prEN 3-7

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2025
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 3-7:2004+A1:2008
Prenosni gasilniki - 7. del: Lastnosti, zahteve za delovanje in preskusne metode
Portable fire extinguishers - Part 7: Characteristics, performance requirements and test
methods
Tragbare Feuerlöscher - Teil 7: Eigenschaften, Leistungsanforderungen und Prüfungen
Extincteurs d'incendie portatifs - Partie 7: Caractéristiques, performances et méthodes
d'essai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 3-7
ICS:
13.220.10 Gašenje požara Fire-fighting
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
May 2025
ICS 13.220.10 Will supersede EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
English Version
Portable fire extinguishers - Part 7: Characteristics,
performance requirements and test methods
Extincteurs d'incendie portatifs - Partie 7: Tragbare Feuerlöscher - Teil 7: Eigenschaften,
Caractéristiques, performances et méthodes d'essai Leistungsanforderungen und Prüfungen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 70.
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, Türkiye 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
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 3-7:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General. 7
4.1 Description of an extinguisher . 7
4.2 Control of discharge . 8
4.3 Operating position . 8
4.4 Hose assembly . 8
4.5 Propellants . 9
4.6 Internal pressure of stored pressure extinguishers . 9
4.7 Maximum mass . 9
4.8 Serviceability . 9
5 Nominal charges, filling tolerances, design of filling opening . 9
5.1 Nominal charges . 9
5.2 Filling tolerances. 9
5.3 Design of the filling opening, excluding carbon dioxide fire extinguishers . 10
6 Testing of extinguishers . 10
6.1 General. 10
6.2 Minimum fire ratings . 11
6.2.1 General. 11
6.2.2 Ratings for Class A fires . 11
6.2.3 Ratings for Class B fires . 12
6.2.4 Ratings for Class F fires . 14
6.3 Duration of operation, residual charge . 14
6.3.1 Duration of operation. 14
6.3.2 Residual charge . 14
6.3.3 Commencement of discharge . 14
6.4 Minimum range of operating temperature . 15
7 Retention of propellant . 15
7.1 Verification . 15
7.1.1 General. 15
7.1.2 Weighing . 15
7.1.3 Pressure measuring methods. 15
7.2 Acceptance levels . 16
7.3 Production leak tests . 16
8 Dielectric test for the discharge of extinguishers . 16
8.1 General. 16
8.2 Class F fire extinguishers . 16
8.3 Dielectric performance . 17
9 Requirements for components . 17
9.1 General. 17
9.2 Operation and control device(s) . 17
9.3 Safety devices . 17
9.4 Hose, hose connectors and nozzle . 18
9.4.1 General . 18
9.4.2 Hose resistance test . 18
9.5 Control valve . 18
10 Means of pressure indication . 19
10.1 Pressure gauge . 19
10.2 Pressure indicator . 20
11 Horns for carbon dioxide extinguishers . 20
12 Extinguisher wall bracket . 21
13 Resistance to corrosion . 21
13.1 Resistance to external corrosion/deterioration . 21
13.2 Resistance to extinguishing medium of extinguishers using water based and gaseous
extinguishing media . 22
13.3 Material compatibility . 22
14 Fire performance . 22
14.1 General . 22
14.2 Class A fire rating . 22
14.3 Class B fire rating . 22
14.4 Class F fire rating . 22
15 Extinguisher identification . 23
15.1 Colour . 23
15.2 Marking . 23
16 Maintenance . 27
17 Documentation . 27
Annex A (normative) Duration of operation, residual charge tests . 28
Annex B (normative) Range of operating temperature . 29
Annex C (normative) Dielectric test . 30
Annex D (normative) Operation and emission control mechanisms/devices . 32
Annex E (normative) Test for performance of the hose . 33
Annex F (normative) Control valve test . 34
Annex G (normative) Test on the horn . 35
Annex H (normative) Resistance to corrosion . 36
Annex I (normative) Fire tests . 37
Annex J (normative) Measurement of moisture content of wood . 49
Annex K (normative) Compaction/shock procedure . 50
Annex L (normative) . 52
Bibliography . 53
European foreword
This document (prEN 3-7:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 70 “Manual means
of firefighting equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This document will supersede EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
EN 3 consists of the following parts, under the general title "Portable fire extinguishers":
— Part 7: Characteristics, performance requirements and test methods
— Part 8: Requirements for the construction, pressure resistance and mechanical tests for extinguishers
with a maximum allowable pressure equal to or lower than 30 bar, which comply with the
requirements of EN 3-7
— Part 9: Additional requirements to EN 3-7 for pressure resistance of CO extinguishers
— Part 10: Provisions for evaluating the conformity of a portable fire extinguisher to EN 3-7
1 Scope
This document specifies the characteristics, performance requirements and test methods for portable
fire extinguishers.
