ISO/TC 21 - Equipment for fire protection and fire fighting

This document suggests specific types of information that can be useful for assessing safe and effective gaseous extinguishing media for inclusion in the ISO 14520 series.

This document specifies performance and marking requirements and test methods for conventional, spray, flat spray, sidewall, extended coverage, domestic and storage sprinklers, including early suppression fast response (ESFR), electrically activated sprinklers (EAS) and sprinklers with monitoring of activation (SMA) for use in water-based fire protection systems. This document is not applicable to sprinklers with multiple orifices.

This document specifies the product characteristics for powered smoke and heat control ventilators (fans) intended to be used as part of a powered smoke and heat control ventilation system in construction works. It provides test and assessment methods of the characteristics and the conformance criteria of the test assessment results. This document applies to the following: a) fans for smoke and heat control ventilation; b) impulse/jet fans for smoke and heat control ventilation.

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 performance requirements, methods of test and marking requirements for pressure reducing valves intended to reduce the downstream water pressure in the piping for water-based fire protection systems. Within the context of this document, pressure reducing valves include both pilot operated pressure reducing valves and direct acting pressure reducing valves. Performance and test requirements for other auxiliary components or attachments to pressure reducing valves are not within the scope of this document.

This document defines performance requirements, methods of testing and marking requirements for fire pump relief valves intended to rapidly relieve the excessive water pressure in the supply piping for standpipe systems or sprinkler systems or both. Performance and test requirements for other auxiliary components or attachments to fire pump relief valves are not covered by this standard.

This document specifies performance requirements, test methods and marking requirements for pendent early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers. NOTE This document currently provides requirements for K202 and K242 ESFR pendent sprinklers.

This document specifies performance, requirements, test methods and marking requirements, for check valves used to supply water in automatic fire protection systems. It is not applicable to trim valves.

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 minimum requirements and defines the specifications governing the design, installation and maintenance of fixed oxygen reduction systems with oxygen reduced air for fire prevention in buildings and industrial production plants. It also applies to the extension and modification of existing systems. This document applies to oxygen reduction systems using nitrogen-enriched-air which are designed for continual oxygen reduction in enclosed spaces. NOTE Nitrogen is, today, the most suitable gas to be used for oxygen reduction. For other gases, this document can be used as a reference. This document does not apply to: — oxygen reduction systems that use water mist or combustion gases; — explosion suppression systems; — explosion prevention systems, in case of chemicals or materials containing their own supply of oxygen, such as cellulose nitrate; — fire extinguishing systems using gaseous extinguishing agents; — inertization of portable containers; — systems in which oxygen levels are reduced for reasons other than fire prevention (e.g. steel processing in the presence of inert gas to avoid the formation of oxide film); — inerting required during repair work on systems or equipment (e.g. welding) in order to eliminate the risk of fire or explosion. In addition to the conditions for the actual oxygen reduction system and its individual components, this document also covers certain structural specifications for the protected area. The space protected by an oxygen reduction system is a controlled and continuously monitored indoor climate for extended occupation. This document does not cover unventilated confined spaces that can contain hazardous gases.

This document contains specific requirements for gaseous fire-extinguishing systems, with respect to the HFC 23 extinguishant. It includes details of physical properties, specifications, usage and safety aspects. It is applicable to systems operating at a nominal pressure of 41 bar without nitrogen superpressurization and 70 bar superpressurized with nitrogen.

This document contains specific requirements for gaseous fire-extinguishing systems, with respect to the HFC 227ea extinguishant. It includes details of physical properties, specifications, usage and safety aspects. This document is applicable to systems operating at nominal pressures of 25 bar, 42 bar and 50 bar with nitrogen propellant. This does not preclude the use of other systems.

This document contains specific requirements for gaseous fire-extinguishing systems, with respect to the HFC 125 extinguishant. It includes details of physical properties, specifications, usage and safety aspects. This document is applicable to systems operating at nominal pressures of 25 bar and 42 bar, superpressurized with nitrogen. This does not preclude the use of other systems.

This document specifies the essential properties and performance of liquid foam concentrates used to make medium- or high-expansion foams or both for the control, the extinction and the inhibition of reignition of fires of water-immiscible liquids. Minimum performance on certain test fires is specified. These foams are suitable for top application to fires of water-immiscible liquid. Those foams that comply with ISO 7203-1 are also suitable for top application to fires of water-immiscible liquids.

This document specifies the essential properties and performance of liquid foam concentrates used to make low-expansion foams for the control, the extinction and the inhibition of reignition of fires of water-immiscible liquids. Minimum performance on certain test fires is specified. These foams are suitable for top application to fires of water-immiscible liquids. The foams that conform with ISO 7203-3 are also suitable for top application to fires of water-miscible liquids. The foam concentrates can be suitable for use in non-aspirating sprayers or for subsurface application to liquid fires, but the requirements specific to those applications are outside the scope of this document.

