prEN 3-11

Portable fire extinguishers - Part 11: Performance, requirements, test method and marking for EN 3-7 extinguishers suitable to be used on lithium-ion battery fires

This document describes performance requirements for portable fire extinguishers in addition to the requirements of EN 3-7+A1:2007, to demonstrate their suitability for extinguishing fires in rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries based on lithium ion chemistry with a limited capacity, as used in:
-   portable electronic equipment (smartphones, laptops);
-   power tools and domestic appliances;
-   portable medical equipment;
-   toys and radio-controlled objects;
-   drones;
-   bicycles.
This document contains general requirements and procedures for extinguishing tests. The size of the extinguishing tests is comparable to the battery capacities in the abovementioned applications. Suitability for extinguishing larger fire risks, such as vehicle batteries and battery sets of stationary energy storage systems, cannot be validated with this document.

Tragbare Feuerlöscher - Teil 11: Leistungsmerkmale, Anforderungen, Prüfverfahren und Kennzeichnung nach EN 3-7, geeignet für Brände mit Lithium-Ionen-Batterien

Dieses Dokument beschreibt zusätzlich zu den Anforderungen von EN 3 7:2004+A1:2007 Leistungsanforderungen für tragbare Feuerlöscher, um deren Eignung zum Löschen von Bränden in wiederaufladbaren und nicht wiederaufladbaren Batterien auf Basis von Lithium-Ionen-Chemie mit begrenzter Kapazität nachzuweisen, wie sie in:
-   tragbaren elektronischen Geräten (Smartphones, Laptops);
-   Elektrowerkzeugen und Haushaltsgeräten;
-   tragbaren medizinischen Geräten;
-   Spielzeug und funkgesteuerten Objekten;
-   Drohnen; und
-   Fahrrädern angewendet werden.
Dieses Dokument enthält allgemeine Anforderungen und Verfahren für Löschprüfungen. Der Umfang der Löschprüfungen ist mit den Batteriekapazitäten in den vorstehend aufgeführten Anwendungen vergleichbar. Die Eignung zum Löschen von größeren Brandrisiken, wie Fahrzeugbatterien und Batteriesätze stationärer Energiespeichersysteme, kann mit diesem Dokument nicht validiert werden.

Extincteurs d’incendie portatifs - Partie 11 : Performances, exigences, méthode d’essai et marquage pour les extincteurs EN 3 7 utilisables sur des feux de batteries lithium-ion

Le présent document décrit les exigences de performance des extincteurs d’incendie portatifs en complément des exigences de l’EN 3 7:2004+A1:2007 afin de démontrer leur aptitude à éteindre les feux dans les batteries rechargeables et non rechargeables basées sur la chimie des ions-lithium avec une capacité limitée, telles qu’utilisées dans :
-   les équipements électroniques portables (smartphones, ordinateurs portables) ;
-   les outils électroportatifs et les appareils ménagers ;
-   les équipements médicaux portatifs ;
-   les jouets et les objets radiocommandés ;
-   les drones ;
-   les bicyclettes.
Ce document contient des exigences générales et des procédures pour les essais d’extinction. La taille des essais d’extinction est comparable aux capacités des batteries dans les applications susmentionnées. Le présent document ne permet pas de valider l’aptitude à l’extinction de risques de feu plus importants, tels que les batteries de véhicules et les ensembles de batteries de systèmes de stockage d’énergie stationnaires.

Prenosni gasilniki - 11. del: Delovanje, zahteve, preskusna metoda in označevanje gasilnikov EN 3-7, primernih za uporabo pri požarih litij-ionskih baterij

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 28-Feb-2027
• ICS: 13.220.10 - Fire-fighting
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 70 - Manual means of fire fighting equipment
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 70/WG 5 - Revision of EN 3
• Current Stage: 4060 - Closure of enquiry - Enquiry
• Start Date: 15-May-2025
• Due Date: 01-Jan-2026
• Completion Date: 15-May-2025
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN 3-11:2025 - Portable fire extinguishers - Part 11: Performance, requirements, test method and marking for EN 3-7 extinguishers suitable to be used on lithium-ion battery fires

