EN 50244:2016

Electrical apparatus for the detection of combustible gases in domestic premises - Guide on the selection, installation, use and maintenance

This draft European Standard provides information on the selection, installation, use and maintenance of apparatus for the detection of combustible gas designed for continuous operation in a fixed installation in domestic premises as described in the EN 50194 series. This guide should be read in conjunction with any additional relevant national or local regulations. The draft European Standard refers to the installation of two types of apparatus designed to operate in the event of an escape of town gas, natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas: - Type A apparatus - to provide a visual and audible alarm and an executive action in the form of an output signal that may actuate directly or indirectly a shut-off device and/or other ancillary device; - Type B apparatus - to provide visual and audible alarms only. This guide is not applicable to the use of apparatus: - for the detection of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, see EN 50292; - for industrial or commercial premises, see EN 60079-29-2.

Elektrische Geräte für die Detektion von brennbaren Gasen in Wohnhäusern - Leitfaden für Auswahl, Installation, Einsatz und Wartung

Appareils électriques pour la détection des gaz combustibles dans les locaux à usage domestique - Guide de sélection, d'installation, d'utilisation et de maintenance

Električne naprave za zaznavanje vnetljivega plina v gospodinjstvih - Vodilo za izbiro, vgraditev, uporabo in vzdrževanje

Ta osnutek evropskega standarda podaja informacije za izbiro, vgradnjo, uporabo in vzdrževanje naprav za zaznavanje vnetljivega plina, ki so namenjene za neprekinjeno delovanje v inštalacijah, vgrajenih v stanovanjskih zgradbah, kot je opisano v skupini standardov EN 50194. Ta navodila je treba brati skupaj z vsemi dodatnimi ustreznimi nacionalnimi ali lokalnimi predpisi.
Osnutek evropskega standarda se nanaša na namestitev dveh vrst naprav, zasnovanih za delovanje v primeru uhajanja mestnega plina, naravnega plina ali utekočinjenega naftnega plina:
– naprave vrste A, ki sprožijo vizualni in zvočni alarm ter izvršno dejanje v obliki izhodnega signala, ki lahko neposredno ali posredno sproži napravo za zapiranje plina in/ali drugo pomožno napravo;
– naprave vrste B, ki sprožijo samo vizualni in zvočni alarm.
To vodilo se ne nanaša na uporabo naprav:
– za zaznavanje strupenih plinov, kot je ogljikov monoksid, glej standard EN 50292;
– za industrijske ali komercialne objekte glej standard EN 60079-29-2.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 05-May-2016
• ICS: 13.320 - Alarm and warning systems
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 216 - Gas detectors (see also SC 31-9)
• Drafting Committee: CLC/TC 216 - Gas detectors (see also SC 31-9)
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 08-Feb-2022
• Completion Date: 23-Sep-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 50244:2016 - Electrical apparatus for the detection of combustible gases in domestic premises - Guide on the selection, installation, use and maintenance

Relations

• Replaces: EN 50244:2000 - Electrical apparatus for the detection of combustible gases in domestic premises - Guide on the selection, installation, use and maintenance
• Effective Date: 12-Jun-2014

Overview

EN 50244:2016 - published by CLC/CENELEC - is a European guide for the selection, installation, use and maintenance of fixed combustible gas detection apparatus in domestic premises (including houses, caravans and boats). It covers continuous-operation, fixed-installation gas detectors described by the EN 50194 series and explains differences between device types, siting, power, executive functions and user advice. This standard supplements national/local regulations and replaces EN 50244:2000.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Guide for apparatus that detect escapes of town gas, natural gas or LPG in domestic environments; focuses on explosion hazard (not toxic gases like CO).
• Types of apparatus:
  • Type A - provides visual + audible alarms and an executive output signal to actuate ancillary devices (for example, shut-off valves, ventilation fans, remote alarms).
  • Type B - provides visual + audible alarms only (no automatic executive action).
• Sensing and calibration:
  • Alarm set points for EN 50194-compliant devices are between 3% and 20% LEL (activates well before ignition hazard).
  • Devices are gas-specific and must be used only for the gas they are calibrated for.
• Gas behaviour & siting guidance:
  • Natural/town gas is generally lighter than air (position detectors accordingly).
  • LPG (propane/butane) is heavier than air and accumulates low to the ground (different siting).
• Installation & power: Manufacturer installation instructions, mains supply and remote detector head options are addressed; guidance on warm-up time and continuous operation.
• Executive functions (Clause 7): Requirements for linking detectors to shut-off valves, fans, switches and fault relays are described for Type A apparatus.
• User advice & maintenance: Includes indicators, alarm interpretation, maintenance intervals, lifetimes and emergency actions.

