ISO 12239:2010

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12239
Second edition
2010-12-15


Smoke alarms using scattered light,
transmitted light or ionization
Détecteurs de fumée à lumière dispersée, lumière transmise
ou ionisation




Reference number
ISO 12239:2010(E)
©
ISO 2010

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ISO 12239:2010(E)
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ISO 12239:2010(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction.vi
1 Scope.1
2 Normative references.1
3 Terms and definitions .2
4 General requirements .4
4.1 Compliance .4
4.2 Alarm condition .4
4.3 Mains-on visual indicator .5
4.4 Fault condition visual indicator — Optional function.5
4.5 Smoke alarm signals.5
4.6 Test facility.5
4.7 Means of calibration.5
4.8 User-replaceable components .5
4.9 Primary power source.5
4.10 Secondary power source.6
4.11 Battery connections.6
4.12 User-replaceable battery.7
4.13 Electrical safety .7
4.14 Connection of external ancillary devices.7
4.15 Terminals for external conductors .7
4.16 Protection against the ingress of foreign bodies .7
4.17 Interconnectable smoke alarms — Optional function.8
4.18 Alarm-silence facility — Optional function.8
4.19 Radioactive material in type B smoke alarms .8
4.20 Smoke alarms with voice — Optional function .8
4.21 Marking.9
4.22 Data.10
4.23 Additional requirements for software controlled smoke alarms.11
5 Tests .12
5.1 General .12
5.2 Directional dependence.16
5.3 Initial sensitivity.16
5.4 Repeatability .16
5.5 Air movement.17
5.6 Dazzling .17
5.7 Dry heat (operational) .18
5.8 Cold (operational).19
5.9 Damp heat (operational) .20
5.10 Sulfur dioxide (SO ) corrosion .21
2
5.11 Impact (operational) .22
5.12 Vibration, sinusoidal (operational) .23
5.13 Vibration, sinusoidal (endurance) .24
5.14 Extended temperature (operational) — Optional function.25
5.15 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) immunity tests (operational) .25
5.16 Fire sensitivity .26
5.17 Battery-low condition.27
5.18 85 dBA Sound output — Optional function .28
5.19 70 dBA Sound output — Optional function .29
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ISO 12239:2010(E)
5.20 Sounder durability . 30
5.21 Interconnectable smoke alarms. 31
5.22 Alarm-silence facility. 32
5.23 Variation in supply voltage. 32
5.24 Polarity reversal. 33
5.25 Secondary power source . 34
5.26 Electrical safety. 34
5.27 Sequence timing for smoke alarms with voice. 35
6 Test report . 36
Annex A (normative) Smoke tunnel for response-threshold value measurement. 37
Annex B (normative) Test aerosol for response threshold value measurements . 38
Annex C (normative) Smoke-measuring instruments. 39
Annex D (normative) Apparatus for dazzling test. 43
Annex E (normative) Apparatus for impact test . 44
Annex F (normative) Fire test room . 46
Annex G (normative) Smouldering pyrolysis wood fire (TF2). 48
Annex H (normative) Glowing smouldering cotton fire (TF3) . 51
Annex I (normative) Flaming plastics (polyurethane) fire (TF4). 53
Annex J (normative) Flaming liquid (n-heptane) fire (TF5). 55
Annex K (informative) Information concerning the construction of the smoke tunnel . 56
Annex L (informative) Information concerning the construction of the measuring ionization
chamber. 58

