ISO 6183:2022
(Main)Fire protection equipment — Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems for use on premises — Design and installation
Fire protection equipment — Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems for use on premises — Design and installation
This document specifies requirements and gives recommendations for the design, installation, testing, maintenance and safety of fixed carbon dioxide firefighting systems in buildings, plants or other structures. It is not applicable to extinguishing systems on ships, in aircraft, on vehicles or on mobile fire appliances, or to below‑ground systems in the mining industry; nor does it apply to carbon dioxide pre-inerting systems. Design of systems where unclosable opening(s) exceed a specified area and where the opening(s) can be subject to the effect of wind is not specified, although general guidance on the procedure to be followed in such cases is given (see 7.4.3.2).
Équipement de protection contre l'incendie — Installations fixes d'extinction par dioxyde de carbone utilisées dans les bâtiments — Conception et installation
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INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 6183
Third edition
2022-03
Fire protection equipment — Carbon
dioxide extinguishing systems for use
on premises — Design and installation
Équipement de protection contre l'incendie — Installations fixes
d'extinction par dioxyde de carbone utilisées dans les bâtiments —
Conception et installation
Reference number
© ISO 2022
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Use and limitations . 4
4.1 General . 4
4.2 Uses for carbon dioxide systems . 4
4.3 Limitations for carbon dioxide systems . 5
4.4 Temperature limitations . 5
5 Safety . 5
5.1 Hazard to personnel . 5
5.2 Safety precautions . 6
5.2.1 Normally occupied and normally unoccupied areas . 6
5.2.2 Warning notices for occupiable areas . 6
5.2.3 Warning notices for unoccupiable areas . 9
5.3 Electrical hazards . 10
5.4 Electrical earthing . 11
5.5 Electrostatic discharge . 11
6 System design .11
6.1 General . 11
6.1.1 Introduction . 11
6.1.2 Specifications . 11
6.1.3 Working documents .12
6.2 Carbon dioxide supply .12
6.2.1 Quality . 12
6.2.2 Quantity . 12
6.2.3 Container arrangement .13
6.2.4 Storage containers . 14
6.3 Distribution . 16
6.3.1 General . 16
6.3.2 Piping . 17
6.3.3 Fittings . 17
6.3.4 Pipe and valve support . 17
6.3.5 Valves . 18
6.3.6 Nozzles . 18
6.4 Enclosures (total flooding) . 19
6.4.1 Structural strength . 19
6.4.2 Loss through openings . 20
6.4.3 Ventilation systems .20
6.5 Detection, actuation and control systems . 20
6.5.1 General .20
6.5.2 Shut-down of plant and equipment . 20
6.5.3 Automatic detection . 21
6.5.4 Operating devices . 21
6.5.5 Control equipment .22
6.5.6 Audible alarms and visual indicators . 23
6.6 Local control (LC) and local control stations (LCS) . 24
7 Carbon dioxide flow and concentration calculations .24
7.1 General . 24
7.2 System flow calculations .25
7.2.1 General . 25
iii
7.2.2 Friction losses .25
7.2.3 Pressure drop.25
7.2.4 Valves and fittings . 26
7.2.5 As-installed calculations . 26
7.2.6 Specific requirements . 26
7.3 Carbon dioxide concentration requirements . 26
7.3.1 Flame extinguishment. 26
7.3.2 Inerting . 27
7.4 Total flooding quantity . 27
7.4.1 General . 27
7.4.2 Design quantity . 27
7.4.3 K factor .28
B
7.5 Design of local application systems . 31
7.5.1 General . 31
7.5.2 Carbon dioxide requirements . 31
7.5.3 Rate by area method . 31
7.5.4 Rate by volume method . 33
7.6 Duration of protection — total flooding systems .34
7.7 System performance . 35
7.7.1 Discharge time . 35
7.7.2 Extended discharge . 35
8 Commissioning and acceptance .35
8.1 General . 35
8.2 Tests . 35
8.2.1 General . 35
8.2.2 Enclosure check . 36
8.2.3 Review of mechanical components .36
8.2.4 Review of enclosure integrity . 37
8.2.5 Review of electrical components . 37
8.2.6 Preliminary functional tests .38
8.2.7 System functional operational test .39
8.2.8 Remote monitoring operations (if applicable) .39
8.2.9 Control panel primary power source .39
8.2.10 Completion of functional tests .39
8.3 Completion certificate and documentation .39
9 Inspection, maintenance, testing and training .40
9.1 General .40
9.2 Inspection .40
9.2.1 General .40
9.2.2 Container .40
9.2.3 Hose .40
9.2.4 Enclosures .40
9.3 Maintenance . 41
9.3.1 General . 41
9.3.2 User's programme of inspection . 41
9.3.3 Service schedule . 41
9.4 Training . 41
Annex A (normative) Working documents .42
Annex B (normative) Carbon dioxide system pipe and orifice size determination .49
Annex C (informative) System performance verification .57
Annex D (informative) General information on carbon dioxide .58
Annex E (informative) Examples of calculations .63
Bibliography .68
iv
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 21, Equipment for fire protection and
firefighting, Subcommittee SC 8, Gaseous media and firefighting systems using gas.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 6183:2009), which has been technically
revised. It also incorporates the Amendment(s) ISO 6183:2009/Amd. 1:2017 and ISO 6183:2009/Amd.
