prEN 16261-3

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2021
Pirotehnični izdelki - Ognjemet, kategorija F4 - 3. del: Preskusne metode
Pyrotechnic articles - Fireworks, Category F4 - Part 3: Test methods
Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Feuerwerkskörper, Kategorie F4 - Teil 3: Prüfverfahren
Articles pyrotechniques - Artifices de divertissement, Catégorie F4 - Partie 3: Méthodes
d'essai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 16261-3
ICS:
71.100.30 Eksplozivi. Pirotehnika in Explosives. Pyrotechnics and
ognjemeti fireworks
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
May 2021
ICS 71.100.30 Will supersede EN 16261-3:2012
English Version
Pyrotechnic articles - Fireworks, Category F4 - Part 3: Test
methods
Articles pyrotechniques - Artifices de divertissement, Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Feuerwerkskörper,
Catégorie F4 - Partie 3: Méthodes d'essai Kategorie 4 - Teil 3: Prüfverfahren
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 212.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 16261-3:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Test environment for functioning test . 5
4.1 General . 5
4.2 Wind measurement . 5
5 Apparatus . 5
6 Test methods . 9
6.1 Construction and stability . 9
6.1.1 Outer dimension of item . 9
6.1.2 Determination of calibre . 10
6.1.3 Determination of gross mass . 10
6.2 Design – Verification . 10
6.3 Determination of tube angle . 10
6.3.1 Apparatus . 10
6.3.2 Procedure. 10
6.4 Angle of ascent and burst height . 11
6.4.1 General . 11
6.4.2 Dimensions of mortar . 11
6.4.3 Support of mortar . 11
6.5 Measurement of sound pressure level . 11
6.5.1 Apparatus . 11
6.5.2 Procedure. 11
6.6 Extinguishing of flames . 11
6.6.1 Apparatus . 11
6.6.2 Procedure. 11
6.7 Visual and audible inspections . 12
6.8 Mechanical conditioning . 12
6.8.1 Apparatus . 12
6.8.2 Procedure. 12
6.9 Thermal conditioning . 12
6.9.1 Apparatus . 12
6.9.2 Procedure. 12
6.10 Function test . 12
6.10.1 Apparatus . 12
6.10.2 Procedure. 13
6.10.3 Monitoring of effect, rising/bursting and drop height . 13
6.10.4 Monitoring of effect range and effect dimensions of aquatic fireworks . 14
6.11 Measuring of CE-marking . 14
6.11.1 Apparatus . 14
6.11.2 Procedure. 14
6.12 Use of detonative explosives . 14
6.12.1 General . 14
6.12.2 Test Method A . 14
6.12.3 Test method B . 15
Annex A (informative) Mechanical conditioning (Shock Apparatus) . 18
Annex B (informative) Procedures for calculation of heights . 21
Annex C (informative) Calculation method for safety-/protection distance . 25
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
safety requirements of Directive 2013/29/EU aimed to be covered . 26
Bibliography . 28

European foreword
This document (prEN 16261-3:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 212
“Pyrotechnic articles”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 16261-3:2012.
In comparison with the previous edition, the following technical modifications have been made:
— Addition of balances with different accuracies to clause 5.6;
— Clause 6.10.3 has been technically revised;
— A clause 6.12 on the use of detonative explosives has been added.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of Directive 2013/29/EU on the
harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of
pyrotechnic articles.
For relationship with Directive 2013/29/EU, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
1 Scope
This document specifies test methods for fireworks of category F4.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 16261-1:—, Pyrotechnic articles - Fireworks, category F4 - Part 1: Terminology
EN 16261-2:—, Pyrotechnic articles — Fireworks, Category F4 — Part 2: Requirements
EN 61672-1, Electroacoustics - Sound level meters - Part 1: Specifications (IEC 61672 1)
ISO 13385-1:2019, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) — Dimensional measuring equipment —
Part 1: Design and metrological characteristics of callipers
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 16261-1:— apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
4 Test environment for functioning test
4.1 General
A large unobstructed area, which shall be wide open. The measuring points shall be positioned
appropriately for the type of measurement being carried out.
For aquatic fireworks, a water test area shall be available for testing the resistance to moisture and
functioning in the expected manner.
4.2 Wind measurement
The wind speed at a height of 1,50 m above the ground shall be measured and recorded using a wind
speed meter (see 5.5). No performance testing shall be carried out if the wind speed exceeds 5,0 m/s.
