SIST-TP CEN/TR 15642:2011

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2011
1DGRPHãþD
SIST-TP CEN/TR 15642:2008
Poenoteni preskusni postopki za preskušanje po EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Unified tests procedures for the tests of EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Vereinheitlichte Prüverfahren für die Prüfungen nach EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Procedures d'essais unifiées pour les essais de EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 15642:2011
ICS:
13.220.10 Gašenje požara Fire-fighting
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

TECHNICAL REPORT
CEN/TR 15642
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
March 2011
ICS 13.220.10 Supersedes CEN/TR 15642:2008
English Version
Unified tests procedures for the tests of EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Procédures d'essais unifiées pour les essais de l'EN 3- Vereinheitlichte Prüverfahren für die Prüfungen nach EN 3-
7:2004+A1:2007 7:2004+A1:2007
This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 17 January 2011. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 70.

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Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

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© 2011 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TR 15642:2011: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
Annex A Duration of operation and residual charge . 7
A.1 General . 7
A.2 Scope . 7
A.3 References. 7
A.4 Equipment . 7
A.5 Tests conditions – Number of tests samples . 7
A.6 Test method. 7
A.6.1 General . 7
A.6.2 Duration of operation . 8
A.6.3 Residual charge . 10
A.7 Requirements – Acceptance criteria . 11
A.7.1 Minimum duration . 11
A.7.2 Spread of measurements . 13
A.7.3 Commencement of discharge . 14
A.7.4 Residual charge . 14
Annex B Effective range of operating temperature test . 15
B.1 General . 15
B.2 Scope . 15
B.3 References. 15
B.4 Equipment . 15
B.5 Test conditions – number of test samples . 15
B.6 Test method. 16
B.6.1 General . 16
B.6.2 Duration of operation . 17
B.6.3 Residual charge . 19
B.7 Requirements – acceptance criteria . 19
Annex C Operation and emission control mechanism /devices and safety devices tests . 20
C.1 General . 20
C.2 Scope . 20
C.3 References. 20
C.4 Equipment . 20
C.5 Number of test samples – Test conditions . 21
C.5.1 Number of test samples . 21
C.5.2 Test conditions-Pre-conditioning of test samples . 22
C.6 Test method. 22
C.6.1 Principle . 22
C.6.2 Application of the force for the test . 22
C.6.3 Devices activated by force (N). 22
C.6.4 Devices activated by energy (joule). . 23
C.7 Requirements – Acceptance criteria . 24
C.7.1 Operation and emission control mechanism/device . 24
C.7.2 Safety devices . 24
Annex D Control valve . 26
D.1 General . 26
D.2 Scope . 26
D.3 References. 26
D.4 Equipment . 26
D.5 Tests conditions – Number of tests samples . 26
D.6 Test method . 26
D.6.1 General . 26
D.6.2 1 kg and 2 kg powder stored pressure extinguishers . 27
D.6.3 1 kg and 2 kg powder cartridge operated extinguishers . 27
D.6.4 All stored pressure extinguishers excluding 1 and 2 kg powder and CO extinguishers . 27
D.6.5 All cartridge operated extinguishers excluding 1 and 2 kg powder . 28
D.6.6 CO extinguishers . 28
D.7 Requirements – Acceptance criteria . 29
D.7.1 For 1 kg and 2 kg powder extinguishers P3 shall not be less than 80 % of P2. 29
D.7.2 For all extinguishers excluding 1 kg and 2 kg powder and CO extinguishers P3 shall
not be less than 80 % of P2 or P3 shall not be less than 50 % of P1. . 29
D.7.3 For CO extinguishers M3 shall not be less than 80 % of M2 . . 29
Annex E Hose and coupling systems tests . 30
E.1 General . 30
E.2 Scope . 30
E.3 References . 30
E.4 Equipements . 30
E.5 Test conditions – Number of test samples . 30
E.6 Test method . 31
E.6.1 Test at (20 ±± 5)°C . 31
±±
E.6.2 Test at (Tmax ±±±± 2)°C and at (Tmin ±±±± 2)°C . 31
E.7 Requirement – Acceptance criteria . 31
Annex F Resistance to extinguishing medium of extinguishers using water based media . 32
F.1 General . 32
F.2 Scope . 32
F.3 References . 32
F.4 Equipment . 32
F.5 Test conditions – Number of tests samples . 32
F.6 Test method . 33
F.7 Requirements – Acceptance criteria . 33
Annex G Classes A and B fire tests . 34
G.1 General . 34
G.2 Scope . 34
G.3 References . 34
G.4 Equipment . 34
G.5 Test conditions – Number of test samples . 35
G.5.1 General Tests Conditions . 35
G.5.2 Class A fire test . 35
G.5.3 Class B fire tests . 39
