EN 16265:2015

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2016
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Pyrotechnic articles - Other pyrotechnic articles - Ignition devices
Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Sonstige pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Anzündmittel
Articles pyrotechniques - Autres articles pyrotechniques - Dispositifs de mise à feu
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 16265:2015
ICS:
71.100.30 Eksplozivi. Pirotehnika Explosives. Pyrotechnics
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 16265
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
December 2015
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 71.100.30
English Version
Pyrotechnic articles - Other pyrotechnic articles - Ignition
devices
Articles pyrotechniques - Autres articles Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Sonstige pyrotechnische
pyrotechniques - Dispositifs de mise à feu Gegenstände - Anzündmittel
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 10 October 2015.

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. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists 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, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2015 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 16265:2015 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
3.1 General terms . 8
3.2 Technical terms . 8
4 Categories and types of ignition devices . 14
4.1 Generic types . 14
4.2 Subtypes . 14
4.3 Conditions determining whether an article is P1 or P2 . 16
4.3.1 Igniters . 16
4.3.2 Components for pyrotechnic trains . 16
4.3.3 Pyrotechnic cords and fuses. 16
4.3.4 Delay fuses . 16
4.3.5 Fuzes . 17
5 Requirements . 17
5.1 Verification of construction and design . 17
5.1.1 General . 17
5.1.2 Incompatible substances . 17
5.1.3 Igniters . 17
5.1.4 Delay fuses . 18
5.1.5 Fuzes and components for pyrotechnic trains . 18
5.2 Verification of labelling and instructions for use . 18
5.3 Verification of specified functioning characteristics . 18
5.3.1 General . 18
5.3.2 Igniters . 18
5.3.3 Components of pyrotechnic trains . 19
5.3.4 Delay fuses, pyrotechnic cords and fuses . 19
5.3.5 Fuzes . 20
5.4 Thermal stability . 20
5.5 Safety features . 20
5.6 Sensitivity to normal, foreseeable handling and transportation . 20
5.7 Resistance to moisture . 21
5.8 Resistance to mechanical damage . 21
5.8.1 Leading wires of electric igniters and electrically triggered fuzes . 21
5.8.2 Leading optical fibre of optical igniters and optically triggered fuzes . 21
5.8.3 Crush test . 22
5.8.4 Pyrotechnic cords and fuses. 22
5.9 All-Fire / No-Fire levels of igniters . 22
5.10 Series firings of electric igniters . 23
5.11 Electrical characteristics . 23
5.12 Electrostatic discharge . 23
5.13 Sensitivity of pyrotechnic composition . 23
5.14 Type testing . 23
5.14.1 General . 23
5.14.2 Number of items to be tested . 23
5.14.3 Test report . 25
5.15 Batch testing . 25
5.15.1 General . 25
5.15.2 Sampling plans. 25
5.15.3 Sample size for small batches (destructive tests) . 26
5.15.4 Nonconformities . 27
5.15.5 Labelling and instructions for use . 28
5.15.6 Test report . 28
5.15.7 Acceptance or rejection of a batch . 28
6 Test methods . 29
6.1 General . 29
6.2 Apparatus . 29
6.2.1 Calliper . 29
6.2.2 Ruler . 29
6.2.3 Balance . 29
6.2.4 Climatic chamber . 29
6.2.5 Sound level meter . 29
6.2.6 Electric firing sources . 29
6.2.7 Time-measuring equipment . 30
6.2.8 Optical sensors . 30
6.2.9 Pressure sensors . 30
6.2.10 Video camera . 30
6.2.11 Stills photographic camera . 30
6.2.12 Microphone . 30
6.2.13 Shock apparatus . 30
6.2.14 Drop-test apparatus. 30
6.2.15 Ohmmeters . 30
6.2.16 ESD generator . 31
6.2.17 Magnifying equipment . 31
6.2.18 Transparent type size sheet . 31
6.3 Test methods . 31
6.3.1 Construction . 31
6.3.2 Verification of design . 31
6.3.3 Verification of labelling and instructions for use . 32
6.3.4 Initiation (or reaction) time . 32
6.3.5 Closed vessel test . 33
