FprEN 15947-4

Pyrotechnic articles - Fireworks, Categories F1, F2 and F3 - Part 4: Test methods

This document specifies test methods. It is applicable to fireworks of the categories F1, F2 and F3 as defined by Article 6 Paragraph (1) clause (a) subclause (i) to (iii) of Directive 2013/29/EU.

Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Feuerwerkskörper, Kategorien F1, F2 und F3 - Teil 4: Prüfverfahren

Articles pyrotechniques - Artifices de divertissement, Catégories F1, F2 et F3 - Partie 4 : Méthodes d'essai

Le présent document spécifie des méthodes d’essai. Il s’applique aux artifices de divertissement de catégories F1, F2 et F3, tels que définis par l’Article 6, paragraphe (1), alinéa (a), points (i) à (iii) de la Directive 2013/29/UE.

Pirotehnični izdelki - Ognjemetni izdelki, kategorije F1, F2 in F3 - 4. del: Preskusne metode

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 71.100.30 - Explosives. Pyrotechnics and fireworks
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 212 - Fireworks
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 212/WG 1 - Classification and terminology
• Current Stage: 5060 - Closure of Vote - Formal Approval
• Due Date: 24-Jan-2020
• 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
• Mandate: M/504 - Standardisation mandate assigned to CEN under Directive 2007/23/EC on pyrotechnic articles with a view to Amendment of standard EN 15947: Fireworks, Categories 1,2 and 3
• Ref Project: kSIST FprEN 15947-4:2022 - Pyrotechnic articles - Fireworks, Categories F1, F2 and F3 - Part 4: Test methods

RELATIONS

• Revised: EN 15947-3:2015 - Pyrotechnic articles - Fireworks, Categories F1, F2, and F3 - Part 3: Minimum labelling requirements
• Effective Date: 21-Nov-2017
• Revised: EN 15947-4:2015 - Pyrotechnic articles - Fireworks, Categories F1, F2 and F3 - Part 4: Test methods
• Effective Date: 06-Dec-2017

Standards Content (sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 15947-4:2018
01-oktober-2018

3LURWHKQLþQLL]GHONL2JQMHPHWQLL]GHONLNDWHJRULMH))LQ)GHO3UHVNXVQH

PHWRGH

Pyrotechnic articles - Fireworks, Categories F1, F2 and F3 - Part 4: Test methods

Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Feuerwerkskörper, Kategorien F1, F2 und F3 - Teil 4:

Prüfverfahren

Articles pyrotechniques - Artifices de divertissement, Catégories F1, F2 et F3 - Partie 4:

Méthodes d'essai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 15947-4:2018
ICS:
71.100.30 Eksplozivi. Pirotehnika in Explosives. Pyrotechnics and
ognjemeti fireworks
oSIST prEN 15947-4:2018 en,fr,de

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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oSIST prEN 15947-4:2018
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 15947-4
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2018
ICS 71.100.30 Will supersede EN 15947-4:2015
English Version
Pyrotechnic articles - Fireworks, Categories F1, F2 and F3 -
Part 4: Test methods

Articles pyrotechniques - Artifices de divertissement, Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Feuerwerkskörper,

Catégories F1, F2 et F3 - Partie 4: Méthodes d'essai Kategorien F1, F2 und F3 - Teil 4: Prüfverfahren

This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee

CEN/TC 212.

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, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,

Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,

Turkey 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 NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels

© 2018 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 15947-4:2018:2018 E

worldwide for CEN national Members.
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Contents Page

European foreword ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

1 Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 5

2 Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 5

3 Terms and definitions ................................................................................................................................... 5

4 Test environment ........................................................................................................................................... 6

4.1 General................................................................................................................................................................ 6

4.2 Indoor .................................................................................................................................................................. 6

4.3 Outdoor............................................................................................................................................................... 6

4.3.1 General................................................................................................................................................................ 6

4.3.2 Category F1........................................................................................................................................................ 6

4.3.3 Category F2........................................................................................................................................................ 6

4.3.4 Category F3........................................................................................................................................................ 6

4.4 Monitoring height ........................................................................................................................................... 6

5 Apparatus .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

6 Methods of tests ............................................................................................................................................. 12

6.1 Construction and stability ......................................................................................................................... 12

6.1.1 Length of handle ............................................................................................................................................ 12

6.1.2 Attachment of separate handle ................................................................................................................ 12

6.1.3 Length of item................................................................................................................................................. 13

6.1.4 Length of pull-string or pull-strip ........................................................................................................... 13

6.1.5 Determination of diameter ....................................................................................................................... 13

6.1.6 Attachment of initial fuse ........................................................................................................................... 13