Overview

prEN 3-11 (Draft 2025) is a CEN technical specification that extends EN 3-7 requirements for portable fire extinguishers to demonstrate suitability for lithium‑ion battery fires. It specifies performance, test methods, product documentation and marking for EN 3-7 extinguishers intended to extinguish fires in small lithium‑ion battery packs used in portable electronics, power tools, medical devices, drones, bicycles and similar applications. The document covers extinguishing tests scaled to typical portable battery capacities and explicitly excludes validation for large risks such as vehicle traction batteries or stationary energy storage systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: suitability for rechargeable and non‑rechargeable lithium‑ion batteries (limited capacity) in listed portable applications.
• Normative reference: EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007 remains a baseline; prEN 3-11 adds lithium‑specific requirements.
• Test protocol:
  • Uses new NMC pouch cells arranged in test rigs (e.g., six sets of four cells for the 600 Wh setup).
  • Cells charged ≥24 h before test and verified ≥4.1 V immediately prior.
  • Ignition by controlled overcharging (target ignition 7–9 minutes after start).
  • Series: free burn and extinguishing tests per Annex A; success criteria per Annex A requirements.
• Fire rating and agent limits:
  • Fire rating indicated as nominal capacity in Wh (example: 600 Wh rating).
  • Maximum extinguishing agent quantity specified (e.g., 600 Wh → 9 L).
• Product documentation:
  • Complete product file required before testing: technical datasheets, parts/assembly drawings, extinguishing agent analysis and safety data sheet.
• Marking and pictogram:
  • If compliant, extinguisher must bear a rectangular marking with a battery icon (min 10 × 15 mm), the letters “Li”, the demonstrated Wh rating, reference “EN 3-11:2025”, test/certification reference.
  • Minimum overall marking 30 × 50 mm, frame line width ≥0.35 mm, sans‑serif font, good contrast.
• Safety guidance: tests and real incidents release toxic combustion products; recommend ventilation, PPE (breathing protection), cool burnt batteries under water for 48 h and isolate damaged batteries.

Applications

• Demonstrates extinguisher suitability for fires in:
  • Smartphones, laptops, tablets
  • Power tools, domestic appliances
  • Portable medical equipment
  • Toys, radio‑controlled objects, drones
  • E‑bikes and similar small battery systems
• Not applicable for vehicle traction batteries or large stationary energy storage systems.

Who uses this standard

• Portable fire extinguisher manufacturers seeking certification for lithium‑ion fire performance
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing EN 3‑11 tests
• Procurement officers and facilities managers specifying extinguishers for electronic/device risks
• Fire safety engineers and occupational safety professionals developing response plans for lithium‑ion battery incidents

Related standards / resources

• EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007 (baseline for portable fire extinguisher characteristics and tests)
• ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia for terminology referenced in the standard

Keywords: prEN 3-11, portable fire extinguishers, EN 3-7, lithium‑ion battery fires, fire rating, extinguishing tests, pouch cells, NMC, marking, certification.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2025
Prenosni gasilniki - 11. del: Delovanje, zahteve, preskusna metoda in označevanje
gasilnikov EN 3-7, primernih za uporabo pri požarih litij-ionskih baterij
Portable fire extinguishers - Part 11: Performance, requirements, test method and
marking for EN 3-7 extinguishers suitable to be used on lithium-ion battery fires
Tragbare Feuerlöscher - Teil 11: Leistungsmerkmale, Anforderungen, Prüfverfahren und
Kennzeichnung nach EN 3-7, geeignet für Brände mit Lithium-Ionen-Batterien
Extincteurs d’incendie portatifs - Partie 11 : Performances, exigences, méthode d’essai
et marquage pour les extincteurs EN 3 7 utilisables sur des feux de batteries lithium-ion
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 3-11
ICS:
13.220.10 Gašenje požara Fire-fighting
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
February 2025
ICS 13.220.10
English Version
Portable fire extinguishers - Part 11: Performance,
requirements, test method and marking for EN 3-7
extinguishers suitable to be used on lithium-ion battery
fires
Extincteurs d'incendie portatifs - Partie 11 : Tragbare Feuerlöscher - Teil 11: Leistungsmerkmale,
Performances, exigences, méthode d'essai et marquage Anforderungen, Prüfverfahren und Kennzeichnung
pour les extincteurs EN 3-7 utilisables sur des feux de nach EN 3-7, geeignet für Brände mit Lithium-Ionen-
batteries lithium-ion Batterien
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 70.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIO N

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUN G

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 3-11:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General requirements . 6
4.1 General product requirements . 6
4.2 Product file . 6
5 Suitability for extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires . 6
5.1 General. 6
5.2 Fire rating . 6
5.3 Results . 7
6 Marking . 7
6.1 General. 7
6.2 Pictogram . 8
Annex A (normative) Extinguishing tests . 9
Annex B (informative) Model test report . 14
Annex C (informative) Safety precautions during the execution of the tests . 16

