GAPS Guidelines: Special Extinguishing System Review

GAPS Guidelines GAP.13.0.
A Publication of Global Asset Protection Services LLC
SPECIAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Special extinguishing system designs are of the pre-engineered or the engineered type.
Pre-engineered systems are designed for hazards within certain limitations. Piping, fittings and
nozzles are generally required to be within maximum and minimum limitations. Engineered systems,
on the other hand, are usually computer designed to fall within the established design specifications.
The pipe sizes and discharge devices are designed to deliver an overall uniform concentration or
minimum delivery rate. Both types of systems require a thorough review prior to installation.
POSITION
All equipment essential to the proper operation of the extinguishing system must be listed by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). If not listed, the
manufacturer must be actively pursuing a listing at a laboratory acceptable to the Global Asset
Protection Services (GAPS). In the latter case, the installer must agree to update the installed
equipment to conform to the requirements needed for listing without charge to the user.
Use one prime contractor for all features of the protection system rather than contract separately for
various portions of the system.
The system designer should prepare data so that it can be reviewed with a minimal time expenditure.
The piping plans and the supporting calculations should concur.
Plans for review must address the following general items for both pre-engineered and engineered
systems:
• Scaled plan and section view drawings to confirm that the volume is within design limitations;
• Location of the containers, control panel, detectors, manual releases and other essential
components;
• Detailed layout showing size and placement nozzles;
• Complete bill of materials so that listing for the intended use can be confirmed;
• Time required to discharge system;
• Electrical plans showing the arrangement of the control unit, power supply, and point-to-point
electrical wiring of all equipment;
• Reserve power details with calculations to confirm sizing;
• Details on ventilation interlocks, damper and door closure, equipment interlocks, time delays and
alarm devices;
• Sequence of events, indicating operation of system under normal and emergency conditions as
well as details on the purpose and operation of system time delays and aborts and location where
instructions will be posted;
• Analysis of environmental factors such as:
° Ventilation equipment
100 Constitution Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103 Copyright 2015, Global Asset Protection Services LLC
Global Asset Protection Services LLC and its affiliated organizations provide loss prevention surveys and other risk management, business continuity and facility asset
management services. Unless otherwise stated in writing, our personnel, publications, services, and surveys do not address life safety or third party liability issues. The
provision of any service is not meant to imply that every possible hazard has been identified at a facility or that no other hazards exist. Global Asset Protection Services LLC
and its affiliated organizations do not assume, and shall have no liability for the control, correction, continuation or modification of any existing conditions or operations. We
specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that compliance with any advice or recommendation in any document or other communication will make a facility or
operation safe or healthful, or put it in compliance with any law, rule or regulation. If there are any questions concerning any recommendations, or if you have alternative
solutions, please contact us.
GAP.13.0.2
° Heat and smoke removal system
° Combustible loading
° Construction materials
° Presence of sprinklers
° Protective signaling service availability
° Especially enclosure tightness

Include the following items for pre-engineered systems:
• Design factors and design limitations with references to the specific pages and plates from the
manufacturer's design manual.
• Maximum area, maximum volume, weight of agent, maximum pipe length, type of pipe, number of
fittings allowed in the specific design, and the routing of the piping in sufficient detail. Verify that
the system does not exceed the piping limitations of the listing.
Do not use multiple systems to protect large areas unless the equipment listing allows it. Arrange all
containers used for protection of a specific area for simultaneous release.
Flow calculations are not required.
Include the following items for engineered systems:
• Agent flow calculations. Complete input/output data should be provided and should include
sufficient details to aid in the verification of calculations and nozzle selection.
• Isometric sketch of the piping layout with the submittal. Indicate the size and length of pipe, type of
pipe, elevation changes and the location of reference points used in the calculations.
DISCUSSION
GAPS considers all phases of protection before formal recommendations are presented and confirms
that the agent used is the most suitable for the proposed application.
The special extinguishing industry has established a system designer's certification program under
the auspices of the National Institute for Certification of Engineering Technologies (NICET).
Certification is an acceptable means of evaluating designer and installer competency.
Listing agencies do not review the internal workings of computer programs. They confirm the
programs’ operation during the listing procedures during instrumented discharge tests.
GAPS Guidelines
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GAPS Guidelines GAP.13.0.

A Publication of Global Asset Protection Services LLC

SPECIAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM REVIEW

° Heat and smoke removal system

° Protective signaling service availability

° Especially enclosure tightness

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