2:2019.
The main changes are as follows:
— guidance on container storage has been updated;
— alerts when removing actuators have been added;
— a commissioning check list has been included in Annex A;
— pictorial examples have been added to Annex C.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
v
Introduction
This document is intended for use by those concerned with purchasing, designing, installing, testing,
inspecting, approving, operating and maintaining carbon dioxide (CO ) extinguishing systems.
This document applies only to carbon dioxide fixed fire-extinguishing systems in buildings and other
premises on land. Although the general principles can apply to other uses (e.g. maritime use), for
these other uses, it is likely that additional considerations will have to be taken into account and the
application of the requirements given in this document is therefore unlikely to be fully satisfactory.
General information about carbon dioxide as an extinguishing medium is given in Annex D. This can be
useful background information for those unfamiliar with the characteristics of this medium.
It has been assumed in the preparation of this document that the execution of its provisions will be
entrusted to those persons appropriately qualified and experienced in the specification, design,
installation, testing, approval, inspection, operation and maintenance of systems and equipment, for
whose guidance it has been prepared, and who can be expected to exercise a duty of care to avoid the
unnecessary release of carbon dioxide. New requirements to minimize the need to release carbon
dioxide during testing and commissioning procedures are included in this third edition. These are
linked to the inclusion of enclosure integrity testing.
Carbon dioxide has for many years been a recognized effective medium for the extinction of flammable
liquid fires as well as fires in the presence of electrical and ordinary Class A hazards. Nevertheless, in
the planning of comprehensive schemes, it should be remembered that there can be hazards for which
this media is not suitable, and that in certain circumstances or situations there can be dangers in its use
requiring special precautions.
The use of carbon dioxide is no longer recommended for total flooding of occupied areas if more
appropriate extinguishing agents are available. ISO 14520 provides requirements for other
extinguishing agents that can be more appropriately used in these areas.
It is important that the fire protection of a building or plant be considered as a whole. Carbon dioxide
systems form only a part, albeit an important part, of the available facilities. It cannot be assumed that
their adoption necessarily removes the need to consider supplementary measures, such as the provision
of portable fire extinguishers or other mobile appliances for first aid or emergency use, or to deal with
special hazards.
Advice on these matters can be obtained from the appropriate manufacturer of the carbon dioxide
or the extinguishing system. Information can also be sought from the appropriate fire authority, the
health and safety authorities, and insurers. In addition, reference needs to be made, as appropriate, to
the other national standards and statutory regulations of a given country.
It is essential that firefighting equipment be carefully maintained to ensure instant readiness when
required. Routine maintenance is liable to be overlooked or given insufficient attention by the owner
of the system. It is, however, neglected at the peril of the lives of occupants of the premises and at
the risk of crippling financial loss. The importance of maintenance cannot be too highly emphasized.
Inspection, preferably by a third party, should include an evaluation concluding that the extinguishing
system continues to provide adequate protection for the risk (protected zones as well as state-of-the-
art can change over time).
vi
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6183:2022(E)
Fire protection equipment — Carbon dioxide extinguishing
systems for use on premises — Design and installation
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements and gives recommendations for the design, installation, testing,
maintenance and safety of fixed carbon dioxide firefighting systems in buildings, plants or other
structures. It is not applicable to extinguishing systems on ships, in aircraft, on vehicles or on mobile
fire appliances, or to below-ground systems in the mining industry; nor does it apply to carbon dioxide
pre-inerting systems.