Reference to the suitability of an extinguisher for use on gaseous fires (Class C fires) are at the
manufacturer’s discretion but are applied only to powder type extinguishers which have gained a
Class B or Class A and Class B rating.
Suitability of extinguishers for use on Class D fires (fires involving flammable metals) is outside the
scope of this document in respect of test fires. However, extinguishers claiming Class D suitability are
covered in all other respects by the requirements in this document for powder extinguishers.
It is considered hazardous for powder and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers to be used on Class F fires.
For this reason, powder and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are excluded for conformance with
regard to Class F in this document.
NOTE The extinction of a metal fire presents a situation so specific (in terms of the metal itself, its form, the
configuration of the fire etc.) that it is not possible to define a representative standard fire for the purposes of
testing. The efficiency of extinguishers on Class D fires is established on a case by case basis.
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.
ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres — Salt spray tests
ISO 657-1, Hot-rolled steel sections — Part 1: Equal-leg angles — Dimensions
ISO 4470, Sawn timber — Determination of the average moisture content of a lot
EN 615, Fire protection — Fire extinguishing media — Specifications for powders (other than class D
powders)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
fire extinguisher
appliance containing an extinguishing medium which can be expelled by the action of internal pressure
and be directed on to a fire in a controlled manner
Note 1 to entry: This pressure can be stored pressure or pressure produced by the release of an auxiliary gas
from a cartridge.
Note 2 to entry: Pay attention consistency with EN 1866-1.
3.2
portable fire extinguisher
fire extinguisher which is designed to be carried and operated by hand and which is in working order
having a mass of not more than 20 kg
Note 1 to entry: Throughout this document it is referred to as an “extinguisher”.
3.3
gaseous extinguishing medium
volatile gaseous fire extinguishing medium that does not leave a residue upon evaporation
3.4
body
part of the extinguisher that contains a pressurised extinguishing media immediately prior to discharge
including all pressure retaining materials and permanent joints, but excluding any detachable
accessories, such as hoses, valves and closures
3.5
extinguishing medium
substance contained in the extinguisher intended to extinguish a fire
3.6
charge
mass or volume of the extinguishing medium contained in the extinguisher, expressed as a volume (in
litres) for water-based extinguishers and as a mass (in kilograms) for other extinguishers
Note 1 to entry: Propellants are not considered to be part of the charge.
3.7
water-based extinguisher
extinguisher containing either water, water with additive(s)
Note 1 to entry: This also includes foam and wet chemical.
3.8
powder extinguisher
extinguisher containing fire extinguishing powder
3.9
carbon dioxide extinguisher
extinguisher containing carbon dioxide
3.10
gaseous media extinguisher
extinguisher containing a gaseous extinguishing medium excluding CO (may be referred to as clean
agents)
3.11
duration of operation
time during which the extinguishing medium is discharged with the valve fully open without
interruption not including discharge of residual gas
Note 1 to entry: Pay attention consistency with EN 1866-1.
3.12
residual charge
quantity of medium remaining after continuous complete discharge including all propellant gas
3.13
pressure at maximum operating temperature
P (T ) pressure experimentally measured
max
pressure measured in the extinguisher after stabilisation during at least 24 h at maximum operating
temperature and for cartridge operated extinguishers, the maximum pressure is the maximum pressure
recorded for 0,5 s during a period of three minutes, excluding the first second after release of the
propellant gas
Note 1 to entry: Pay attention consistency with EN 1866-1.
