Room Integrity Testing

How Does Room Integrity Testing Work?

The testing process involves several key steps to ensure that your fire suppression system is working optimally:

1. Pre-Test Assessment: We inspect the room for potential weaknesses such as gaps, cracks, or areas where suppression agents might escape.

2. Pressure Test Setup: Using a specialised fan, we simulate the discharge of the suppression agent to measure the room’s ability to contain pressure changes.

3. Measurement of Leakage Rate: We track the leakage rate of air from the room, which determines whether the suppression system can maintain the necessary concentration of agent for the required duration.

4. Pressure Relief Venting (PRVs): In addition to standard testing, we ensure the room is equipped with Pressure Relief Vents (PRVs). PRVs are crucial for preventing damage caused by sudden changes in pressure during gas discharge. They mitigate risks associated with positive and negative peak pressure forces, prevent over- or under-pressurisation, and ensure the room remains compliant with fire suppression system requirements.

5. Analysis of Test Results: We review the leakage rate and identify areas needing repair to ensure the system’s effectiveness.

6. Report and Certification: After the test, we provide a detailed report outlining the findings and, if the room passes, a certification confirming that it meets regulatory standards.

Benefits of Room Integrity Testing

RIT is essential for ensuring your fire suppression system works effectively in an emergency. It helps protect lives, assets, and operations while ensuring full compliance with fire safety regulations. Key benefits include:

• Enhanced Fire Protection: Confirms your suppression system can maintain agent concentration, reducing fire damage and safeguarding people.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meets legal obligations under UK fire safety laws like BSEN 15004 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
• System Reliability: Identifies leaks and weaknesses early to prevent system failure when it’s needed most.
• Cost Savings: Helps avoid expensive repairs by catching issues early through routine testing.
• Peace of Mind: Ensures your fire protection measures are dependable and ready for emergencies.
• Insurance Compliance: Maintains valid insurance coverage and may reduce premiums by proving system effectiveness.
• Operational Efficiency: Protects critical infrastructure and stock, allowing uninterrupted business operations.
• Tailored Solutions: We offers customised support, from sealing to expert recommendations, for optimal system performance.

If you are interested in annual testing contact Sovereign Extinguishing today on 0345 189 9808 or by completing our online form.

Our Room Integrity Testing Services

We offer reliable Integrity Testing to ensure your fire suppression system is effective and compliant. Our expert testing guarantees that your system will function properly in an emergency, protecting your business from fire risks.

What We Offer:

• Thorough Testing: Using the latest technology, we assess your room’s ability to retain the required concentration of suppression agents, ensuring optimal performance.
• Comprehensive Process: We perform a pre-test inspection, pressure test, leakage analysis, and provide post-test recommendations for improvements.
• Tailored Solutions: Our services are customised to your business’s needs, whether you’re in an office, data centre, or industrial facility.
• Regulatory Compliance: We ensure your fire suppression system meets UK regulations, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and BS EN 15004.
• Reports and Certification: We provide detailed test results and certification, offering peace of mind and helping with insurance and regulatory requirements.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Early detection of weaknesses helps avoid costly repairs and ensures your system operates efficiently.

Room Integrity Testing FAQs

We’ve compiled a list of FAQs to help you better understand RIT and our services. Whether you’re new to fire suppression systems or need clarification, you’ll find the answers here.

Why is Room Integrity Testing important?

Integrity Testing is vital to ensure your fire suppression system performs effectively in an emergency. It verifies that the protected space can retain suppressant gas long enough to control a fire, safeguarding your property, assets, and people. Regular testing ensures compliance with fire safety regulations, prevents system failure, and provides confidence that your fire protection will work when it’s needed most. The effectiveness of any gas suppression system relies on the enclosure’s ability to hold the agent, allowing it to disrupt the fire triangle by reducing oxygen or removing heat. A successful “hold time” confirms the gas remains in contact with the fire source long enough to suppress it.

How often should Room Integrity Testing be carried out?

The frequency of RIT depends on various factors, including the size of the room, the type of fire suppression system installed, and industry regulations. Typically, it is recommended that testing be conducted annually, but some high-risk environments may require more frequent checks. We can assess your specific needs and advise on the appropriate testing schedule based on your fire safety requirements and compliance obligations.

Is Room Integrity Testing a legal requirement?

Yes, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and other fire safety regulations in the UK, businesses are required to ensure that fire suppression systems are functional and effective. Regular testing is a key part of meeting these legal obligations. By ensuring your suppression system is able to maintain agent concentration in the event of a fire, you comply with the regulations and ensure the safety of your premises.

How can Sovereign Extinguishing help with compliance?

We provide comprehensive RIT services that meet all UK regulatory requirements, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, BS EN 15004-1:2008, and BS 5306-3:2017. Our team of experts is fully trained to perform these tests and ensure that your systems are compliant with industry standards. We also provide detailed reports and recommendations, which can be used for insurance purposes and regulatory audits.

How long does RIT take?

The duration of testing varies depending on the size and complexity of the room being tested. On average, testing can take anywhere from one to a few hours. Our team will work with you to schedule the test at a convenient time and minimise disruption to your business operations.

What happens if my room fails the Integrity Test?

If your room fails an RIT due to an insufficient hold time, there are several ways to resolve the issue:

• Seal Air Leaks: The most common cause of failure is air leakage. This often occurs around cable trays, conduits, or pipework that penetrate the room but weren’t properly sealed, especially in ceiling or floor voids. Other common leakage points include:
• Poorly fitting doors or frames (fixable with brush strips or sealing materials)
• Cracks where walls meet floors or ceilings.
• Air vents or ducts, these must be fitted with automatic dampers that close before gas discharge.
• Metal-framed windows, particularly older or overpainted ones.
• Porous walls in new constructions, which can be sealed with PVA and painted over.
• Reconsider Suppression Gas Type: If sealing is impractical or insufficient, changing the suppressant gas may help. Denser gases like HFC227ea produce worse RIT results than lighter gases.

Our expert engineers can assess your room’s conditions, model different gas options, and recommend the most effective solution to meet compliance and safety requirements.

Testing and Compliance

Room Integrity Testing is mandatory after the installation of a Gas Suppression System for compliance with BS EN 15004, and it must be repeated annually to maintain compliance.

Standards for UK compliance include ISO 14520 and NFPA 200. Testing also ensures compliance with specific extinguishing agent requirements and industry guidelines for sectors like data centres and server rooms.

Without compliance, your fire suppression system may fail to operate properly, which could result in significant damage or loss. Regular testing, including annual assessments, ensures that your system remains functional and compliant with all regulations.

Why Choose Sovereign Extinguishing?

We are a trusted UK provider of certified, high-quality fire protection services, offering expert Room Integrity Testing tailored to your specific needs. With a highly experienced team, the latest advanced technology, and full compliance with UK fire safety regulations, we ensure your fire suppression system is effective, reliable, and legally compliant. Our end-to-end service covers everything from initial testing to sealing and maintenance, all delivered with outstanding customer support. By choosing Sovereign, you gain accurate results, proactive solutions, and the peace of mind that your premises are fully protected.

Ensure your fire suppression system works as it should with Sovereign Extinguishing. Speak to a member of the team on 0345 189 9808 or enquire online today.