This document specifies the essential properties and performance of liquid foam concentrates used to make low-expansion foams for the control, extinction and inhibition of re-ignition of fires of water-miscible liquids. Minimum performance on certain test fires is specified. These foams are suitable for top application to fires of water-miscible liquids. Those foams that also comply with ISO 7203-1 are also suitable for top application to fires of water-immiscible liquids. The foam concentrates can be suitable for use in non-aspirating sprayers or for subsurface application to liquid fires, but requirements specific to those applications are not included in this document.

This document contains specific requirements for gaseous fire-extinguishing systems, with respect to FK-5-1-12 extinguishant. It includes details of physical properties, specifications, usage and safety aspects. This document is applicable only to systems operating at nominal pressures of 25 bar, 34,5 bar, 42 bar and 50 bar with nitrogen propellant. This does not preclude the use of other systems.

This document specifies construction requirements, performance requirements, test methods and marking requirements for typical types of pipe hangers.

This document specifies performance requirements, methods of test and marking requirements for pre-action dry alarm valves, valve sets and manufacturers' specified relevant trim used in non-interlock pre-action automatic fire protection systems. Performance and test requirements for other auxiliary components or attachments to pre-action dry valves are not covered by this document.

This document specifies performance requirements, grooving dimensions, test methods and marking requirements for couplings used in the joining of grooved steel tubes, pipes, grooved-end fittings and other grooved-end components up to 300 DN nominal diameter.

This document applies to the design and installation of natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators (NSHEVs) for spaces from which smoke is extracted vertically by thermal buoyancy via the roof in the case of single-storey buildings and via the uppermost storey in the case of multi-storey buildings. It also applies to spaces in which NSHEVs are installed in external walls. This document includes tables and calculation methods for the design of clear layers in order to comply with the requirements of various protection objectives. This document includes information and provisions to be taken into account when applying the design rules set out herein and when installing NSHEVs.

This document specifies the performance and testing requirements for accelerators used with dry pipe valves in fire protection systems to hasten the operation of the valves when one or more sprinklers operate.

This document specifies performance requirements, methods of test, and marking requirements for open water spray nozzles. This document is not applicable to open sprinklers or open water mist nozzles. Factors of installation, such as nozzle spacing, design densities, wind and hot gas velocities, are not intended to be addressed by this document.

This document provides guidance on fulfilling the requirements contained in ISO 6183:2009, 6.4.1 and 7.4.1 and ISO 14520-1:2015, 5.2.1 h and 5.3 h, in respect to over and under pressurisation venting and post discharge extract. It considers the design, selection and installation of vents to safeguard the structural integrity of enclosures protected by fixed gaseous extinguishing systems and the post discharge venting provisions where used.

This document applies to natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators (NSHEV) operating as part of smoke and heat exhaust systems (SHEVS), placed on the market. This document specifies requirements and gives test methods for natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators which are intended to be installed in smoke and heat control systems in buildings.

This document applies to powered smoke exhaust systems in spaces with a large area and with a ceiling height of minimum 3 m, in which smoke protection is required. It includes tables and calculation methods for the design of clear layers in order to comply, inter alia, with the requirements of various protection objectives. This document includes information and provisions concerning the requirements for powered smoke exhaust systems, their design and rules for their installation. NOTE The requirements for testing the ventilators are dealt with in ISO 21927‑3. Other parts of the ISO 21927 series of standards deal with the power supply (ISO 21927‑10), control equipment (ISO 21927‑9) and smoke control ducts and smoke control dampers (ISO 21927‑7 and ISO 21927-8 respectively). Design, as specified in this document, does not apply to: — spaces with fixed gas extinguishing systems; — storage facilities for hazardous materials; — spaces in which there is a risk of explosions; — corridors; — stairwells.

This document specifies requirements for the chemical and physical properties, and for minimum performance in defined test methods, of fire extinguishing powders suitable for use against fires of classes A, B, C and D. Requirements are also given for the information and data to be declared by the manufacturer. NOTE The classification of fires is given in ISO 3941.

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 7165:2017 specifies the principal requirements intended to ensure the safety, reliability and performance of portable fire extinguishers. It is applicable to a fully charged extinguisher having a maximum mass of 20 kg. Subject to local acceptance, application can be extended to extinguishers having a total mass of up to 25 kg when fully charged.

ISO 11601:2017 specifies the principal requirements intended to ensure the safety, reliability and performance of wheeled fire extinguishers.

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 21927-8:2017 applies to smoke control dampers, placed on the market and intended to operate as part of a pressure differential system or smoke and heat control system. This document specifies requirements and gives reference to the test methods defined for smoke control dampers and their associated components, such as actuators which are intended to be installed in such systems in buildings. Furthermore, provision on marking and information on installation and maintenance of these products are also given. ISO 21927-8:2017 distinguishes between two categories of smoke control dampers, i.e. single-compartment smoke control dampers and multi‑compartment fire-resisting smoke control dampers. Smoke control dampers covered by this document can be installed into smoke control system ducts or onto the ducts' surface. They can be installed also into a wall, floor or ceiling/roof elements or onto the surface of these elements. NOTE To avoid duplication, reference is made to a variety of other standards. To this end, this document can be read in conjunction with EN 13501‑4, EN 1366‑10 and ISO 10294‑1 for details of the furnace testing. ISO 21927-8:2017 does not consider in detail the detrimental and/or corrosive effects that can be caused by process chemicals present in the atmosphere, which are drawn through the system intentionally or inadvertently.

