ISO 6182-10:2006

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 6182-10
First edition
2006-02-15
Fire protection — Automatic sprinkler
systems —
Part 10:
Requirements and test methods for
domestic sprinklers
Protection contre l'incendie — Systèmes d'extinction automatiques du
type sprinkler —
Partie 10: Exigences et méthodes d'essai des sprinklers domestiques

Reference number
©
ISO 2006
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©  ISO 2006
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Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Product consistency. 3
5 Product assembly. 3
6 Requirements . 4
7 Test methods. 12
8 Installation instructions . 34
9 Marking . 34
Annex A (normative) Tolerance limit calculation methods. 36
Annex B (informative) Analysis of the strength test for fusible element . 38
Annex C (informative) Example calculation of the C-factor. 39
Annex D (normative) Tolerances .41
Bibliography . 42

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 6182-10 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 21, Equipment for fire protection and fire fighting,
Subcommittee SC 5, Fixed firefighting systems using water.
ISO 6182 consists of the following parts, under the general title Fire protection — Automatic sprinkler systems:
⎯ Part 1: Requirements and test methods for sprinklers
⎯ Part 2: Requirements and test methods for wet alarm valves, retard chambers and water motor alarms
⎯ Part 3: Requirements and test methods for dry pipe valves
⎯ Part 4: Requirements and test methods for quick-opening devices
⎯ Part 5: Requirements and test methods for deluge valves
⎯ Part 6: Requirements and test methods for check valves
⎯ Part 7: Requirements and test methods for early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers
⎯ Part 8: Requirements and test methods for pre-action dry alarm valves
⎯ Part 9: Requirements and test methods for water mist nozzles
⎯ Part 10: Requirements and test methods for domestic sprinklers
⎯ Part 11: Requirements and test methods for pipe hangers
⎯ Part 12: Requirements and test methods for grooved end pipe couplings
⎯ Part 13: Requirements and test methods for extended coverage sprinklers
iv © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

Introduction
This part of ISO 6182 is one of a number of ISO Standards prepared by ISO/TC 21 covering components for
automatic sprinkler systems.
They are included in a series of ISO Standards planned to cover the following:
a) carbon dioxide systems;
b) explosion suppression systems;
c) foam systems.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6182-10:2006(E)

Fire protection — Automatic sprinkler systems —
Part 10:
Requirements and test methods for domestic sprinklers
1 Scope
This part of ISO 6182 specifies performance requirements, test methods and marking requirements for
domestic sprinklers.
These sprinklers are intended to provide control of fires in domestic occupancies, to prevent flashover (total
involvement) in the room of fire origin and to improve the probability for successful escape or evacuation of
the occupants.
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 7-1, Pipe threads where pressure-tight joints are made on the threads — Part 1: Dimensions, tolerances
and designation
ISO 5660-1:2002, Reaction-to-fire tests — Heat release, smoke production and mass loss rate — Part 1: Heat
release rate (cone calorimeter method)
ANSI/UL 723:2003, Test for surface burning characteristics of building materials
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1 General
3.1.1
assembly load
force exerted on the sprinkler body at 0 MPa (0 bar) hydraulic pressure at the inlet
3.1.2
average design strength
〈axial〉 glass bulb suppliers' specified and assured lowest average design strength of any batch of 50 bulbs
3.1.3
conductivity factor
C
measure of the conductance between the sprinkler's heat-responsive element and the fitting
1/2
NOTE The conductivity factor is expressed in units of (m⋅s) .
3.1.4
design length
maximum length of the sprinkler coverage area
3.1.5
design load
force exerted on the release element at the service load of the sprinkler
3.1.6
design width
maximum width of the sprinkler coverage area
3.1.7
response time index
RTI
1/2
measure of sprinkler sensitivity, equal to tu , where t is the time constant of the heat-responsive element and
u is the gas velocity
NOTE 1 t is expressed in units of seconds, u is expressed in metres per second, and RTI is expressed in units of
1/2
(m·s) .
NOTE 2 RTI can be used in combination with the conductivity factor, C, to predict the response of a sprinkler in fire
environments defined in terms of gas temperature and velocity versus time.