G.6 Test method . 42
G.6.1 Test procedure for Class A fire tests . 42
G.6.2 Test procedure for Class B fire tests . 42
G.6.3 General acceptance criteria . 42
Annex H Compaction procedure . 43
H.1 General . 43
H.2 Scope . 43
a) The powder extinguishers for testing, before the 24 h storage period at (20 ± 5)°C prior
to the following tests: . 43
b) The water based extinguishers for testing, before the 24 h storage period at (20 ± 5) °C
prior to: . 43
H.3 References . 43
H.4 Equipment . 43
H.5 Tests conditions – Number of tests samples . 44
H.6 Test method . 44
H.7 Requirements – Acceptance criteria . 44
Annex I Class F fire tests . 45
I.1 General . 45
I.2 Scope . 45
I.3 References. 45
I.4 Equipment . 45
I.5 Test conditions-Number of test samples . 45
I.6 Test method. 46
I.7 Requirement-acceptance criteria . 47

Foreword
This document (CEN/TR 15642:2011) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 70 “Manual
means of fire fighting equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
This document supersedes CEN/TR 15642: 2008.
This document is divided in Annexes, corresponding to the following tests in EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007.
Annex A: Duration of operation and residual charge
Annex B: Effective range of operating temperature test
Annex C: Operation and emission control mechanism / devices and safety devices tests
Annex D: Control valve
Annex E: Hose and coupling systems tests
Annex F: Resistance to extinguishing medium of extinguishers using water based media
Annex G: Classes A and B fire tests
Annex H: Compaction procedure
Annex I: Class F fire tests
1 Scope
This Technical Report specifies the tests procedures for some of the tests required by EN 3-
7:2004+A1:2007; it does not cover all the EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007 tests but only the tests requiring more
precision in their execution.
These Unified Tests Procedures are in force for all laboratories performing EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007 tests.
Those laboratories should be accredited to EN ISO/IEC 17025 for EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007 tests and their
accreditation shall be done by an Accreditation Body, member of the European Accreditation.
This document should be included in the list of applicable documents.
NOTE Since results of many tests may be affected by the human factor, this document should be taken as a
helpful tool but will not replace experience and knowledge of people.”
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.
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007 Portable fire extinguishers — Part 7: Characteristics, performance requirements and
test methods
EN ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
(ISO/IEC 17025:2005)
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

Annex A
Duration of operation and residual charge
A.1 General
This procedure describes the method to measure the duration of operation and the residual charge of an
extinguisher after discharge.
A.2 Scope
This procedure applies to all types of portable extinguishers.
A.3 References
EN 3-7:2004+A1: 2007, 3.13, 5, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, Annex A and Annex K.
A.4 Equipment
 Stopwatch with at least 3 splits.
 Scale.
The measurement equipment shall fulfil the applicable requirements of EN ISO/IEC 17025 regarding
calibration.
A.5 Tests conditions – Number of tests samples
Number of test samples : Three
 Powder and water based extinguishers samples shall be submitted to the compaction procedure prior
to the storage period. Extinguishers with gaseous extinguishing media are not subjected to this
compaction.
 Extinguishers for testing shall prior to the test be stored for at least 24 h at (20 ± 5)°C.
 Test shall be carried out within 5 min of its removal from storage.
A.6 Test method
A.6.1 General
Record the actual gross weight of all the extinguishers used in the test.
A.6.2 Duration of operation
A.6.2.1 General
Two technicians are needed to carry out this test: one operates the extinguisher; the other one measures
times by stopwatch.
A.6.2.2 Stored pressure extinguishers (all types of media)
 Release the safety device.
 Hold the extinguisher by hand in its normal working position (see label instructions) and keep it
immobile for the duration of the test. If there is a hose, hold the nozzle in the other hand in a horizontal
position.
 Fully open the control valve and start the stopwatch (t ).
 Record by split (t ) on the stopwatch the delay of the beginning of discharge.