5 Apparatus
Any equivalent apparatus with the same accuracy or better may be used.
5.1 Timing device, capable of being read to the nearest 0,1 s.
5.2 Calliper, flat faced vernier reading to 0,1 mm, which shall conform to ISO 13385-1:2019.

Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: prEN 16261-1:2021.
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: prEN 16261-2:2021.
5.3 Ruler, with a scale resolution of 1,0 mm or better.
5.4 Measuring tape, with a scale resolution of 10 mm or better.
5.5 Wind speed meter, accurate to at least 0,5 m/s.
5.6 Balance, with an accuracy of:
±0,01 g (for weight lower than 100 g)
±0,1 g (for weight lower than 1 000 g)
±1 g (for weight lower than 10 000 g)
±10 g (for weight upper or equal to 10 000 g)
or better.
5.7 Temperature chamber.
5.7.1 Up to (50 ± 2,5) °C.
5.7.2 Up to (75 ± 2,5) °C.
5.8 Sound level meter, class 1, which shall conform to EN 61672-1 with a free-field microphone.
5.9 Shock apparatus.
2 2
The apparatus shall provide a deceleration of 490 m/s (−50/+100) m/s (when measured at the centre
of an unloaded platform) and the shock impulse duration (time elapsed from the starting of the
machine's deceleration to the time in which the deceleration reaches its maximum value during each
first shock pulse) shall be 2 ms ± 1 ms working at a frequency of 1 Hz ± 0,1 Hz.
An example of an apparatus is shown in Annex A.
5.10 Devices for measuring heights.
Heights shall be measured using universal surveying instruments (USI) such as theodolites, electronic
spirit levels or video (visible and/or infrared) systems.
Examples of measuring methods and the calculation of the height are given in Annex B.
5.11 Goniometer, reading to 1° or better.
5.12 Mortar.
The rising height of shells depends particularly on the clearance of the shell in the mortar (ratio of the
maximum cross section area of the shell (A ) to the inner cross section area of the mortar (A )),
Shell mortar
also designated as “Q”. Q is the ratio of the outer diameter of the shell (d including the fuse to the
o,shell,
lifting charge) squared over the inner diameter of the mortar (d ) squared. The outer diameter of
i,mortar
the shell shall be measured horizontally at the place of largest diameter including the fuse to the lifting
charge. The following conditions shall be achieved:
d
A
o,shell
shell
09,,Q ≤ 098
A
d
mortar
i,mortar
2 2
1,,02⋅ dd≤ ≤⋅1 1 d
o,shell i,mortar o,shell
= ≤=
For calibre ≤ 100 mm, a wider tolerance can be accepted. The following conditions shall be achieved:
*
0,,83≤≤Q 0 98
≤100
2 * 2
10, 2⋅ dd≤ ≤⋅(12, d
o,shell i,mortar o,shell
Another determining factor influencing the rising height is the length of the mortar (l ) – length
mortar
from the mortar muzzle to the mortar ground.
The dimensions of the mortar may also be determined from Figures 1, 2 and 3.

Key
X calibre of the shell (mm)
Y internal diameter of the mortar (mm)
Figure 1 — Dimensions of the mortars for spherical shells – Calibre above 100 mm
Key
X calibre of the shell (mm)
Y internal diameter of the mortar (mm)
Figure 2 — Dimensions of the mortars for spherical shells – Calibre up to 100 mm
Key
X calibre of the shell (mm)
Y internal diameter of the mortar (mm)
l = 6 X d + 70
mortar n
l = 4 X d + 120
mortar n
4 X d + 120 ≤ l (mm) ≤ 6 X d + 70
n mortar n
d  nominal calibre
n
Figure 3 — Range of the mortar length for spherical shells
6 Test methods
NOTE Any equivalent method with the same sensitivity and the same accuracy or better might be used.
6.1 Construction and stability
6.1.1 Outer dimension of item
6.1.1.1 Apparatus
— Ruler (see 5.3).
6.1.1.2 Procedure
Use the ruler to measure the outer dimensions of the tested article to the nearest of 1,0 mm and record
the results.
6.1.2 Determination of calibre
6.1.2.1 Apparatus
— Calliper (see 5.2).
6.1.2.2 Procedure
Use the calliper (see 5.2) to measure the calibre of the tested article at least three times at different
positions on the article and to the nearest of 0,1 mm and record the results.