6.3.6 Aspect of flame or flow of reacting species . 35
6.3.7 Fire transmission . 37
6.3.8 Linear burning rate or delay time . 38
6.3.9 Thermal conditioning . 41
6.3.10 Mechanical conditioning . 41
6.3.11 Mechanical impact (drop test) . 42
6.3.12 Resistance of leading wires to abrasion . 43
6.3.13 Resistance of leading wires or fibres to traction . 50
6.3.14 Crush test . 52
6.3.15 Resistance of cords and fuses to tension . 54
6.3.16 Series firing of electric igniters . 55
6.3.17 Electrical resistance of electric igniters . 56
6.3.18 Insulation resistance of electric igniters . 56
6.3.19 Electrostatic discharge . 57
6.3.20 Sensitivity testing . 59
6.3.21 Water immersion test . 63
6.3.22 Determination of the detonative / non- detonative characteristics . 63
6.3.23 Visual examination . 64
7 Minimum labelling requirements and instructions for use . 64
7.1 General . 64
7.2 Labelling requirements . 64
7.2.1 Name and type . 64
7.2.2 CE marking and identification number . 64
7.2.3 Category and registration number . 64
7.2.4 Age limit and specialist knowledge labelling . 65
7.2.5 Net Explosive Content . 65
7.2.6 Details on manufacturer or importer . 65
7.2.7 “Use by” date . 65
7.2.8 Printing . 65
7.2.9 Marking of very small items . 66
7.2.10 Ignition input . 66
7.3 Instructions for use . 66
Annex A (informative) Bruceton method . 68
A.1 General . 68
A.2 Procedure. 68
A.3 Calculation of results . 68
A.4 Values at 95 % confidence level . 69
A.5 Example . 70
A.6 Curves of G and H functions . 72
A.7 Table of Student-t distribution. 72
Annex B (informative) Dichotomic (or Langlie) method . 74
B.1 General . 74
B.2 Procedure. 74
B.3 Calculation of results . 75
B.4 Values at 95 % confidence level . 78
B.5 Example . 79
Annex C (informative) Mechanical Conditioning (Shock Apparatus) . 83
Annex D (informative) Mechanical Impact Test (Drop Test) . 86
Annex E (informative) Adjustment of the ESD generator . 87
E.1 Apparatus . 87
E.2 Procedure. 88
Annex F (informative) Specification of grinding steel for wire abrasion test . 89
F.1 Type . 89
F.2 Material . 89
F.3 Dimensions . 89
F.4 Availability of abrasive strips (informative) . 91
Annex G (normative) Determination of the duration of accelerated ageing test to
demonstrate the correct functioning at the “use by ” date . 92
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2007/23/EC on the placing on the market of
pyrotechnic articles . 95
Annex ZB (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2013/29/EU on the placing on the market
of pyrotechnic articles . 97
Bibliography . 98

European foreword
This document (EN 16265:2015) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 212 “Pyrotechnic
articles”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by June 2016, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by June 2016.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
This European standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential safety requirements of EU Directive
2007/23/EC and 2013/29/EU on the placing on the market of pyrotechnic articles.
For relationship with EU Directives 2007/23/EC and 2013/29/EU on the placing on the market of
pyrotechnic articles, see informative Annexes ZA and ZB, which are an integral part of this document.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
1 Scope
This European Standard defines the terms and specifies the requirements, means of categorization, test
methods, minimum labelling requirements and instructions for use, for ignition devices (except ignition
devices for pyrotechnic articles for vehicles) of the following generic types:
— igniters;
— components for pyrotechnic trains;
— pyrotechnic cords and fuses;
— delay fuses;
— fuzes.
NOTE Safety fuses are subject to Directive 93/15/EEC and therefore not considered in this European
Standard.
This European Standard does not apply for articles containing pyrotechnic compositions that include
any of the following substances:
— arsenic or arsenic compounds;
— polychlorobenzenes;
— mercury compounds;
— white phosphorus;
— picrates or picric acid.