Practical applications - who uses EN 50244:2016

• Gas safety engineers, installers and HVAC professionals specifying and installing combustible gas detectors in homes, caravans and boats.
• Manufacturers and suppliers of domestic gas detection equipment preparing installation guides and compliance documentation.
• Building owners, social housing managers and facilities teams developing gas-safety policies and maintenance plans.
• Competent persons advising end users on siting, testing, maintenance and emergency response.

Related standards

• EN 50194 (all parts) - performance and testing of domestic combustible gas detectors.
• EN 50292 - alarms for carbon monoxide (toxic gas detection).
• EN 60079-29-2 - selection/installation/use/maintenance for flammable gas detectors (industrial environments).
• EN 1775 - gas pipework functional recommendations.

Keywords: EN 50244:2016, combustible gas detectors, domestic gas alarms, Type A gas alarm, Type B gas alarm, LEL, gas detector installation, gas safety, EN 50194.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2016
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 50244:2001
(OHNWULþQHQDSUDYH]D]D]QDYDQMHYQHWOMLYHJDSOLQDYJRVSRGLQMVWYLK9RGLOR]D
L]ELURYJUDGLWHYXSRUDERLQY]GUåHYDQMH
Electrical apparatus for the detection of combustible gases in domestic premises - Guide
on the selection, installation, use and maintenance
Elektrische Geräte für die Detektion von brennbaren Gasen in Wohnhäusern - Leitfaden
für Auswahl, Installation, Einsatz und Wartung
Appareils électriques pour la détection des gaz combustibles dans les locaux à usage
domestique - Guide de sélection, d'installation, d'utilisation et de maintenance
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 50244:2016
ICS:
13.320 Alarmni in opozorilni sistemi Alarm and warning systems
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50244
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
May 2016
ICS 13.320 Supersedes EN 50244:2000
English Version
Electrical apparatus for the detection of combustible gases in
domestic premises - Guide on the selection, installation, use and
maintenance
Appareils électriques pour la détection des gaz Elektrische Geräte für die Detektion von brennbaren Gasen
combustibles dans les locaux à usage domestique - Guide in Wohnhäusern - Leitfaden für Auswahl, Installation,
de sélection, d'installation, d'utilisation et de maintenance Einsatz und Wartung
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2016-03-14. CENELEC 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 CENELEC 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 CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2016 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 50244:2016 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Sensing of combustible gas . 6
5 Types of apparatus . 7
6 Installation . 8
6.1 General . 8
6.2 Gas releases . 8
6.2.1 General . 8
6.2.2 Source of the gas escape . 8
6.2.3 Examples of behaviour of gas releases . 9
6.2.4 Positioning of the gas detector . 10
6.3 Remote Detector Heads . 12
6.4 Mains power supply . 12
7 Executive functions (type A apparatus only) . 13
7.1 General . 13
7.2 Shut-off valve . 13
7.3 Ventilation fan . 13
7.4 Main electric switch . 13
7.5 Remote alarm . 13
7.6 Additional visual alarm . 13
7.7 Link between detector and ancillary device . 13
7.8 Fault relays . 13
8 Advice to the user . 14
8.1 Manufacturer's instructions . 14
8.2 Location . 14
8.3 Power supply . 14
8.4 Indicators . 14
8.5 Alarms . 14
8.6 Maintenance . 15
8.7 Lifetimes . 15
9 Emergency actions . 15
Bibliography . 16