3.14
pressure at minimum operating temperature P(T )
min
pressure measured in the extinguisher after stabilisation during at least 24 h at minimum operating
temperature
Note 1 to entry: This pressure is only measured on stored pressure extinguishers.
3.15
maximum operating temperature
T
max
maximum operating temperature declared by the manufacturer
3.16
minimum operating temperature
T
min
minimum operating temperature declared by the manufacturer
3.17
body cover
a non-pressure bearing cover that covers all or part of the body not including the foot ring/footstand
3.18
clean agent
agent that evaporates after use (excluding water and CO )
Note 1 to entry: Clean is not dealing with environmental or toxicological purposes, regulated by laws.
4 General
4.1 Description of an extinguisher
4.1.1 An extinguisher is categorized by the type of extinguishing medium it contains. At present, there
are:
— water based;
— powder extinguishers;
— carbon dioxide extinguishers;
— gaseous extinguishing media extinguishers included clean agent.
NOTE Examples of such media are given in the EN 15004 series.
Water based extinguishers, containing different proportions of low freeze depressant shall be treated as
separate and distinct models.
4.1.2 An extinguisher consists of the following main components:
a) body with all accessories (see 3.4);
b) body fittings, such as:
— control device(s) with all accessories (see 4.2, 4.3 and 9.1);
— hose assembly (see 4.4 and 9.4) and/or horns and/or nozzles;
— head assembly with all accessories. This also constitutes the main closure (see 5.3);
— operating device with all accessories (see 4.3).
NOTE The head assembly, operating device and control device(s) can be separate or can be incorporated in a
single unit.
c) media (see 4.1.1). For powder extinguisher the media shall be according to EN 615 excluding
powder for Class D extinguishers;
d) propellant or propellant cartridge (see 4.5);
e) mounting bracket (optional);
f) marking and instructions.
4.2 Control of discharge
Extinguishers shall be fitted with a self-closing control valve to enable the discharge to be interrupted
temporarily (see 9.5). A normally open control valve is not allowed.
4.3 Operating position
Extinguishers shall operate without being turned over to an inverted position. The operating device of
an extinguisher shall be located on the top of the extinguisher. A control device at the end of the hose is
permitted. Hand wheel controls of the valve on external propellant cartridges shall be located on the
top 60 % of the extinguisher body.
4.4 Hose assembly
Extinguishers having a mass of extinguishing medium greater than 3 kg, or a volume of extinguishing
medium greater than 3 l shall be provided with a discharge hose.
The discharge hose assembly shall have a flexible section of minimum overall length of 400 mm.
When an extinguisher having a mass of extinguishing medium less than or equal to 3 kg, or a volume of
extinguishing medium less than or equal to 3 l is fitted with a discharge hose, the discharge hose
assembly shall have a flexible section of minimum overall length of 250 mm.
4.5 Propellants
Only propellants listed in Table 1 or mixtures thereof, shall be used. The maximum water content shall
be as specified in Table 1, except when used in stored pressure water-based extinguishers. Tracers may
be added to the propellant to facilitate leakage detection, but the tracer need not be indicated in the
marking.
Table 1 — Permitted propellants
Maximum water content
Propellant
mass fraction, %
Air 0,006
Argon 0,006
Carbon dioxide 0,015
Helium 0,006
Nitrogen 0,006
4.6 Internal pressure of stored pressure extinguishers
Stored pressure extinguishers, except carbon dioxide, shall have a means of continuously indicating the
internal pressure visually. (see 7.1.3.2 and Clause 10).
4.7 Maximum mass
The mass of a fully charged extinguisher shall not exceed 20 kg.
4.8 Serviceability
It shall be possible to open the extinguisher in order to:
— externally and internally inspect the pressure retaining body;
— service and recharge the extinguisher.
