ASTM F2208-02e1

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: F 2208 – 02
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.
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e NOTE—Sections 3, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 were editorially corrected in June 2005.
INTRODUCTION
According to CPSC data, each year, on average, 350 children under five years of age drown in
swimming pools, with most deaths occurring in residential settings.Also, each year, on average, 2600
children under five years of age are treated in hospital emergency rooms for near drowning incidents
in swimming pools. About 42 % of the incidents require hospitalization of the child. About 79 % of
the near drowning incidents occur in a residential setting. These numbers have remained relatively
unchanged for the past several years.
1. Scope 3.1.1 Type A, Surface—Pool alarm floating on water sur-
face.
1.1 This standard is intended to provide performance re-
3.1.2 Type B, Subsurface—Pool alarm located below the
quirements for pool alarms for residential swimming pools and
water surface.
spas.
3.1.3 Type C, Pool Perimeter—Pool alarm located such as
1.2 This standard is intended to describe devices intended to
to detect movement at the perimeter of or above the water
improve personal safety and reduce injuries or deaths.
surface.
1.3 This standard covers devices that provide for rapid and
3.1.4 Type D, Personal Immersion Alarm—Pool alarm de-
automatic detection and alarm in cases of unintentional,
vice located on the person(s).
unsupervised or accidental entry of a child one year of age or
older into the water of swimming pools or spas.
4. Performance Requirements
1.4 This standard is not intended to replace other standard
4.1 General:
safety requirements that should be in place, that is, adult
4.1.1 Alarms shall sound both at poolside and inside any
supervision, fences, gates, locks, and so forth.
adjacent residence or building of occupancy via a remote
1.5 This standard covers four different types of alarms.
receiver within 20 s or less when tested in accordance with
1.6 The detection criteria for this standard is for a child one
Section 5.
year of age and older.
4.1.2 The condition of a swimming pool alarm, either on or
2. Terminology off, shall be indicated with an energized lamp or other
distinctive indicator, visible from a distance of 10 ft (3.5 m) at
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
angles of 645° perpendicular to the unit, to indicate the
2.1.1 pool alarm, n—a device designed to provide a rapid
operability of the product.
detection and automatic alarm in incidents of accidental,
4.1.3 Pool alarms shall have a minimum sound pressure
unintentional or unsupervised entry of a child one year of age
rating of 85 decibels at 10 ft (3.5 m) for 3 min.
or older into the water of a swimming pool or spa.
4.1.4 If the device is battery operated, there must be a low
3. Classification battery indicator. A low battery condition is defined as an
inability to meet the requirements of 4.1.3.
3.1 Types:
4.1.5 Pool alarms shall automatically reset.
4.2 Type A, Surface Alarm:
4.2.1 Type A alarms are to provide for automatic sound of
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This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on
the alarm when tested in accordance with 5.1. For alarms with
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.49 on
variable sensitivity, the setting shall be set at the least sensitive,
Swimming Pool Alarms.
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 2002. Published November 2002. according to manufacturer’s instructions.
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F2208–02
4.2.2 Type A alarms are not to alarm when tested in 5. Test Procedures
accordance with 5.2. For alarms with variable sensitivity, the
5.1 The Child Intrusion Simulator weighing 18 6 0.5 lb is
setting shall be set at the most sensitive, according to manu-
droppedhorizontallyintothewaterfromaheightof6in.above
facturer’s instructions.
the water surface. The Child Intrusion Simulator shall be
4.2.3 Type A alarms are not to alarm when tested in
dropped into the pool at the farthest point from the alarm to
accordance with 5.3. For alarms with variable sensitivity, the
simulate worst case conditions. This test shall be repeated two
setting shall be set at the most sensitive, according to manu-
times in 10-min intervals. The Child Intrusion Simulator
facturer’s instructions.
weighing 18 6 0.5 lb is dropped vertically at a 45° angle
...