European foreword
This document (EN 50244:2016) has been prepared by CLC/TC 216 “Gas detectors”.
The following dates are fixed:
(dop) 2017-03-14
• latest date by which this document has to be
implemented at national level by publication of
an identical national standard or by
endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) 2019-03-14
conflicting with this document have to
be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 50244:2000.
EN 50244:2000 (various minor changes have also been made):
— General information added to cover domestic premises, boats and caravans. This is a result
of the splitting of EN 50194 into EN 50194-1 and EN 50194-2.
— In Clause 4 text has been added regarding alarm set points for apparatus complying with
EN 50194-1.
— A new Clause 5 has been created to provide further information to the user concerning the
differences between Type A and Type B devices.
— Former Clause 5 has been renumbered Clause 6, text has been reformulated to avoid
repetition and make it easier to understand.
— New Figures 1 and 2 created, to show the typical locations of combustible gas alarms when
used with Natural Gas and LPG installations.
— The text in Clause 7 “Executive Actions” has been aligned with EN 50292, where applicable,
for combustible gas alarms.
— In Clause 8 “Advice to the User”, additional text has been added to highlight the differences
between location of a combustible gas detector and a carbon monoxide alarm.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the
subject of patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any
or all such patent rights.
Introduction
This European Standard is intended to be a guide for people who, in the course of their
professional activities, are required to install combustible gas detectors in domestic premises. It is
also aimed at anyone who might supply such gas detectors to members of the public for
subsequent installation by competent persons according to national regulations, so that advice
may be given based on good engineering practice.
Apparatus for the detection of combustible gases are not a substitute for good gas installation
practice and regular servicing of gas appliances, although they may provide an added margin of
reassurance for users of gaseous fuels. Domestic combustible gas detectors with or without some
form of executive function may overcome fears of fuel safety and can be particularly beneficial in
certain circumstances.
1 Scope
This European Standard provides information on the selection, installation, use and maintenance
of apparatus for the detection of combustible gas designed for continuous operation in a fixed
installation in domestic premises as described in the EN 50194 series. This guide should be read
in conjunction with any additional relevant national or local regulations.
The European Standard refers to the installation of two types of apparatus designed to operate in
the event of an escape of town gas, natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas:
— Type A apparatus - to provide a visual and audible alarm and an executive action in the form
of an output signal that may actuate directly or indirectly a shut-off device and/or other
ancillary device;
— Type B apparatus - to provide visual and audible alarms only.
This guide is not applicable to the use of apparatus:
— for the detection of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, see EN 50292;
— for industrial or commercial premises, see EN 60079-29-2.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1775, Gas supply - Gas pipework for buildings - Maximum operating pressure less than or
equal to 5 bar - Functional recommendations
EN 50194 (all parts), Electrical apparatus for the detection of combustible gases in domestic
premises
EN 60079-29-2, Explosive atmospheres — Part 29-2: Gas detectors — Selection, installation, use
and maintenance of detectors for flammable gases and oxygen (IEC 60079-29-2)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
lower explosive limit
LEL
volume ratio of combustible gas or vapour in air below which an explosive gas atmosphere will
not be formed
3.2
upper explosive limit
UEL
volume ratio of combustible gas or vapour in air above which an explosive gas atmosphere will
not be formed
3.3
continuous operation
apparatus which is continuously powered with continuous or intermittent automatic sensing
3.4
sensor
assembly in which the sensing element is housed that may contain associated circuit components
3.5
sensing element
device, the output of which will change in the presence of combustible gas
3.6
ventilation
movements and replacement of air resulting from wind, temperature gradients, or artificial means
(e.g. fans or extractors)
3.7
relative density
density of gas or vapour relative to the density of air at the same pressure and at the same
temperature
Note 1 to entry: Air is equal to 1,0.
3.8
gas detection apparatus
apparatus comprising the sensor, remote sensor if applicable, alarm and other circuit
components, power supply and for type A apparatus a means of providing an output signal