5 Nominal charges, filling tolerances, design of filling opening
5.1 Nominal charges
Nominal charges of extinguishers shall be equal to one of the values given in Tables 3 to 8 according to
the nature of the extinguishing medium.
5.2 Filling tolerances
The actual charge of the extinguisher shall be equal to the nominal charge within the tolerances given in
Table 2.
Table 2 — Filling tolerances
Extinguishing medium Relative tolerance
%
Powder
1 kg ± 5
2 kg ± 3
≥ 3 kg ± 2
All other media 0
- 5
5.3 Design of the filling opening, excluding carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
5.3.1 The filling opening shall have a minimum diameter of:
— 20 mm for extinguishers with a charge of less than or equal to 3 kg or 3 l;
— 25 mm for extinguishers with a charge of more than 3 kg or 3 l.
5.3.2 The main closure of the filling opening, intended to be removed during service or maintenance,
shall be provided with an automatic means of venting any residual pressure from the extinguisher. The
initial venting of any residual pressure shall occur when the means of securing the closure, or pressure
retaining part, is disengaged by not more than one third of full engagement.
5.3.3 If the connection between the head and the cylinder is made with thread assembly, the
minimum number of threads to be in full engagement when the extinguisher is fully operational is
three.
6 Testing of extinguishers
6.1 General
Extinguishers for testing shall be stored for at least 24 h at a temperature of (20 ± 5) °C before the tests
are carried out and shall be maintained within this temperature range until tested. Tests shall be
carried out within 5 min of its removal from storage.
Powder extinguishers shall be subjected to the compaction/shock procedure given in Annex K before
the storage period, preceding the duration of operation test, the control valve test, and before the fire
performance test.
All other extinguishers excluded CO shall be subjected to the compaction/shock procedure according
to Annex K only before the storage period preceding the duration of operation test.
NOTE If the compaction process is located in a place following the temperature requirement of the storage
(20 ± 5) °C, the compaction can be performed at any time during the control temperature storage time.
Class D extinguishers are not subject to the requirement of 6.2.
6.2 Minimum fire ratings
6.2.1 General
Fire classes are defined in EN 2.
The minimum fire ratings are specified in Tables 3 to 10, according to the type of extinguishing medium
and the charge.
Fire performance shall be tested in accordance with Clause 14, and the extinguisher shall attain a
Class A rating, a Class B rating, a Class F rating or any combination of these classes of fire, specified in
the relevant table, in accordance with the rating claimed by the manufacturer.
Powder and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers should not be used on Class F fires as their use on this
type of fire is considered hazardous. For this reason, powder and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers shall
neither be tested for Class F capability according to this document nor marked with the “F” use code
symbol.
6.2.2 Ratings for Class A fires
Permitted fire ratings of extinguishers for Class A fires are given in Tables 3, 4 and 5.
NOTE The numbers in the first column of each table refer to the size of the test fire (see Annex I).
Table 3 — Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges
for powder extinguishers
Fire rating Minimum Nominal permitted charges
duration of
operation
s kg
5A 6 1
8A 6 1, 2
13A 9 1, 2, 3, 4
21A 9 2, 3, 4, 6
27A 9 3, 4, 6, 9
34A 12 4, 6, 9
43A 15 6, 9, 12
55A 15 6, 9, 12
Table 4 — Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges for water
based extinguishers
Fire rating Minimum Nominal permitted charges
duration of
operation
s l
5A 6 1, 2, 3
8A 9 1, 2, 3, 6
13A 9 1, 2, 3, 6, 9
21A 9 2, 3, 6, 9
27A 12 3, 6, 9
34A 15 3, 6, 9
43A 15 6, 9
55A 15 6, 9
Table 5 —Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges for gaseous and
clean agent extinguishing mediums extinguishers
Fire rating Minimum Nominal permitted charges
duration of
operation
s l
5A 6 1, 2, 3,4
8A 9 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
13A 9 2, 3, 4, 6, 9
21A 9 3, 4, 6, 9, 12
27A 12 3, 4, 6, 9, 12
34A 15 4, 6, 9, 12
43A 15 6, 9, 12
55A 15 6, 9, 12
6.2.3 Ratings for Class B fires
Permitted fire ratings of extinguishers for Class B fires are given in Tables 6, 7, 8 and 9.
