ISO/TC 21/SC 3 - Fire detection and alarm systems

This document provides a catalogue of test fires and is intended to enhance comprehensive understanding of fire detection test methods. It describes a series of test fires to which fire detectors, such as smoke, heat and flame detectors, are subjected, as specified in other Parts of the ISO 7240 series. This document does not specify normative requirements regarding the test methods for the test fires.

This document specifies requirements, test methods, performance criteria and manufacturers' 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 document is recommended only as guidance. Smoke alarms with special characteristics and developed for specific risks are not covered by this document. This document allows, although it does not require, the inclusion within the smoke alarm of facilities for the following: — visual fault condition indication; — extended temperature-range operation; — interconnection with other similar smoke alarms or accessories; — temporary disablement; — alarm silencing; — signal frequency characteristics; — standby power source low condition silence; — smoke alarms with voice; — smoke alarms using radio frequency links; — response to slowly developing fires (drift compensation). Where such facilities are included, this document specifies applicable requirements. This document does not cover devices intended for incorporation in systems using separate control and indicating equipment. Such systems are specified in the ISO 7240 series.

This document specifies the requirements for compatibility and connectability assessment of the components of fire detection and alarm systems, fire protection systems and voice alarm systems. This document only includes system requirements when these are necessary for compatibility assessment. This document also specifies requirements for the integrity of the fire detection and fire alarm system when connected to other systems. This document does not specify the manner in which the system is designed, installed and used in any particular application. This document does not cover components or functions which are not included in the fire detection and alarm systems (FDAS), such as functions performed by a building management system. Methods of assessment are specified to permit an acceptable degree of confidence within predetermined operational and environmental conditions to be achieved. The requirements for the transmission path used for a distributed function are covered by a relevant ISO standard and not by this document. This document is applicable to systems where the components are connected to control-and-indicating equipment (CIE) and where the components are interconnected by electrical wires or optical fibre or by radio frequency links or by any combination of these. ISO 7240-25 provides additional information and requirements about systems using radio frequency links. NOTE Other International Standards are expected to cover the requirements of other systems to which the fire detection and fire alarm system is connected.

This document specifies the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for audible alarm devices intended to signal an audible warning, with or without voice messages between a fire detection and fire alarm system and the occupants of a building. This document specifies fire alarm audible alarm devices for two types of application environment, type A for indoor use and type B for outdoor use. This document is not applicable to: a) loudspeaker-type devices primarily intended for emitting emergency voice messages that are generated from an external audio source; b) supervisory audible alarm devices, e.g. within the control and indicating equipment.

This document specifies the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for transmission path isolators for use in fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings (for general requirements and definitions, see ISO 7240‑1). Means of isolation or protection incorporated within control and indicating equipment are not covered by this document.

This document specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for point-type smoke detectors that operate using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization, for use in fire detection and alarm systems installed in buildings (see ISO 7240-1). This document also covers point-type smoke detectors that incorporate more than one smoke sensor operating on these principles. Additional requirements and test methods for such detectors are given in Annex N. For the testing of other types of smoke detectors, or smoke detectors working on different principles, this document is only intended to be used for guidance. This document is not applicable to smoke detectors with special characteristics, developed for specific risks. NOTE Certain types of detectors contain radioactive materials.

This document specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for multi-sensor point fire detectors that incorporate a smoke sensor, a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor and, optionally, one or more heat sensors, for use in fire detection and alarm systems installed in buildings (see ISO 7240‑1). For the testing of other types of fire detectors using smoke, CO and, optionally, heat sensors working on different principles, this document can be used only for guidance. This document is not applicable to fire detectors using smoke, CO and, optionally heat sensors, which have special characteristics and which have been developed for specific risks.

ISO 7240-5:2018 specifies the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for point type heat detectors for use in fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings (see ISO 7240‑1). For other types of heat detector, or for detectors intended for use in other environments, this document can be used for guidance only. Heat detectors with special characteristics and developed for specific risks are not covered by this document.

