6.1 Test arrangements
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.800(19) – Revised Guidelines for Approval of Sprinkler Systems Equivalent to that Referred to in SOLAS Regulation II-2/12 – (Adopted on 23 November 1995) - Appendix 2 - Fire Test Procedures for Water Mist Systems in Accommodation, Public Spaces and Service Areas on Passenger Ships - 6 Public Space Fire Tests - 6.1 Test arrangements

6.1 Test arrangements

 The fire tests should be conducted inside a well-ventilated fire test hall as described in item 4.4 under a suspended rectangular ceiling of at least 80 m2 in area with no dimensions less than 8 m. There should be at least 1 m space between the perimeters of the ceiling and any wall of the test hall. The ceiling height should be set at 2.5 m and 5 m, respectively.

 The ceiling should be horizontal and smooth to allow an unobstructed horizontal flow of gases across the whole ceiling. No lintel is allowed around the perimeter of the ceiling and no opening is permitted in the ceiling. In order to be considered as smooth, the surface structure of the suspended ceiling should not have obstructions deeper than 15 mm.

 The volume above the suspended ceiling, should be large enough, or be fitted with a natural or mechanical ventilation system, to vent the combustion gases away from the fire test area.

 Details of the ceiling structure and its location in the fire test hall should be given in the fire test report.

 Two different tests should be conducted as per paragraphs 6.1.1 and 6.1.2.

Parent topic: 6 Public Space Fire Tests

6.1.1 Open public space test

 The fire source should be positioned under the centre of the open ceiling so that there is an unobstructed flow of gases across the ceiling. The ceiling should be constructed from a non-combustible material. At least 1 m2 of the ceiling just above ignition should be covered with acoustical panels. The acoustical panels should be nominally 12 mm to 15 mm thick, and should not ignite when tested in accordance with part 3 of the FTP Code.

6.1.2 Corner public space test

 The test should be conducted in a corner constructed by two at least 3.6 m wide, nominally 12 mm thick, non-combustible wall boards. Plywood panels should be placed on the walls. The panels should be 3 to 4 mm thick. The ignition time of the panel should not be more than 35 s and the flame spread time at 350 mm position should not be more than 100 s measured in accordance with part 3 of the FTP Code. The ceiling should be covered, 3.6 m out from the corner, with cellulosic acoustical panels. The acoustical panels should be nominally 12 mm to 15 mm thick, and should not ignite when tested in accordance with part 3 of the FTP Code.

6.1.3 Verification of ventilation conditions

 The ventilation rate of the test hall should be verified at the test hall configuration and ventilation conditions to be applied in the fire tests. The verification test should be conducted using a circular 2 m2 tray filled with at least 50 mm of light diesel oil on a water-base. Freeboard is to be 150 ± 10 mm. The tray should be centrally located under the suspended open ceiling at the 2.5 m height. The ventilation rate should be high enough to prevent the oxygen concentration measured at radius of 3 m from the centre point of the fire source, 1.25 m (mid-height) above the floor, to decrease below 20% volume during a 10 min free burning test.

 The fire test report should include details of the ventilation test, if conducted as a part of the test series, or alternatively, reference should be provided to a ventilation test that was performed at the same configuration and ventilation conditions.

Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.