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ISO 12239:2010(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 12239 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 21, Equipment for fire protection and fire fighting,
Subcommittee SC 3, Fire detection and alarm systems.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 12239:2003), which has been technically
revised.
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ISO 12239:2010(E)
Introduction
This International Standard for smoke alarms is drafted on the basis of functions that are to be provided on all
smoke alarms covered by this standard, and optional functions with requirements which may be provided. It is
intended that the options shall be used for specific applications, as recommended in application guidelines.
Each optional function is included as a separate entity, with its own set of associated requirements, in order to
permit smoke alarms covered by this standard with different combinations of functions to conform to this
International Standard.
Two optional sound output levels are specified in this International Standard. The options allow national
regulators to specify minimum sound output levels (70 dBA or 85 dBA) as required under national regulations.
Two optional sound output patterns are specified in this International Standard. The options allow national
regulators to choose a sound pattern complying with ISO 8201 or ISO 7731 depending on the desired
response by building occupants to an alarm condition.
An optional extended temperature-range test is included for smoke alarms installed in areas subject to a
greater temperature range, such as leisure accommodation vehicles.
Other functions may also be provided, even if not specified in this International Standard, if they do not
jeopardize any function required by this document.


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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12239:2010(E)

Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light
or ionization
IMPORTANT — Certain types of smoke alarms contain radioactive materials. The national
requirements for radiation protection differ from country to country and they are not specified in this
International Standard. Such smoke alarms should, however, comply with the applicable national
standards, which should be consistent with the recommendations of the Nuclear Energy Agency
(NEA) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies requirements, test methods, performance criteria, and manufacturer's
instructions for smoke alarms that operate using scattered light, transmitted light, or ionization, and are
intended for household or similar residential applications.
For the testing of other types of smoke alarms, or smoke alarms working on different principles, this
International Standard should be used only for guidance. Smoke alarms with special characteristics and
developed for specific risks are not covered by this International Standard.
This International Standard allows, although it does not require, the inclusion within the smoke alarm of
facilities for the following:
⎯ visual alarm condition indication;
⎯ visual fault condition indication;
⎯ extended temperature-range operation;
⎯ interconnection with other similar smoke alarms or accessories;
⎯ alarm-silencing facility.
Where such facilities are included, this International Standard specifies applicable requirements.
This International Standard does not cover devices intended for incorporation in systems using separate
control and indicating equipment. Such systems are specified in all parts of ISO 7240.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 209, Aluminium and aluminium alloys — Chemical composition
ISO 2919, Radiation protection — Sealed radioactive sources — General requirements and classification
ISO 7240-3, Fire detection and alarm systems — Part 3: Audible alarm devices
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ISO 12239:2010(E)
ISO 7731, Ergonomics — Danger signals for public and work areas — Auditory danger signals
ISO 8201, Acoustics — Audible emergency evacuation signal
EN 50130-4, Alarm systems — Part 4: Electromagnetic compatibility — Product family standard: Immunity
requirements for components of fire, intruder and social alarm systems
IEC 60065:2005, Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus — Safety requirements
IEC 60068-1, Environmental testing — Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-1, Environmental testing — Part 2-1: Tests — Test A: Cold
IEC 60068-2-2, Environmental testing — Part 2-2: Tests — Test B: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-6, Environmental testing — Part 2-6: Tests — Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-42, Environmental testing — Part 2-42: Tests — Test Kc: Sulphur dioxide test for contacts and
connections
IEC 60068-2-78, Environmental testing — Part 2-78: Tests — Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state
IEC 60950-1:2005, Information technology equipment — Safety — Part 1: General requirements
IEC 61672-1:2002, Electroacoustics — Sound level meters — Part 1: Specifications
