally test the system three (3) times as follows:

a. The installer shall functionally test the system first.

b. The installer shall perform functional tests of the system in the presence

of Corporate Fire Protection, National Fire Protection Engineer or the

Property Loss Prevention Consultant. .

c. When required, the installer shall test the system in the presence of the

local Authority Having Jurisdiction.

2. Testing shall be conducted with the system lockout valve closed.

3. Testing shall include verification of operation of the following:

• Each fire detector.

• Each manual station.



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• All selector and isolation valves.

• Pneumatic time delays.

• All interlocks to process and ventilation equipment.

• All interlocks to close openings to the protected area.

• Bypass switches.

• Alarm signals to proprietary system.

• All functions of the control panel.

4. Activate fire detection system and CO2 system releasing devices on both

normal and battery backup modes.

5. The system installer shall provide an itemized checklist of all items to be tested

and approved. Appropriate notations shall be made on checklist. After final

approval, the checklist shall be signed and dated by representatives of the

system installer, the Owner, the Property Loss Prevention Consultant, and any

other authority having jurisdiction.

D. Discharge Test

Conduct actual concentration discharge tests for each hazard area protected. Record

the CO2 concentration achieved throughout the hazard area. The suppression system

installing contractor shall be responsible for the success of all acceptance tests.

1. Test Preparation

The following shall be accomplished before performing discharge testing:

a. Verify that all penetrations into hazard area are sealed as designed or

provided with automatic closing doors or dampers. NO TEMPORARY

TAPING OR SEALING MATERIALS ARE ALLOWED.

b. Verify the operability of the CO2 evacuation exhaust system.

c. Verify that functional testing as listed above has been performed with

satisfactory results.

d. The system installer shall calibrate the CO2 concentration chart recorder

immediately prior to the test. Use only an UL/FM approved continuous

strip recorder for measuring concentrations.

2. Discharge Test Procedure

Personnel conducting discharge tests must do so from a safe location. If this is

not possible, each person involved must have personnel protective equipment

with safety backup personnel available.

a. Verify the system is operational and the lockout valve is open.



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b. Discharge the system.

c. For total flooding systems measure and record CO2 concentration in

three different locations and elevations including the top of the hazard,

0.3 m (1 ft) above the floor, and near halfway to the high point.

Locations shall be varied through the protected area.

Note: The concentration of CO2 in duct systems shall be measured at

the top of the duct on horizontal runs half-way between discharge

nozzles.

d. Concentration shall be recorded for a minimum of twenty (20) minutes

when a deep seated fire hazard is protected and three (3) minutes when a

surface fire hazard is protected. The suppression system installing

contractor shall be responsible for the success test including the

ability of the enclosure to hold CO2 concentration for the required

time.

e. For local application system review the discharge pattern to assure that

the hazard is adequately covered.

f. Confirm that all alarms are received at the main building alarm

monitoring location. Building evacuation alarms may be bypassed.

3. Post-Test Procedures

a. Operate the CO2 evacuation system to remove CO2 gas from the

building.

b. The plant safety engineer or other trained personnel shall test the

atmosphere in any area where system discharge has occurred, and where

CO2 concentration may have built up. Re-entry by personnel without

respiratory protection shall not be permitted until the areas are cleared by

the plant safety engineer or other trained personnel. Testing shall

determine both oxygen and CO2 levels.

c. Refill storage units, reset the system, and restore to full automatic

operation.

d. Complete the forms to document the test results.

e. If the testing was not successful, the suppression system installing

contractor shall be responsible for correction of problems including

excess leakage of CO2 from the enclosure.

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