SIST EN 3-11:2026
(Main)Portable fire extinguishers - Part 11: Additional requirements to EN 3-7 for the test method and marking of extinguishers suitable to be used on small rechargeable lithium-ion battery fires
- Abstract
This document specifies performance requirements for portable fire extinguishers in addition to the requirements of EN 3 7, to demonstrate their suitability for extinguishing fires in rechargeable batteries based on lithium-ion chemistry with a maximum capacity of 600 Wh, as used for example:
— portable electronic equipment (smartphones, laptops);
— power tools and domestic appliances;
— portable medical equipment;
— toys and radio-controlled objects;
— drones;
— bicycles.
This document contains general requirements and procedures for extinguishing tests. The size of the extinguishing tests is comparable to the battery capacities in the above mentioned applications where the battery is accessible. This document doesn’t apply to larger fire risks, such as vehicle batteries, fork lift trucks, and battery sets of stationary energy storage systems.
- Status
- Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 29-Apr-2025
- Publication Date
- 02-Nov-2026
- Technical Committee
- POZ - Požarna varnost
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 02-Nov-2026
- Due Date
- 07-Jan-2027
- Completion Date
- 03-Nov-2026
SIST EN 3-11:2026 is the Slovenian standard published by SIST for portable fire extinguishers intended for small lithium-ion battery fires. It adds performance requirements, a dedicated test method, and marking rules to EN 3-7 for extinguishers used on rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs up to 600 Wh.
What does SIST EN 3-11:2026 specify?
SIST EN 3-11:2026 specifies how an EN 3-7 portable fire extinguisher is to be tested and marked when it is claimed suitable for lithium-ion battery fires. The standard is aimed at battery applications such as smartphones, laptops, power tools, domestic appliances, portable medical equipment, toys, radio-controlled objects, drones, and bicycles.
The scope is limited to smaller battery risks comparable to those applications. It is not the basis for validating larger risks such as vehicle batteries, fork lift trucks, or stationary energy storage battery sets.
The document is organized into these main parts:
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | Normative extinguishing tests |
| Annex B | Informative model test report |
| Annex C | Informative safety precautions during testing |
The body of the standard covers scope, normative references, terms and definitions, general requirements, suitability for lithium-ion battery fires, and marking.
What are the key requirements of SIST EN 3-11:2026?
SIST EN 3-11:2026 builds on EN 3-7 and then adds battery-specific proof of performance. In practice, a manufacturer must show both base extinguisher performance and successful lithium-ion battery fire testing.
Base extinguisher requirements
Clause 4.1 requires the portable fire extinguisher to meet EN 3-7, including an A-rating and successful dielectric test. This matters because the lithium-ion claim is added to an already qualified extinguisher, not to a product tested only for battery fires.
Product file before testing
Clause 4.2 requires a complete product file before the extinguishing tests begin. The file covers technical specifications, parts and assembly drawings, extinguishing-agent specifications, an analysis report for the agent, and its safety data sheet. This gives the test institute traceability on both the extinguisher and the agent.
Battery-fire suitability test
Clause 5 states that suitability is demonstrated by extinguishing tests on combined flat pouch cells in accordance with Annex A. The standard uses the test result, not a general claim or a generic fire rating, to support the lithium-ion application.
Clause 5.2 says the fire rating is expressed as nominal capacity in Wh, and Table 1 links that rating to the maximum extinguishing-agent quantity. For users, that means the battery suitability claim is tied to a defined test size and a defined amount of extinguishing agent.
Pass/fail outcome
Clause 5.3 states that a portable fire extinguisher is suitable only if the Annex A tests are completed successfully. This makes the lithium-ion marking dependent on test evidence.
Marking and pictogram
Clause 6 requires a visible front marking when all requirements are met. The marking includes a battery icon, the word “Li”, the demonstrated Wh rating, the reference to SIST EN 3-11, and a reference to the test institute or certification body. The pictogram in 6.2 is used only when the corresponding rating is shown on the marking.
