EN 16256-5:2012

Pyrotechnic articles - Theatrical pyrotechnic articles - Part 5: Test methods

This European Standard specifies test methods. It is applicable to theatrical pyrotechnic articles of the generic types defined in FprEN 16256-1:2012, Clause 3.
NOTE   In this document "Theatrical Pyrotechnic Articles" are referred to as "articles".

Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Pyrotechnische Gegenstände für Bühne und Theater - Teil 5: Prüfverfahren

Diese Europäische Norm legt Prüfverfahren fest. Sie ist für pyrotechnische Gegenstände für Bühne und Theater der in Abschnitt 3 von EN 16256 1:2012 festgelegten Gegenstandstypen anwendbar.
ANMERKUNG   In diesem Dokument wird der Begriff „pyrotechnische Gegenstände für Bühne und Theater“ durch „Gegenstände“ abgekürzt.

Articles pyrotechniques - Articles pyrotechniques destinés au théâtre - Partie 5: Méthodes d'essai

La présente Norme européenne spécifie des méthodes d'essai. Elle est applicable aux articles pyrotechniques pour le théâtre des types génériques définis dans le FprEN 16256-1:2012, Article 3.
NOTE   Dans le présent document, les « articles pyrotechniques pour le théâtre » seront désignés par le terme « articles ».

Pirotehnični izdelki - Pirotehnični izdelki za gledališče - 5. del: Preskusne metode

Ta evropski standard določa preskusne metode. Uporablja se za pirotehnične izdelke za gledališče kategorij T1 in T2 v skladu s standardom 16256-2.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 18-Dec-2012
• Withdrawal Date: 29-Jun-2013
• ICS: 71.100.30 - Explosives. Pyrotechnics and fireworks
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 212 - Fireworks
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 212/WG 3 - Theatrical pyrotechnic articles, category T1 and T2
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 19-Dec-2012
• Due Date: 02-Aug-2013
• Completion Date: 19-Dec-2012
• Directive: 2007/23/EC - Directive 2007/23/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 May 2007 on the placing on the market of pyrotechnic articles
• Directive: 2013/29/EU - Directive 2013/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of pyrotechnic articles (recast)
• Mandate: M/416 - Standardization mandate assigned to CEN concerning pyrotechnic articles
• Ref Project: SIST EN 16256-5:2013 - Pyrotechnic articles - Theatrical pyrotechnic articles - Part 5: Test methods

Overview

EN 16256-5:2012 - "Pyrotechnic articles - Theatrical pyrotechnic articles - Part 5: Test methods" (CEN) specifies standardized test methods for theatrical pyrotechnic articles as defined in EN 16256‑1. The document sets out test environments, required apparatus and step‑by‑step procedures to verify construction, performance and safety characteristics of pyrotechnic devices intended for stage, theatre and studio use. It supports regulatory conformity (see Annex ZA) and forms part of the EN 16256 series.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard focuses on reproducible, measurable test methods. Key technical topics include:

• Test environment: indoor and outdoor test-site requirements, wind measurement at 1.5 m height and prohibition of performance tests when wind speed exceeds 5.0 m/s.
• Apparatus and measurement accuracy: examples include timing devices (0.1 s resolution), callipers (0.1 mm), balances (0.1 g / 0.01 g), class‑1 sound level meters (EN 61672‑1), temperature chambers (up to ≈75 °C and 50 °C), and abrasive sheets (P240).
• Construction and stability tests: length of handles, frame retention, and mechanical verification for safe use and handling.
• Performance measurements: angle of ascent, effect / rising / bursting / drop height (with surveying instruments or theodolites), burning rate and burning time (mould apparatus per UN Manual of Tests and Criteria), and sound pressure level measurement.
• Environmental and conditioning tests: mechanical conditioning (shock apparatus), thermal conditioning, and function tests after conditioning.
• Safety‑critical checks: projected debris and incandescent matter assessments, extinguishing behavior, striking surface tests, labelling measurement and visual/audible inspections.
• Calculation methods and safety distances: informative annexes provide calculation procedures for heights and minimum safety distances.