3.1.8
service load
combined force exerted on the sprinkler body by the assembly load of the sprinkler and the equivalent force of
the maximum rated working pressure on the inlet
3.1.9
sprinkler
thermosensitive device designed to react at a predetermined temperature by automatically releasing a stream
of water and distributing it in a specified pattern and quantity over a designated area
3.1.10
standard orientation
〈symmetrical heat-responsive elements〉 orientation where the airflow is perpendicular to both the axis of the
waterway and the plane of the frame arms
3.1.11
standard orientation
〈non-symmetrical heat responsive elements〉 orientation where the airflow is perpendicular to both the
waterway axis and the plane of the frame arms that produce the shortest response time
3.1.12
standard orientation
〈worst-case (response) orientation〉 orientation that produces the longest response time with the axis of the
sprinkler inlet perpendicular to the airflow
3.2 Type of sprinklers according to type of heat-responsive element
3.2.1
fusible element sprinkler
sprinkler that opens under the influence of heat by the melting of a component
3.2.2
glass bulb sprinkler
sprinkler that opens, under the influence of heat, by the bursting of the glass bulb, caused by pressure
resulting from expansion of the fluid enclosed therein
2 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

3.3 Type of sprinklers according to type of water distribution
3.3.1
domestic sprinkler
〈residential〉 sprinkler intended to be installed in domestic (residential) occupancies that opens automatically
by operation of a heat-responsive releasing mechanism that maintains the discharge orifice closed
NOTE Upon operating at a specified temperature, water shall be discharged in a specific pattern and quantity over a
definite protection area.
3.3.2
domestic sidewall sprinkler
〈residential〉 domestic sprinkler intended to be installed on or near the wall and near the ceiling and intended
to discharge water onto the wall and outward in a one-sided (half-paraboloid) water distribution over a definite
protection area
3.4 Special types of sprinklers
3.4.1
concealed sprinkler
recessed sprinkler that has a cover plate
3.4.2
flush sprinkler
sprinkler all or part of whose body, including the shank thread, is mounted above the lower plane of the ceiling,
but part of, or all of, the heat-responsive element is below the lower plane of the ceiling
3.4.3
recessed sprinkler
sprinkler all or part of whose body, other than the shank thread, is mounted within a recessed housing
4 Product consistency
It shall be the responsibility of the manufacturer to implement a quality control program to ensure that
production continuously meets the requirements of this part of ISO 6182 in the same manner as the originally
tested samples.
Every domestic sprinkler shall pass a leak resistance test equivalent to a hydrostatic pressure of at least
3 MPa (30 bar) for at least 2 s.
5 Product assembly
5.1 General
All domestic sprinklers shall be designed and manufactured in such a way that they cannot be readily adjusted,
dismantled or reassembled.
5.2 Domestic sprinklers
A domestic sprinkler shall be constructed to effect closure of its water seat for extend periods of time without
leakage and to open as intended and release all parts from 0,034 MPa (0,34 bar) up to the rated working
pressure. The closure of the water seat shall not be achieved by the use of a dynamic O-ring or similar seal
(an O-ring or similar seal that moves during operation or is in contact with a component that moves during
operation).
6 Requirements
6.1 Dimensions
6.1.1 Orifices
6.1.1.1 Sprinklers shall comply with the dimensional requirements given in Table 1.
Table 1 — Dimensional requirements
Nominal diameter of orifice Nominal thread size
mm in
10 3/8
15 1/2
20 3/4
6.1.1.2 In some countries, sprinklers having orifices of nominal diameters 6 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm and 12 mm
are acceptable.
6.1.1.3 All sprinklers shall be constructed so that a sphere of diameter 5 mm can pass through the
sprinkler.
6.1.2 Nominal thread sizes
6.1.2.1 Nominal thread sizes shall be suitable for fittings threaded in accordance with ISO 7-1.
6.1.2.2 If International Standards are not applicable, it shall be permitted to use national standards.
6.1.2.3 In some countries, the use of 1/2 in. threads for sprinklers having orifices of nominal diameters
6 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm and 20 mm is acceptable.
6.1.2.4 Special sprinklers, such as flush sprinklers, may have larger thread sizes.
6.2 Nominal operating temperatures
NOTE See 7.6.1.
The nominal operating temperature of domestic sprinklers shall be as indicated in Table 2.
The nominal operating temperature that is marked on the sprinkler shall be determined when the sprinkler is
tested in accordance with 7.6.1, taking into account the specifications of 6.3.
Table 2 — Nominal operating temperature
Glass bulb sprinklers Fusible element sprinklers
Nominal operating temperature Liquid colour code Nominal operating temperature Yoke arm colour code
°C °C
57 Orange 57 to 77 Uncoloured
68 Red 79 to 107 White
79 Yellow — —
93, 100 Green — —
4 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

6.3 Operating temperatures
Domestic sprinklers shall operate within the temperature range given by Equation (1):
t = ± (0,035 X + 0,62) °C (1)
where
t is the temperature range, rounded to the nearest 0,1 °C;
X is the marked nominal operating temperature.
