Which NFPA standard must SHS designers typically reference for clean agent systems?

• A. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
• B. NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
• C. NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Extinguishing Systems.
• D. NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

Answer: (C)

When designing clean agent extinguishing systems, the standard to reference is NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Extinguishing Systems. This standard specifically covers the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of clean agent systems, detailing what agents are used, how to achieve the required design concentrations, room integrity considerations, distribution and discharge requirements, and commissioning and maintenance procedures. It provides the technical criteria for selecting and applying clean agents like FM-200, Novec 1230, and others, and guides how the system should interact with occupied spaces to ensure safety.

Others listed govern different fire protection topics. NFPA 13 focuses on water-based sprinkler installation, NFPA 25 on inspection and maintenance of water-based systems, and NFPA 72 on fire alarm and signaling. While those standards are relevant to overall life-safety design, they do not address the specifics of clean agent extinguishing systems, so NFPA 2001 is the appropriate primary reference for clean agent design.