Test method essentials in Annex A
Annex A requires new NMC pouch cells from one production batch for a test series, a defined test set-up, a free burn check, and extinguishing tests carried out under specified environmental and safety conditions. The practical point is that the extinguisher has to stop flame spread and prevent re-ignition, not just briefly cool the fire.
What terms does SIST EN 3-11:2026 define?
- Cell - a single source of electrical energy obtained by converting chemical energy.
- Battery - a set of interconnected battery cells in a common enclosure.
- Pouch cell - a flat battery cell with stacked internal components packed in a plastic foil.
- NMC - nickel manganese cobalt oxide, the chemistry identified as LiNiMnCoO.
- Wh - watt-hour, the unit used here for the nominal battery capacity shown in the fire rating.
Who uses SIST EN 3-11:2026?
SIST EN 3-11:2026 is used by portable fire extinguisher manufacturers, extinguishing-agent suppliers, test institutes, and certification bodies. It is also relevant to quality managers and buyers who need to specify extinguishers for battery-powered products.
In practice, users apply it for product design, type testing, test reporting, and marking decisions. It is also useful for safety teams planning workplace procedures for lithium-ion battery fire risks.
Which standards are used with SIST EN 3-11:2026?
The normative reference is EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007. It supplies the base requirements for portable fire extinguishers, including characteristics, performance requirements, test methods, the A-rating, and the dielectric test used by this standard.
What does the SIST EN 3-11:2026 document contain?
The document includes a marking figure, a pictogram, and the fire-rating table that links Wh rating to the permitted extinguishing-agent quantity. Annex A provides the detailed test set-up, ignition procedure, free burn test, extinguishing test, and pass criteria.
Annex B gives a model laboratory test report with sections for the test institute, applicant, extinguisher identification, agent identification, results, attached documents, and signature. Annex C lists safety precautions for handling charged cells, personal protective equipment, insulated tools, safe handling of damaged cells, and appointment of a safety officer.
For laboratories and certification work, the document is therefore a complete package for testing, reporting, and marking extinguishers claimed suitable for lithium-ion battery fires.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Referred By
SIST EN 1864:2008 - Inland navigation vessels - Wheelhouse - Ergonomic and safety requirements - Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 3-11:2026 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Portable fire extinguishers - Part 11: Additional requirements to EN 3-7 for the test method and marking of extinguishers suitable to be used on small rechargeable lithium-ion battery fires". This standard covers: This document specifies performance requirements for portable fire extinguishers in addition to the requirements of EN 3 7, to demonstrate their suitability for extinguishing fires in rechargeable batteries based on lithium-ion chemistry with a maximum capacity of 600 Wh, as used for example: — portable electronic equipment (smartphones, laptops); — power tools and domestic appliances; — portable medical equipment; — toys and radio-controlled objects; — drones; — bicycles. This document contains general requirements and procedures for extinguishing tests. The size of the extinguishing tests is comparable to the battery capacities in the above mentioned applications where the battery is accessible. This document doesn’t apply to larger fire risks, such as vehicle batteries, fork lift trucks, and battery sets of stationary energy storage systems.
This document specifies performance requirements for portable fire extinguishers in addition to the requirements of EN 3 7, to demonstrate their suitability for extinguishing fires in rechargeable batteries based on lithium-ion chemistry with a maximum capacity of 600 Wh, as used for example: — portable electronic equipment (smartphones, laptops); — power tools and domestic appliances; — portable medical equipment; — toys and radio-controlled objects; — drones; — bicycles. This document contains general requirements and procedures for extinguishing tests. The size of the extinguishing tests is comparable to the battery capacities in the above mentioned applications where the battery is accessible. This document doesn’t apply to larger fire risks, such as vehicle batteries, fork lift trucks, and battery sets of stationary energy storage systems.
