ASTM F956-91(2018)

Standard Specification for Bell, Cast, Sound Signalling

ABSTRACT
This specification covers cast sound-signalling bells, together with bulkhead mounting plates for the smaller bells, for use on ships, boats, and other marine craft, for compliance with the rules in the convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Bell bodies, clappers, and other cast fittings and parts shall be copper alloy. Fittings such as bolts, nuts, washers, pins, and supporting lugs shall be of copper alloy compatible with the bell castings. Bells shall have full, clear, round, and farreaching tones. The sound pressure level shall not be less than 110 dB at a distance of 1 m from it. Acoustic tests shall be conducted only for the 200 mm heavy and larger bells to check the requirements prescribed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers cast sound-signalling bells, together with bulkhead mounting plates for the smaller bells, for use on ships, boats, and other marine craft, for compliance with the rules in the convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (commonly called Colregs).2 See Appendix X1.  
1.2 Bells and bulkhead mounting plate shall be sized as indicated in Section 4 (see Appendix X2).  
1.3 For consistency with International Regulations, all measurements are in SI units.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2018
• ICS: 47.020.70 - Navigation and control equipment
• Technical Committee: F25 - Ships and Marine Technology
• Drafting Committee: F25.07 - General Requirements

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F956 − 91 (Reapproved 2018) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Bell, Cast, Sound Signalling
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F956; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This specification covers cast sound-signalling bells, 3.1 Definitions:
together with bulkhead mounting plates for the smaller bells, 3.1.1 bell, n—a hollow metal instrument that rings when
for use on ships, boats, and other marine craft, for compliance struck.
with the rules in the convention on the International Regula-
3.1.2 cast, v—to form by molding in a hollow form for
tions for Preventing Collisions at Sea (commonly called
shaping a liquid or plastic substance.
Colregs). See Appendix X1.
3.1.3 clapper, n—hammer like object inside a bell.
1.2 Bells and bulkhead mounting plate shall be sized as
4. Classification
indicated in Section 4 (see Appendix X2).
4.1 Bells shall be furnished in the following sizes, based on
1.3 For consistency with International Regulations, all mea-
bellmouth diameter in millimetres (see Appendix X2):
surements are in SI units.
4.1.1 150 mm,
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4.1.2 200 mm (2.2 kg),
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4.1.3 200 mm (4.5 kg),
standard.
4.1.4 250 mm,
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1.5 300 mm,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1.6 360 mm,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1.7 400 mm, and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1.8 550 mm.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.2 Bulkhead mounting plates shall be furnished for the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
following bell sizes:
4.2.1 150 mm, and
2. Referenced Documents
3 4.2.2 200 mm.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B584 Specification for Copper Alloy Sand Castings for
5. Ordering Information
General Applications
2 5.1 Orders for materials under this specification shall in-
2.2 Other Documents:
clude the following information:
CFR 33 Part 81–72 Implementing Rules
5.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue.
CFR 33 Part 86, Subpart B, Bell or Gong
5.1.2 Number of bells.
5.1.3 Size of bell(s) (see 4.1).
5.1.4 Additional bulkhead mounting plates (see 4.2 and
6.2.2).
5.1.5 Inscription required (see 12.1).
5.1.6 Packaging, if other than commercial (see Section13).
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.07 on
6. Materials and Manufacture
General Requirements.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018. Published October 2018. Originally
6.1 Material:
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as F956 – 91 (2012).
6.1.1 Bell bodies, clappers, and other cast fittings and parts
DOI: 10.1520/F0956-91R18.
shall be copper alloy conforming to Specification B584, UNS
Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
C87200.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
6.1.2 Fittings such as bolts, nuts, washers, pins, and sup-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
porting lugs shall be of copper alloy compatible with the bell
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. castings.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F956 − 91 (2018)
Mass and Dimensions of Bells
Bell Size, Bell Mass, Dimensions, mm
NOTE 1—All dimensions in millimetres.
mm kg A B
150 1.4 150 105 Tolerances:
200 2.2 200 133
Up to 125 mm: 62 mm
200 4.5 200 152
Over 125 mm: 63 mm
Mass of bell: 9 6 0.45 kg.
NOTE 1—All dimensions in millimetres.
Mass of Clapper: 0.5 6 0.05 kg.