 Record by split (t ) on the stopwatch the end of discharge of the extinguishing medium:
 For CO extinguisher:
 The end of discharge can be noticed by a clear visible (from a white to a more transparent
colour) and audible (from a deep to a higher hissing sound) modification of the gas jet.
 Another type of extinguisher :
 The end of discharge can be noticed at the moment when all the extinguishing agent is
discharged. The residual propellant gas is not taken into account.
 Keep the control valve fully open during 1 min after t .
 Calculate and record the duration of discharge (t -t ) for each of the three extinguishers.
2 1
The diagram to perform the test is as follow (see Figure A.1):
 Calculate and record the average and the spread of each measurement of the duration of discharge.
 remove safety device;
start stopwatch) (t ) and open the control valve,
Key
1 discharge delay max 4 s
2 duration of operation
3 1 min release of remaining gas then close the valve
4 discharge finishing
Figure A.1
A.6.2.3 Gas cartridge type extinguisher
 Release the safety device.
 If the pressurisation is not achieved by the releasing of the safety device, pressurise the extinguisher
according to the instructions of the label.
 Start the stopwatch when the cartridge is opened (t ).
a
 Hold the extinguisher by hand in its normal working position (see label instructions) and keep it
immobile for the duration of the test. If there is a hose, hold the nozzle in the other hand in a horizontal
position.
 Only for extinguisher using a pressurisation device independent of the control valve, after (6 ± 1)s (t ).
(SPLIT on the stopwatch) open the control valve.
 Record by split (t ) on the stopwatch the delay of the beginning of discharge.
 Record by split (t ) on the stopwatch the end of discharge of the extinguishing medium.
 The end of discharge can be noticed by the moment when all the extinguishing agent is discharged.
The residual propellant gas is not taken into account.
 Keep the control valve fully open during 1 min after t .
 Calculate and record the duration of discharge (t - t ) for each of the three extinguishers.
2 1
 Calculate and record the average and the spread of each measurement of the duration of discharge.
Diagram to perform the test is as follow:
 for extinguishers pressurised by a device independent of the control valve (see Figure A.2):
 remove safety device;
 pressurise the extinguisher (if not obtained by removing the safety device) and start the stopwatch
(t ),
a
 after (6 ± 1) s , split on the stopwatch (t ) and open the control valve,
Key
1 pressurisation for 6 s
2 discharge delay max 4 s
3 duration of operation
4 1 min release of remaining gas then close the valve
5 discharge finishing
Figure A.2
 for extinguishers pressurised by activation of the control valve see Figure A.3:
 remove safety device;
 open the control valve (pressurisation) and start the stopwatch (t ).
Key
1 discharge delay max 4 s
2 duration of operation
3 1 min release of remaining gas then close the valve
4 discharge finishing
Figure A.3
A.6.3 Residual charge
A.6.3.1 Powder and water based extinguisher
 Check there is no pressure left in the extinguisher.
 Remove the closure of the extinguisher.
 Record the weight of the residual charge by one of the following method:
- Collect the residual charge of media from the extinguisher and its dip tube, valve and hose (if
applicable).
- Measure the weight of the extinguisher containing residual charge (including medium from dip
tube and valve and hose if applicable). Then, empty and reweigh the body.
 Calculate and record the percentage related to the nominal charge.
 Check that the original charge of tested extinguishers fulfilled the filling tolerances required in
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, 6.2. (Take into account the weight of the propellant gas).
A.6.3.2 Gaseous media extinguisher
 Dry externally the extinguisher and record the weight.
 Reweigh the extinguisher after it is completely empty.
 Calculate the residual charge related to the nominal charge.
 Check that the original charge of tested extinguishers fulfilled the filling tolerances required in
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, 6.2 (Take into account the weight of the propellant gas where applicable.).