Design of systems where unclosable opening(s) exceed a specified area and where the opening(s) can be
subject to the effect of wind is not specified, although general guidance on the procedure to be followed
in such cases is given (see 7.4.3.2).
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 7240-2, Fire detection and alarm systems — Part 2: Fire detection control and indicating equipment
ISO 7240-23, Fire detection and alarm systems — Part 23: Visual alarm devices
ISO 7731, Ergonomics — Danger signals for public and work areas — Auditory danger signals
ISO 8201, Alarm systems — Audible emergency evacuation signal — Requirements
1)
ISO 14520-1:— , Gaseous fire-extinguishing systems — Physical properties and system design — Part 1:
General requirements
ISO 16003, Components for fire-extinguishing systems using gas — Requirements and test methods —
Container valve assemblies and their actuators; selector valves and their actuators; nozzles; flexible and
rigid connectors; and check valves and non-return valves
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
approved
acceptable to a relevant authority (3.2)
Note 1 to entry: In determining the acceptability of installations or procedures, equipment or materials, the
authority can base acceptance on compliance with the appropriate standards.
1) Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/DIS 14520-1:2022.
3.2
authority
organization, office or individual responsible for approving equipment, installations or procedures
3.3
automatic/manual switch
means of converting the system from automatic to manual actuation
Note 1 to entry: This can be in the form of a manual switch on the control panel or other units, or a personnel
door interlock. In all cases, this changes the actuation mode of the system from automatic and manual to manual
only or vice versa.
3.4
clearance
air gap between equipment, including piping and nozzles and unenclosed or uninsulated live electrical
components at other than ground potential
3.5
deep-seated fire
fire involving solids subject to smouldering
Note 1 to entry: Examples of a deep-seated fire include baled, stacked or piled materials such as paper, wool and
grain.
3.6
design concentration
concentration of carbon dioxide, including a safety factor (3.24), required for system design purposes
3.7
engineered system
system in which the supply of carbon dioxide is discharged through a system of pipes and nozzles in
which the size of each section of pipe and nozzle orifice has been calculated in accordance with the
requirements of this document
3.8
extinguishing concentration
minimum concentration of carbon dioxide required to extinguish a fire involving a particular fuel under
defined experimental conditions excluding any safety factor (3.24)
3.9
fill density
mass of carbon dioxide per unit volume (3.11) of container
3.10
design quantity
mass of carbon dioxide required to achieve the design concentration (3.6) within the protected volume
(3.11)
3.11
volume
protected space enclosed by the building elements
3.12
high‑pressure storage
storage of carbon dioxide in pressurized containers at ambient temperatures
3.13
hold time
period of time during which a concentration of carbon dioxide greater than the fire extinguishing
concentration (3.8) is maintained
Note 1 to entry: See 7.6.2.
3.14
inspection
visual check to give reasonable assurance that the extinguishing system is fully charged and operable
Note 1 to entry: This is done by seeing that the system is in place, that it has not been activated or tampered with,
and that there is no obvious physical damage or condition to prevent operation.
3.15
liquid discharge time
time during which predominantly liquid carbon dioxide is present at the nozzle
3.16
lock‑off device
manually operated shut-off valve installed in the discharge piping downstream of the carbon dioxide
containers, or other type of device that mechanically prevents agent container actuation
Note 1 to entry: The actuation of this device provides an indication of system isolation.
Note 2 to entry: The intent is to prevent the discharge of carbon dioxide into the hazard area when the lock-off
device is activated.
3.17
local application system
automatic or manual fire extinguishing system in which a fixed supply of carbon dioxide is permanently
connected to fixed piping with nozzles arranged to discharge the carbon dioxide directly to a fire
occurring in a defined area that has no enclosure surrounding it, or is only partially enclosed, and that
does not produce an extinguishing concentration (3.8) throughout the entire volume (3.11) containing
the protected hazard
3.18
low‑pressure storage
storage of carbon dioxide in pressurized containers at a controlled low temperature, normally −18 °C to
−20 °C
2)
Note 1 to entry: The pressure in this type of storage is approximately 21 bar .