Tolerances:
FIG. 2 Size 250
Up to 150 mm: 62 mm
Over 150 mm: 63 mm
Mass of Bell: 60.2 kg (60.3 kg for 4.5 kg bell).
the bell, shall have a smooth polished finish. The “visible” part
Mass of Clapper: No less than 3 % of bell mass.
of the clapper shall have a similar finish.
FIG. 1 Sizes 150 and 200
10. Sampling
10.1 For orders for 1 or 2 bells of the same size, each bell
6.2 Manufacture:
shall be inspected and tested.
6.2.1 Construction shall be in accordance with Fig. 1, Fig. 2,
and Fig. 3.
10.2 For orders for 3 to 10 bells of the same size, 2 bells
6.2.2 For Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, one bulkhead mounting plate
shall be selected at random. If any one of them fails to meet the
shall be furnished with each bell, however, additional mount-
requirements, then all bells in the order shall be inspected and
ing plates may be ordered.
tested.
6.2.3 For all bells, two extra supporting nuts, washers, and
10.3 For orders for more than 10 bells of the same size.
acorn nuts (where used) shall be furnished.
They shall be separated into groups of 10 (or fraction thereof)
for sampling purposes.
7. Acoustic Requirements
7.1 Bells shall have full, clear, round, and far reaching 11. Inspection and Testing
tones. The sound pressure level shall not be less than 110 dB at
11.1 Responsibility—Unless otherwise specified in the
a distance of 1 m from it.
order, the manufacturer is responsible for the performance of
all inspection requirements specified herein. The manufacturer
8. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
may utilize his own facilities or any commercial facilities
8.1 Dimensions and mass of bells, together with tolerances,
acceptable to the purchaser. The purchaser reserves the right to
shall conform to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3.
perform any of the inspections set forth in this specification
where such inspections are deemed necessary to assure that
9. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
supplies conform to the prescribed requirements. Nonconform-
9.1 Bells shall be free of cracks, burrs, sharp cutting edges, ing bells shall not be offered for delivery.
adhering sand, and other defects and blemishes affecting their
11.2 Inspections:
life, appearance, and serviceability.
11.2.1 The dimensions of the bell and appurtenances shall
9.2 Bell exteriors and the lower part of the interior, from the be checked to ensure that they are within the specified
bellmouth to 10 mm above the line where the clapper strikes tolerances.
F956 − 91 (2018)
Dimensions of Bells, mm
Bell Size A B C D E F G H
300 300 270 50 65 25 208 310 M16 × 2
360 360 320 55 85 30 259 370 M20 × 2.5
400 400 350 60 100 30 291 405 M24 × 3
550 550 475 90 130 35 399 540 M24 × 3
Mass of Bells, kg
Bell Clapper
Bell Size
Mass Tolerance Mass Tolerance
300 14 ±0.70 0.60 0.04
360 27 ±1.35 0.95 0.07
400 34 ±1.7 1.35 0.09
550 90 ±3.6 3.40 0.18
NOTE 1—All dimensions in millimetres:
Tolerances:
Up to 125 mm: 62 mm
125 to 250 mm: 63 mm
250 to 375 mm: 65 mm
375 to 500 mm: 66 mm
Over 500 mm: 610 mm
FIG. 3 Size 300 and Above
11.2.2 The bell, without bracket or mounting plate (for 150 eyebolt with the clapper in place. The bell shall be rung by
mm and 200 mm light), and clapper shall be weighed sepa-
striking the bell with the clapper, activated by a lanyard.
rately to ensure that the mass is within the specified tolerance.
11.3.1 The sound, produced in accordance with Appendix
11.2.3 For the 150 and 200 light sizes, the brackets shall be
X1.1, shall be measured in a space with no large sound
engaged and disengaged from each of the mounting plates to
reflecting surfaces (except the floor) that are within 10 m. The
ensure portability.
sound shall be measured using a commercial sound level meter
11.3 Acoustic Tests—Acoustic tests shall be conducted only
located at a distance of 1 m and at a height above the floor
for the 200 mm heavy and larger bells to check the require-
equal to that of the striking point.
ments of 7.1. Each bell tested shall be supported by the yoke or
F956 − 91 (2018)
12. Product Marking 13.2 Unless otherwise specified, packing shall conform to
manufacturer’s normal commercial practice, and in such a
12.1 Owner’s inscription shall be as specified. It shall be
manner that will ensure acceptance by common carrier and
applied either by being cast in relief
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F956 − 91 (Reapproved 2012) F956 − 91 (Reapproved 2018)An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Bell, Cast, Sound Signalling
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F956; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers cast sound-signalling bells, together with bulkhead mounting plates for the smaller bells, for use
on ships, boats, and other marine craft, for compliance with the rules in the convention on the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea (commonly called Colregs). See Appendix X1.