Applications and who uses it

EN 16256‑5 is intended for:

• Manufacturers and designers of theatrical pyrotechnic articles for type testing and verification of design/performance.
• Independent testing laboratories performing conformity and batch testing.
• Regulatory authorities and notified bodies assessing compliance with EU Directive 2007/23/EC.
• Technical producers, venue safety officers and special effects teams who need to understand performance limits, safe deployment distances and conditioning behaviors.
• Importers and distributors ensuring products meet European test requirements before market placement.

Using EN 16256‑5 helps ensure consistent, repeatable testing, supports product safety documentation, and improves risk management for stage pyrotechnics.

Related standards

• EN 16256‑1:2012 - Terminology
• EN 16256‑2 - Categories of theatrical pyrotechnic articles
• EN 16256‑3 - Requirements for construction and performance
• EN 16256‑4 - Labelling and instructions for use
• EN 61672‑1 - Sound level meters (referenced)
• ISO/EN standards referenced for measurement tools and abrasives

Keywords: EN 16256-5, theatrical pyrotechnic articles, test methods, pyrotechnics testing, CEN standard, sound pressure level, burning rate, mechanical conditioning, safety distance.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Pyrotechnische Gegenstände für Bühne und Theater - Teil 5: PrüfverfahrenArticles pyrotechniques - Articles pyrotechniques destinés au théâtre - Partie 5: Méthodes d'essaiPyrotechnic articles - Theatrical pyrotechnic articles - Part 5: Test methods97.200.10Gledališka, odrska in studijska oprema ter delovne postajeTheatre, stage and studio equipment71.100.30Eksplozivi. PirotehnikaExplosives. PyrotechnicsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 16256-5:2012SIST EN 16256-5:2013en,fr,de01-junij-2013SIST EN 16256-5:2013SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 16256-5
December 2012 ICS 71.100.30 English Version
Pyrotechnic articles - Theatrical pyrotechnic articles - Part 5: Test methods
Articles pyrotechniques - Articles pyrotechniques destinés au théâtre - Partie 5: Méthodes d'essai
Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Pyrotechnische Gegenstände für Bühne und Theater - Teil 5: PrüfverfahrenThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 3 November 2012.
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. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists 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, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2012 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 16256-5:2012: ESIST EN 16256-5:2013

Mechanical Conditioning (Shock Apparatus) . 17 Annex B (informative)
Calculation methods for the angle of ascent, effect-, rising/bursting-, drop height . 20 Annex C (informative)
Calculation method for minimum safety distance . 24 Annex D (informative)
Overview of essential safety requirements and corresponding clauses of all parts of this European Standard . 25 Annex ZA (informative)
Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential Requirements of EU Directive 2007/23/EC on the placing on the market of pyrotechnic articles . 26 Bibliography . 27
 EN 16256-4, Pyrotechnic articles — Theatrical pyrotechnic articles — Part 4: Minimum labelling requirements and instructions for use  EN 16256-5, Pyrotechnic articles — Theatrical pyrotechnic articles — Part 5: Test methods CEN/TC 212 has also developed European Standards for:  Pyrotechnic articles — Fireworks Categories 1, 2 and 3  Pyrotechnic articles — Fireworks, Category 4  Pyrotechnic articles — Pyrotechnic articles for vehicles
 Pyrotechnic articles — Other pyrotechnic articles According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom. SIST EN 16256-5:2013

The test area shall be unobstructed and suitable for the accurate measurement of the required parameters. The test sample should be placed in the centre of the test area, as shown in the labelled instruction the manufacturers supplied or recommended equipment shall be used. 4.2 Indoor The test area shall be indoors.
The function test for articles for indoor use may be carried out outdoors: see 6.15.2. The test area shall be in an enclosed space, which is capable of limiting the movement of air. A means of extracting fumes shall be provided. 4.3 Outdoor The test area shall be an outdoor site. If applicable, provisions shall be made at the centre of the test area for partially burying into the ground. If applicable, insert support pole in the centre of the test area. The measurement of the windspeed (5.6) shall be started before starting the function test and continue SIST EN 16256-5:2013

