Smoke Clearance Rate Testing by EKG M&E Sdn Bhd
In Malaysia, Smoke Clearance Rate Testing (often called the "BOMBA Cold Smoke Test") is the final and most critical hurdle for obtaining a Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) for any basement car park. EKG M&E Sdn Bhd specializes in conducting these professional simulations to prove that your smoke spill fans can clear a specified area within the timeframes mandated by the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL).
The BOMBA Testing Procedure
The test is a live demonstration witnessed by officers from the Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia. It verifies that the mechanical extraction system effectively manages smoke and maintains visibility for evacuation.
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Smoke Generation: We utilize high-output industrial fogging machines (smoke guns) to fill a specific fire zone with thick, non-toxic artificial smoke.
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Triggering the System: The smoke is allowed to accumulate until the BOMBA officers are satisfied with the density. The building’s Fire Alarm is then triggered, which must automatically switch the ventilation system from "Normal Mode" to "Fire Mode."
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The 6-Minute Rule: Once the smoke spill fans are at full capacity, a timer is started. Per BOMBA standards, within 6 minutes, the smoke must be cleared sufficiently so that exit signs and lobby entrances are clearly visible from a distance (typically evaluated by the officer's judgment on-site).
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Air Velocity Verification: Our technicians use calibrated anemometers to measure the air velocity at the exhaust intake and the "make-up" air points, ensuring the system hits the mandatory 10 Air Changes per Hour (ACH).
Key Tenability Criteria
During the audit, we measure several "tenability" factors to ensure the basement remains a safe environment for escaping occupants:
| Criterion | Standard Requirement | EKG M&E Testing Method |
| Visibility | Min. 10m at 2.5m height | Visual check of illuminated exit signs during fogging. |
| Clear Layer | Min. 2.0m - 2.5m from floor | Laser measurement of the smoke-to-air interface height. |
| Clearance Time | Under 6 Minutes | Stopwatch synchronized with Fire Alarm trigger. |
| Fan Operation | Run at 250 degree celcius for 2 hrs | Verification of Class H motor certificates and FRC cabling. |
Pre-BOMBA Audit Checklist
To ensure a "First-Time Pass," we perform a comprehensive pre-test audit covering:
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Fan Sequencing: Verifying that supply fans and exhaust fans start in the correct order to avoid over-pressurizing the basement.
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VSD Override: Ensuring the Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) bypass all energy-saving limits and "Run to Destruction" upon fire signal.
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Damper Functionality: Testing that all motorized smoke dampers snap into the correct position (Open/Closed) without jamming.
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Essential Power: Simulating a main power failure to ensure the fans successfully kick-over to the Emergency Generator within 30 seconds.
Why Choose EKG M&E Sdn Bhd for Smoke Testing?
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"Never Argue with BOMBA": We understand the nuances of BOMBA inspections in KL and PJ. We act as your technical representative, explaining the engineering logic and ensuring all G10 (ACMV) and C-forms are perfectly documented before the officers arrive.
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CFD Correlation: If your system fails a test, we don't just guess the fix. We use our CFD Airflow Analysis data to pinpoint where stagnant air pockets are occurring and reposition jet fans to correct the flow.
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Turnkey Rectification: If a motor fails or a damper sticks during a pre-audit, our repair teams are on-site to fix it immediately, preventing costly delays to your building's opening date.