This European Standard does not apply to pyrotechnic articles that contain detonative explosives other
than black powder and/or flash composition, except igniters if these detonative explosives:
— can be easily extracted from the pyrotechnic article, or
— can initiate secondary explosives, or
— can function in a detonative manner, although the article is not designed to detonate and the article
belongs to the category P2.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO 13385-1, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) — Dimensional measuring equipment — Part
1: Callipers; Design and metrological characteristics (ISO 13385-1)
EN 61672-1, Electroacoustics — Sound level meters — Part 1: Specifications (IEC 61672-1)
ISO 2859-1, Sampling procedures for inspection by attributes — Part 1: Sampling schemes indexed by
acceptance quality limit (AQL) for lot-by-lot inspection
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1 General terms
3.1.1
type
sample representative of the production envisaged
3.1.2
generic type
set of articles with common, very general, design features and/or with common characteristic effects
3.1.3
subtype
set of articles within a generic type with specific design features
3.1.4
individual item
article within a generic type and/or subtype for which every possible feature and characteristic has
been fixed
Note 1 to entry: Each feature and characteristic will be specified in the technical name or a technical data sheet,
as appropriate.
3.1.5
technical name
general description of an individual item
3.2 Technical terms
3.2.1
Acceptance Quality Limit
AQL
quality level that is the worst tolerable process average when a continuing series of lots is submitted for
acceptance sampling
3.2.2
acceptor charge
acceptor component
charge of pyrotechnic composition or component receiving a stimulus from another charge (See “donor
charge”)
Note 1 to entry: The term acceptor charge is also known as acceptor component.
3.2.3
all-fire current
minimum current (generally expressed in Amperes DC) needed to ensure that an electric igniter is fired
within a given time frame (See “All-fire level”)
3.2.4
all-fire level
minimum level of the initiation input (e.g. electric current in Amperes, mechanical force in Newtons,
optical power in Watts, etc.) needed to ensure that an igniter or an ignition device is fired within a given
time frame
Note 1 to entry: All-fire level is a characteristic given in the instructions for use of every igniter. It is generally
associated with a probability level (e.g. 99,9 % at 95 % confidence level) within a specified time frame (e.g. 50 ms).
3.2.5
ancillary equipment
any device which does not form part of a pyrotechnic article, but which is supplied with it and is
required in order that the article functions safely and correctly when used in accordance with the
instructions for use
3.2.6
batch test
test performed on one or more sample(s) of products taken at random from a production batch to check
compliance with a given specification
Note 1 to entry: Batch testing needs all products in the production batch to comply with the characteristics the
standard requires to ensure homogeneity of the whole batch. It aims at proving all products which are placed on
the market are in conformity with the type which is described in the EC type-examination certificate and have
been successfully submitted to type tests determined by the standard.
3.2.7
black powder
intimate mixture of charcoal and sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate with or without sulfur
3.2.8
booster
pyrotechnic device used as a donor charge to amplify the energy supplied to the acceptor charge
3.2.9
bridgewire
resistive element connecting the leading wires inside an electric igniter or primer
3.2.10
burning time
time in seconds for a defined mass or length of pyrotechnic composition to burn from its ignition to its
consumption
3.2.11
critical nonconformity
nonconformity that judgement and experience indicate is likely to result in hazardous or unsafe
conditions
Note 1 to entry: This type of nonconformity is referred to as a 'class A nonconformity' in ISO 2859-1.
3.2.12
critical nonconforming unit
nonconforming unit with one or more critical nonconformities, with or without major or minor
nonconformities
3.2.13
deflagration
reaction of fast combustion through a pyrotechnic composition at subsonic velocity in the reacting
explosive
3.2.14
delay fuse duration
time delay of a delay fuse
3.2.15
detonation
reaction which propagates through an explosive at supersonic velocity in the reacting explosive
3.2.16
detonative explosive
substance or mixture of substances which can undergo a fast internal decomposition reaction leading to
a detonation in normal use
3.2.17
donor charge
charge of pyrotechnic composition supplying a stimulus to another charge (See “acceptor charge”)
3.2.18
electrostatic discharge
ESD
sudden and momentary electric current that flows between two objects at different electrical potentials
3.2.19
explosive
chemical substance or mixture of chemical substances as defined in Article 1 paragraph 2 of
Directive 93/15/EEC
3.2.20
firework
pyrotechnic article intended for entertainment purposes, as defined by Art. 2 No. 3 of
Directive 2007/23/EC
3.2.21
firing current
constant electrical direct current required to reliably initiate functioning of an electric igniter or primer
3.2.22
friction head
ignition head designed to be ignited by friction
3.2.23
fusehead
part of an electric igniter consisting of one or more pairs of metal conductors, bridged by fine resistance
wire(s), and coated with a pyrotechnic composition which initiates when the firing current is passed
through the bridgewire(s)
3.2.24
gross mass
total mass of a pyrotechnic article (not including any ancillary equipment)
3.2.25
ignition head
initial fuse consisting of pyrotechnic composition only
3.2.26
ignition tube
tube usually containing a thin pyrotechnic charge on the inner wall capable on activation of
transmitting a deflagration effect from one end of the tube to the other at a subsonic velocity
3.2.27
incompatible substances
substances or materials that react together resulting in unsafe conditions
3.2.28
linear burning rate
length of pyrotechnic composition in millimetres or metres divided by the burning time in seconds
3.2.29
main charge
pyrotechnic composition which produces the principal effect
3.2.30
major nonconformity
nonconformity, other than a critical nonconformity, which is likely to result in failure, to reduce
materially the usability of the pyrotechnic article, or to increase the potential hazard
Note 1 to entry: This type of nonconformity is referred to as a “class B nonconformity” in ISO 2859-1.