ISO 8201:2017 specifies the requirements for an audible emergency evacuation signal intended to indicate without ambiguity, to all persons within the reception area of the signal, that an emergency situation (fire, gas leaks, explosion, nuclear radiation, etc.) requires immediate evacuation. Two acoustic parameters of the audible emergency evacuation signal are defined: the temporal pattern and the required sound pressure level at all places within the intended reception area of the signal. NOTE Recognition of the signal does not require the specification of its spectral content, which can be selected to satisfy specific site requirements. The signal specified in this document is intended to be used in buildings, including but not limited to schools, hotels, residential buildings, public institutions and work places (such as factories and offices) The signal can also be used in outside areas. ISO 8201:2017 is not applicable to warning signals, to signals for public disaster control or to alarm systems on board ships or in outdoor moving vehicles, such as police cars, fire engines and ambulances. The individual signalling-system components of the signal are also out of the scope of this document.

ISO 7240-2:2017 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for fire detection control and indicating equipment (FDCIE) for use in fire detection and fire alarm systems installed in buildings. For the testing of other types of FDCIE, this document is intended to be used only for guidance. FDCIE with special characteristics, developed for specific risks, are not covered in ISO 7240-2:2017.

ISO 7240-4:2017 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for power supply equipment (PSE) for use in fire detection and alarm systems installed in buildings. For the testing of other types of the PSE, this document is intended to be used only for guidance. The PSE with special characteristics, developed for specific risks, are not covered in ISO 7240-4:2017.

ISO 7240-18:2017 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for input/output devices connected to a transmission path of a fire detection and alarm system used to receive and/or transmit signals to or from the transmission path, necessary for the operation of the fire detection and fire alarm system and/or fire protection system. An input/output device can be a physically separate device or its function can be integrated into another device, in which case ISO 7240-18:2017 can be used to assess this function. ISO 7240-18:2017 is applicable to input/output devices which include signal amplifiers and signal transfer in separate enclosures. Control and indicating equipment and ancillary control and indicating equipment (e.g. repeater panels and fire brigade panels) are not covered by ISO 7240-18:2017.

ISO 7240-22:2017 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for smoke-detection equipment for ducts (SDED) for use in fire detection and alarm systems installed in buildings (see ISO 7240‑1). The SDED samples the air from a duct and detects smoke in the sample. NOTE 1 A common method of operation is to use differential pressure arising from airflow in the duct. The SDED can use smoke detectors complying with ISO 7240‑7 or other detectors complying with tests specified in ISO 7240-22:2017. A common application for SDED is to detect visible smoke, for which detectors using scattered light or transmitted light can be more suitable. However, requirements for detectors using ionization are also included in ISO 7240-22:2017 for use in applications where detection of less visible fire aerosols is desired. For the testing of other types of smoke detectors or smoke detectors working on different principles, ISO 7240-22:2017 can be used for guidance. Smoke detectors with special characteristics, developed for specific risks, are not covered. NOTE 2 Certain types of detectors contain radioactive materials. The national requirements for radiation protection differ from country to country and are not specified in ISO 7240-22:2017.

ISO/TS 7240-29:2017 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for video fire detectors (VFD), which operate in the visible spectrum, for use in fire detection and alarm systems installed in and around buildings (see ISO 7240‑1). For the testing of other types of VFD working on different principles, ISO/TS 7240-29:2017 can be used only for guidance. Detectors developed for the protection of specific risks that incorporate special characteristics (including additional features or enhanced functionality for which ISO/TS 7240-29:2017 does not define a test or assessment method) are beyond the scope of ISO/TS 7240-29:2017.

ISO 7240-24:2016 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for loudspeakers intended to broadcast a warning of fire between a fire detection and alarm system and the occupants of a building (see ISO 7240‑1:2014, Figure 1, item C). ISO 7240-24:2016 specifies loudspeakers for two types of application environment: type A, generally for indoor use, and type B, generally for outdoor use. ISO 7240-24:2016 does not cover loudspeakers for special applications, for example, loudspeakers for use in hazardous applications, if such applications require additional or other requirements or tests other than those given in this part of ISO 7240. ISO 7240-24:2016 is not intended to cover addressable loudspeakers or loudspeakers with active components. Audible alarm indicators are covered in ISO 7240‑3.

ISO 7240-8:2015 specifies requirements, test methods, and performance criteria for point multi-sensor fire detectors that incorporate at least one carbon monoxide (CO) sensor in combination with one or more heat sensors, for use in fire detection and alarm systems installed in buildings (see ISO 7240‑1). For the testing of other types of CO multi-sensor fire detectors, or CO and heat multi-sensor fire detectors working on different principles, this part of ISO 7240 is only to be used for guidance. CO and heat multi-sensor fire detectors with special characteristics and developed for specific risks are not covered by this part of ISO 7240.