6.4 Water flow and distribution
6.4.1 Flow constant (see 7.10)
6.4.1.1 The flow constant, K, for domestic sprinklers is given by Equation (2):
q
K= (2)
10p
where
p is the pressure, expressed in MPa;
q is the flow rate, expressed in litres per minute.
6.4.1.2 The value of the nominal flow constant, K, published in the manufacturer’s design and installation
instructions shall be verified using the test method of 7.10. Each flow constant, K, (calculated) shall be within
± 5 % or ± 3 units of the manufacturer’s value, whichever is greater.
6.4.2 Water distribution (see 7.11)
6.4.2.1 General
To demonstrate the required coverage of the protected area allotted to it, a domestic sprinkler shall comply
with the horizontal- and vertical-surface water-distribution requirements described in 6.4.2.2 and 6.4.2.3.
6.4.2.2 Horizontal surfaces
When installed in accordance with the manufacturer's design and installation instructions and tested as
described in 7.11.1.1 through 7.11.1.4, a domestic sprinkler shall distribute water over a horizontal surface
such that the discharge density collected in any single 300 mm × 300 mm collection pan within the design
area shall be at least 0,8 mm/min, except that
a) no more than four collection pans in each quadrant shall be allowed to be at least 0,6 mm/min for upright
and pendent sprinklers; and
b) no more than eight collection pans shall be allowed to be at least 0,6 mm/min for each half (split along the
sprinkler centreline) of the design area for sidewall sprinklers.
6.4.2.3 Vertical surfaces
When installed in accordance with the design and installation instructions and tested as described in 7.11.2.1
through 7.11.2.5, a domestic sprinkler shall distribute water over vertical surfaces as follows
a) Walls within the coverage area shall be wetted to at least 700 mm of the ceiling with one sprinkler
operating at the specified design flow rate.
b) For square coverage areas, each wall within the coverage area shall be wetted with at least 5 % of the
sprinkler flow; for rectangular coverage areas, each wall within the coverage area shall be wetted with a
proportional water amount based on 20 % of the total sprinkler discharge in accordance with Equation (3):
l
W
A = 0,2 (3)
col
l
P
where
A is the required amount of water collected on a wall, expressed in percent;

col
l is the wall length, expressed in metres;
W
l is the total perimeter of coverage area e.g., the length of all walls combined, expressed in
P
metres.
6.5 Function (see 7.5)
6.5.1 When tested in accordance with 7.5.1 through 7.5.4, domestic sprinklers shall open and, within 5 s
after the release of the heat-responsive element, shall operate satisfactorily. Any lodgement of released parts
shall be cleared within 10 s of release of the heat-responsive element or the sprinkler shall then comply with
the requirement of 6.4.1 and 6.4.2.
6.5.2 The deflector and its supporting parts shall not sustain significant damage as a result of the functional
test specified in 7.5.5 and shall meet the requirements of 6.4.2.
6.6 Strength of sprinkler body (see 7.3)
The sprinkler body shall not show permanent elongation of more than 0,2 % between the load-bearing points
of the sprinkler body after being subjected to twice the service load as measured in accordance with 7.3.
6.7 Strength of heat-responsive element (see 7.9)
6.7.1 When tested in accordance with 7.9, glass bulb elements shall
a) have an average strength of at least six times the average service load, and
b) have a design strength lower tolerance limit (LTL) on the strength distribution curve of at least two times
the upper tolerance limit (UTL) of the service load distribution curve based on calculations with a degree
of confidence, y, of 0,99 for 99 % of the samples, P. Calculations will be based on normal or Gaussian
distribution, except where another distribution can be shown to be more applicable due to manufacturing
of design factors. (See Annex A).
6.7.2 Fusible heat-responsive elements shall
a) sustain a load of 15 times its design load, corresponding to the maximum service load measured in
accordance with 7.3, for a period of 100 h when tested in accordance with 7.9.2.1, or
b) demonstrate the ability to sustain the design load when tested in accordance with 7.9.2.2.
6.8 Leak resistance and hydrostatic strength (see 7.4)
6.8.1 A domestic sprinkler shall not show any sign of leakage when tested by the method specified in 7.4.1.
6 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

6.8.2 A domestic sprinkler shall not rupture, operate or release any parts when tested by the method
specified in 7.4.2.
