scope:

This standard encompasses the design and performance requirements for hybrid fire extinguishing systems for use as fire control and/or extinguishing systems designed and installed per FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets. Prior to any performance testing of the system and components, the system shall be evaluated in accordance with Section 4.34 to properly classify it as a hybrid extinguishing system.

Approval is limited to use in the occupancies described Sections 1.2.3.1 through 1.2.3.10. Due to the current state of this technology, a comprehensive absolute standard for the testing of hybrid system components is not possible. Since each hybrid system is unique in its operation and design, the component testing of the system shall be performed on a case-by-case basis. The component testing section is intended to be used as a guideline for the manufacturer as to the scope of the test program that can be expected. Upon request for a program, and appropriate system documentation, FM Approvals will prepare a customized evaluation program for the specific hybrid system. While customization of the component testing is necessary, the fire test protocols are generic and required for all hybrid fire extinguishing systems. The manufacturer's design calculations, stated performance requirements, as well as component functionality and reliability will be verified.

This standard is intended to verify that the product described will meet stated conditions of performance, safety and quality useful to the ends of property conservation.

Since hybrid fire extinguishing systems are an evolving technology, FM Approvals has determined that these systems shall be FM Approved for the protection of specific applications and specific protected area volumes. Extrapolation beyond the volumes which were tested is not permitted except where explicitly noted. The scope of this standard encompasses the following occupancy protection applications:

Protection of machinery spaces with volumes not exceeding 2825 ft³ (80 m³), Appendix B. This application includes enclosures with machinery such as internal combustion engines, oil pumps, oil tanks, fuel filters, generators, transformer vaults, gear boxes, drive shafts, lubrication skids, diesel engine driven generators, and other similar equipment using liquid hydrocarbon fuel and/or hydraulic, heat transfer, and lubrication fluids; enclosures with incidental use or storage of hydrocarbon flammable liquids of not more than two 55 gal (208 L) drums. All hazards included under the scope of this total flooding application shall be protected in accordance with Section 1.2.4.

Protection of combustion turbines in enclosures with volumes not exceeding 2825 ft³ (80 m³), Appendix C. Combustion turbines included under the scope of this total flooding application shall be protected in accordance with Section 1.2.4. Consultation with FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet Number 7-79, Fire Protection for Combustion Turbine Installations, is required for installation of these systems.

Protection of machinery spaces with volumes not exceeding 9175 ft³ (260 m³), Appendix D. This application includes enclosures with machinery such as internal combustion engines, oil pumps, oil tanks, fuel filters, generators, transformer vaults, gear boxes, drive shafts, lubrication skids, diesel engine driven generators, and other similar equipment using liquid hydrocarbon fuel and/or hydraulic, heat transfer, and lubrication fluids; enclosures with incidental use or storage of hydrocarbon flammable liquids of not more than two 55 gal (208 L) drums. All hazards included under the scope of this total flooding application shall be protected in accordance with Section 1.2.4.

Protection of combustion turbines in enclosures with volumes not exceeding 9175 ft³ (260 m³), Appendix E. Combustion turbines included under the scope of this total flooding application shall be protected in accordance with Section 1.2.4. Consultation with FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet Number 7-79, Fire Protection for Combustion Turbine Installations, is required for installation of these systems.

Protection of machinery spaces with volumes exceeding 9175 ft³ (260 m³), Appendix F. This application includes enclosures with machinery such as internal combustion engines, oil pumps, oil tanks, fuel filters, generators, transformer vaults, gear boxes, drive shafts, lubrication skids, diesel engine driven generators, and other similar equipment using liquid hydrocarbon fuel and/or hydraulic, heat transfer, and lubrication fluids; enclosures with incidental use or storage of hydrocarbon flammable liquids of not more than two 55 gal (208 L) drums. All hazards included under the scope of this total flooding application shall be protected in accordance with Section 1.2.4.

Protection of combustion turbines in enclosures with volumes exceeding 9175 ft³ (260 m³), Appendix G. Combustion turbines included under the scope of this total flooding application shall be protected in accordance with Section 1.2.4. Consultation with FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet Number 7-79, Fire Protection for Combustion Turbine Installations, is required for installation of these systems.

Protection of computer room sub floor occupancies, Appendix H. Typical occupancies within the scope of this application are defined in FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet Numbers 4-0, Special Protection Systems, and 5-32, Electronic Data Processing Systems. System installations shall be limited to computer room sub-floor areas and heights not exceeding that tested in Appendix H. Additionally, the equivalent opening area of the sub-floor shall not exceed that tested in Appendix H. The agent supply shall be capable of supplying agent to all nozzles at the maximum rated operating pressure for 10 minutes. This protocol only evaluates the fire extinguishment capabilities of the hybrid fire extinguishing system for de-energized electrical cables and equipment. An evaluation of the smoke cleansing capabilities is not made. Consultation with FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet Numbers 4-0, Special Protection Systems, and 5-32, Electronic Data Processing Systems, is required for installation of these systems.

Protection of other occupancies, Appendix I. Manufacturers interested in pursuing hybrid fire extinguishing system fire protection of other occupancies are invited to request, in writing, a detailed description of the desired occupancy and proposed fire protection system. Appropriate system component and fire test performance requirements may then be jointly developed. The FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet Number 4-0, Special Protection Systems, should be consulted with for the basic installation parameters. Suggested occupancies are as listed in Appendix I.

Hybrid fire extinguishing systems shall provide the following levels of protection with regard to agent quantity and discharge duration.

For primary protection, agent supply shall be equivalent to that required for an automatic sprinkler protection system for the hazard protected.

Special Protection Systems (see Section 1.9, definitions)

If the longest extinguishment time for the fire scenarios required in Appendices B through H is less than five minutes, the required agent supply shall be 10 minutes or the time to shut down process equipment, whichever is greater. For turbine enclosures, the required agent supply shall be 10 minutes, the turbine rundown time (including the time that the turbine surfaces are above the auto-ignition temperature of the lubricating fluid), or the time to shut down process equipment, whichever is greater.

If the longest extinguishment time for the fire scenarios required in Appendices B through G is greater than five minutes, the required agent discharge duration shall be identical to that required in Section 1.2.4.2.1.

Additionally, the required cumulative agent discharge rate used during the fire testing in Appendices B through G shall be multiplied by a safety factor of 1.2. This may be achieved by a reduction of nozzle spacing, a reduction of protected enclosure area, or placement of additional nozzles. This safety factor shall not be accounted for by increasing the discharge rates of individual nozzles.

The longest extinguishment time for the fire scenarios required in Appendices B through G shall not exceed eight minutes. The longest extinguishment time for the fire scenarios required in Appendix H shall not exceed five minutes.

A summary of the design requirements for hybrid fire extinguishing systems serving as special protection systems is provided in Table 1.2.4.2.4.

Purpose

This standard states FM Approvals criteria for hybrid fire extinguishing systems for use as fire control and/or extinguishing systems.

FM Approvals criteria may include, but are not limited to, component, system and fire testing performance requirements, marking requirements, examination of manufacturing facility(ies), audit of quality assurance procedures, and a follow-up program.