ISO 7240-15:2014 specifies requirements, test methods, and performance criteria for point-type fire detectors using smoke and heat sensors, incorporating in one mechanical enclosure at least one smoke sensor and at least one other sensor which responds to heat, and in which the signal(s) of the smoke sensor(s) is (are) combined with the signal(s) of the heat sensor(s). The performance of a single sensor within the detector covered by ISO 7240-15:2014 cannot be sufficient for conformity to other parts of ISO 7240 for the single sensor detector. Certain types of detectors can contain radioactive materials. The national requirements for radiation protection differ from country to country and they are not therefore specified in this standard. However, such detectors are expected to conform to the national requirements and be in line with the recommendations of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). For the testing of other types of detectors, or detectors working on different principles, ISO 7240-15:2014 can be used only for guidance. Detectors with special characteristics, developed for specific risks, are not covered in ISO 7240-15:2014.

ISO 7240-1:2014 provides a set of general guidelines and definitions used in describing the fire detection and alarm system (FDAS) equipment installed in and around buildings, and the tests and requirements for these equipments in the other parts of ISO 7240. ISO 7240-1:2014 does not apply to smoke alarms, the requirements for which are specified in ISO 12239.

ISO 7240-12:2014 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for line-type smoke detectors for use in fire detection systems installed in buildings. The detectors consist of at least a transmitter and a receiver and can include reflector(s), for the detection of smoke by the attenuation and/or changes in attenuation of an optical beam. ISO 7240-12:2014 does not cover line-type smoke detectors designed to operate with separations between opposed components of less than 1 m; line-type smoke detectors whose optical path length is defined or adjusted by an integral mechanical connection; line-type smoke detectors with special characteristics, which cannot be assessed by the test methods in this part of ISO 7240.

ISO 7240-14:2013 specifies the design, installation, commissioning, and service requirements for a fire detection and alarm system (FDAS), which is primarily intended to provide early detection of fire and notification within one or more specified indoor or outdoor areas for the protection of lives. The FDAS includes automatic detection of a fire and manual initiation of a fire alarm, with audible and visual warning to people within the detection area. ISO 7240-14:2013 also specifies requirements for FDAS capable of providing signals to audible warning systems in accordance with ISO 7240-19, to initiate the operation of ancillary technical services, such as fixed fire extinguishing systems, and to other precautions and actions. The protection of property is outside the scope of ISO 7240-14:2013. However, the requirements specified herein may be used as recommendations for property protection.

ISO 7240-23:2013 specifies the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for visual alarm devices in a fixed installation intended to signal a visual warning of a fire between a fire detection and alarm system and occupants in and around buildings. ISO 7240-23:2013 specifies visual alarm devices for three types of application environment. It is only applicable to pulsing or flashing visual alarm devices, for example xenon beacons or rotating beacons. It is not applicable to devices giving continuous light output. ISO 7240-23:2013 is not intended to cover visual indicators, for example, on detectors or on the control and indicating equipment.

This part of ISO 7240 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for point-type, resettable flame detectors that operate using radiation from a flame for use in fire detection systems installed in buildings. This part of ISO 7240 is not applicable to flame detectors with special characteristics, developed for specific risks. It can be used as guidance in assessing other types of flame detectors not included in this part of ISO 7240. The performance of flame detectors is assessed from results obtained in specific tests. This part of ISO 7240 is not intended to place any other restrictions on the design and construction of such flame detectors.

ISO 7240-11:2011 specifies the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for manual call points in fire detection and alarm systems in and around buildings (see ISO 7240‑1). It takes into account indoor and outdoor conditions, the appearance and operation of the manual call points for type A "direct operation" and type B "indirect operation", and covers those which are simple mechanical switches, those which are fitted with simple electronic components (e.g. resistors, diodes) and those which contain active electronic components and which work with the control and indicating equipment for signalling and identifying, for example, an address or location. ISO 7240-11:2011 does not cover manual call points for special applications, for example manual call points that are intrinsically safe or for use in hazardous conditions, if such applications require additional or other requirements or tests than those given in ISO 7240-11:2011.

ISO 7240-6:2011 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for point fire detectors using electro-chemical cells that operate using carbon-monoxide detection principles for use in fire detection and alarm systems installed in buildings (see ISO 7240-1). For the testing of other types of CO fire detectors working on different principles, ISO 7240-6:2011 can be used only for guidance. Fire detectors with special characteristics and developed for specific risks are not covered by ISO 7240-6:2011.

