During an extended discharge, the initial discharge shall be completed within the limits specified for the initial discharge.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for halocarbon
• D. Only for inert gas

Answer: (A)

The essential idea here is that even when a system is in extended discharge, the first portion of the agent release must finish within the time limits that define the initial discharge. This ensures the protected space reaches the required agent concentration promptly to start suppressing the fire, while the rest of the discharge continues afterward to complete the release. The standard sets these initial-discharge time limits to provide predictable, reliable performance across all clean-agent types and system configurations, so the initial portion isn’t allowed to drag on regardless of how long the overall discharge lasts. This approach applies to all clean-agent systems, not just one type, so the statement is true.