6.1.7 Attachment of sealing paper, ignition head or friction head ........................................................ 14

6.1.8 Resistance to ignition by an abrasive surface .................................................................................... 14

6.1.9 Height of initial fuse for mounted wheels in category F3 ............................................................... 14

6.2 Design – Verification .................................................................................................................................... 14

6.2.1 General.............................................................................................................................................................. 14

6.2.2 Conformity to drawings and part lists ................................................................................................... 14

6.2.3 General.............................................................................................................................................................. 14

6.3 Paper tests ....................................................................................................................................................... 15

6.3.1 Test for burning or incandescent matter ............................................................................................. 15

6.3.2 Test for horizontal projected debris ...................................................................................................... 17

6.3.3 Test for vertical projected debris ........................................................................................................... 18

6.4 Angle of ascent and height of effects ...................................................................................................... 20

6.4.1 Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................ 20

6.4.2 Procedure for double bangers ................................................................................................................. 20

6.4.3 Procedure for items other than double bangers ............................................................................... 20

6.5 Measurement of sound pressure level .................................................................................................. 20

6.5.1 General measurement for outdoors....................................................................................................... 20

6.5.2 Party poppers for indoors ......................................................................................................................... 21

6.5.3 Christmas crackers and snaps for indoors .......................................................................................... 22

6.6 Timing measurement .................................................................................................................................. 23

6.6.1 Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................ 23

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6.6.2 Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 23

6.7 Measuring of labelling ................................................................................................................................ 23

6.7.1 Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................ 23

6.7.2 Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 23

6.8 Extinguishing of flames .............................................................................................................................. 23

6.8.1 Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................ 23

6.8.2 Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

6.9 Burning rate of composition ..................................................................................................................... 24

6.9.1 Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

6.9.2 Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

6.10 Droop test ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

6.10.1 Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

6.10.2 Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

6.11 Projected debris (outdoor) ....................................................................................................................... 24

6.11.1 Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

6.11.2 Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

6.12 Incandescent matter .................................................................................................................................... 24

6.13 Visual and audible examinations ............................................................................................................ 25

6.14 Mechanical conditioning ............................................................................................................................ 25

6.14.1 Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................ 25

6.14.2 Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 25

6.15 Thermal conditioning ................................................................................................................................. 25

6.15.1 Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................ 25

6.15.2 Procedure (two options) ............................................................................................................................ 25

6.16 Striking surface test ..................................................................................................................................... 26

6.16.1 Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................ 26

6.16.2 Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 26

6.17 Function test ................................................................................................................................................... 26

6.17.1 Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................ 26

6.17.2 Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 26

6.18 Determination of tube angle ..................................................................................................................... 26

6.18.1 Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................ 26

6.18.2 Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 26

6.19 Test conditions for fireworks equipped with two or more fuses ................................................ 27

Annex A (informative) Mechanical conditioning (shock apparatus) ...................................................... 28

Annex B (informative) Determination of silver fulminate ......................................................................... 32

B.1 Reagents ........................................................................................................................................................... 32

B.2 Apparatus ........................................................................................................................................................ 32

B.3 Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 32

Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential

safety requirements of Directive 2013/29/EU aimed to be covered ........................................ 34

Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................. 35

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European foreword

This document (prEN 15947-4:2018) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 212

“Pyrotechnic articles”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 15947-4:2015.

In comparison with the previous edition, the following technical modifications have been made:

— a new subclause 6.19 “Test conditions for fireworks equipped with two fuses” was added;

— as a consequence of the inclusion of hand-held bengal flames (category F1) into the standard the title

for subclause 6.1.1.2.2 is changed into “Hand-held fountains and hand-held bengal flames without a

separate handle”;

— a sentence to cover the testing of fuses fixed with adhesive tape for certain articles is added into

subclause 6.1.6.2;

— a mention for the batch test was added in 6.1.7 “Attachment of sealing paper, ignition head or friction

head”;

— Table 2 and Table 3 into subclause 6.3.1.2.2 are updated including all possible types;

— Figure 9 into subclause 6.5.2 has been revised, considering a new positioning of the sound meter

with regards to the party popper;

— bullet point in subclause 6.14.2 has been removed and changes have been done into the whole

subclause proposing an appropriate balance (5.7.3) fitting with the accuracy needed.

This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the

European Free Trade Association, and supports essential safety requirements of EU Directive(s).