OECD, Recommendations for ionization chamber smoke detectors in implementation of radiation protection
standards. Nuclear Energy Agency, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris, France.
1977
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
aerosol density
smoke density
amount of particulates per volume as described operationally by one of two parameters:
⎯ m (3.9)
⎯ y (3.18)
NOTE These parameters are not concentrations sensu stricto, but represent values which are proportional to the
concentration and have been shown to function in lieu of a true concentration value for the purposes of these tests.
3.2
alarm condition
audible signal specified by the manufacturer as indicating the existence of a fire
3.3
alarm-silence facility
means of temporarily disabling or desensitizing a smoke alarm
3.4
battery-low condition
combination of battery voltage and series resistance which results in a fault warning
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ISO 12239:2010(E)
3.5
fault condition
condition in which the smoke alarm is affected by an adverse condition of a component
3.6
fault warning
audible signal specified by the manufacturer as indicating the existence of an actual or incipient fault that may
prevent an alarm condition
3.7
interconnectable smoke alarm
smoke alarm which may be interconnected with other smoke alarms to provide a common alarm condition
3.8
least sensitive orientation
point of rotation, relative to air flow, about the vertical axis where a detector produces the maximum response
threshold value
3.9
m
absorbance index
measured light attenuation characterizing the concentration of particulates in smoke or an aerosol
NOTE The equation for m is given in Annex C.
3.10
most sensitive orientation
point of rotation, relative to air flow, about the vertical axis where a detector produces the minimum response
threshold value
3.11
normal condition
condition in which the smoke alarm is supplied with power but is not giving either an alarm condition or a fault
condition, although able to give such signals if the occasion arises
3.12
primary power source
source of power intended to supply the smoke alarm
3.13
response threshold
A
th
smoke concentration at which the smoke alarm changes to its alarm condition
3.14
secondary power source
source of power intended to supply the smoke alarm in the event that the primary power source is unavailable
3.15
smoke alarm
device containing within one housing all the components, except possibly the power source, necessary for
detecting smoke and generating an alarm condition
3.16
type A smoke alarm
type A
smoke alarm that does not contain radioactive materials
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ISO 12239:2010(E)
3.17
type B smoke alarm
type B
smoke alarm containing radioactive materials
3.18
y
dimensionless variable, reflecting the change in the current flowing in an ionization chamber as a known
function of the concentration of particulates in the smoke or aerosol
NOTE The equation for y is given in Annex C.
4 General requirements
4.1 Compliance
In order to comply with this International Standard, the smoke alarm shall meet the requirements of this clause,
shall be tested as specified in Clause 5 and shall meet the requirements of the tests.
4.2 Alarm condition
4.2.1 Aural indicator
4.2.1.1 Signal pattern
4.2.1.1.1 Where the smoke alarm is used to alert occupants to evacuate the area, the alarm condition shall
be the emergency evacuation signal defined in ISO 8201.
4.2.1.1.2 Where the smoke alarm is used to alert occupants to investigate the area for the cause of the
alarm condition, the alarm condition shall be the auditory danger signal defined in ISO 7731.
4.2.1.2 Signal level — Optional function
The alarm condition aural indicator shall commence sounding at a level not greater than 45 dBA, rising
gradually to the maximum level of not more than 105 dBA over a period of between 3 s to 10 s (see 5.18 and
5.19).
4.2.1.3 Signal frequency characteristics — Optional function
The audible alarm signal shall have a fundamental frequency of 520 Hz with odd harmonics to approximate a
square wave.
4.2.2 Visual indicator
4.2.2.1 Interconnectable smoke alarms
Interconnectable smoke alarms shall be provided with an integral red visual indicator, by which the individual
smoke alarm, when in alarm condition, may be identified. Visual indicators shall not operate on interconnected
smoke alarms that have not detected smoke.This visual indicator may also perform other additional functions,
but the alarm indication needs to be distinct from any additional function.
4.2.2.2 Non-interconnectable smoke alarms — Optional function
Smoke alarms that do not include an interconnection function shall be provided with an integral red visual
alarm condition indicator. The indicator shall flash or be continuously illuminated when the alarm condition is
present. The indicator may be combined with the fault condition visual indicator. The failure of any visual
alarm condition indicator shall not prevent the alarm condition.
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ISO 12239:2010(E)
4.3 Mains-on visual indicator
A smoke alarm intended for connection to the a.c. mains shall be provided with a mains-on visual indicator.