A.7 Requirements – Acceptance criteria
A.7.1 Minimum duration
The duration of operation of each extinguisher shall comply with the requirements of Tables 2 to 7 of
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007 (see Tables A.1 to A.6 hereafter):
Table A.1 — Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges for powder
extinguishers
Fire rating Minimum duration of operation (s) Nominal permitted charges (kg)
5 A 6 1
8 A 6 1, 2
13 A 9 1, 2, 3, 4
21 A 9 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
27 A 9 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9
34 A 12 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9
43 A 15 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12
55 A 15 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12
Table A.2 — Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges for water based
extinguishers including foam extinguishers
Fire rating Minimum duration of operation (s) Nominal permitted charges (l)
5 A 6 2, 3
8 A 9 2, 3, 6
13 A 9 2, 3, 6, 9
21 A 9 2, 3, 6, 9
27 A 12 2, 3, 6, 9
34 A 15 2, 3, 6, 9
43 A 15 2, 3, 6, 9
55 A 15 2, 3, 6, 9
Table A.3 — Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges for powder
extinguishers
Fire rating Minimum duration of operation (s) Nominal permitted charges (Kg)
21 B 6 1
34 B 6 1, 2
55 B 9 1, 2, 3
70 B 9 1, 2, 3, 4
89 B 9 1, 2, 3, 4
113 B 12 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
144 B 15 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9
183 B 15 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12
233 B 15 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12
Table A.4 — Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges for water based
extinguishers including foam extinguishers
Fire rating Minimum duration of operation (s) Nominal permitted charges (l)
34 B 6 2
55 B 9 2, 3
70 B 9 2, 3
89 B 9 2, 3
113 B 12 2, 3, 6
144 B 15 2, 3, 6
183 B 15 2, 3, 6, 9
233 B 15 2, 3, 6, 9
Table A.5 — Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges for CO
extinguishers
Fire rating Minimum duration of operation (s) Nominal permitted charges (Kg)
21 B 6 2
34 B 6 2
55 B 9 2, 5
70 B 9 2, 5
89 B 9 2, 5
113 B 12 2, 5
144 B 15 2, 5
183 B 15 2, 5
233 B 15 2, 5
Table A.6 — Fire ratings, minimum duration of operation and nominal charges for halons
extinguishers
Fire rating Minimum duration of operation (s) Nominal permitted charges (Kg)
21 B 6 1
34 B 6 1, 2
55 B 9 1, 2, 4
70 B 9 1, 2, 4, 6
89 B 9 1, 2, 4, 6
113 B 12 1, 2, 4, 6
144 B 15 1, 2, 4, 6
183 B 15 1, 2, 4, 6
233 B 15 1, 2, 4, 6
A.7.2 Spread of measurements
Each duration measured shall be within the average of the three results ± 15 % as required in 7.1.2. of EN
3-7:2004+A1:2007.
A.7.3 Commencement of discharge
All extinguishers shall operate within 4 s of the control valve being opened (t -t ) as required in 7.3 of EN 3-
1 0
7:2004+A1:2007.
A.7.4 Residual charge
The residual charge of extinguishing medium shall not be more than 10 % of the nominal charge as
required in 7.2 of EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007.

Annex B
Effective range of operating temperature test
B.1 General
This procedure describes the method to assess the effective range of operating temperature.
B.2 Scope
This procedure applies to all fire extinguishers.
B.3 References
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, Clause 7.4 and Annex B.
B.4 Equipment
 Air temperature conditioning chamber(s) (oven, refrigerator, cooler,…).
 A continuous time and temperature recorder.
All temperature conditioning chambers shall have a stable and uniform temperature with a tolerance of less
than ± 2 ºC (empty).
The equipment shall operate between Tmin and Tmax.
 Stopwatch with at least 3 splits.
 Weighing scale. with a resolution ≤ ± 2 g,
A liquid bath shall not be used.
The measurement equipment shall fulfil the applicable requirements of EN ISO/IEC 17025 regarding
calibration.
B.5 Test conditions – number of test samples
Number of test samples : four
 two samples to be conditioned to the requirements of temperature cycle A
 two samples to be conditioned to the requirements of temperature cycle B
Subject one set of two extinguishers to cycle A and the other set of two extinguishers to cycle B:

Table B.1
Duration (h) Cycle A Cycle B
24 ± 1 Tmin ± 2°C Tmax ± 2°C
24 ± 1 (+20 ± 5)°C (+20 ± 5)°C
24 ± 1 Tmax ± 2°C Tmin ± 2°C
 Tmax and Tmin claimed by the manufacturer shall be used for the tests.
