Fan Integrity Testing

Fan integrity testing (also known as room integrity testing) is a process to verify that an enclosure protected by a gaseous fire suppression system is properly sealed. A special fan is used to measure the amount of air that leaks out, ensuring the room can retain the fire suppressant gas long enough to extinguish a fire and prevent it from reigniting. This test is essential because any leaks could allow the clean agent to escape too quickly, thereby reducing the system’s effectiveness. By identifying and sealing leaks through fan integrity testing, you ensure your suppression system will work as intended and keep your facility compliant with fire safety standards.

The fan integrity test is a straightforward, non-destructive procedure. Our technicians temporarily mount a calibrated fan unit in a doorway of the room and use it to pressurise and depressurise the enclosure. By doing this, we can measure the rate at which air escapes through any gaps. Sophisticated software then calculates the room’s “hold time,” predicting how long a fire suppression gas would remain at effective concentration. No actual fire agent is released during the test – we use air and pressure simulation – so your equipment and room contents stay safe. In plain terms, the fan test allows us to detect hidden leaks and confirm that your room will contain the gas for long enough to prevent a fire, all without any mess or disruption.

In New South Wales (and across Australia), fan integrity testing is generally required at least once every 12 months for any gaseous fire suppression system. Australian Standard AS1851, which governs routine fire protection maintenance, mandates an annual enclosure integrity test to maintain compliance. In practice, this means that Sydney businesses and facilities across NSW need to schedule a fan integrity test annually to meet AS1851 fire compliance requirements. It’s also wise to test whenever you make changes to the protected room (such as new cable penetrations or construction work) since even minor alterations can create leaks. Adhering to this annual testing cycle ensures that your fire system remains legally certified, your insurance remains valid, and that the suppressant will perform effectively in the event of an emergency.

No - fan integrity testing is designed to be minimally disruptive. The test is usually completed in just a couple of hours and does not require discharging any fire suppressant or shutting down critical equipment. Our team works with you to find a convenient time (even after hours if needed) so that business operations can continue as normal. During the test, we’ll need access to the room to set up the fan and will ask that doors remain closed to get accurate results. Beyond that, your staff and equipment can usually remain in place. Because the procedure uses only a fan and sensor equipment, nothing in the room is harmed. Fire Prevention Technologies NSW ensures the testing process runs smoothly, providing you with the safety assurance you need with virtually no downtime or mess.

If your enclosure fails, it means it’s too leaky to hold the suppressant gas for the required time. Our technicians review the data to pinpoint likely leaks – often gaps under doors, ductwork, cable penetrations, or faulty dampers. We’ll explain the findings clearly and recommend fixes such as sealing penetrations, improving door seals, or adjusting vents. Once addressed, we re-test to confirm compliance. With prompt sealing and follow-up testing, your system will be back in compliance and ready to suppress a fire. Fire Prevention Technologies NSW supports you from problem to certification, ensuring protection and compliance are fully restored.

We manage the entire fan integrity testing process from scheduling to certification. Our accredited technicians arrive with all specialised equipment, following Australian Standards (AS1851) and best practices for accurate results. After testing, we provide full documentation, compliance certificates, and a clear report with any recommendations. If issues are found, we guide you through fixes and re-testing. We also track your certification cycle, reminding you when annual tests are due. In short, Fire Prevention Technologies NSW handles the technical details so facilities managers, compliance officers, and business owners can have confidence that their suppression systems remain compliant and reliable.

Yes. We provide fan integrity testing services throughout all of New South Wales, including Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, and the surrounding areas. Our team will arrive promptly, bringing a high level of expertise and efficient service. Fire Prevention Technologies NSW is familiar with the local compliance requirements in these regions and has technicians on the ground to support businesses throughout the state. Whether you operate a data centre in Sydney, a commercial site on the Central Coast, an industrial facility in Newcastle, or any business needing AS1851-compliant testing in Wollongong, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to ensure that every NSW client, in every city or town, can easily access reliable fan integrity testing and maintain fire safety compliance without hassle.