1.2 Bells and bulkhead mounting plate shall be sized as indicated in Section 4 (see Appendix X2).
1.3 For consistency with International Regulations, all measurements are in SI units.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B584 Specification for Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications
2.2 Other Documents:
CFR 33 Part 81–72 Implementing Rules
CFR 33 Part 86, Subpart B, Bell or Gong
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.07 on General
Requirements.
Current edition approved May 1, 2012Oct. 1, 2018. Published May 2012October 2018. Originally approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 20062012 as
F956 – 91 (2012). (2006). DOI: 10.1520/F0956-91R12.10.1520/F0956-91R18.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, Section D, DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA
19111-5098, http://www.dodssp.daps.mil. 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F956 − 91 (2018)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 bell, n—a hollow metal instrument that rings when struck.
3.1.2 cast, v—to form by molding in a hollow form for shaping a liquid or plastic substance.
3.1.3 clapper, n—hammer like object inside a bell.
4. Classification
4.1 Bells shall be furnished in the following sizes, based on bellmouth diameter in millimetres (see Appendix X2):
4.1.1 150 mm,
4.1.2 200 mm (2.2 kg),
4.1.3 200 mm (4.5 kg),
4.1.4 250 mm,
4.1.5 300 mm,
4.1.6 360 mm,
4.1.7 400 mm, and
4.1.8 550 mm.
4.2 Bulkhead mounting plates shall be furnished for the following bell sizes:
4.2.1 150 mm, and
4.2.2 200 mm.
5. Ordering Information
5.1 Orders for materials under this specification shall include the following information:
5.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue.
5.1.2 Number of bells.
5.1.3 Size of bell(s) (see 4.1).
5.1.4 Additional bulkhead mounting plates (see 4.2 and 6.2.2).
5.1.5 Inscription required (see 12.1).
5.1.6 Packaging, if other than commercial (see Section13).
6. Materials and Manufacture
6.1 Material:
6.1.1 Bell bodies, clappers, and other cast fittings and parts shall be copper alloy conforming to Specification B584, UNS
C87200.
6.1.2 Fittings such as bolts, nuts, washers, pins, and supporting lugs shall be of copper alloy compatible with the bell castings.
6.2 Manufacture:
6.2.1 Construction shall be in accordance with Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3.
6.2.2 For Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, one bulkhead mounting plate shall be furnished with each bell, however, additional mounting plates
may be ordered.
6.2.3 For all bells, two extra supporting nuts, washers, and acorn nuts (where used) shall be furnished.
7. Acoustic Requirements
7.1 Bells shall have full, clear, round, and far reaching tones. The sound pressure level shall not be less than 110 dB at a distance
of 1 m from it.
8. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
8.1 Dimensions and mass of bells, together with tolerances, shall conform to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3.
9. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
9.1 Bells shall be free of cracks, burrs, sharp cutting edges, adhering sand, and other defects and blemishes affecting their life,
appearance, and serviceability.
9.2 Bell exteriors and the lower part of the interior, from the bellmouth to 10 mm above the line where the clapper strikes the
bell, shall have a smooth polished finish. The “visible” part of the clapper shall have a similar finish.
10. Sampling
10.1 For orders for 1 or 2 bells of the same size, each bell shall be inspected and tested.
F956 − 91 (2018)
Mass and Dimensions of Bells
Dimensions, mm
Bell Size, Bell Mass,
A B
mm kg
150 1.4 150 105
200 2.2 200 133
200 4.5 200 152
NOTE 1—All dimensions in millimetres.
Tolerances:
Up to 150 mm: 62 mm
Over 150 mm: 63 mm
Mass of Bell: 60.2 kg (60.3 kg for 4.5 kg bell).
Mass of Clapper: No less than 3 % of bell mass.
FIG. 1 Sizes 150 and 200
10.2 For orders for 3 to 10 bells of the same size, 2 bells shall be selected at random. If any one of them fails to meet the
requirements, then all bells in the order shall be inspected and tested.
10.3 For orders for more than 10 bells of the same size. They shall be separated into groups of 10 (or fraction thereof) for
sampling purposes.