European foreword
This document (prEN 3-11:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 70 “Manual
means of fire fighting equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document describes a reliable and standardized fire extinguishing test that demonstrates the
suitability of an EN 3-7 fire extinguisher model to extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire. It also specifies
corresponding marking.
This document has been prepared by a working group of CEN/TC 70.
Introduction
Rechargeable batteries based on lithium chemistry have high energy density, low weight, and a long
service life. These characteristics make this type of battery very popular in portable and mobile
applications such as laptops, mobile phones, power tools, bicycles, and cars.
This relatively new technology has a considerable disadvantage: the contents of the battery cells can
ignite due to overloading, heating, or mechanical damage. An uncontrollable chemical reaction
(‘thermal runaway’) then occurs in the battery cell and large amounts of heat are released in a short
period of time. This usually causes intense flames and leads to a sharp rise of pressure and temperature
in the cell.
Modern lithium-ion batteries have built-in protective circuits that prevent ignition by overloading. But
these systems cannot prevent ignition of the cell as a result of heating or mechanical damage. After the
first cell in a lithium-ion battery is ignited, the heat will cause a thermal runaway in adjacent cells as
well and the fire will spread through the battery pack until all cells are fully burnt. This releases a great
deal of energy for a prolonged time which may ignite other combustible materials in the vicinity.
Test-protocol
As of yet, there are no known extinguishing agents that can stop a thermal runaway in a lithium-ion
battery cell. There are, however, extinguishing agents that can effectively stop the fire propagation in
the battery pack.
The fire development in burning lithium ion batteries cannot be compared with the development of
normal fires of solid materials, liquids or gases. Therefore, existing test protocols of
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007 cannot be used for the evaluation of the suitability of extinguishing agents for
this specific risk.
The test protocol described in this document can be used to demonstrate that a certain extinguishing
agent used in combination with a specific type or model of portable fire extinguisher can stop a fire in a
lithium battery pack. The test protocol is aligned with the current common capacity of bicycle batteries.
WARNING During an extinguishing action, the user of a portable fire extinguisher is exposed to
health risks as a result of the released heat and combustion products. This is the case with any fire, but
certainly when lithium-ion batteries are involved. This type of fire releases toxic and highly irritating
combustion products. The user is advised to follow specific instruction for this type of fire and use
suitable personal protection equipment, for example a breathing mask. Where applicable, it is advised
to pay close attention to these risks and measures in the workplace safety procedures.
During and after a lithium-ion battery fire, it is important to thoroughly ventilate the area to remove
harmful combustion products.
After each extinguishing action it is advised:
— to cool damaged and burnt batteries under water for a prolonged time (48 h) to prevent re-ignition;
— to store damaged batteries outside at a safe distance from other objects until they can be safely
removed;
— to consider proper treatment of the used cooling water.
1 Scope
This document describes performance requirements for portable fire extinguishers in addition to the
requirements of EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, to demonstrate their suitability for extinguishing fires in
rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries based on lithium ion chemistry with a limited capacity, as
used in:
— portable electronic equipment (smartphones, laptops);
— power tools and domestic appliances;
— portable medical equipment;
— toys and radio-controlled objects;
— drones;
— bicycles.
This document contains general requirements and procedures for extinguishing tests. The size of the
extinguishing tests is comparable to the battery capacities in the abovementioned applications.
Suitability for extinguishing larger fire risks, such as vehicle batteries and battery sets of stationary
energy storage systems, cannot be validated with this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, Portable fire extinguishers — Part7: Characteristics, performance requirements
and test methods
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
cell
battery cell
single source of electrical energy obtained by the conversion of chemical energy
3.2
battery
set of interconnected battery cells in a common enclosure
3.3
pouch cell
battery cell with a flat shape, of which the internal components are stacked and packed in a plastic foil
3.4
NMC
nickel manganese cobalt oxide
type identification of lithium batteries based on nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNiMnCoO ) chemistry
4 General requirements
4.1 General product requirements
The portable fire extinguisher shall at least meet the requirements of EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, including:
— the extinguisher has an A-rating in accordance with 6.4.2 of EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007;
— successful completion of the dielectric test shall be demonstrated in accordance with Clause 9 of
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007.
4.2 Product file
Before the start of the extinguishing tests (Annex A), a complete product file shall be submitted
containing at least the following information:
— detailed technical specifications of the extinguisher (technical datasheet);
— detailed parts and assembly drawings documenting material specifications, dimensions and
tolerances and, where relevant, production processes;
— detailed specifications of extinguishing
...