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TOTALPAC N2: Why Add Nitrogen Generation to a Preaction System?

You choose TOTALPAC N2 when you want preaction protection and better long-term corrosion control in the same integrated package. In simple terms, TOTALPAC N2 replaces ordinary supervisory air with nitrogen-rich gas to help reduce internal pipe corrosion, which can extend system life and reduce maintenance risk.

According to the FireFlex Knowledge Vault, TOTALPAC N2 combines a preaction system with a nitrogen generating system in a single cabinet. FireFlex documentation also states that the system uses the ECS® PGEN-5 FF nitrogen generation system and is factory assembled, pre-wired, and factory tested.

Why Corrosion Matters

Traditional dry and preaction systems often contain oxygen inside the piping. Over time, that oxygen contributes to internal corrosion, which can lead to:

  • Pinhole leaks
  • Premature pipe replacement
  • Maintenance disruptions
  • Greater lifecycle cost

Nitrogen helps by reducing the oxygen content in the supervised piping space. FireFlex documentation specifically notes that TOTALPAC N2 can limit the liability of early pipe replacement and offer significant cost savings by using black pipe in combination with nitrogen.

What Configurations Are Available?

The Knowledge Vault documents several TOTALPAC N2 configurations, including:

  • Non-interlock electric release
  • Single interlock electric release
  • Double interlock SUREFIRE® release
  • Single interlock SUREFIRE® release
  • Single interlock FIRECYCLE III® release
  • Double interlock FIRECYCLE III® release

This means TOTALPAC N2 is not just a corrosion product. It is a full system family designed around different release philosophies and project requirements.

How It Works

The system includes both a preaction assembly and an N2 generator unit. FireFlex documentation also identifies related components such as:

  • SMART Vent Assembly
  • Low air pressure switch
  • Preaction air kit
  • Optional air compressor arrangements
  • Optional pressure switch and gas analyzer
  • Nitrogen generator unit

In operation, the sprinkler piping is supervised with nitrogen instead of standard compressed air. The release logic still depends on the selected preaction configuration.

For example:

  • In a single interlock electric release system, detection opens the valve so water enters the piping.
  • In a double interlock system, both detection and very low air pressure conditions are required before the valve opens.
  • In non-interlock configurations, either detection or sprinkler opening can initiate operation.
Technical Snapshot

The Knowledge Vault indicates:

  • Deluge valve ratings up to 250 psi
  • Available sizes of 2-inch, 3-inch, 4-inch, and 6-inch on some configurations
  • Two cabinet sizes depending on system size
  • System fill capacities documented for certain arrangements

These details should always be checked against the exact datasheet for the configuration you intend to specify.

When TOTALPAC N2 Makes Sense

TOTALPAC N2 is commonly worth considering when:

  • The owner is concerned about internal sprinkler piping corrosion
  • The protected network is expensive or disruptive to replace
  • Preaction protection is already required
  • The project lifecycle cost matters as much as initial price
  • The design team wants a factory-integrated package rather than separate components

A good example is a data or cold-process facility where preaction protection is needed but the owner also wants to reduce corrosion-related piping failures over time.

Questions to Ask Before Selecting It

Before moving forward, confirm:

  • Which interlock logic is required
  • What release panel arrangement is needed
  • Whether FIRECYCLE III or SUREFIRE logic is desired
  • The pipe diameter and cabinet size
  • Whether optional gas monitoring is needed
  • Air pressure settings required for the specific water supply conditions
Next Steps

If the project already requires preaction, the next design question should be whether corrosion mitigation justifies nitrogen integration. In many long-life facilities, the answer is yes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TOTALPAC N2 replace preaction?
No. It adds nitrogen generation to a preaction sprinkler system.

Why use nitrogen instead of air?
To reduce oxygen inside the piping and help limit internal corrosion.

What nitrogen unit does FireFlex document?
The ECS® PGEN-5 FF system.

Are multiple release types available?
Yes. Electric, SUREFIRE®, and FIRECYCLE III® options are documented.