6.1.3 Determination of gross mass
Use the balance (see 5.6) to measure the gross mass of the tested article and record the results.
6.2 Design – Verification
Compare the actual article with the detailed manufacturer’s drawing.
Observe and record any nonconformity.
6.3 Determination of tube angle
6.3.1 Apparatus
Goniometer (see 5.11).
6.3.2 Procedure
For determination of the tube angle, dismantle the functioned article (if necessary) in such a way that
the angle of the tube against the vertical can be measured with goniometer (see Figure 4) and record
the results.
Key
1 base of firework
2 tube of mine, Roman candle or shot tube
Figure 4 — Determination of tube angle
6.4 Angle of ascent and burst height
6.4.1 General
The fireworks shall be fired vertically (firing device at 90° ± 2°).
The measurement of heights may be made according to one of the methods described in Annex B.
6.4.2 Dimensions of mortar
For type and batch tests, defined standard mortars (5.12) shall be used. Tables for the standardized
inside diameter and inside length are given in 5.12.
When the height of a shell casing (excluding the lifting charge) is more than twice the calibre, for all
shells with a calibre greater than 400 mm and for shells that are designed to be fired from a specific
mortar, the mortar recommended by the manufacturer shall be used.
6.4.3 Support of mortar
The mortar shall be supported in such a way that it is not displaced by the firing of the tested article.
No deformable material shall be placed under the mortar.
6.5 Measurement of sound pressure level
6.5.1 Apparatus
— Sound level meter (see 5.8);
— Measuring tape (see 5.4).
6.5.2 Procedure
Set up the microphone of the sound level meter in the test area (Clause 4) at a height of 1,0 m. The
sound level meter shall be orientated to the firing point.
The distance between the measuring and firing point may be the same as for the measuring of the
Rising Height according to 6.4.
Place and ignite the test sample in accordance with the labelled instructions and instructions for use,
and record the maximum A-weighted impulse sound pressure levels as measured by the sound level
meter (see 5.8) and the distance from the firing point (see 5.4).
NOTE An example of the calculation method for safety/protection distance is given in Annex C.
6.6 Extinguishing of flames
6.6.1 Apparatus
— Timing device (see 5.1).
6.6.2 Procedure
At the moment the tested article ceases to function (see 6.10.2), immediately start the timing device
(see 5.1) and record the time until all flames caused by the functioning of the fireworks have
extinguished.
6.7 Visual and audible inspections
The visual inspection shall be done by naked eye.
The audible inspection shall be done by suitably protected ears at the relevant distance.
Record any anomalies.
6.8 Mechanical conditioning
6.8.1 Apparatus
— Shock apparatus (see 5.9);
— Balance (see 5.6);
— Timing Device (see 5.1).
6.8.2 Procedure
Place a sheet of paper on the platform of the mechanical shock apparatus and place the test samples on
the top of the sheet of paper. For articles that are supplied in primary packs, condition the appropriate
number of complete, unopened packs. Cover the test samples or packs and secure the covering to the
platform around its edges. Run the shock apparatus (see 5.9) for 1 h.
At the end of the conditioning period stop the shock apparatus (see 5.9) and remove the test samples or
primary packs. For samples which have been conditioned in primary packs, carefully open the packs,
remove the samples and empty any loose material on to the sheet of paper. Separate any pyrotechnic
composition from the loose material and weigh this pyrotechnic composition with the balance.
Where the tested article contains sealing paper, ignition head(s) and/or friction head(s), record
whether there was any of these damaged or loose after the mechanical conditioning.
6.9 Thermal conditioning
6.9.1 Apparatus
Temperature chamber (see 5.7).
6.9.2 Procedure
Store the fireworks for 2 days at a temperature of (75 ± 2,5) °C or 4 weeks at a temperature of
(50 ± 2,5) °C in the temperature chamber (see 5.7) and then for at least two days at ambient
temperature before testing. For fireworks which were supplied in primary packs, condition the
fireworks by storing the appropriate number of complete unopened packs.
Record if any article presents sign of ignition or chemical reaction. If any signs are visible, the test is
failed and no re-test is possible.
Record whether any articles are damaged to an extent that might affect their functioning.
6.10 Function test
6.10.1 Apparatus
— Test area (see Clause 4);
— Water test area where applicable (see 4.1);
— Mortar (see 5.12).
6.10.2 Procedure
...