3.2.31
major nonconforming unit
nonconforming unit with one or more major nonconformities, with or without minor nonconformities,
but with no critical nonconformities
3.2.32
minor nonconformity
nonconformity that is not likely to reduce materially the usability of the pyrotechnic article
Note 1 to entry: This type of nonconformity is referred to as a “class C nonconformity” in ISO 2859-1.
3.2.33
minor nonconforming unit
nonconforming unit with one or more minor nonconformities, but with no critical or major
nonconformities
3.2.34
misfire
incomplete functioning or non-functioning of a pyrotechnic article after application of initiation
stimulus
3.2.35
Net Explosive Content
NEC
total mass of explosive material in a pyrotechnic article
3.2.36
no-fire current
maximum current (generally expressed in Amperes DC) that can be applied without causing an electric
igniter to function within a specified time period (See “No-fire level”)
3.2.37
no-fire level
maximum level of the initiation input (e.g. electric current in Amperes, mechanical force in Newtons,
optical power in Watts, etc.) that can be applied without causing an igniter to function within a specified
time period
Note 1 to entry: No-fire level is a characteristic given in the instructions for use of every igniter. It is generally
associated with a probability level (e.g. 99,9 % at 95 % confidence level) within a specified time frame (e.g. 50 ms).
3.2.38
nonconforming unit
pyrotechnic article with one or more nonconformities
3.2.39
nonconformity
non-fulfilment of a requirement
3.2.40
other pyrotechnic article
pyrotechnic article other than fireworks, theatrical pyrotechnic articles and pyrotechnic articles for
vehicles
3.2.41
“pin-to-case” configuration
configuration in which the ESD occurs between the two short-circuited leading wire ends and the
igniter casing or between the pins and the casing of the connector of the igniter
3.2.42
“pin-to-pin” configuration
configuration in which the ESD occurs through the bridgewire of the igniter
3.2.43
primary pack
package of one or more pyrotechnic articles, offered for retail sale as a single unit
Note 1 to entry: A primary pack is neither necessarily the smallest piece of packaging nor a full enclosure: for
instance, pyrotechnic cords and fuses are often delivered coiled around a reel as the smallest piece of retail sale.
3.2.44
principal effect
main effect a pyrotechnic article is designed to produce, as defined by the manufacturer
3.2.45
pyrotechnic component
any component of a pyrotechnic article which contains one or more pyrotechnic compositions
3.2.46
pyrotechnic composition
explosive substance or mixture of explosive substances which is designed, on ignition or initiation, to
produce heat, light, sound, gas or smoke or a combination of such effects through self-sustained
exothermic chemical reactions
3.2.47
pyrotechnic delay
pyrotechnic device designed in such a manner that it generates a delay in the transmission of ignition in
a pyrotechnic train
Note 1 to entry: Delay fuses are specific examples of such pyrotechnic delays (see “Delay fuse”).