3.19
maintenance
thorough check to verify that the extinguishing system will operate as intended
Note 1 to entry: It includes a thorough examination and any necessary repair or replacement of system
components.
3.20
maximum working pressure
equilibrium pressure within a container at the maximum working temperature
Note 1 to entry: For high-pressure storage (3.12), at the maximum fill density (3.9). For a container in transit, the
equilibrium pressure can differ from that in storage within a building.
Note 2 to entry: For low-pressure storage (3.18), the pressure corresponding to the maximum controlled
temperature of −18 °C.
3.21 Terms related to occupied and unoccupiable areas
3.21.1
normally occupied area
area intended for occupancy
5 2
2) 1 bar = 0,1 MPa = 10 Pa; 1 MPa = 1 N/mm .
3.21.2
normally unoccupied area
area not normally occupied by people, but which may be entered occasionally for brief periods
3.21.3
unoccupiable area
area which cannot be occupied by people due to dimensional or other physical constraints
EXAMPLE Shallow voids and cabinets.
3.22
pre‑engineered system
system consisting of a supply of extinguishant of specified capacity coupled to pre-calculated pipework
and nozzle arrangement up to maximum permitted limits
Note 1 to entry: No deviation is permitted from the limits specified by the manufacturer or authority (3.2).
3.23
pre-liquid vapour flow time
time from the opening of the container or selector valve (3.25) to the start of predominantly liquid flow
at the most unfavourable nozzle
3.24
safety factor
multiplier of the carbon dioxide extinguishing concentration (3.8), used to determine minimum design
concentration (3.6)
3.25
selector valve
valve installed in the discharge piping downstream of the storage containers, used to direct the carbon
dioxide to the appropriate hazard
Note 1 to entry: It is used where one or more storage containers are arranged to selectively discharge carbon
dioxide to any of several separate hazards.
3.26
surface fire
fire involving combustible or flammable liquids, gases and solids not subject to smouldering
3.27
total flooding system
system arranged to discharge carbon dioxide into an enclosed space to achieve the appropriate design
concentration (3.6)
4 Use and limitations
4.1 General
The design, installation, service and maintenance of carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems shall be
performed by those competent in fire extinguishing system technology. Maintenance and installation
shall only be performed by qualified personnel and companies.
4.2 Uses for carbon dioxide systems
Carbon dioxide, local application, total flooding and manual hose reel fire-extinguishing systems are
useful within the limits of this document in extinguishing fires involving specific hazards or equipment.
NOTE Some national regulations do not allow manual hose reel systems.
The following are typical of such hazards, but the list is not exhaustive:
a) combustible or flammable liquid and gases;
b) electrical hazards such as transformers, switches, circuit breakers, rotating equipment and
electronic equipment;
c) engines utilizing gasoline and other flammable liquid fuels;
d) ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, and textiles.
4.3 Limitations for carbon dioxide systems
Carbon dioxide cannot extinguish fires involving certain types of materials such as:
a) chemicals containing their own supply of oxygen, such as cellulose nitrate; or
b) metals and chemicals which react with carbon dioxide, e.g. alkali metals and metal hydrides.
While carbon dioxide does not extinguish certain fuels containing their own oxygen of combustion, it
does not react dangerously with these materials or increase their burning rate. Carbon dioxide, if used
in this situation in a total flooding system, provides protection for adjacent combustibles or can be
successfully used if the reactive metals or hydride are first covered by another material. Examples of
the latter condition are sodium stored or used under kerosene, cellulose nitrate in a solution of lacquer
thinner, and magnesium chips covered with heavy oil.
4.4 Temperature limitations
All devices shall be designed for the service they will encounter and shall not be readily rendered
inoperative or susceptible to accidental operation. Devices shall normally be designed to function
properly from −20 °C to +50 °C, or marked to indicate temperature limitations, or in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications, which shall be marked on the name-plate, or (where there is no
name-plate) in the manufacturer's instruction manual.
5 Safety
5.1 Hazard to personnel
The discharge of carbon dioxide in fire-extinguishing concentration creates serious hazards to
personnel, such as suffocation and reduced visibility during and after the discharge period. Hazards to
personnel created by the discharge of carbon dioxide shall be considered in the design of the system.