ISO 7240-25:2010 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for components used in fire detection and alarm systems, installed in and around buildings, which use radio-frequency (r.f.) transmission paths. It specifies requirements for the assessment of conformance of the components to the requirements of ISO 7240-25:2010. Where components work together and this requires knowledge of the system design, ISO 7240-25:2010 also specifies requirements for the system. When the fire detection and alarm system uses wired and r.f. transmission paths, the relevant parts of ISO 7240 apply together with ISO 7240-25:2010. Requirements relevant to wire transmission paths are superseded or modified by those included in ISO 7240-25:2010. ISO 7240-25:2010 does not restrict the intended use of radio spectrum, e.g. frequency, power output of devices; the allowed maximum number of the components using r.f. transmission paths within the fire detection and alarm system or one wire transmission path and/or r.f. transmission path; or the allowed maximum number of the components affected by loss of one wire transmission path and/or r.f. transmission path.

ISO 7240-20:2010 specifies the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for aspirating smoke detectors for use in fire detection and alarm systems installed in buildings. Aspirating smoke detectors developed for the protection of specific risks that incorporate special characteristics (including additional features or enhanced functionality for which ISO 7240-20:2010 does not define a test or assessment method) are also covered by ISO 7240-20:2010. The performance requirements for any special characteristics are beyond the scope of ISO 7240-20:2010.

ISO 7240-19:2007 specifies the design, installation, commissioning and service requirements for a sound system for emergency purposes (s.s.e.p.), which is primarily intended to broadcast information for the protection of lives within one or more specified indoor or outdoor areas during an emergency. The s.s.e.p. is intended to initiate a rapid and orderly mobilization of occupants in an emergency by including systems using loudspeakers to broadcast voice announcements for emergency purposes, alert signals complying with ISO 7731 (where applicable) and evacuation signals complying with ISO 8201. In some cases, sound systems are used in preference to sounders or bells in order to broadcast a range of coded warnings that is difficult to communicate with sounders or bells. The use of the s.s.e.p. for normal sound reinforcement and distribution systems purposes under non-hazardous circumstances is not excluded. When used for non-emergency purposes, the zoning of the loudspeakers can differ from the zones used for emergency purposes. ISO 7240-19:2007 does not apply to sound systems that use bells or sounders.

ISO 7240-16:2007 specifies the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for sound system control and indicating equipment (s.s.c.i.e.) for use in buildings and structures as part of a sound system for emergency purposes (s.s.e.p.) aas defined in ISO 7240-1. The s.s.c.i.e. is primarily intended to broadcast information for the protection of lives within one or more specified areas in an emergency, to effect a rapid and orderly mobilization of occupants in an indoor or outdoor area. This includes systems using loudspeakers to broadcast voice announcements for emergency purposes, alert signals complying with ISO 7731, and evacuate signals complying with ISO 8201. The overall requirements of an s.s.e.p., especially concerning audibility and intelligibility, are contained within ISO 7240-19. In addition to ensuring compliance with ISO 7240-16:2007, the manufacturer should also consider the requirements of ISO 7240-19, national regulations, codes and standards that affect the s.s.c.i.e. design and usability. For example, some regulations require certain optional functions to be available on all s.s.c.i.e. installed within the jurisdiction. The use of the equipment for normal sound reinforcement and distribution systems purposes under non-hazardous circumstances is not excluded. ISO 7240-16:2007 can also be used for the assessment of similar control and indicating equipment for use in systems where the warning-signal broadcast does not include a voice message. ISO 7240-16:2007 does not apply to systems using only sounders or bells.

ISO 7240-21:2005 specifies requirements, methods of test, and performance criteria for fire-alarm routing (transmitting) equipment and for fault (trouble) warning routing equipment for use in fire detection and fire alarm systems installed in buildings.

ISO 7240-28:2014 specifies requirements, methods of test, and performance criteria for fire protection control equipment (FPCE) connected to automatic fire protection equipment (AFPE) installed in buildings. The FPCE receives signals from fire detection control and indicating equipment, sends control signals to, and indicates the condition of, the AFPE. The control signals are used to initiate automatic fire protection equipment, such as pumps associated with fire suppression systems, control doors, dampers, fans, and the like.

