EN 16712-3:2015

Overview

EN 16712-3:2015 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies requirements for portable foam firefighting equipment, particularly focusing on low and medium expansion hand-held foam branchpipes supplied by fire fighting pumps with a nominal pressure of PN 16. This standard applies to hand-operated firefighting devices used by fire and rescue services to project extinguishing foam efficiently and safely.

The document defines technical specifications, testing procedures, and performance criteria to ensure effective foam generation, durability, and safe operation under firefighting conditions. It enhances interoperability and safety for European firefighting gear, serving manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users.

Key Topics

• Scope
  EN 16712-3 sets the requirements for handheld and self-inducting foam branchpipes for low (expansion ratio < 20) and medium (expansion ratio 20-200) expansion foam applications in fire service operations.

• Types and Designation
  Branchpipes are categorized based on foam expansion and flow rate, ranging from 50 to 800 liters per minute. Designations include type codes (e.g., S 2 for low expansion 200 l/min) and optional self-inducting systems marked with "Y".

• Mechanical Characteristics
  Includes maximum allowable dimensions and mass to ensure easy handling and compatibility, along with operational requirements such as maximum torque for shut-off valves at nominal pressures (up to 16 bar).

• Material Specifications
  Materials must meet durability standards with resistance to foam additives and environmental exposure including heat (up to 55°C) and frost (down to -15°C) tests.

• Hydraulic Performance
  Covers effective throw distance requirements under a 5 bar reference pressure, leak-tightness at 25.5 bar test pressure, and resistance to water hammer effects at burst pressure (60 bar). Foam branchpipes must maintain stable and effective foam projection during firefighting operations.

• Information for Use
  Each unit must include a clear instruction and maintenance handbook, available in print or digital formats, detailing operation, care, and safety guidelines.

Applications

• Fire and Rescue Services
  EN 16712-3 compliant foam branchpipes are critical tools in firefighting for projecting foam to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids and other fire hazards where foam is preferred over water.

• Industrial Fire Protection
  Used in facilities handling flammable substances such as chemical plants, refineries, and fuel storage, enabling rapid deployment of effective foam streams.

• Emergency Response
  Portable foam equipment designed per this standard enables first responders to quickly suppress fires with versatile low and medium expansion foam capabilities.

• Equipment Manufacturing
  Provides manufacturers with harmonized specifications for designing safe, reliable, and interoperable foam branchpipes aligned with European firefighting practices and standards.

Related Standards

• EN 16712 Series
  • Part 1: Inductors PN 16
  • Part 2: Pick-up Tubes
  • Part 4: High Expansion Foam Generators PN 16

These complement Part 3 by covering related components of portable foam firefighting equipment, ensuring comprehensive standardization of foam delivery systems.

• EN 1568-3:2008
  Defines foam expansion classifications referenced within EN 16712-3 for low and medium expansion foam characteristics.

• CEN/TC 192 - Fire and Rescue Service Equipment
  The technical committee responsible for drafting and maintaining firefighting equipment standards within CEN.

Keywords: EN 16712-3, portable foam equipment, handheld foam branchpipes, firefighting pumps, low expansion foam, medium expansion foam, fire rescue equipment, foam projection, European standard, firefighting safety, fire suppression tools, CEN standards.