6.9 Heat exposure (see 7.7)
6.9.1 There shall be no damage to the glass bulb element when glass bulb domestic sprinklers are tested
by the method specified in 7.7.1.
6.9.2 Domestic sprinklers shall withstand exposure to increased ambient temperature without evidence of
leakage, weakness or failure, when tested by the method specified in 7.7.2.
6.10 Thermal shock (see 7.8)
Glass bulb domestic sprinklers shall not be damaged when tested by the method specified in 7.8. Proper
operation shall not be considered damage.
6.11 Corrosion
6.11.1 Stress corrosion
NOTE See 7.12.1.
When tested in accordance with 7.12.1, each domestic sprinkler shall show no cracks, delaminations or
failures that can affect its ability to function as intended.
6.11.2 Sulfur dioxide corrosion
NOTE See 7.12.2.
Domestic sprinklers shall be resistant to sulfur dioxide saturated with water vapour when conditioned in
accordance with 7.12.2. Following exposure, the sprinklers shall be functionally tested at 0,035 MPa
(0,35 bar) only in accordance with 6.5.1, and shall meet the requirements of 6.22 for concealed, flush or
recessed sprinklers or the requirements of 6.14.2 for other types of sprinklers.
6.11.3 Salt spray corrosion
NOTE See 7.12.3.
Domestic sprinklers shall be resistant to salt spray when conditioned in accordance with 7.12.3. Following
exposure, the sprinklers shall be functionally tested at 0,035 MPa (0,35 bar) only in accordance with 6.5.1,
and shall meet the requirements of 6.22 for concealed, flush or recessed sprinklers or the requirements of
6.14.2 for other types of sprinklers.
6.11.4 Moist air exposure
NOTE See 7.12.4.
Domestic sprinklers shall be resistant to moist air exposure when tested in accordance with 7.12.4. Following
exposure, the sprinklers shall be functionally tested at 0,035 MPa (0,35 bar) only in accordance with 6.5.1,
and shall meet the requirements of 6.22 for concealed, flush or recessed sprinklers or the requirements of
6.14.2 for other types of sprinklers.
6.12 Rough usage test (see 7.13)
A domestic sprinkler shall withstand the effects of rough usage without deterioration of its performance
characteristics. Following 3 min of tumbling as described in 7.13, the sprinkler shall comply with the leak
requirement of 6.8.1 and the RTI requirement of 6.14.1 in standard orientation only, or in accordance with
6.22 b), the requirement for recessed, flush and concealed sprinklers.
6.13 Water hammer (see 7.15)
Sprinklers shall not leak during or after the pressure surges of 7.15. After being subjected to the test of 7.15,
they shall show no signs of mechanical damage and shall meet the requirements of 6.8.1 and shall operate
when functionally tested to the requirements of 6.5.1 at a pressure of 0,035 MPa (0,35 bar) only.
6.14 Dynamic heating (see 7.6.2)
6.14.1 When tested in accordance with 7.6.2 in their standard orientation, domestic sprinklers shall have a
1/2 1/2
RTI not exceeding 50 (m·s) and a conductivity factor, C, less than 1 (m·s) . When tested at an angular
offset of 25° to the worst case orientation, the RTI shall not exceed 250 % of the value of RTI in the standard
orientation.
6.14.2 After exposure to the corrosion test described in 6.11.2, 6.11.3 and 6.11.4, domestic sprinklers shall
be tested in the standard orientation as described in 7.6.2.1 to determine the post-exposure RTI. The post-
exposure RTI values shall not exceed 130 % of the pre-exposure average value. All post-exposure RTI values
shall be calculated as in 7.6.2.3 using the pre-exposure conductivity factor, C.
6.15 Resistance to heat (see 7.14)
Open domestic sprinklers shall be resistant to high temperatures when tested in accordance with 7.14. After
exposure, the sprinkler shall not show visual deformation, fracture or breakage.
6.16 Resistance to vibration (see 7.16)
Domestic sprinklers shall be able to withstand the effects of vibration without deterioration when tested in
accordance with 7.16. After the performance of the vibration test described in 7.16, sprinklers shall show no
visible deterioration, shall meet the requirements of 6.8.1 and shall operate when functionally tested to the
requirements of 6.5.1 at a pressure of 0,035 MPa (0,35 bar) only.