ISO/TS 7240-9:2012 describes methods of test using test fires to which fire detectors, such as smoke, heat, flame are subjected as specified in other parts of ISO 7240 for such detectors.

ISO 7240-5:2012 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for point-type heat detectors for use in fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings.

ISO 7240-7:2011 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for point-type smoke detectors that operate using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization, for use in fire detection and alarm systems installed in buildings (see ISO 7240-1). ISO 7240-7:2011 also covers point-type smoke detectors that incorporate more than one smoke sensor operating on these principles. Additional requirements and test methods for such detectors are given. For the testing of other types of smoke detectors, or smoke detectors working on different principles, ISO 7240-7:2011 can be used only for guidance. Smoke detectors with special characteristics, developed for specific risks, are not covered. The national requirements for protection from radiation from detectors that contain radioactive materials differ from country to country and are not specified in ISO 7240-7:2011.

ISO 7240-3:2010 specifies the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for audible alarm devices intended to signal an audible warning of fire between a detection and alarm system and the occupants of a building. It is intended to cover only those devices which derive their operating power by means of a physical electrical connection to an external source such as a fire alarm system. ISO 7240-3:2010 is also intended to cover audible alarm devices capable of giving voice messages by the application of specific requirements, tests and performance criteria. It specifies fire alarm audible alarm devices for two types of application environment, type A for indoor use and type B for outdoor use.

ISO 12239:2010 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, ISO 12239:2010 should be used only for guidance. Smoke alarms with special characteristics and developed for specific risks are not covered by ISO 12239:2010.

ISO 7240-24:2010 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for loudspeakers intended to broadcast a warning of fire between a fire detection and alarm system and the occupants of a building (see item C4 of ISO 7240-1:2005). ISO 7240-24:2010 specifies loudspeakers for two types of application environment: type A, generally for indoor use, and type B, generally for outdoor use. ISO 7240-24:2010 does not cover loudspeakers for special applications, for example loudspeakers for use in hazardous applications, if such applications require additional or other requirements or tests other than those given in ISO 7240-24:2010. ISO 7240-24:2010 is not intended to cover addressable loudspeakers or loudspeakers with active components. Aural alarm indicators are covered in the future ISO 7240-3.

ISO 7240-18:2009 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for input/output devices connected to a transmission path of a fire detection and alarm system used to receive and/or transmit signals to or from the transmission path, necessary for the operation of the fire detection and fire alarm system and/or fire protection system. An input/output device can be a physically separate device or its function can be integrated into another device, in which case ISO 7240-18:2009 can be used to assess this function. An input/output device can include signal amplifiers and signal transfer in separate enclosures, in which case the requirements of ISO 7240-18:2009 shall apply. Control and indicating equipment and ancillary control and indicating equipment (e.g. repeater panels and fire brigade panels) are not covered by ISO 7240-18:2009.

ISO 7240-17:2009 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for short-circuit isolators, for use in fire detection and alarm systems for buildings. Means of isolation or protection incorporated within control and indicating equipment in ISO 7240-1:2005, Figure 1, item B, are not covered by ISO 7240-17:2009.

ISO 7240-27:2009 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for multi-sensor point-type fire detectors that incorporate an optical or ionization smoke sensor, an electro-chemical cell for sensing carbon monoxide (CO) and, optionally, one or more heat sensors, for use in fire detection and alarm systems installed in buildings (see ISO 7240-1). For the testing of other types of fire detectors using smoke, CO and, optionally, heat sensors working on different principles, ISO 7240-27:2009 can be used only for guidance. Fire detectors using smoke, CO and, optionally, heat sensors which have special characteristics and which have been developed for specific risks are not covered by ISO 7240-27:2009.

ISO 7240-28:2008 specifies requirements, methods of test and performance criteria for fire protection control equipment (f.p.c.e.) (ISO 7240-1:2005, Figure 1, item G) connected to automatic fire protection equipment (a.f.p.e.) (ISO 7240-1:2005, Figure 1, item H) installed in buildings. The f.p.c.e. receives signals from control and indicating equipment (ISO 7240-1:2005, Figure 1, item B), sends control signals to, and indicates the condition of, the a.f.p.e. The control signals are used to initiate automatic fire protection equipment, such as pumps associated with fire suppression systems, control doors, dampers, fans and the like.