Water based fire extinguishers claiming suitability for use on polar solvent shall additionally pass the
tests specified in Annex I and shall be marked accordingly.
NOTE The numbers in the first column of each table refer to the size of the test fire (see Annex I).
Table 6 —Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges
for powder extinguishers
Fire rating Minimum Nominal permitted charges
duration of
operation
s kg
21B 6 1
34B 6 1, 2
55B 9 1, 2, 3
70B 9 2, 3, 4
89B 9 2, 3, 4
113B 12 2, 3, 4, 6
144B 15 3, 4, 6, 9
183B 15 4, 6, 9, 12
233B 15 4, 6, 9, 12
Table 7 — Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges for water based
extinguishers
Fire rating Minimum Nominal permitted charges
duration of
operation
s l
21B 6 1
34B 6 1, 2
55B 9 1, 2, 3
70B 9 1, 2, 3
89B 9 2, 3
113B 12 2, 3, 6
144B 15 3, 6, 9
183B 15 6, 9
233B 15 6, 9
Table 8 — Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges for CO2
extinguishers
Fire rating Minimum Nominal permitted charges
duration of
operation
s kg
21B 6 2
34B 6 2
55B 9 2, 5
70B 9 5
89B 9 5
113B 12 5
Table 9 — Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges for gaseous and
clean agent extinguishing mediums extinguishers
Fire rating Minimum Nominal permitted charges
duration of
operation
s kg
21B 6 1, 2
34B 6 1, 2,3
55B 9 1, 2, 3, 4
70B 9 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
89B 9 2, 3, 4, 6, 9
113B 12 3, 4, 6, 9, 12
144B 15 3, 4, 6, 9, 12
183B 15 4, 6, 9, 12
233B 15 4, 6, 9, 12
6.2.4 Ratings for Class F fires
Permitted fire ratings of extinguishers for Class F fires are given in Table 10.
NOTE The numbers in the first column of each table refer to the size of the test fire (see Annex I).
Table 10— Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges for F Class
extinguishers
Fire Minimum Nominal
rating duration of permitted
operations charges
s I
5F 6 1, 2
15F 6 1, 2
25F 9 1, 2, 3, 6
40F 12 2, 3, 6, 9
75F 15 2, 3, 6, 9
6.3 Duration of operation, residual charge
6.3.1 Duration of operation
6.3.1.1 Minimum duration
The duration of operation shall be greater than or equal to the appropriate value given in Tables 3 to 10
when the extinguisher is tested according to Annex A after being subjected to the compaction/shock
procedure in accordance with Annex K (see Clause 6).
6.3.1.2 Spread of measurements
When three extinguishers are tested in accordance with Annex A, after being subjected to the
compaction/shock procedure in accordance with Annex K (see Clause 6), the duration of operation of
each extinguisher shall be within 15 % of the average value.
6.3.2 Residual charge
The residual charge (see 3.12) of extinguishing medium shall not be more than 10 % of the nominal
charge when the extinguisher is tested in accordance with Annex A after being subjected to the
compaction/shock procedure in accordance with Annex K (see Clause 6).
6.3.3 Commencement of discharge
When tested in accordance with Annex A, after being subjected to the compaction/shock procedure in
accordance with Annex K, all extinguishers shall operate within 4 s of the control valve being opened.
When testing extinguishers pressurized by a separate action, the control valve shall be operated within
6 s after activation.