11. Inspection and Testing
11.1 Responsibility—Unless otherwise specified in the order, the manufacturer is responsible for the performance of all
inspection requirements specified herein. The manufacturer may utilize his own facilities or any commercial facilities acceptable
to the purchaser. The purchaser reserves the right to perform any of the inspections set forth in this specification where such
inspections are deemed necessary to assure that supplies conform to the prescribed requirements. Nonconforming bells shall not
be offered for delivery.
11.2 Inspections:
11.2.1 The dimensions of the bell and appurtenances shall be checked to ensure that they are within the specified tolerances.
11.2.2 The bell, without bracket or mounting plate (for 150 mm and 200 mm light), and clapper shall be weighed separately
to ensure that the mass is within the specified tolerance.
11.2.3 For the 150 and 200 light sizes, the brackets shall be engaged and disengaged from each of the mounting plates to ensure
portability.
11.3 Acoustic Tests—Acoustic tests shall be conducted only for the 200 mm heavy and larger bells to check the requirements
of 7.1. Each bell tested shall be supported by the yoke or eyebolt with the clapper in place. The bell shall be rung by striking the
bell with the clapper, activated by a lanyard.
11.3.1 The sound, produced in accordance with Appendix X1.1, shall be measured in a space with no large sound reflecting
surfaces (except the floor) that are within 10 m. The sound shall be measured using a commercial sound level meter located at a
distance of 1 m and at a height above the floor equal to that of the striking point.
F956 − 91 (2018)
NOTE 1—All dimensions in millimetres.
Tolerances:
Up to 125 mm: 62 mm
Over 125 mm: 63 mm
Mass of bell: 9 6 0.45 kg.
Mass of Clapper: 0.5 6 0.05 kg.
FIG. 2 Size 250
12. Product Marking
12.1 Owner’sOwner’s inscription shall be as specified. It shall be applied either by being cast in relief (raised) or by engraving.
Size and location shall be the same as U.S. shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3.
12.1.1 For bells intended for use on ships, boats, and other watercraft of the U.S. Army and Navy and other government
agencies, the inscription shall be U.S.; size and location shall be as shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3.
12.2 The letters ASTM and this specification number shall be engraved on the shank of each bell in figures at least 6 mm high.
12.3 The manufacturer may engrave his brand name or logo on the shank of the bell.
13. Packaging and Package Marking
13.1 No preservation is required.
13.2 Unless otherwise specified, packing shall conform to manufacturer’smanufacturer’s normal commercial practice, and in
such a manner that will ensure acceptance by common carrier and afford protection against physical and mechanical damage during
shipment. Shipping containers shall conform to carrier regulations as applicable to the mode of transportation.
13.3 For procurements by the U.S. Department of Defense for long-term storage or overseas shipment, the requirements of
Annex A1 apply. In such case the required level of packing shall be specified.
14. Keywords
14.1 bell; bell casting; clapper; sound pressure level; sound signalling
F956 − 91 (2018)
Dimensions of Bells, mm
Bell Size A B C D E F G HH
300 300 270 50 65 25 208 310 M16 × 2
360 360 320 55 85 30 259 370 M20 × 2.5
400 400 350 60 100 30 291 405 M24 × 3
550 550 475 90 130 35 399 540 M24 × 3
Mass of Bells, kg
Bell Clapper
Bell Size
Mass Tolerance Mass Tolerance
300 14 ±0.70 0.60 0.04
360 27 ±1.35 0.95 0.07
400 34 ±1.7 1.35 0.09
550 90 ±3.6 3.40 0.18
NOTE 1—All dimensions in millimetres:
Tolerances:
Up to 125 mm: 62 mm
125 to 250 mm: 63 mm
250 to 375 mm: 65 mm
375 to 500 mm: 66 mm
Over 500 mm: 610 mm
FIG. 3 Size 300 and Above
F956 − 91 (2018)
ANNEX
(Mandatory Information)
A1. PACKING FOR DoD PROCUREMENTS
A1.1 Applicable Documents for This Annex Only:
A1.1.1 Federal Specifications:
PPP-B-576 Box, Wood, Cleated, Veneer, Paper Overlaid
PPP-B-585 Boxes, Wood, Wirebound
PPP-B-591 Boxes, Fiberboard, Wood-Cleated
PPP-B-601 Boxes, Wood, Cleated-Plywood
PPP-B-621 Boxes, Wood, Nailed and Lock Corner
PPP-
...