6.17 Resistance to impact (see 7.17)
Domestic sprinklers shall have adequate strength to withstand impacts associated with handling, transport
and installation without deterioration of performance or reliability. After the performance of the impact test
described in 7.17, these sprinklers shall show no fracture or deformation, shall meet the leak resistance
requirement of 6.8.1, and the requirements of 6.8.1 and shall operate when functionally tested to the
requirements of 6.5.1 at a pressure of 0,035 MPa (0,35 bar) only.
6.18 Fire performance (see 7.18)
6.18.1 General
When fire tested as described in 7.18.1 through 17.18.22, domestic sprinklers shall limit temperatures as
specified in items a) through d). Additionally, a maximum of two domestic sprinklers shall operate. The third
sprinkler at the doorway shall not operate. The total discharge rate for two domestic sprinklers shall be twice
the minimum discharge rate for a single sprinkler. The sprinklers shall limit temperatures as follows.
a) Maximum temperature 76 mm below the ceiling shall not exceed 315 °C.
b) Maximum temperature 1,6 m above the floor shall not exceed 93 °C.
c) Temperature at the location described in item b) shall not exceed 54 °C for more than any continuous
2-min period.
d) Maximum ceiling material temperature 6,0 mm behind the finished ceiling surface shall not exceed 260 °C.
8 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

See Figure 1 (pendent or upright sprinklers) or Figures 2 and 3 (sidewall sprinklers) for temperature
measuring locations.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 thermocouple, 6,3 mm
above ceiling and
254 mm diagonally from
the corner
2 wood crib
3 simulated furniture
4 thermocouple, 76,2 mm
below ceiling and
1 600 mm above the floor
5 thermocouple, 76,2 mm
below ceiling (room
centre)
6 sprinkler (typical)
a
Plywood.
w coverage width
C
l coverage length
C
Figure 1 — Fire test arrangement — Pendent and upright
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 thermocouple, 6,3 mm
above ceiling and
254 mm diagonally from
the corner
2 wood crib
3 simulated furniture
4 thermocouple, 76,2 mm
below ceiling and
1 600 mm above the floor
5 thermocouple, 76,2 mm
below ceiling (room
centre)
6 sidewall sprinkler (typical)
a
Plywood.
w coverage width
C
l coverage length
C
Figure 2 — Fire test arrangement 1 — Sidewall
10 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 thermocouple, 6,3 mm
above ceiling and
254 mm diagonally from
the corner
2 wood crib
3 simulated furniture
4 thermocouple, 76,2 mm
below ceiling and
1 600 mm above the floor
5 thermocouple, 76,2 mm
below ceiling (room
centre)
6 sidewall sprinkler (typical)
a
Plywood.
w coverage width
C
l coverage length
C
Figure 3 — Fire test arrangement 2 — Sidewall
6.18.2 Alternative test methods
Alternative test methods and requirements are in preparation for applications in which building materials and
contents differ significantly from those described in 7.18. These are special qualification tests for sprinklers
that otherwise meet the requirements of this standard; (see 6.1 through 6.17 and 6.19 through 6.23).
6.18.3 Japanese style house (reserved)
6.19 Lateral discharge (see 7.19)
Domestic sprinklers shall not prevent the operation of adjacent sprinklers when tested in accordance with 7.19.
6.20 30-day leakage resistance (see 7.20)
Domestic sprinklers shall not leak or sustain distortion or other mechanical damage when subjected to 2 MPa
(20 bar) water pressure for 30 d in accordance with 7.20. During this exposure and following exposure, the
sprinklers shall satisfy these requirements.
6.21 Vacuum resistance (see 7.21)
Domestic sprinklers shall not exhibit distortion, mechanical damage or leakage after being subjected to the
test in accordance with 7.21.
6.22 Room response (see 7.22)
A concealed, flush or recessed domestic sprinkler shall have the following operating time characteristics when
tested as specified in 7.22.1 through 7.22.4:
a) 75 s or less for each sprinkler when subjected to the test described in 7.22; and
b) mean time equal to or less than a 1,30 multiple of the mean time of the sprinklers tested in accordance
with item a) after being subjected to the exposure test specified in 6.9.2, 6.11.2, 6.11.3, 6.11.4, 6.12, 6.13,
6.16, 6.17 and 6.23.
6.23 Resistance to low temperatures (see 7.23)
Domestic sprinklers shall be resistant to low temperatures when tested in accordance with 7.23. After
exposure, the sprinkler shall either be visibly damaged, leak subsequent to thawing, or not be damaged.