6.4 Minimum range of operating temperature
6.3.1 T and T claimed by the manufacturer shall be used for the tests in 6.4.2, 6.4.3 and Annex B.
max min
6.3.2 Extinguishers shall be able to operate between T and T :
max min
— T for all extinguishers shall be 60 °C or higher;
max
— T excluding water-based extinguisher, shall be – 20 °C, - 30 °C or lower;
min
— T for water-based extinguishers shall be + 5 °C, 0 °C, - 5 °C, - 10 °C, - 15 °C, - 20 °C, - 25 °C,
min
- 30 °C or lower. For water extinguishers without any additive T shall be + 5 °C.
min
When tested at T and T temperature limits, in accordance with Annex B, extinguishers shall
max min
conform to the following requirements:
— the discharge shall commence within 10 s of the opening of the control valve;
— except for CO extinguishers, the duration of operation shall be not more than twice the value
established at a temperature of 20 °C. CO extinguishers shall conform to 6.4.3;
— the duration of operation shall be not less than 6s;
— the residual charge shall be not more than 15 % of the nominal charge for extinguishers containing
BC type powder, and not more than 10 % of the nominal charge for extinguishers containing other
media.
6.3.3 The duration of operation of CO extinguishers shall be as follows.
At T the duration of operation shall be not more than the value established at a temperature of 20 °C.
max
At the minimum operating temperature, T , the duration of operation shall be not more than 2,5 times
min
the value established at 20 °C.
7 Retention of propellant
7.1 Verification
7.1.1 General
All extinguishers and propellant cartridges shall be designed in such a way as to permit their retention
of propellant to be checked at regular intervals.
7.1.2 Weighing
The following shall be capable of being checked by weight:
— propellant cartridges;
— CO extinguishers;
— gaseous or clean agent extinguishers.
7.1.3 Pressure measuring methods
7.1.3.1 It shall be possible to check the retention of pressure of a stored pressure extinguisher, with
the exception of carbon dioxide extinguishers, as specified in 7.1.3.1.1. or 7.1.3.1.2.
7.1.3.2. The extinguisher shall be fitted with a pressure gauge conforming to 10.1.
7.1.3.3 The extinguishers shall be fitted with a pressure indicator conforming to 10.2, plus a
connection to enable the internal pressure to be checked directly by an independent apparatus.
Such a connection shall be fitted with a pressure retaining cap and shall communicate directly to the
contents under pressure. Such a pressure retaining cap can be a separate cap or the pressure gauge.
7.2 Acceptance levels
Leakage from an extinguisher, or propellant cartridge, shall not exceed the following:
a) for stored pressure extinguishers a rate less than or equal to 6 % (v/v) of the expanded gas at 20 °C
per year;
NOTE The volume of the expanded gas is the free volume of the gas at 20 °C.
b) for extinguishers and propellant cartridges tested by weighing, a rate of 5 % of the nominal charge
per year;
c) for extinguishers, pressurised only at the moment of operation, after pressurisation a leak
exceeding 5 cm of gas per minute, per kilogram or litre of charge of the extinguisher.
7.3 Production leak tests
All extinguishers and propellant cartridges shall be tested for conformity to 7.2 a) and 7.2 b).
A rate of leakage greater than the limit specified in 7.2 a) or 7.2 b) shall result in the rejection of the
extinguisher or cartridge.
To test for conformity to 7.2 c), samples shall be tested to an appropriate sampling plan.
A rate of leakage greater than the limit specified in 7.2 c) shall result in the rejection of the batch of
extinguishers.
8 Dielectric test for the discharge of extinguishers
8.1 General
The dielectric test, where claimed by the manufacturer, is intended to test water based and clean agent
extinguishers for discharge on live electrical equipment by measurement of the electrical conductivity
of the discharge stream (see Annex C).
Carbon dioxide extinguishers do not need to be subjected to this test.
Where the manufacturer of a powder or a gaseous extinguishing medium declares that it is non-
conductive then it is not required to be submitted to this test.
NOTE 1 Passing the dielectric test is not intended to recommend the use on live electrical equipment but to
limit the risk to the operator in case of such use.
NOTE 2 For the marking requirement see 15.2.
8.2 Class F fire extinguishers
All extinguishers marked as suitable for use on Class F fires shall conform to the requirements of the
dielectric test. See 8.3.
8.3 Dielectric performance
When the extinguisher is in operation and the metallic plate is live, the current between the handle and
earth, and between the nozzle and earth, shall be not more than 0,5 mA at any time during the complete
discharge of the extinguisher.
