Overview
EN 17966:2024 - Fire protection equipment: Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems for use on premises - Design and installation (ISO 6183:2022, modified) - is a European standard published by CEN (approved 5 August 2024). It specifies requirements and guidance for the design, installation, testing, maintenance and safety of fixed carbon dioxide (CO2) firefighting systems in buildings, plants and other structures. The standard excludes systems on ships, aircraft, vehicles, mobile fire appliances, below-ground mining systems and CO2 pre-inerting systems. Special guidance is provided where protected volumes have unclosable openings or are subject to wind (see clause 7.4.3.2).
Key Topics and Requirements
EN 17966:2024 covers the full lifecycle of fixed CO2 systems with emphasis on safety and performance:
- Use and limitations - appropriate applications and temperature or occupancy constraints for CO2 systems.
- Safety - hazards to personnel, warning notices, occupiable vs unoccupiable area rules, electrical and electrostatic safety, and earthing.
- System design - specifications, working documents, carbon dioxide supply (quality, quantity, storage), container arrangement and piping distribution.
- Enclosures (total flooding) - structural strength, loss through openings and interaction with ventilation systems.
- Detection, actuation and control - automatic detection, shutdown of plant/equipment, operating devices, alarms and visual indicators.
- Flow and concentration calculations - system hydraulics, friction and pressure drop, total flooding quantity, KB factor methodology, local application sizing (rate by area/volume).
- Commissioning and acceptance - pre- and post-installation testing, enclosure checks, functional and remote monitoring tests, documentation and completion certificates.
- Inspection, maintenance, testing and training - inspection routines, service schedules and required training for safe operation.
Applications and Who Uses It
EN 17966:2024 is intended for professionals involved in the specification, installation and upkeep of fixed CO2 fire suppression systems:
- Fire protection engineers and system designers using CO2 for total flooding or local applications.
- Installation contractors and commissioning authorities ensuring compliance.
- Facility owners, plant managers and safety officers in industrial plants, electrical rooms, process areas and other premises where CO2 is selected.
- Maintenance/service organizations and training providers responsible for periodic testing and personnel safety.
Related Standards
- Based on and modified from ISO 6183:2022; designers should also consider other applicable national or European standards for fire detection, electrical safety and building services when implementing EN 17966:2024.
Keywords: EN 17966:2024, carbon dioxide extinguishing systems, CO2 fire suppression, design and installation, fixed CO2 systems, total flooding, fire protection equipment.