Domestic sprinklers not visibly damaged or leaking shall meet the requirements of 6.8 and 6.14.
7 Test methods
7.1 Preliminary examination
The following tests shall be carried out for each type of domestic sprinkler. Before testing, precise drawings of
parts and the assembly shall be submitted together with the appropriate specifications (using SI units). Tests
shall be carried out at a room temperature of (20 ± 5) °C, unless other temperatures are indicated. Sprinklers
shall be tested with all the components required by their design and installation.
Unless otherwise stated, the tolerances given in Annex D shall apply.
The construction of domestic sprinklers shall be examined to ensure that it complies with the requirements of
Clauses 4 and 5.
12 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

7.2 Visual examination
Before testing, sprinklers shall be examined visually with respect to the following points:
a) marking;
b) conformity of the sprinklers with the manufacturer's drawings and specification;
c) obvious defects.
7.3 Strength of sprinkler body test (see 6.6)
7.3.1 The service load shall be measured on ten domestic sprinklers by securely installing each sprinkler, at
room temperature, in a tensile/compression test machine and applying an equivalent of a hydraulic pressure
of 1,2 MPa (12 bar) at the inlet.
Alternatively, the service load shall be permitted to be determined by measurement of the assembly load and
adding a calculated or measured value of the force equivalent to a hydrostatic pressure of 1,2 MPa (12 bar).
An indicator capable of reading deflection to an accuracy of 0,001 mm shall be used to measure any change
in the length between the load-bearing points of the sprinkler. Movement of the sprinkler shank thread in the
threaded bushing of the test machine shall be avoided or taken into account.
Release hydraulic pressure and remove the heat-responsive element of the sprinkler. When the sprinkler is at
room temperature, make a second measurement using the indicator.
Apply an increasing mechanical load to the sprinkler, at a rate not exceeding 500 N/min, until the indicator
reading at the deflector end of the sprinkler returns to the initial value achieved under hydrostatic load. The
mechanical load necessary to achieve this shall be recorded as the service load.
7.3.2 Increase the applied load progressively at a rate not exceeding 500 N/min on each of the ten
specimens until twice the service load has been applied. Maintain this load for (15 ± 5) s.
Remove the load and compare the permanent elongation with the requirement of 6.6.
7.4 Leak resistance and hydrostatic strength test (see 6.8)
7.4.1 Twenty domestic sprinklers shall be subjected to a water pressure of 3,0 MPa (30 bar). Increase the
pressure from 0 MPa (0 bar) to 3 MPa (30 bar) at a rate of (0,1 ± 0,025) MPa/s [(1 ± 0,25) bar/s]; maintain the
pressure at 3,0 MPa (30 bar) for a period of 3 min, and then allow the pressure to fall to 0 MPa (0 bar). After
the pressure has dropped to 0 MPa (0 bar), increase it to 0,05 MPa (0,5 bar) in not more than 5 s. Maintain
this pressure for 15 s, and then increase it to 1,0 MPa (10 bar) at a rate of increase of (0,1 ± 0,025) MPa/s
[(1 ± 0,25) bar/s], and maintain it for 15 s. Each sprinkler shall meet the requirement of 6.8.1.
7.4.2 Following the test described in 7.4.1, the twenty sprinklers shall be subjected to a water pressure of
4,8 MPa (48 bar). The sprinkler inlet is to be filled with water at (20 ± 5) °C and vented of air. The pressure
shall be increased to 4,8 MPa (48 bar) at a rate not exceeding 2,0 MPa/s (20 bar/min). The pressure shall be
maintained at 4,8 MPa (48 bar) for 1 min. The sprinkler shall meet the requirements of 6.8.2.
7.5 Functional test (see 6.5.1)
7.5.1 Domestic sprinklers shall be heated in air at a rate that permits operation within 1 min. While being
heated, they shall be subjected to each of the water pressures specified in 7.5.2, applied to their inlet.
7.5.2 Eight sprinklers shall be tested in each normal mounting position and at each of the following
pressures (a total of 24 sprinklers):
a) 0,035 MPa (0,35 bar);
b) 0,35 MPa (3,5 bar);
c) 1,2 MPa (12 bar).
The flowing pressure shall be at least 75 % of the initial operating pressure. The oven temperature shall be
measured local to the sprinkler.
7.5.3 If lodgement occurs at any pressure level and mounting position, 24 more sprinklers shall be tested in
that mounting position and at that pressure. The total number of sprinklers in which lodgement occurs shall
not exceed 1 in the 32 sprinklers tested at that pressure and in that mounting position.
