is CO2 flooding is necessary?

[rit326]

hi all.

my client want to remove Co2 flooding from a big elec panel room of a steel plant.
he ask about -- there is any particular regulation which categorized the Area of panel room, Hazard of panel room etc so as to provide CO2 flooding system.

as there is every thing for sprinkle system - hazard category, Area detail, Water density etc---in the same way -- IS THERE ANY GUIDELINE FOR CO2 PROVISION??

PLZ SUGGEST- its urgent

thanks in adv

 

[stookeyfpe]

You need to check with your local regulatory authority. If you have no regulatory authority then determine if the plant's insurance carrier required the CO2 fire extinguishing system.

 

[DavidCR]

I would start by asking why the CO2 was initially installed? Can you gather some "historical" background?.

Generally based on modern NFPA, CO2 is related to some specific applications that are endorsed by specific industry pratices or standards (enclosed generators, ship machinery, specific high risk processes, etc.). You don´t describe your case to give a clue why CO2 was used. A room for electric cabinets is not an application were you would think CO2 as first option. I´d reckon that you will not find a standard that endorses or prohibit its use, you will allways have the option to use CO2 despite there are safer and more "modern" options based on NFPA 2001 that have make CO2 less common today.

It is common to see old CO2 systems that you don´t now why they have been used, mostly the answer is related to cost, or a prefered option of a specific contactor. CO2 is preferred because no matter all the risks and implications it is well known as cheap, effective and historically older and used by experienced people for years.