Extract fan supplies for Gas suppression agent extract

seansasta:

Hello Folks

My client is installing a gas suppression system in a document store; there are 2 extract fans associated with the clearance of the gas suppression agent post activation. We've been asked to design a small control panel to supply & control these fans. There is a menu controlled enable/disable extract fan relay contact within the gas suppression controller that we plan to use to switch the fans on & off manually following a gas activation, I'm planning to put the extract fan control panel adjacent to the gas suppression control panel, outside the room that has the fire suppression in it. The fans and local e-stops would be wired in fire rated cable. 

My question is in relation to the integrity of the power supply to the extract fan control panel; are these extract fans treated the same as smoke clearance fans would be in terms of compliance with BS9999, would the power supply to the extract fans panel need to be fire rated also? I'm thinking not, as the fans are associated with the area within a fire rated room only and the control panel is outside of that zone. Control of associated fire rated dampers etc is already taken care of via the fire alarm system.


Thanks Seansasta

I am no expert in this matter, but I would say that the most important thing here is the correct operation of the gas fire suppression system first and foremost. It needs to work 100 per cent safely and correctly. No chance of asphyxiating people in the room, and no chance of non automatic operation when needed in case of fire. Is there a warning to staff just before automatic operation of the system to allow an escape?


I imagine that the gas should lurk about a bit to prevent re-ignition of any hot flammable materials after a fire.


Removing the fumes may be the least important matter. It should perhaps be left for a long period after the suppression activation.


Z.