BS EN 15004-1:2019

What is BS EN 15004-1-Gas extinguishing systems about?  

BS EN 15004 is a European Standard on fixed firefighting systems including gas extinguishing systems. The main objective of the BS EN 15004 series is to ensure optimal performance of firefighting systems that play a positive role during a fire emergency. 

BS EN 15004-1 is the first part of the series that specifies requirements and gives recommendations for the design, installation, testing, maintenance, and safety of gas extinguishing systems in buildings, plants, or other structures, and the characteristics of the various extinguishants and types of fire for which they are a suitable extinguishing medium. 

Note: BS EN 15004-1 is not intended to indicate approval of the extinguishants listed therein by the appropriate authorities, as other extinguishants may be equally acceptable. 

Who is BS EN 15004-1- Gas extinguishing systems for? 

BS EN 15004-1 on gas extinguishing systems is relevant to: 

• Manufacturers of gas extinguishing systems 
• Manufacturers of firefighting equipment 
• Product designers 
• Installers 
• Fire safety departments 
• Fire rescue services 
• Local authorities 

Why should you use BS EN 15004-1- Gas extinguishing systems?  

Gas extinguishing systems are the cleanest extinguishing systems that are used for unoccupied spaces like electrical rooms, and flammable liquid storage areas. Extinguishing systems covered in this part of EN 15004 are designed to provide a supply of gaseous extinguishing medium for the extinction of fire. 

BS EN 15004-1 describes total flooding systems primarily related to buildings, plants and other specific applications, utilizing electrically non-conducting gaseous fire extinguishants that do not leave a residue after discharge and for which there are sufficient data currently available to enable validation of performance and safety characteristics by an appropriate independent authority.  

BS EN 15004-1 covers guidance on extinguishants and their compatibility, system design, safety measures, distribution amongst other things, so as to maintain integrity of the gas extinguishing system. 

BS EN 15004-1 provides best industry safety clearances to enable operation, inspection, cleaning, repairs, painting and normal maintenance work to be carried out. 

Overall, compliance with BS EN 15004-1 enables efficient functioning of gas extinguishing systems that provide an optimal fire response during an emergency.  

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 15004-1:2019 supersedes BS EN 15004-1:2008, which is withdrawn. Some technical changes are: 

• The normative references have been updated 
• In Clause 3, the terms "lock-off device" and "regulated systems" have been included 
• In Clause 4.2.2, "Environmental properties" has been included 
• In Clause 5 "Safety", a table, and equations for the maximum inert gas agent concentration at the NOAEL and LOAEL limits as a function of altitude have been included 
• Clause 6.3 "Distribution" has been revised