7.5.4 A lodgement shall be considered to have occurred when one or more of the released parts lodges in
the deflector frame assembly for more than 10 s in such a way as to cause the water distribution requirement
to be altered.
7.5.5 In order to check the strength of the deflector, three sprinklers shall be submitted to the functional test
in each normal mounting position at a pressure of 1,2 MPa (12 bar). The water shall be allowed to flow at a
running pressure of 1,2 MPa (12 bar) for a period of 15 min.
7.6 Operating temperature test (see 6.3)
7.6.1 Test of static operation
Fifty glass bulb sprinklers or ten fusible element sprinklers shall be heated from room temperature to 20 °C to
22 °C below their nominal operating temperature. The rate of increase of temperature shall not exceed
20 °C/min and the temperature shall be maintained for 10 min. The temperature shall then be increased at a
rate between 0,4 °C/min and 0,7 °C/min until the sprinkler operates.
The nominal operating temperature shall be ascertained with equipment having an accuracy of ± 0,35 % of
the nominal temperature rating or ± 0,25 °C, whichever is greater.
The test shall be carried out in a water bath (preferably distilled water) for sprinklers having nominal operating
temperatures less than or equal to 80 °C. A suitable oil shall be used for higher-rated elements. The liquid
bath (see Figure 4) shall be constructed in such a way that the temperature deviation within the test zone
does not exceed 0,5 %, or 0,5 °C, whichever is the greater.
+5
Fifty glass bulb sprinklers or ten fusible element sprinklers shall be heated from a temperature of 20 ° C to
+2
a temperature of 20 °C below their nominal operating temperature. The rate of increase of temperature
shall not exceed 20 °C/min and the temperature shall be maintained for 10 min. The temperature shall then be
increased at a rate of (0,5 ± 0,1) °C/min until the sprinkler operates.
The nominal operation temperature shall be ascertained with equipment having an accuracy of ± 0,25 % of
the nominal temperature rating.
The test shall be carried out in a liquid bath. Sprinklers having nominal operating temperatures less than or
equal to 80 °C shall be tested in a bath of demineralized water. Sprinklers with higher-rated elements shall be
tested in a bath of glycerine vegetable oil or synthetic oil.
The sprinklers shall be located in the liquid bath in a vertical position and with the sprinklers totally immersed
+3
with the liquid cover of 5 mm. The test zone is located at a distance, below the liquid surface, level with the
geometric centre of the glass bulb or fusible element. The test zone shall be at, if possible, but not less than,
+5
40 mm below the liquid surface level. The temperature deviation within the test zone shall be between
0 °C and 0,25 °C.
Any rupture of a glass bulb within the prescribed temperature rate constitutes an operation. Partial fracture of
glass bulb that does not result in sprinkler operation shall necessitate an additional functional test (see 6.5.1).
An example of a standardized liquid bath is shown in Figure 3. A laboratory temperature measuring device,
calibrated to a depth of 40 mm immersion, is to be used to determine temperatures of liquids in bath tests and
operation temperature. The bulb of the thermometer is to be held level with the sprinkler operating parts by a
support member. To control the temperature in the thermal bath, a PT100 DIN EN 60751 can be used.
14 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

Dimensions in millimetres (inches)

Key
1 thermometer calibrated for 40 mm (1,6 in) immersion and PT-100
2 liquid level
3 ring to support 10 sprinklers 3/4″ or 15 sprinklers 1/2″
4 1 double wing 100 mm × 20 mm (3,9 × 0,8)
5 mesh screen
6 standard glass vessel extractor-desiccator ∅ 250 (10); liquid volume about 7 liters
7 immersion heater
8 glass bulbs
9 ring to support 50 glass bulbs
10 speed agitator 150 rpm
Figure 4 — Example of a liquid bath test apparatus
7.6.2 Dynamic heating test (see 6.14)
7.6.2.1 Plunge test
Using a single temperature rating, ten plunge tests shall be performed at the standard and worst case
orientations as defined in 3.1.10 to 3.1.12. If a single sprinkler design is submitted in multiple temperature
ratings, the worst-case orientation and the C-factor shall be determined by testing one temperature rating only.
Ten additional samples shall be plunge-tested at the 25 offset orientation. The RTI is calculated as described
in 7.6.2.3 and 7.6.2.4 for each orientation, respectively. For all remaining temperature ratings, 10 samples of
each temperature rating shall be tested in the standard orientation.