 Extinguishers shall be able to operate between Tmax and Tmin;
 Tmax for all extinguishers shall be 60 °C or higher,
 Tmin excluding water based extinguishers shall be – 20 °C, – 30 °C, or lower,
 Tmin for water based extinguishers shall be + 5 °C, 0 °C, – 5 °C, – 10 °C, – 15 °C, – 20 °C, –
25 °C, – 30 °C, or lower. For water based extinguishers without any protection against
freezing, Tmin shall be + 5 °C.
 When tested at Tmax and Tmin temperature limits, in accordance with EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, Annex
B, extinguishers shall 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 7.4.3.
 the minimum duration of operation shall be not less than 6 s.
 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.
 The maximum duration of operation of CO extinguishers shall be as follows:
 At Tmax the maximum duration of operation shall be not more than the value established at a
temperature of 20 °C.
 At Tmin the maximum duration of operation shall be not more than 2,5 times the value
established at 20 °C.
Before placement of the extinguishers into the air temperature conditioning chamber(s), check to ensure
the chamber has achieved and is stable at the required temperature.
B.6 Test method
B.6.1 General
Record the actual gross weight of all the extinguishers used in the test.
B.6.2 Duration of operation
B.6.2.1 General
Two technicians are needed to carry out this test: one to operate the extinguisher; the other to measure the
times by stopwatch.
B.6.2.2 Stored pressure extinguishers (all types of media)
 Release the safety device.
 Hold the extinguisher by hand in its normal working position (see label instructions) and keep it
immobile for the duration of the test. If there is a hose, hold the nozzle in the other hand in a horizontal
position.
 Fully open the control valve and start the stopwatch (t ).
 Record the delay of the beginning of discharge on the stopwatch split (t ).
 Record the end of discharge of the extinguishing medium on the stopwatch split (t ):
- For CO extinguisher:
 The end of discharge can be identified by a change in appearance of the gas discharge from a white
jet to a transparent jet combined with an increase in noise level of the discharge.
- For other type of extinguisher :
 The end of discharge can be identified as the moment when the extinguishing agent stops discharging
from the extinguisher. The discharge of residual propellant gas is not taken into account.
 Keep the control valve fully open during 1 min after t .
 Calculate and record the duration of discharge (t -t ) for each of the four extinguishers.
2 1
The diagram to perform the test is shown in Figure B.1:
 remove safety device;
start stopwatch) (t ) and open the control valve,
Key
1 1 discharge delay max 10 s (t -t )
1 0
2 duration of operation (t -t )
2 1
3 1 min release of remaining gas then close the valve (at t )
4 discharge finishing
Figure B.1
B.6.2.3 Gas cartridge type extinguisher
 Release the safety device.
 If the pressurisation is not achieved by the releasing of the safety device, pressurise the extinguisher
according to the instructions on the label.
 Start the stopwatch when the cartridge is opened (t ).
a
 Hold the extinguisher by hand in its normal working position (see label instructions) and keep it
immobile for the duration of the test. If there is a hose, hold the nozzle in the other hand in a horizontal
position.
 Only for extinguishers using a pressurisation device independent of the control valve, after (6 ± 1) s
(t - t ) (SPLIT on the stopwatch) open the control valve.
0 a
 Record by split (t ) on the stopwatch the delay of the beginning of discharge.
 Record by split (t ) on the stopwatch the end of discharge of the extinguishing medium.
 The end of discharge can be noticed by the moment when all the extinguishing agent is discharged.
The residual propellant gas is not taken into account.
 Keep the control valve fully open during 1 min after t .
 Calculate and record the duration of discharge (t -t ) for each of the four extinguishers.
2 1
The diagram to perform the test is shown in Figure B.2:
 remove safety device;
 pressurise the extinguisher (if not obtained by removing the safety device) and start the stopwatch (t ),
a
 after (6 ± 1) s , split on the stopwatch (t ) and open the control valve,
Key
1 pressurisation for 6 s
2 discharge delay max 10 s
3 duration of operation
4 1 min release of remaining gas then close the valve
5 discharge finishing
Figure B.2
B.6.3 Residual charge
B.6.3.1 Powder and water based extinguisher
 Check there is no pressure left in the extinguisher.
 Remove the closure of the extinguisher.
 Record the weight of the residual charge by one of the following methods:
 Collect the residual charge of media from the extinguisher, it’s dip tube, valve and hose (if
applicable).
 Measure the weight of the extinguisher containing residual charge (including medium from dip
tube and valve and hose if applicable). Then, empty and reweigh the body.