ISO 7240-8:2007 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for point multi-sensor fire detectors that incorporate an electrochemical cell for sensing carbon monoxide (CO) in combination with one or more heat sensors, for use in fire detection and alarm systems installed in buildings. For the testing of other types of CO multi-sensor fire detectors, or CO and heat multi-sensor fire detectors working on different principles, ISO 7240-8:2007 can be used for guidance. CO and heat multi-sensor fire detectors with special characteristics and developed for specific risks are not covered by ISO 7240-8:2007.

ISO 7240-22:2007 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for smoke detection equipment for ducts (s.d.e.d.) for use in fire-detection and fire alarm systems installed in buildings. The s.d.e.d. samples the air from a duct and detects smoke in the sample. A common method of operation is to use differential pressure arising from airflow in the duct. The s.d.e.d. can use smoke detectors complying with ISO 7240-7 or other detectors complying with tests specified in ISO 7240-22:2007. A common application for s.d.e.d. is to detect visible smoke, for which detectors using scattered light or transmitted light can be more suitable. However, requirements for detectors using ionization are also included in ISO 7240-22:2007 for use in applications where detection of less visible fire aerosols is desired. For the testing of other types of smoke detectors or smoke detectors working on different principles, ISO 7240-22:2007 can be used for guidance. Smoke detectors with special characteristics, developed for specific risks, are not covered.

ISO 7240-10:2007 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for point-type, resettable flame detectors that operate using radiation from a flame for use in fire detection systems installed in buildings. Additional requirements for flame detectors for use in marine applications are specified. ISO 7240-10:2007 does not cover flame detectors working on different principles from those described in this document (although ISO 7240-10:2007 can be used as guidance in assessing such products).

ISO 7240-12 specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for line type smoke detectors for use in fire detection systems installed in buildings. The detectors consist of at least a transmitter and a receiver and can include reflector(s), for the detection of smoke by the attenuation and/or changes in attenuation of an optical beam. This part of ISO 7240 does not cover line-type smoke detectors designed to operate with separations between opposed components of less than 1 m; line-type smoke detectors whose optical path length is defined or adjusted by an integral mechanical connection; line-type smoke detectors with special characteristics, which cannot be assessed by the test methods in this part of ISO 7240.

ISO/TS 7240-9:2006 describes methods of test using test fires to which fire detectors, such as smoke, heat and flame are the be subjected as specified in other International Standards for such detectors.

ISO 7240-1:2005 provides a set of general guidelines and definitions to be used in describing the fire detection and alarm system equipment, tests and requirements in the other parts of ISO 7240. The components that a fire detection and alarm system can have are shown in Figure 1. Item C of Figure 1 can be replaced by a sound system for emergency purposes, the components of which are shown in Figure 2. Fire detectors can be self-contained: these are devices containing within one housing all the components, except possibly the energy source, necessary for detection of fire and giving an audible alarm. Inter-connected smoke alarms complying with ISO 12239 and not connected to control and indicating equipment do not form a fire detection and alarm system as defined in ISO 7240-1:2005.

ISO 7240-11:2005 specifies the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for manual call points in fire detection and fire alarm systems in and around buildings. ISO 7240-11:2005 takes into account indoor and outdoor conditions, the appearance and operation of the manual call points for type A "direct operation" and type B "indirect operation" and covers those which are simple mechanical switches, those which are fitted with simple electronic components (e.g. resistors, diodes) and those which contain active electronic components and which work with the control and indicating equipment for signalling and identifying, for example, an address or location. ISO 7240-11:2005 does not cover manual call points for special applications, for example manual call points that are intrinsically safe or for use in hazardous conditions, if such applications require additional or other requirements or tests.

ISO 7240-13:2005 specifies the requirements for compatibility and connectability assessment of system components that either comply with the requirements of ISO 7240 or with a manufacturer's specification where there is no ISO 7240 International Standard. ISO 7240-13:2005 includes only system requirements when these are necessary for compatibility assessment. ISO 7240-13:2005 also specifies requirements for the integrity of the fire detection and fire alarm system when connected to other systems. ISO 7240-13:2005 is applicable to systems where the components are connected to control-and-indicating equipment (c.i.e.) and where the components are interconnected by electrical wires. For fire detection and fire alarm systems using other means of interconnection (for example optical fibre or radio frequency links), ISO 7240-13:2005 may be used as guidance. ISO 7240-13:2005 does not specify the manner in which the system is designed, installed and used in any particular application.