For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this

document.
This European Standard is one of the series of standards as listed below:

— EN 15947-1, Pyrotechnic articles — Fireworks, Categories F1, F2 and F3 — Part 1: Terminology

— EN 15947-2, Pyrotechnic articles — Fireworks, Categories F1, F2 and F3 — Part 2: Categories and

types of firework

— EN 15947-3, Pyrotechnic articles — Fireworks, Categories F1, F2 and F3 — Part 3: Minimum labelling

requirements

— EN 15947-4, Pyrotechnic articles — Fireworks, Categories F1, F2 and F3 — Part 4: Test methods

— EN 15947-5, Pyrotechnic articles — Fireworks, Categories F1, F2 and F3 — Part 5: Requirements for

construction and performance
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1 Scope

This document specifies test methods. It is applicable to fireworks in categories F1, F2 and F3 according

to prEN 15947-2:2018.
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.

prEN 15947-1:2018, Pyrotechnic articles — Fireworks, Categories F1, F2 and F3 — Part 1: Terminology

prEN 15947-3:2018, Pyrotechnic articles — Fireworks, Categories F1, F2 and F3 — Part 3: Minimum

labelling requirements

prEN 15947-5:2018 Pyrotechnic articles — Fireworks, Categories F1, F2 and F3 — Part 5: Requirements

for construction and performance
EN 61672-1:2013, Electroacoustics - Sound level meters - Part 1: Specifications

EN ISO 845, Cellular plastics and rubbers - Determination of apparent density (ISO 845)

EN ISO 868, Plastics and ebonite - Determination of indentation hardness by means of a durometer (Shore

hardness) (ISO 868)

EN ISO 2439, Flexible cellular polymeric materials - Determination of hardness (indentation technique)

(ISO 2439)

ISO 6344-3, Coated abrasives — Grain size analysis — Part 3: Determination of grain size distribution of

microgrits P240 to P2500

ISO 13385-1, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) — Dimensional measuring equipment — Part 1:

Callipers; Design and metrological characteristics
ISO 21948, Coated abrasives — Plain sheets
3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in prEN 15947-1:2018 apply.

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:

• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
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4 Test environment
4.1 General

The test area shall be a clean, flat, horizontal, non-flammable and sound reflecting surface (for example

concrete). The test sample shall be placed in accordance with the instructions on the label in the centre

of the test area.
4.2 Indoor
The test area shall be indoors.

The test area shall be inside a fume cupboard, or similar enclosed space, which is capable of preventing

movement of air.
4.3 Outdoor
4.3.1 General

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.

A means of measuring the wind speed at a height of 1,5 m above the ground shall be provided. No

performance testing shall be carried out if the wind speed exceeds 5,0 m/s.
4.3.2 Category F1

A test area meeting the requirements given in 4.1, with a radius of at least 2 m and a circle, radius 1 m,

shall be marked around the centre of the test area.
4.3.3 Category F2

A test area meeting the requirements given in 4.1, with a radius of at least 9 m and a circle, radius 8 m,

shall be marked around the centre of the test area.
4.3.4 Category F3

A test area meeting the requirements given in 4.1, with a radius of at least 16 m and a circle, radius

15 m, shall be marked around the centre of the test area.
4.4 Monitoring height

Two positions for monitoring the height of ascent and angle of flight shall be provided, at a measured

distance of at least 50 m from and at an angle of 90° to each other in relation to the testing point. If the

monitoring positions are not in the same horizontal plane, appropriate corrections shall be made in the

calculation of heights.

If necessary the measuring distance and the number of positions may be adapted to the firework.

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5 Apparatus

NOTE The described apparatuses are only examples, any equivalent apparatus with the same accuracy or

better can be used.
5.1 Timing device
5.1.1 Timing device, capable of being read to the nearest 0,1 s.
5.1.2 Timing device, capable of being read to the nearest 1 min.

5.2 Calliper, flat faced vernier calliper reading to 0,1 mm, conforming to ISO 13385-1.

5.3 Ruler, reading to 1 mm.
5.4 Measuring tape, reading to 10 mm.
5.5 Wind speed meter, capable to measure with accuracy of at least 0,5 m/s.
5.6 Masses with clamping device
5.6.1 (50 ± 1,0) g mass total.
5.6.2 (100 ± 1,0) g mass total.
5.6.3 (500 ± 1,0) g mass total.
5.7 Balance
5.7.1 Balance, reading to 100 mg.
5.7.2 Balance, reading to 10 mg.
5.7.3 Balance, reading to 0,1 mg.

5.8 Abrasive sheet, large enough to permit striking of the ignition head, conforming to ISO 21948,

grit P240 measured in accordance with ISO 6344-3.
5.9 Temperature chamber
5.9.1 Up to (+ 130 ± 2,5) °C.
5.9.2 Up to (+ 75 ± 2,5) °C.
5.9.3 Up to (+ 50 ± 2,5) °C.
5.10 Test paper, 700 mm × 750 mm, (80 ± 3,0) g/m .
5.11 Clamping device

Means of clamping to hold different test sample at different heights and/or angles.

