ASTM F2208-07

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: F 2208 – 07
Standard Specification for
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Pool Alarms
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 2208; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
According to CPSC data it is estimated each year on average, 280 children under five years of age
drown in swimming pools with most deaths occurring in residential settings. Also each year, on
average, 2200 children under five years of age are treated in hospital emergency rooms for pool
submersion injuries.
1. Scope 2.1.1 pool alarm, n—a device designed to provide a rapid
detection and automatic alarm in incidents of accidental,
1.1 This specification covers performance requirements for
unintentional or unsupervised entry of a child one year of age
pool alarms for residential swimming pools and spas.
or older into the water of a swimming pool or spa.
1.2 This specification is intended to describe devices in-
tended to improve personal safety and reduce injuries or
3. Classification
deaths.
3.1 Types:
1.3 This specification covers devices that provide for rapid
3.1.1 Type A, Surface—Pool alarm floating on water sur-
and automatic detection and alarm in cases of unintentional,
face.
unsupervised or accidental entry of a child one year of age or
3.1.2 Type B, Subsurface—Pool alarm located below the
older into the water of swimming pools or spas.
water surface.
1.4 This specification is not intended to replace other
3.1.3 Type C, Pool Perimeter—Pool alarm located such as
standard safety requirements that should be in place, that is,
to detect movement at the perimeter of or above the water
adult supervision, fences, gates, locks, and so forth.
surface.
1.5 This specification covers four different types of alarms.
3.1.4 Type D, Personal Immersion Alarm—Pool alarm de-
1.6 The detection criteria for this standard is for a child one
vice located on the person(s).
year of age and older.
1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4. Performance Requirements
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
4.1 General:
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4.1.1 Alarms shall sound both at poolside and inside any
and are not considered standard.
adjacent residence or building of occupancy via a remote
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
receiver within 20 s or less when tested in accordance with
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Section 5.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1.2 The condition of a swimming pool alarm, either on or
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
off, shall be indicated with an energized lamp or other
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
distinctive indicator, visible from a distance of 10 ft (3.5 m) at
2. Terminology angles of 645° perpendicular to the unit, to indicate the
operability of the product.
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
4.1.3 Pool alarms shall have a minimum sound pressure
rating of 85 decibels at 10 ft (3.5 m) for 3 min.
4.1.4 If the device is battery operated, there must be a low
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This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on
battery indicator. A low battery condition is defined as an
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.49 on Pool
inability to meet the requirements of 4.1.3.
Safety Standards.
4.1.5 Pool alarms shall automatically reset.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2007. Published February 2007. Originally
e1
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as F 2208–02 . 4.2 Type A, Surface Alarm:
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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F2208–07
4.2.1 Type A alarms are to provide for automatic sound of dropped into the pool at the farthest point from the alarm to
the alarm when tested in accordance with 5.1. For alarms with simulate worst case conditions. This test shall be repeated two
variable sensitivity, the setting shall be set at the least sensitive, times in 10-min intervals. The Child Intrusion Simulator
according to manufacturer’s instructions. weighing 20 6 0.5 lb is dropped vertically at a 45° angle 610°
4.2.2 Type A alarms are not to alarm when tested in into the water from a height of 6 in. above the water surface.
accordance with 5.2. For alarms with variable sensitivity, the The Child Intrusion Simulator shall be dropped into the pool at
setting shall be set at the most sensitive, according to manu
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