Installation] Yongsan Building Electrical Room FIX800 O2 Installation!

FIX800 O₂ Fixed Gas Detector Installation in Yongsan Building Electrical Room

In response to a regulatory change under Korea's Occupational Safety and Health Standards (effective October 18, 2024), two FIX800 single-channel fixed O₂ detectors were installed in the electrical room of a commercial building in Yongsan, Seoul. The amended regulation requires that oxygen concentration meters and alarm devices be installed not only inside CO₂ fire suppression equipment rooms, but also throughout all protected zones (방호구역) covered by the fire suppression system. An external LED display panel was simultaneously installed outside the electrical room, enabling workers to monitor O₂ levels before entry.

Installation Specifications

Regulatory Background and O₂ Deficiency Hazards in CO₂-Protected Electrical Rooms

• Amended Korean Occupational Safety and Health Standards (effective Oct 18, 2024) mandate O₂ monitoring and alarm systems in all protected zones served by CO₂ fire suppression equipment — not solely in the dedicated suppression equipment room.
• A "protected zone" (방호구역) is defined as any area within the suppression coverage of a sprinkler or gaseous fire suppression system; electrical rooms typically qualify due to CO₂ system coverage.
• CO₂ discharge during a fire suppression event can rapidly displace oxygen, creating an immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) atmosphere at O₂ concentrations below 16% v/v.
• Fixed O₂ detectors with external display panels allow personnel outside the room to assess safe entry conditions before opening the door, significantly reducing the risk of oxygen deficiency incidents.
• Mounting height and visibility were coordinated with the site supervisor to ensure the detector and display are both easily readable and accessible for routine calibration and after-sales maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is an O₂ detector required in an electrical room with a CO₂ suppression system?

Under the revised Korean Occupational Safety and Health Standards (effective October 18, 2024), any zone covered by a CO₂ fire suppression system — including electrical rooms — must be equipped with an oxygen concentration meter and an audible/visual alarm. This is because CO₂ discharge rapidly displaces ambient oxygen, creating a risk of asphyxiation for anyone entering the space before ventilation is complete.

What is a "protected zone" (방호구역) in the context of fire suppression regulations?

A protected zone refers to any area within the designed discharge coverage of a fire suppression system, such as CO₂ or clean-agent systems. Under the amended regulation, all such zones now require O₂ monitoring and alarm capability, not just the room housing the suppression cylinders or control panel.

What is the FIX800, and how is it configured for O₂ monitoring?

The FIX800 is a wall-mounted, single-channel fixed gas detector that accepts interchangeable electrochemical or catalytic sensor modules. For O₂ applications, it is fitted with an electrochemical oxygen sensor and provides continuous 4–20 mA or relay output. The unit supports connection to an external LED display panel for remote readout, as demonstrated in this installation.

Can power and communication wiring be installed without drilling through walls?

Yes. In this project, the client requested that no wall penetrations be made. Power supply and RS-485/relay communication wiring were instead routed through the existing ceiling and underfloor conduit tray systems, keeping the installation non-intrusive and preserving the structural integrity of the electrical room enclosure.

#FIX800 #OxygenDetector #FixedGasDetector #ElectricalRoom #CO2FireSuppression #ConfinedSpaceSafety #Yongsan #WANDIKorea