3.2.48
pyrotechnic device
any device containing pyrotechnic composition(s) which determine its principal effect
3.2.49
pyrotechnic operation
any operation which leads to the direct application of a mechanical, thermal and/or chemical stress on a
pyrotechnic composition without intending to ignite or initiate the article at the time the stress is
applied
3.2.50
pyrotechnic train
set of pyrotechnic components which are functionally linked and, after an initial input of energy,
function in a designed sequence to transmit, enhance and/or distribute ignition to one or more other
pyrotechnic components
3.2.51
relay
charge of pyrotechnic composition that is used to transmit ignition
3.2.52
safe test current
maximum electrical current (generally expressed in Amperes DC) that can be applied without causing
an electric igniter to function regardless of the duration
3.2.53
safety friction tip
friction head that can only be ignited when rubbed against a striker component containing a chemical
substance with which it reacts, such as red phosphorus, or a combination of such a chemical substance
and an abrasive surface
3.2.54
safety fuse
article consisting of a core of fine-grained black powder surrounded by a flexible woven fabric with one
or more protective coverings
Note 1 to entry Other names: safety cord, fuse cord, mine or mining fuse. This article is subject to
Directive 93/15/EEC and to the corresponding European Standard EN 13630.
3.2.55
slag
condensed reaction products resulting from the combustion of pyrotechnic composition(s)
3.2.56
type test
test performed on a sample of products, representative of the production envisaged, in order to
demonstrate their compliance with the essential safety requirements of Annex I and the relevant
provisions of the Directive 2007/23/EC
Note 1 to entry: The successful submission to type tests leads to the attribution of a EC type-examination
certificate.
3.2.57
use by date
latest date by which an article shall be used if it is to safely exhibit the performance characteristics
described in the manufacturer’s or importer’s specifications
4 Categories and types of ignition devices
4.1 Generic types
The generic types are defined as follows:
4.1.1 Igniter: Article containing pyrotechnic composition(s) used to initiate combustion or
deflagration. They may be actuated by chemical, electrical, optical or mechanical means.
NOTE Complex igniters (e.g. some integral rocket igniters) are not considered as subtypes of “igniters”, but
linked to “gas generators” or “heaters” (see EN 16263–1, EN 16263−2, EN 16263−3, EN 16263−4 and
EN 16263−5).
4.1.2 Component for pyrotechnic trains: Article, excluding the other generic types containing
pyrotechnic composition(s) designed to transmit a pyrotechnic reaction or effect within a pyrotechnic
train. They can include bursting charges and lift charges.
4.1.3 Pyrotechnic cord and fuse: Article consisting of black powder or other pyrotechnic
composition(s) either coated on a supporting medium and/or inside a tube with or without a protective
covering.
4.1.4 Delay fuse: Article consisting of a casing with a core of compacted pyrotechnic composition.
Designed to transmit ignition over a time period.
4.1.5 Fuse: Device which incorporates mechanical, electrical, chemical or hydrostatic components
and one or more pyrotechnic composition(s) to initiate a pyrotechnic train.
4.2 Subtypes
The generic types can include the following subtypes:
4.2.1 Black match: Pyrotechnic cord and fuse consisting of textile yarns covered with black powder or
another fast burning pyrotechnic composition. It burns progressively along its length with an external
flame and is used to transmit ignition.
4.2.2 Cord igniter: Pyrotechnic cord and fuse consisting of a core of pyrotechnic composition
surrounded by a flexible woven fabric, plastic or similar close fitting sheath. It burns progressively
along its length with an external flame and is used to transmit ignition.
4.2.3 Delay element: Delay fuse consisting of a core of fine grained black powder surrounded by a
flexible woven fabric with or without one or more protective outer coverings.
NOTE Frequently, when used as a component of fireworks, it is axially inserted into a solid rigid part.
4.2.4 Delay igniter: Igniter with a delay unit designed to transmit ignition over a time period.
NOTE The delay unit may be either pyrotechnic – a delay fuse – or non-pyrotechnic (e.g. electronic).
4.2.5 Electric igniter: Electrically actuated igniter. Electric current is used to heat a resistive element
(e.g. bridge wire). The sensitive pyrotechnic composition in contact with the resistive element is ignited
by heat transfer. The article initiates a pyrotechnic train or component by the deflagration that is
generated.
4.2.6 Ignition cartridge: See “squib”.
4.2.7 Ignition tube: Pyrotechnic cord and fuse as defined in 3.2.27.
4.2.8 Mechanical igniter: Mechanically actuated igniter. A mechanical signal (e.g. percussion,
friction) is used to ignite a pyrotechnic composition sensitive to the mechanical signal. The article
initiates a pyrotechnic train or component by the deflagration of th
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