5.7.1 100 g ±1,0 g total mass 5.7.2 500 g ±1,0 g total mass 5.8 Balance 5.8.1 Balance, reading to 0,1 g 5.8.2 Balance, reading to 0,01 g 5.9 Abrasive sheet Abrasive sheet at least 93 mm x 230 mm, conforming to ISO 21948, grit P240 measured in accordance with ISO 6344-3. 5.10 Temperature chamber 5.10.1 Up to (75 ± 2,5) °C SIST EN 16256-5:2013

5.12 Devices for measuring of Effect-, Rising/Bursting-, Drop Height Universal surveying instruments (USI) for measuring horizontal and vertical angles (e. g. Theodolites, electronic spirit levels or video systems). 5.13 Sound level meter Sound level meter in accordance to class 1 of EN 61672-1 with free-field microphone. 5.14 Shock apparatus The apparatus shall provide a deceleration of 10050490+−m/ s² (when measured at the centre of an unloaded platform) and the shock impulse duration (time elapsed from the starting of the machine's deceleration to the time in which the deceleration reaches its maximum value during each first shock pulse) shall be 2 ms ± 1 ms working at a frequency of 1 Hz ± 0,1 Hz. An example of an apparatus is shown in Annex A. 5.15 Goniometer Goniometer, reading to 1° 5.16 Frame The frame should retain the test article consistently. To gauge the length of the handles, a clearly marked line should be marked at distances of 75 mm from the handle end of the frame. An example for determining the length of handles during the Batch Test is given in Figure 1. SIST EN 16256-5:2013

Key 1 frame 2 article Figure 1 — Example for determining length of handles (Batch test) 5.17 Ignition source Ignition source, capable of producing a small flame or of smouldering. 5.18 Transparent type size sheet Transparent sheet with the characters shown in Figure 2 printed on it in 2,1 mm text. The height of text determined by height of capital X in each case.
Figure 2 — Type sizes of print 5.19 Striking surface The primary pack is supplied with a striking surface for safety matches, resistant enough for the ignition of the content of one primary pack which is submitted to test. 5.20 Burning time measurement – mould device The test apparatus should be in accordance with Figure 33.2.1.4.1 of the "Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Manual of Tests and Criteria" (see [1]). Fill the apparatus in accordance with the description given in sub-clause 33.2.1.4.3.2.1 of the "Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Manual of Tests and Criteria" (see [1]), measure the burning time and calculate the burning rate by dividing the length in cm by the time in s. 6 Test methods NOTE These methods are only examples. Any equivalent method with the same sensitivity and the same accuracy or better can be used. SIST EN 16256-5:2013

6.1.6 Resistance to ignition by an abrasive surface
6.1.6.1 Apparatus  Abrasive sheet (see 5.9). 6.1.6.2 Procedure Strike the friction head of the tested article in the test area (4.2 or 4.3) on the rough surface of the abrasive sheet (5.9). Record whether the friction head ignites. 6.2 Design – Verification 6.2.1 General These tests for type testing shall be done to verify that the tested article is in accordance with the requirements of EN 16256-3. For combinations one sample of each different pyrotechnic unit shall be inspected. 6.2.2 Conformity to drawings and part lists The tested article shall be in accordance with the relevant manufacturing drawing. The drawing shall show any relevant component e.g. pyrotechnic unit, with its dimensions, the masses of each pyrotechnic charge as well as the detailed pyrotechnic composition of the theatrical pyrotechnics article. Observe and record any nonconformity. 6.2.3 Pyrotechnic composition 6.2.3.1 Determination of net explosive content (NEC) SIST EN 16256-5:2013

5.8.2 > 3,0 g 0,1 g
5.8.1
Weigh the pyrotechnic composition not contained in pyrotechnic unit(s) using the accuracy of weighing respectively the balance according to Table 1. Record the mass. If applicable, remove the pyrotechnic composition from each pyrotechnic unit, separate bursting charge, report charge and effect charge and weigh each portion. Record the mass of each portion.
6.3 Angle of ascent, effect-, rising/bursting-, drop height 6.3.1 Apparatus Universal surveying instruments (USI) in a
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