The test shall be carried out in accordance with Annex C.
9 Requirements for components
9.1 General
With the exception of the safety device specified in 9.3 and the possible release of the hose if fitted, no
component of the fire extinguisher shall require to be mounted, removed or modified before or during
use.
Any action in order to take the extinguisher out of its location (e.g. bracket or cabinet) shall not be taken
into consideration.
9.2 Operation and control device(s)
The activation of the extinguisher shall not depend upon the repetition of a given action on the same
device.
The force or the energy required to activate the operating device(s) shall be no greater than those given
in Table 11 within the whole range of temperature.
Activation means the totality of actions required for pressurization (if the extinguisher is not
permanently under pressure) and the initial release of the extinguishing agent. If a single device can
activate the unit without repetition of movement, it is permissible for the same device to be re-used in
order to control the output. See Annex D.
Table 11 — Force or energy required to activate the operating device(s)
Type of device Maximum force or energy
Force Energy
N J
Finger trigger 100 —
Squeeze grip lever 200 —
a b
Screw down hand wheel 100 —
Strike knob — 2
a
The force shall be measured at the outside edge of the wheel.
b
The maximum rotation of wheel to be 360° to achieve fully opening position.
9.3 Safety devices
Every extinguisher shall be fitted with a safety device.
The safety device shall prevent inadvertent operation. The release of the safety device shall involve an
operation distinct from that of the operating mechanism and shall require a force between the limits of
5 N and 100 N when operated throughout the working temperature range of the extinguisher. Tests for
conformity to these forces shall be carried out at T , 20°C and T .
min max
The safety device shall be so constructed that any unaided manual attempt, using a force or impact
equal to twice the relevant value given in Table 11 to initiate discharge, without first operating this
device, does not deform or break any part of the mechanism in such a way as to prevent the subsequent
discharge of the extinguisher.
The safety device shall also be provided with means to show whether the extinguisher may have been
operated (safety element). This may be in the form of a wire and seal or a mechanism which prevents
re-insertion of the safety element. It shall be possible to see if the safety element has been removed.
9.4 Hose, hose connectors and nozzle
9.4.1 General
The hose, connectors and nozzle shall function throughout the operating temperature range and
coupling systems shall be designed and fitted in such a way that they cannot damage the hose.
The test specified in 9.4.2 shall be carried out on all components of the hose, connectors and nozzle
systems shall be tested up to and including the final discharge orifice. Where a metal threaded nozzle is
used a suitable blanking fitting may be used to fulfil the test requirements. Where a non-metallic nozzle
is present any blanking fitting shall not reinforce and/or aid pressure resistance of the nozzle
9.4.2 Hose resistance test
When tested in accordance with Annex E, the performance of the hose shall conform to a) or b) as
appropriate.
a) For all types except CO extinguishers:
— three times P(T ), the test being carried out at (20 ± 5) °C;
max
— twice P(T ), the test being carried out at (T ± 2) °C and at (T ± 2) °C;
max max min
b) for CO extinguishers:
— 1,5 times P(T ), the test being carried out at (20 ± 5) °C;
max
— 1,25 times P(T ), the test being carried out at (T ± 2) °C and at (T ± 2) °C.
max max min
9.5 Control valve
9.5.1 Extinguishers shall be fitted with a self-closing control valve allowing the discharge of the
extinguishing media to be discontinued. The valve shall be resistant to leakage following the cessation
of the emission as specified in 9.5.2, 9.5.3 or 9.5.4, as applicable.
Testing shall be carried out in accordance with Annex F.
9.5.2 For extinguishers other than 1 kg and 2 kg powder extinguishers and all CO extinguishers the
second value of pressure shall be either, not less than 80 % of the first measured value or not less than
50 % of the pressure measured before opening the control valve.
9.5.3 For 1 kg and 2 kg powder extinguishers the second pressure value shall be not less than 80 % of
the first measured value.
9.5.4 For CO extinguishers the s
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