Carbon dioxide gas is heavier than air and will collect in pits, wells, shaft bottoms or other low-lying
areas, and can migrate into adjacent places outside the protected space. Consideration shall also be
given to places to which the carbon dioxide can migrate or collect in the event of a discharge from a
safety relief device of a storage container.
Conformance with this document does not affect the user's statutory responsibility to conform to the
appropriate safety regulations.
NOTE The safety precautions required by this document do not address toxicological or physiological effects
associated with the products of combustion caused by fire.
5.2 Safety precautions
5.2.1 Normally occupied and normally unoccupied areas
The use of carbon dioxide is not recommended for total flooding of normally occupied and normally
unoccupied areas as long as comparable alternative firefighting methods are available. However, where
carbon dioxide systems are used to protect these areas, they shall be provided with the following:
a) A non-electrical time delay device and an electrical and pneumatic pre-discharge alarm that is
distinct from all other alarm signals or other approved combination of devices providing equivalent
level of safety and reliability.
The pre-discharge alarm shall be audible in all areas within the protected space and, where used,
carbon dioxide powered alarms shall not result in the development of an unsafe atmosphere.
NOTE 1 National regulations can require the use of product standards, for example the EN 12094 series
in Europe.
b) An automatic/manual switch, with associated status indication.
c) A lock-off device supervised to indicate a system fault if the valve is more than one eighth closed.
NOTE 2 The purpose of the lock-off device is to physically prevent discharge of carbon dioxide into the
protected space, for example, during maintenance or if safe evacuation is not possible during the pre-warning
time.
NOTE 3 National regulations can require the use of product standards, for example the EN 12094 series,
in Europe.
d) Emergency lighting and adequate direction signs for exit routes: continuous visual and audible
alarms at entrances and designated exits inside the protected area and continuous visual alarms
outside the protected area that operate until the protected area has been declared safe.
e) Designated exit doors that are outward swinging, self-closing and able to be opened from the
inside, even when locked from the outside.
f) Appropriate warning and instruction signs (see 5.2.2).
g) Means for prompt natural or forced-draft ventilation of such areas after any discharge of carbon
dioxide. Forced-draft ventilation will often be necessary. Care shall be taken to completely dissipate
hazardous atmospheres, and not just move them to other locations, as carbon dioxide is heavier
than air.
Where it is possible for carbon dioxide gas to collect in pits, wells, shaft bottoms or other low-lying
areas, consideration shall be given to adding an odoriferous substance to the carbon dioxide.
Instructions to, and drills of, all personnel within or in the vicinity of protected areas, including
maintenance or construction personnel who could be brought into the area, shall be given to ensure
their correct actions when the system operates. Following discharge of the system, personnel should
not enter the enclosure until it has been declared as being safe to do so. Additional safety aspects such
as breathing apparatus should be considered.
The need to comply with national regulations or standards requiring other precautions shall be
considered.
5.2.2 Warning notices for occupiable areas
Notices shall be provided at the following locations:
a) at all entrances to the protected enclosure (see Figures 1 and 2);
b) at each emergency manual release point (see Figure 3);
c) at each lock-off valve (see Figure 4).
For carbon dioxide systems protecting occupiable areas, appropriate warning and instruction
signs shall be provided adjacent to access points to the protected space or as specified by national
requirements. Examples of a typical notices are shown in Figures 1 – 5.
Figure 1 — Typical instruction notice to be displayed at each entry to the protected area or
enclosure
Figure 2 — Typical lock‑off warning system notice
Figure 3 — Typical instruction notice to be displayed at the manual release
Figure 4 — Typical lock‑off valve notice
5.2.3 Warning notices for unoccupiable areas
For carbon dioxide systems protecting unoccupiable areas, appropriate warning and instruction
signs shall be provided adjacent to access points to the protected space or as specified by national
requirements. An example of a typical notice is shown in Figure 5.
Additional notices may be provided at each emergency manual release point (see Figure 3).
Figure 5 — Typical warning notice to be displayed at access point to the protected
unoccupiable area
5.3 Electrical hazards
Where exposed electrical conductors are present, clearances no smaller than those given in Table 1
shall be provided, where practicable, between the electrical conductors and all parts of the system able
to be approached during maintenance. Where these clearance distances cannot be achieved, warning
notices shall be provided, and a safe system of maintenance work shall be adopted.
The system should be arranged so that all normal operations can be carried out safely by the operator.
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