Fire Suppression Testing with CO2 Sampling Data Loggers

May 20, 2025

Explore how the CO2Meter CM-1000 Sampling Data Logger supports fire suppression testing by ensuring room integrity and NFPA compliance with accurate CO2 measurements in sealed environments.

Fire suppression systems using carbon dioxide (CO2) are widely used across industries because of CO2's clean, non-reactive properties. Unlike water-based systems, CO2 does not damage electronics or sensitive materials. However, its effectiveness at displacing oxygen also makes it potentially hazardous to personnel, especially in enclosed or clean room environments.

To meet safety standards and verify system functionality, CO2 fire suppression testing must include accurate CO2 concentration measurement. This is where CO2 sampling data loggers specifically the CM-1000 100% CO2 Sampling Data Logger play a critical role.

This device is engineered to provide high-accuracy gas sampling in fire suppression environments and meet testing protocols outlined in NFPA 12, NFPA 2001, and NFPA 850.

Why Use a CM-1000 for Fire Suppression Testing?

The CM-1000 Sampling Data Logger is designed specifically for high-concentration CO2 environments, making it ideal for fire suppression and room integrity testing applications.

It provides safety and industry professionals with:

100% CO2 concentration measurement capabilities
Portable sampling design for easy deployment in sealed spaces
High-precision NDIR sensor technology
Data logging and USB data retrieval
Compliance with NFPA testing protocols

Fire suppression professionals choose this logger for its simplicity, accuracy, and the ability to ensure gas concentrations remain consistent throughout testing - vital for both system effectiveness and regulatory compliance.

Benefits of CO2 Data Logging in Fire Suppression

Using a CO2 sampling logger like the CM-1000 provides numerous advantages:

Regulatory Assurance: Helps meet NFPA and AHJ inspection criteria
Occupant Safety: Ensures gas doesn’t accumulate dangerously in sealed spaces
System Validation: Confirms gas discharge timing, reach, and efficacy
Documentation: Data logging allows historical tracking for compliance audits

Industry Case Study: Room Integrity Testing with the CM-1000

CO2Meter interviewed a veteran company in the fire suppression field that performs room integrity testing for commercial, residential, and cleanroom applications. Though the company chose to remain anonymous, they are a perfect partner who stands by our CO2Meter 100% Multi Gas Sampling Data Logger.

We were able to gain insight to their experience with the device and its importance while working in fire suppression to better serve our other customers in this field. Our casual Q&A is highlighted below.

CO2Meter: What can you tell us about your company?

Customer: "We are have been around for over 70+ years and specialize in diagnostic testing buildings and clean rooms. We work on both existing and new construction buildings in residential and commercial markets."

CO2Meter: What are your specialty areas?

Customer: "Air barrier testing and repair. We test air barriers and reduce air infiltration to delivery energy savings throughout the United States. We also focus specifically on integrity testing in order to maintain required gas concentrations that act as suppression agents in the event of a fire."

CO2Meter: Why did you decide to choose CO2Meter for your business?

Customer: "We are newer to the CO2 testing arena in comparison to our other services. We are pursuing work with CO2 testing in clean rooms particularly. This has a pressure testing component to much of the testing, which we are experts in."

CO2Meter: After using our 100% CO2 Sampling Data Logger, how would you rate the device on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (great)?

Customer: "We would say 5, due to the device's simplicity, ease of use, and understanding."

Watch a video that showcases a fire suppression system, using CO2,

CO2Meter: What has been the overall need for CO2 sampling data loggers in your industry?

Customer: "The CO2 sampling data logger allows testing companies or regulatory agencies to ensure validation that the fire suppression systems are able to effectively put out the fires. This validation is critical and also aids in ensuring that any leaks are not present that could allow the gas to leak out and reduce effectiveness of the fire suppression system."

CO2Meter: Are you concerned more about compliance, safety, or analysis regarding CO2?

Customer: "Analysis."

CO2Meter: In terms of carbon dioxide, how has it impacted your application? Is it important?

Customer: "For room integrity testing specifically, consistent concentrations across the enclosure are tested and based on initial occupancy and significant enclosure changes. CO2 concentration testing is vital as it complements the door fan test and is also a standard noted in NFPA 12/2001/850 for proper testing."

The Role of CO2 Sampling in NFPA-Compliant Testing

According to NFPA 12, NFPA 2001, and NFPA 850, fire suppression systems must maintain CO2 concentrations throughout the protected area to be effective. Testing must verify that the space:

Is sealed properly with no leakage
Maintains target CO2 levels over a specified time
Does not allow CO2 to escape and reduce extinguishing capabilities

The CM-1000 is specifically used to meet these requirements by offering reliable, high-concentration data capture.

How the CM-1000 Supports Fire Protection

Fire protection engineers, integrators, and testing professionals trust the CM-1000 for its:

Real-time sampling during discharge testing
Compatibility with fan door and room integrity tests
Battery-powered portability
Long-term data storage to validate repeat tests or provide evidence to inspectors

Its rugged design and ability to handle 100% CO2 concentrations set it apart from standard indoor air quality loggers.

Understanding the importance of CO2 in these applications and diving in to a customers use case better informs and educates similar customers in the space and allows us to gain critical perspective in these establishments.

Like the company that focuses on room integrity testing for its customers, whether you are looking to gain further insight to fire suppression testing and the CO2 data loggers that assist them or additional gas detection solutions, we look forward to discussing your application.

For more information on this application or to speak to an expert contact us today.