4 Test Method

  4.1.1 Two tests should be done for each type of nozzle. One test with wind, and one without.

  4.1.2 In the wind test, the fan should be started before ignition and operated continuously during the test. The wind velocity should be measured when it has levelled, before ignition as defined in paragraph 3.2.2.5.

  4.1.3 Automatic nozzles should be tested with the fusible element removed.

 The heptane in the tray should be ignited using a gas burner, long stick, match or equivalent.

 Prior to conducting the nozzle tests, the pre-burn time should be determined using materials from the same lots to be used during system approval testing.

 A minimum of two free-burn tests should be conducted with wind and two without wind. In each test, the flame attachment time to the wall should be recorded. The system activation time used during the nozzle tests with wind should be 30 s less than the average flame attachment time recorded in the free-burn tests with wind. The system activation time used during the nozzle tests without wind should be 30 s less than the average flame attachment time recorded in the free-burn tests without wind.

 The sprinkler system should be manually activated at the end of the pre-burn period. The test should be conducted for 10 min after the sprinkler system is activated, and any remaining fire should be manually extinguished.

 During the test, the following observations should be recorded:

• .1 activation time of ventilation system (if applicable);

• .2 time of ignition;

• .3 activation time of the extinguishing system;

• .4 time of ignition of the plywood panels (if any);

• .5 time of extinguishment, if any; and

• .6 time when the test is terminated.