SIST EN 3-11:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.220.10 - Fire-fighting. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 3-11:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 3-7:2004+A1:2008, SIST EN 13814:2005, SIST EN 50600-2-5:2021, SIST EN 14033-3:2017, SIST EN 615:2009, SIST EN 1864:2008, SIST EN 50600-2-5:2016, SIST EN 16856:2020, SIST EN 996:2000+A3:2009. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN 3-11:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2026
Prenosni gasilniki - 11. del: Dodatne zahteve k standardu EN 3-7 za preskusne
metode in označevanje gasilnih aparatov, primernih za uporabo pri požarih litij-
ionskih baterij
Portable fire extinguishers - Part 11: Additional requirements to EN 3-7 for the test
method and marking of extinguishers suitable to be used on small rechargeable lithium-
ion battery fires
Tragbare Feuerlöscher - Teil 11: Zusätzliche Anforderungen an EN 3-7 für die
Prüfverfahren und Kennzeichnung von Feuerlöschern, die für den Einsatz bei Bränden
kleiner wiederaufladbarer Lithium-Ionen-Batterien geeignet sind
Extincteurs d’incendie portatifs - Partie 11 : Performances, exigences, méthode d’essai
et marquage pour les extincteurs EN 3 7 utilisables sur des feux de batteries lithium-ion
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 3-11:2026
ICS:
13.220.10 Gašenje požara Fire-fighting
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 3-11
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
October 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.220.10
English Version
Portable fire extinguishers - Part 11: Additional
requirements to EN 3-7 for the test method and marking of
extinguishers suitable to be used on small rechargeable
lithium-ion battery fires
Extincteurs d'incendie portatifs - Partie 11 : Tragbare Feuerlöscher - Teil 11: Zusätzliche
Performances, exigences, méthode d'essai et marquage Anforderungen an EN 3-7 für die Prüfverfahren und
pour les extincteurs EN 3 7 utilisables sur des feux de Kennzeichnung von Feuerlöschern, die für den Einsatz
batteries lithium-ion bei Bränden kleiner wiederaufladbarer Lithium-Ionen-
Batterien geeignet sind
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 17 August 2026.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, 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.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 3-11:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General requirements . 6
4.1 Product requirements . 6
4.2 Product file . 6
5 Verification of the extinguishing agent . 6
6 Suitability for extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires . 6
6.1 General. 6
6.2 Fire rating . 6
6.3 Results . 7
7 Marking . 7
7.1 General. 7
7.2 Pictogram . 8
7.3 Fire rating . 8
Annex A (normative) Extinguishing tests . 9
Annex B (informative) Model test report . 15
Annex C (informative) Safety precautions during the execution of the tests . 17
Bibliography . 18
European foreword
This document (EN 3-11:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 70 “Manual means
of firefighting equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2027, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by March 2027.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document describes a standardized and reproducible fire extinguishing test that demonstrates the
suitability of a fire extinguisher model according to EN 3-7 to extinguish a fire of a lithium-ion battery in
accordance with this document. It also specifies the appropriate labelling.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: 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 the
United Kingdom.
Introduction
Rechargeable batteries based on lithium-ion chemistry have high energy density, low mass, and a long
service life. These characteristics make this type of battery very popular in portable and mobile
applications such as laptops, mobile phones, power tools, bicycles.
This technology has currently a considerable disadvantage: the contents of the battery cells (including
vapors) can ignite due to overloading, short circuit, heating, or mechanical damage. An uncontrollable
chemical reaction (‘thermal runaway’) then occurs in the battery cell and large amounts of heat are
released in a short period of time. This usually causes intense flames, explosions and hazardous fumes,
leads to a sharp rise of pressure and temperature in the cell.
Modern lithium-ion batteries have generally built-in protective circuits that prevent ignition by
overloading. But these systems cannot prevent ignition of the cell as a result of heating or mechanical
damage. After the first cell in a lithium-ion battery is ignited, the heat will cause a thermal runaway in
adjacent cells (known as ‘fire propagation’) as well and the fire will spread through the battery pack.