ISO 21927-7:2017 applies to smoke control duct sections placed on the market and intended to operate as part of a pressure differential system or smoke and heat exhaust system. This document specifies requirements and gives reference to the test methods defined for smoke control duct sections and their associated components (for example, hangers and other items proven at the time of testing), which are intended to be installed in such systems in buildings. Furthermore, marking and information on installation and maintenance of these products are also given in this document. NOTE To avoid duplication, reference is made to a variety of other standards. To this end, this document can be read in conjunction with EN 1366‑8, EN 1366‑9 and ISO 6944‑1, for details of the fire resistance testing and EN 13501‑4 for corresponding classification. ISO 21927-7:2017 has not considered in detail the detrimental and/or corrosive effects that may be caused by process chemicals present in the atmosphere, which are drawn through the system intentionally or inadvertently. ISO 21927-7:2017 also governs associated components used together with smoke control duct sections such as turning vanes and silencers, with the exception of natural and powered smoke ventilators and smoke control dampers, which are covered by separate standards. Ducts for use other than in smoke and heat exhaust/control systems are not covered by this document.

ISO 6182-13:2017 specifies performance and marking requirements and test methods for extended coverage sprinklers. These sprinklers are intended to provide control of fires in occupancies or portions of occupancies where quantity and/or combustibility of contents is low such as office spaces.

ISO 16852:2016 specifies the requirements for flame arresters that prevent flame transmission when explosive gas-air or vapour-air mixtures are present. It establishes uniform principles for the classification, basic construction and information for use, including the marking of flame arresters, and specifies test methods to verify the safety requirements and determine safe limits of use. This International Standard is valid for pressures ranging from 80 kPa to 160 kPa and temperatures ranging from −20 °C to + 150 °C. NOTE 1 For flame arresters with operational conditions inside the scope, but outside atmospheric conditions, see 7.4. NOTE 2 In designing and testing flame arresters for operation under conditions other than those specified above, this International Standard can be used as a guide. However, additional testing related specifically to the intended conditions of use is advisable. This is particularly important when high temperatures and pressures are applied. The test mixtures might need to be modified in these cases. NOTE 3 An additional standard IMO MSC/Circ. 677 for maritime application from IMO (International Maritime Organization) exists. ISO 16852:2016 is not applicable to the following: - external safety-related measurement and control equipment that might be required to keep the operational conditions within the established safe limits; NOTE 4 Integrated measurement and control equipment, such as integrated temperature and flame sensors as well as parts which, for example, intentionally melt (retaining pin), burn away (weather hoods) or bend (bimetallic strips), is within the scope of this International Standard. - flame arresters used for explosive mixtures of vapours and gases, which tend to self-decompose (e.g. acetylene) or which are chemically unstable; - flame arresters used for carbon disulphide, due to its special properties; - flame arresters whose intended use is for mixtures other than gas-air or vapour-air mixtures (e.g. higher oxygen-nitrogen ratio, chlorine as oxidant, etc.); - flame arrester test procedures for internal-combustion compression ignition engines; - fast acting valves, extinguishing systems and other explosion isolating systems.

ISO 14520-11:2016 contains specific requirements for gaseous fire-extinguishing systems, with respect to the HFC 236fa extinguishant. It includes details of physical properties, specification, usage and safety aspects. ISO 14520-11:2016 covers systems operating at nominal pressures of 25 bar and 42 bar superpressurized with nitrogen. This does not preclude the use of other systems.

ISO 7076-4:2016 specifies requirements and test methods for high expansion foam equipment of fixed-foam extinguishing systems for indoor or outdoor use or both.

ISO 7076-3:2016 specifies requirements and test methods for medium expansion foam equipment of fixed-foam extinguishing systems for indoor or outdoor use or both.

ISO 7076-6:2016 specifies requirements for compressed air foam systems (CAFS) in which foam concentrate and compressed air are continuously added to the water being discharged from the fire-fighting pump. This part of ISO 7076 is applicable to CAFS that can be permanently installed in fire-fighting vehicles, transportable, or mobile. ISO 7076-6:2016 specifies requirements for CAFS which are used at ambient temperatures ranging from ?10 °C to +40 °C. ISO 7076-6:2016 does not apply to stationary CAFS. ISO 7076-6:2016 does not apply to requirements for hazards related to handling foam concentrates, noise generated by CAFS, drives, auxiliary equipment, power sources, or pumps connected to the CAFS. ISO 7076-6:2016 does not specify requirements for special hazards arising from particular conditions under which CAFS are used, for example: - immunity against electromagnetic fields and electrostatic discharge; - operation without supervision; - events specific to the location where the CAFS is set up (e.g. on public roads); - handling of any equipment, devices, etc., which have to be connected to the CAFS or are joined to it (e.g. branch pipes, nozzles and pressure hoses); - decommissioning and disposal.