The indicator shall be continuously illuminated when the mains power is present. The indicator shall be green.
4.4 Fault condition visual indicator — Optional function
The smoke alarm shall be provided with an integral amber or yellow visual fault condition indicator. The
indicator shall flash or be continuously illuminated when the fault condition is present. The indicator may be
combined with the alarm condition visual indicator. The failure of any visual fault condition indicator shall not
prevent the alarm condition.
4.5 Smoke alarm signals
The following conditions shall apply to smoke alarms which employ features in addition to the requirements of
this International Standard.
⎯ The alarm condition shall take precedence over any other signal, even when such other signal is initiated
first.
⎯ The alarm signal shall be distinctive from the signals of non-alarm condition functions. Use of a common
sounder is permitted if distinctive signals are obtained.
⎯ If an aural fault condition is provided, it shall be distinctive from alarm condition signals but may be
common to all functions employed.
⎯ Any fault condition associated with features, in addition to the requirements of this International Standard,
shall not interfere with the operation and supervision of the smoke alarm.
4.6 Test facility
A test facility shall be provided to simulate the ability of the sensing assembly to detect the presence of smoke.
The test facility shall be accessible from outside the smoke alarm when installed as specified in the installation
instructions.
4.7 Means of calibration
The manufacturer's means of calibration shall not be readily adjustable after manufacture.
4.8 User-replaceable components
Except for batteries or fuses, a smoke alarm shall have no user-replaceable or serviceable components.
4.9 Primary power source
4.9.1 General
The primary power source of the smoke alarm may be internal or external to the smoke alarm housing.
4.9.2 Internal
Where the primary power source is internal to the smoke alarm, the source shall meet the following
requirements:
a) be capable of supplying the quiescent load of the smoke alarm together with the additional load resulting
from weekly operation of the test facility of 10 s for at least 1 year before the battery-low condition is
given;
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ISO 12239:2010(E)
b) provide a distinctive battery-low condition before the battery is incapable of operating for alarm condition
purposes (see 5.17);
c) at the point when a battery-low condition commences, have sufficient capacity for the smoke alarm to
produce an alarm condition, as specified in 5.18 or 5.19 as appropriate, for at least 4 min or, in the
absence of smoke, a battery-low condition for at least 30 d;
d) be replaceable by the user, unless the power-source operating life in the smoke alarm is 10 years or
greater.
In the absence of suitable test procedures to verify battery capacity, data concerning the smoke-alarm loads
and the battery characteristics shall be provided by the manufacturer to indicate that the above requirement
can be met.
4.9.3 External
Where the primary power source is external to the smoke alarm, an internal or external secondary power
source shall be provided (see 4.10).
4.10 Secondary power source
4.10.1 General
4.10.1.1 For smoke alarms intended for connection to an external primary power source, a secondary
power source shall be provided and the following requirements shall apply.
a) Primary-cell secondary power source: the secondary power source shall be capable of meeting the
requirements of 4.9.2.
b) Rechargeable-cell secondary power source: the secondary power source shall be capable of supplying
the quiescent load of the smoke alarm for a minimum period of 72 h, followed by an alarm condition as
specified in 5.18 or 5.19 as appropriate, for at least 4 min in the event of fire or, in the absence of smoke,
a fault warning for at least 24 h.
4.10.1.2 In the absence of suitable test procedures to verify the secondary power source, data concerning
the smoke alarm loads and the secondary facility characteristics shall be provided by the manufacturer to
indicate that the above requirements can be met.
4.10.2 Monitoring of secondary power source
The secondary power source shall be monitored for fault conditions. These conditions shall include battery-
low condition and open- and short-circuit failure of the secondary power source.
4.11 Battery connections
4.11.1 Except where a polarized connector is used, lead or terminal connections to batteries shall be
identified with the correct polarity (e.g. plus or minus). The polarity may be indicated on the unit adjacent to
the battery terminals or leads.
4.11.2 Any leads connecting the terminal connectors of batteries in smoke alarms to the smoke-alarm circuit
board shall be provided with strain-relieving devices adjacent to both battery terminal connectors and the
smoke alarm circuit board so that when the leads are subjected to a pull of 20 N without jerks for 1 min in any
direction allowed by the design, the pull is not transmitted to the joints between the
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