(a) Each system protecting a space with greater than 6,000 cubic feet gross volume or a space less than 6,000 cubic feet gross volume without a suitable horizontal escape route must have a pneumatic pre-discharge alarm and time delay.
(1) The time delay period must:
- (i) Last at least 20 seconds;
- (ii) Be approved by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection during system installation; and
- (iii) Provide enough time for one person to walk from the farthest area of the protected space to the primary exit.
- (2) The time delay device must be pneumatically operated and have an accuracy of −0/+20 percent of the rated time delay period throughout the operating temperature range and range of delay settings.
(b) The pre-discharge alarm must:
- (1) Sound for the duration of the time delay;
- (2) Be conspicuously and centrally located in the protected space and marked as required by 46 CFR 97.37-9;
- (3) Depend on the extinguishing agent, gas from a pilot cylinder, or a nitrogen cylinder specifically provided to power the alarm for its source of power; and
- (4) Be audible over running machinery.