The plunge tests are to be conducted using a brass sprinkler mount, designed such that the mount or water
temperature rise (as measured by a thermocouple heatsinked and embedded in the mount of not more than
8 mm radially outward from the root diameter of the internal thread or by a thermocouple located in the water
at the centre of the sprinkler inlet) does not exceed 2 °C for the duration of an individual plunge test.
The sprinkler under test shall have 1 to 1,5 wraps of PTFE sealant tape applied to the sprinkler threads. It
shall be screwed into a mount to a torque of (15 ± 3) N⋅m. Each sprinkler is to be mounted on a tunnel test
section cover and maintained in a conditioning chamber to allow the sprinkler and cover to reach ambient
temperature for a period of not less than 30 min.
At least 25 ml of water, conditioned to ambient temperature, shall be introduced into the sprinkler inlet prior to
testing.
All sprinklers are to be tested with the inlet end of each sample connected to a source of pressure at
0,035 MPA (0,35 bar).
A timer accurate to ± 0,01 s with suitable measuring devices to sense the time between when the sprinkler is
plunged into the tunnel and the time it operates shall be utilized to obtain the response time.
A tunnel shall be utilized with airflow and temperature conditions at the test section (sprinkler location)
selected from the appropriate range of conditions shown in Table 3. To minimize radiation exchange between
the sensing element and the boundaries confining the flow, the test section of the apparatus shall be designed
to limit radiation effects to within ± 3 % of the calculated RTI values.
The range of permissible tunnel operating conditions is shown in Table 4.
NOTE A suggested method for determining radiation effects is by conducting comparative plunge tests on a
blackened (high emissivity) metallic test specimen and polished (low emissivity) metallic test specimen.
The selected air temperature shall be known and maintained constant within the test section throughout the
test to an accuracy of ± 1 °C for the air temperature range between 129 °C and 141 °C within the test section
and within ± 2 °C for the range 191 °C and 203 °C. The selected air velocity shall be known and maintained
constant throughout the test to an accuracy of ± 0,03 m/s for velocities between 1,65 m/s and 1,85 m/s.
Table 3 — Range of plunge test conditions at test section (sprinkler location)
Nominal operating temperatures Air temperature ratings Velocity ranges
°C °C m/s
57 to 77 129 to 141 1,65 to 1,85
79 to 107 191 to 203 1,65 to 1,85
7.6.2.2 Determination of conductivity factor, C
The conductivity factor, C, shall be determined using the prolonged plunge test (see 7.6.2.2.1) or the
prolonged exposure ramp test (see 7.6.2.2.2).
16 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

7.6.2.2.1 Prolonged plunge test
The prolonged plunge test is an iterative process to determine C and may require up to twenty sprinkler
samples. A new sprinkler sample shall be used for each test in this section even if the sample does not
operate during the prolonged plunge test.
The sprinkler under test shall have 1 to 1,5 wraps of PTFE sealant tape applied to the sprinkler threads. It
shall be screwed into a mount to a torque of (15 ± 3) N⋅m. Each sprinkler is to be mounted on a tunnel test
section cover and maintained in a conditioning chamber to allow the sprinkler and cover to reach ambient
temperature for a period of not less than 30 min.
At least 25 ml of water, conditioned to ambient temperature, shall be introduced into the sprinkler inlet prior to
testing.
All sprinklers are to be tested with the inlet end of each sample connected to a source of pressure at
0,035 MPa (0,35 bar).
A timer accurate to ± 0,01 s with suitable measuring devices to sense the time between when the sprinkler is
plunged into the tunnel and the time it operates shall be utilized to obtain the response time.
The mount temperature shall be maintained at (20 ± 0,5) °C for the duration of each test. The air velocity in
the tunnel test section at the sprinkler location shall be maintained with ± 2 % of the selected velocity. Air
temperature shall be selected and maintained during the test as specified in Table 4.
To determine C, the sprinkler shall be immersed in the test stream at various air velocities for a maximum of
15 min. Velocities shall be chosen such that actuation is bracketed between two successive test velocities.
That is, two velocities shall be established such that at the lower velocity (u ) actuation does not occur in the
L
15-min test interval. At the next higher velocity (u ), actuation must occur within the 15-min time limit. If the
H
sprinkler does not operate at the highest velocity, select an air temperature from Table 5 for the next higher
temperature rating.
Table 4 — Range of test conditions for conductivity factor C determination at test section
(sprinkler location)
Nominal o
...