3.9
domestic premises
house or building which is the place of residence or home of a household, family or person
3.10
fixed installation
apparatus which is intended to have all parts except replaceable batteries permanently installed
3.11
output signal
signal characterized by a standby state and an activated state by which action may be initiated
EXAMPLE Triggering of a shut-off device.
3.12
warm-up time
time interval between the time when the apparatus is switched on and the time when the
apparatus is fully operational
3.13
volume ratio (v/v) (commonly referred to as concentration)
ratio of the volume of a component to the volume of the gas mixture
4 Sensing of combustible gas
There are three main hazards arising from combustible gases: explosion, poisoning and annoxia
(insufficient oxygen). This document deals only with the explosion hazard of combustible gases.
Distributed gas has an odour added at source to ensure that the general public may recognize
any leakage by a characteristic smell. Most people may detect this odour at quite low gas
concentration levels (2 % LEL, or less) but some medical conditions as well as increasing age
may result in a reduction in the sense of smell. A gradually increasing gas concentration may also
go unnoticed due to olfactory fatigue (temporary inability to distinguish an odour, due to continued
exposure of a smell.)
The conditions under which combustion occurs are variable and is dependent upon the gas
composition. When the concentration level of gas is between the LEL and UEL and there is a
source of ignition, the gas mixture will burn or explode. For natural gas, the LEL is between
4 % v/v and 5 % v/v of gas in air and the UEL is about 15 % v/v of gas in air. For LPG, the LEL is
between 1 % v/v and 2 % v/v of gas in air and the UEL is about 10 % v/v of gas in air.
The alarm set points of devices compliant with the EN 50194 series shall be between 3 % and
20 % LEL of the gas to be detected, which means that an alarm will activate well before an
ignition hazard occurs.
Each apparatus is specifically designed and calibrated for a specific gas hence it is essential that
an apparatus, calibrated for one gas, is not used to detect another.
5 Types of apparatus
There are many different types of gas sensors available, for example, catalytic, semiconductor
and infrared, details of which may be found in EN 60079-29-2. Gas detection apparatus should
comply with the requirements of EN 50194-1 and EN 50194-2, as applicable.
Various additional options may be available to the person selecting the apparatus to be installed,
in addition to gas detection.
Some systems may incorporate sensors other than those for detection of flammable gases, such
as carbon monoxide, and care should be taken to avoid confusion between different signals that
may require conflicting actions by the user. Such problems might best be overcome by integrating
individual apparatus, together with a centralized control and alarm annunciator.
The main choice is between type A or type B apparatus (that is, with or without an executive
function, see Clause 7) either of which may involve further considerations as follows:
— Type A:
May be particularly useful for people with some physical disability that might delay a manual
response to an alarm. They are more likely to be used in a fixed (rather than portable or
transportable) installation, because of the need to transmit an output signal for activation of
the ancillary device(s). However developments in communication technologies (such as
wireless) may allow even greater flexibility, so long as the overall reliability of the gas
detection system is not compromised.
The principal advantage of Type A devices is that the output signal can be used to activate
an isolation valve to shut off the incoming gas supply.
— Type B:
Intended for either fixed or portable installation, with portable apparatus almost certainly
powered from high capacity internal batteries alone. Besides the usual siting considerations,
special care should be taken with portable units to ensure that they are always properly
positioned in relation to the ambient air being sampled. In addition, the user should be
cautioned against intermittent operation of the apparatus and dropping or damaging it while
being re-located.
Type B devices have the disadvantage in that there is no automatic executive action
possible.
6 Installation
6.1 General
The manufacturer is required to provide suitable instructions for the correct and safe installation of
the apparatus. These should be read carefully before installing or operating the apparatus.
Generally, the same siting considerations apply to both type A and type B apparatus.
Combustible gases used in domestic premises generally fall into two categories, lighter than air
and heavier than air. Information on these gases can be found in 6.2.
The design and layout of domestic premises (as well as caravans and boats) and the number,
type and position of combustible gas sources vary widely. General guidance is given in the
following c
...