 Calculate and record the percentage related to the nominal charge.
 Check the charge mass or volume against the filling tolerances required in EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, 6.2
(take into account the weight of the propellant gas).
B.6.3.2 Gaseous media extinguisher
 Dry the external surface of the extinguisher and record the weight.
 Reweigh the extinguisher after it has been completely emptied.
 Calculate the residual charge related to the nominal charge.
 Check the charge mass or volume against the filling tolerances required in EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, 6.2
(take into account the weight of the propellant gas).
B.7 Requirements – acceptance criteria
When tested at the Tmax and Tmin temperature limits, extinguishers shall meet the following requirements:
 The discharge shall commence within 10 s of the opening of the control valve
 Except for CO extinguishers (see below), the duration of operation shall be not more than twice the
duration established at a temperature of 20 °C.
 The duration of operation shall be not less than 6 s.
 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.
For CO extinguishers, in addition to the above requirements:
 At Tmax the duration of operation shall be not more than the value established at a temperature of 20
°C.
 At Tmin the duration of operation shall be not more than 2.5 times the duration established at
20 °C.
Annex C
Operation and emission control mechanism /devices and safety
devices tests
C.1 General
This procedure describes the test methods to measure the force/energy required to actuate operation
devices or emission control devices and to release safety devices.
Further general and other special requirements on these devices according to EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007 are
explained.
In order to measure the actuating forces, an alternative test method referred in footnote may be used.
C.2 Scope
This procedure applies to all types of portable fire extinguisher.
The operation or emission control mechanism/device of which is either
 a finger trigger, or
 a squeeze grip lever, or
 a screw down hand wheel, or
 a strike knob.
It also applies to safety devices.
C.3 References
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and Annex D.
C.4 Equipment
The main pieces of test equipment are:
 a test rig.
Andstén, T., Juutilainen H., Vaari J., Weckman H.: Test method for actuating and safety devices of portable
fire extinguishers. Nordtest Project No. 1435-99. VTT Research notes 2002, Technical research centre of
Finland, Espoo 1999.  Available via the Internet under: The test rig shall allow the extinguisher to be fixed firmly to the test rig with its safety or actuating device
located and aligned correctly in relation to the force meter. To achieve this, a metal framework with various
auxiliary components such as mounting brackets, straps, pulleys, wires, hydraulic actuators etc. may be
used.
 a force meter,
 a temperature conditioning chamber,
 a striking test device as described in EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, Annex D,
The measurement equipment shall fulfil the applicable requirements of EN ISO/IEC 17025 regarding
calibration.
C.5 Number of test samples – Test conditions
C.5.1 Number of test samples
C.5.1.1 Operation and emission control mechanism/device
C.5.1.1.1 CO fire extinguishers
Number of test samples for force measurement: four to six, of which:
 two samples to be tested at Tmin ± 2 °C,
 two samples to be tested at Tmax ± 2 °C, and if applicable,
 two samples to be tested at (40 ± 2) °C,
C.5.1.1.2 Other fire extinguishers
st nd
1 device and 2 device
Number of test samples for the force and/or the energy measurement: four of which:
 two samples to be tested at Tmin ± 2 °C,
 two samples to be tested at Tmax ± 2 °C,
NOTE According to the design and/or the technology , an extinguisher can be equipped with two operating
devices. For example, one device to open a gas cartridge and a second device to control medium discharge.
C.5.1.2 Safety devices
Number of test samples for all types of fire extinguishers: six of which:
 one sample to be tested at (20 ± 5)°C in order to determine the force to release a safety device,
 three samples to be tested at (Tmin ± 2) °C:
 two to determine the force to release a safety device,
 one to assess the unaided manual attempt of the operating mechanism with the safety
device in position (EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, clause 10.3),
 three samples to be tested at (Tmax ± 2) °C:
 two to determine the force to release a safety device,
 one to assess the unaided manual attempt of the operating mechanism with the safety
device in position (EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, clause 10.3),

C.5.2 Test conditions-Pre-conditioning of test samples
Prior to the tests all samples shall be subjected to the conditioning temperatures (20 ± 5) °C for a minimum
period of 24 h. and to the applicable test temperature (Tmin ± 2 °C, +40 °C ± 2 °C, Tmax ± 2 °C) for a period
of (24 ± 1) h.
The tests shall be conducted within 3 minu
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