This releases a great deal of energy for a prolonged time which may ignite other combustible materials
in the vicinity.
Test-protocol
As of yet, there are no known extinguishing agents that can stop a thermal runaway in a lithium-ion
battery cell. There are, however, extinguishing agents that can effectively limit the fire propagation in
the battery pack.
The fire development in burning lithium-ion batteries cannot be compared with the development of
other fires of solid materials, liquids or gases. Therefore, existing test protocols of EN 3-7 cannot be
used for the evaluation of the suitability of extinguishing agents for this specific risk.
The test protocol described in this document can be used to demonstrate that a particular extinguishing
agent used in combination with a particular type or model of portable fire extinguisher can stop a fire in
a lithium-ion battery pack. The test protocol is designed with the capacity of batteries of 600Wh.
WARNING — During an extinguishing action, the user of a portable fire extinguisher is exposed to
health risks as a result of the released heat and combustion products. This is the case with any fire, but
certainly when lithium-ion batteries are involved. This type of fire releases toxic and highly irritating
combustion products over a significant period of time. The user is advised to follow specific instruction
for this type of fire and use suitable personal protection equipment, for example a breathing mask.
Where applicable, it is advised to pay close attention to these risks and measures in the workplace
safety procedures.
During and after a lithium-ion battery fire, it is important to thoroughly ventilate the area to remove
harmful combustion products.
After each extinguishing action it is advised:
— to cool damaged and burnt batteries under water for a prolonged time (48 h) to prevent re-ignition;
— to store damaged batteries outside at a safe distance from other objects until they can be safely
removed;
— to consider proper treatment of the used cooling water.
1 Scope
This document specifies performance requirements for portable fire extinguishers in addition to the
requirements of EN 3-7, to demonstrate their suitability for extinguishing fires in rechargeable batteries
based on lithium-ion chemistry with a maximum capacity of 600 Wh, as used for example:
— portable electronic equipment (smartphones, laptops);
— power tools and domestic appliances;
— portable medical equipment;
— toys and radio-controlled objects;
— drones;
— bicycles.
This document contains general requirements and procedures for extinguishing tests. The size of the
extinguishing tests is comparable to the battery capacities in the above mentioned applications where
the battery is accessible. This document doesn’t apply to larger fire risks, such as vehicle batteries, fork
lift trucks, and battery sets of stationary energy storage systems.
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.
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, Portable fire extinguishers — Part7: Characteristics, performance requirements
and test methods
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, in addition of the definitions of EN 3-7, 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
cell
battery cell
individual item source of electrical energy obtained by the conversion of chemical energy
3.2
battery
set of interconnected battery cells in a common enclosure
3.3
pouch cell
battery cell with a flat shape, of which the internal components are stacked and packed in a plastic foil
3.4
LCO
lithium cobalt oxide
type identification of lithium batteries based on lithium cobalt oxide chemistry (LiCoO )
4 General requirements
4.1 Product requirements
The portable fire extinguisher shall at least meet the requirements of EN 3-7, including:
— the extinguisher complies with the minimum requirement in fire class A in accordance with EN 3-7;
— successful completion of the dielectric test shall be demonstrated in accordance with EN 3-7.
4.2 Product file
Before the start of the extinguishing tests (Annex A), a complete product file shall be submitted
containing at least the following information:
— detailed technical specifications of the extinguisher (technical datasheet);
— detailed parts and assembly drawings documenting material specifications, dimensions and
tolerances and, where relevant, production processes;
— detailed specifications of extinguishing agent (technical datasheet);
— analysis report of the extinguishing agent, suitable for the verification of the composition of the
extinguishing agent;
— material safety datasheet of the extinguishing agent.
NOTE The elements of this part duplicate partially the standard EN 3-10.
5 Verification of the extinguishing agent
An IR spectrogram of the extinguishing agent shall be carried out.
NOTE If the evaluation is performed at the same time as EN 3-7 tests, it is not necessary to duplicate t
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