5.12 Plate, non-flammable, with a diameter of (200 ± 5) mm.
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5.13 Paper holder

Means of clamping to fix the test paper in a horizontal or vertical plane in different heights.

5.14 Viewing screen

Suitable viewing screens, as shown in Figure 1, shall be provided for monitoring height and angle of

flight criteria.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 acryl glass
2 black tape, 10 mm to 20 mm wide
3 solid base
4 stand
5 position of observer
Figure 1 — Viewing screen
The distance X in Figure 1 is given in metres by the Formula (1):
20 m Y
= (1)
X 0,6 m
where
Y is the distance in metres from the viewing point to the testing point.
EXAMPLE Y = 50 m
0,6 m⋅⋅20 m 0,6 m 20 m
X 0,24 m
Y 50 m
===
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Key
1 base of firework before firing
2 sighting device
3 position of observer
Figure 2 — Use of a viewing screen to monitor a height of 20 m
5.15 Poles, with 3 m height.

NOTE A vertical height of 3 m can be identified by the poles placed around the perimeter of the test area and

the 8 m height can be estimated using the same poles.
5.16 Rack

Horizontal plate with a central hole of 800 mm diameter, mounted in a height of 3,0 m above the ground

in a mobile rack.
5.17 Sound level meter to class 1 of EN 61672-1:2013 with free-field microphone.
+100

5.18 Shock apparatus, shall provide a deceleration of 490 m/s2 (when measured at the centre of

−50

an unloaded platform) and the mechanical conditioning 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.
5.19 Goniometer, read to 1°.
5.20 Frame
The frame shall retain the test sample consistently.

To gauge the length of the handles, clearly marked lines shall be marked at distances of 20 mm, 40 mm

and 75 mm from the handle end of the frame.
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Key
1 frame
2 sparkler
Figure 3 — Example for determining length of handles (Batch test)
5.21 Ignition source, capable of producing a small flame or of smouldering.
5.22 Transparent type size sheet

The printing, as required in prEN 15947-3:2018, 4.8, shall comply with the size shown in the figure

below.
1,8 mm: ABC abc XYZ xyz 123
Figure 4 — Type size of print
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5.23 Protractor
Key
1 junction of handle/pyrotechnic composition
2 tip of hand-held sparkler
Figure 5 — Measurement of droop
5.24 Striking surface
The primary pack is supplied with a striking surface for safety matches.
5.25 Post, with a height of 0,5 m.
Place one or more posts inside the test area (4.3.2) with the related radius.
5.26 Cage, thin-wire cage with a mesh size of 10 mm to 15 mm.
The wire shall have a diameter of approximately 1,0 mm.

The inner length and width shall be (200 ± 10) mm. The inner height of the cage shall be

(100 ± 10) mm.
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6 Methods of tests

NOTE These methods are only examples. Any equivalent method with the same sensitivity and the same

accuracy or better can be used.
6.1 Construction and stability
6.1.1 Length of handle
6.1.1.1 Apparatus
— Calliper (5.2);
— ruler (5.3);
— frame (5.20).
6.1.1.2 Procedure
6.1.1.2.1 Fireworks with visible handles

For type test measure and record the length of the uncoated end using the calliper (5.2) if the length of

the handle is smaller than or equal to 100 mm or using the ruler (5.3) if the length exceeds 100 mm.

For batch test measure the length of the uncoated end by using the calliper (5.2), the ruler (5.3) or the

frame (5.20) to determine the length of the uncoated end and record if the length of uncoated end is

within the requirements.

If using the frame (5.20), place the fireworks with the handles in accordance with Figure 3 and record

whether and if so, for how many items, the uncoated end is less than the required length.

6.1.1.2.2 Hand-held fountains and hand-held bengal flames without a separate handle

Carry out the type test using the fireworks that are used for determination of the net explosive content.

Cut open the marked end of the firework case. Using calliper (5.2), measure and record the length of the

firework case which is not filled with pyrotechnic composition to the nearest 1,0 mm.

6.1.2 Attachment of separate handle
6.1.2.1 Apparatus
— Timing device (5.1.1);
— weight (5.6.3).
6.1.2.2 Procedure

Clamp the sample by means of a clamping device in a position such that the handle of the sample is

pointing vertically downwards. Securely attach the 500 g weight (5.6.3) to the handle.

Using the timing device (5.1.1) determine and record the time until the handle of the s

...