EN 15004-7:2017

Overview

EN 15004-7:2017 is a European Standard developed by CEN for fixed firefighting systems using gas extinguishing agents, specifically focusing on IG-01 extinguishant. This part of the EN 15004 series addresses the physical properties, system design, specification, usage, and safety aspects of IG-01 gas extinguishing systems. Designed for systems operating at nominal pressures of 160 bar, 200 bar, and 300 bar at 15 °C, the standard guides on safe and efficient implementation of gaseous fire suppression using IG-01.

Key Topics

• IG-01 Extinguishant Characteristics
  IG-01 is a colourless, odourless, electrically non-conductive gas with a density approximately 1.4 times that of air. It extinguishes fires primarily by reducing oxygen concentration in hazardous areas. Purity requirements are set at a minimum of 99.9% by volume.

• System Design and Pressure Ratings
  The standard provides specific requirements for container fill pressures:

  • 160 bar at 15 °C with max working pressure of 188 bar at 50 °C
  • 200 bar at 15 °C with max working pressure of 235 bar at 50 °C
  • 300 bar at 15 °C with max working pressure of 362 bar at 50 °C
    Containers are not superpressurized, and pressure-temperature relationships critical for system safety are detailed.

• Extinguishant Quantity and Concentration Levels
  Tables specify the IG-01 amount needed per cubic meter of protected volume at various concentrations (e.g., 34% to 62%) and temperatures (-40 °C to 100 °C). Design concentrations incorporate safety factors, ensuring effective extinguishment. Extinguishing concentrations for typical fuels like heptane and various Class A combustibles are outlined, with minimum design concentrations including a 1.3 safety multiplier.

• Personnel Safety Considerations
  Safety measures focus on potential oxygen depletion hazards during discharge. The document provides NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) at 43% volume and LOAEL (Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level) at 52% volume based on hypoxia studies to inform safe system design.

• Environmental Impact
  IG-01 is environmentally benign, being an inert gas with zero global warming potential (GWP) and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP).

Applications

• Industrial and Commercial Fire Protection
  IG-01 gas extinguishing systems are suitable for total flooding fire suppression in sensitive environments, including data centers, telecommunication facilities, archives, museums, and power generation sites where clean agent extinguishants are preferred.

• Hazard Classes Covered
  The standard applies to all fire classes within the limits defined by EN 15004-1:2017, ensuring effective suppression for Class A, Class B, and other combustible materials.

• Systems Design for Safety and Compliance
  Engineers and system designers utilize EN 15004-7 to ensure compliance with safety regulations, optimizing system performance while protecting personnel and minimizing environmental impact.

Related Standards

• EN 15004-1:2017 – Design, installation, and maintenance of fixed gas extinguishing systems.
• ISO 14520-12:2015 – International standard underpinning IG-01 physical properties and system design, adopted with modifications in EN 15004-7.
• Other parts of the EN 15004 series cover gas extinguishing systems using different agents such as FK-5-1-12, HFCs, HCFC blends, and inert gas mixtures (IG-100, IG-55, IG-541).

Summary

EN 15004-7:2017 is an essential reference for professionals designing and implementing fixed gas extinguishing systems using IG-01. It provides comprehensive guidance on the physical properties, safety considerations, and system design parameters critical for effective fire protection. The standard balances operational efficiency, personnel safety, and environmental responsibility, ensuring IG-01 systems deliver reliable performance in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.