ISO 6182-7:2004

Fire protection - Automatic sprinkler systems - Part 7: Requirements and test methods for early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers

ISO 6182-7:2004 specifies performance requirements, test methods and marking requirements for fusible element and glass-bulb early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers. It is applicable to ESFR sprinklers with flow constants of 202 ± 8.

Protection contre l'incendie — Systèmes d'extinction automatiques du type sprinkler — Partie 7: Prescriptions et méthodes d'essai des sprinklers de type "extinction précoce/réaction rapide"

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 30-Mar-2004
• Withdrawal Date: 30-Mar-2004
• ICS: 13.220.20 - Fire protection
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 21/SC 5 - Fixed firefighting systems using water
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 21/SC 5 - Fixed firefighting systems using water
• Current Stage: 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
• Start Date: 30-Mar-2020
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Relations

• Revised: ISO 6182-7:2020 - Fire protection - Automatic sprinkler systems - Part 7: Requirements and test methods for early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers
• Effective Date: 04-Nov-2015

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 6182-7
First edition
2004-04-01
Fire protection — Automatic sprinkler
systems —
Part 7:
Requirements and test methods for early
suppression fast response (ESFR)
sprinklers
Protection contre l'incendie — Systèmes d'extinction automatiques du
type sprinkler —
Partie 7: Prescriptions et méthodes d'essai des sprinklers de type
«extinction précoce/réaction rapide»

Reference number
©
ISO 2004
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ii © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative reference . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Product consistency. 4
5 Product assembly . 4
6 Requirements . 5
7 Test methods. 11
8 Marking of sprinklers. 35
Annex A (informative) Tolerance limit calculation method. 36
Annex B (normative) Tolerances .38
Annex C (informative) Analysis of the strength test for release elements. 39
Bibliography . 40

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 6182-7 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 21, Equipment for fire protection and fire fighting,
Subcommittee SC 5, Fixed firefighting systems using water.
ISO 6182 consists of the following parts, under the general title Fire protection — Automatic sprinkler systems:
 Part 1: Requirements and test methods for sprinklers
 Part 2: Requirements and test methods for wet alarm valves, retard chambers and water motor alarms
 Part 3: Requirements and test methods for dry pipe valves
 Part 4: Requirements and test methods for quick-opening devices
 Part 5: Requirements and test methods for deluge valves
 Part 6: Requirements and test methods for check valves
 Part 7: Requirements and test methods for early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers
 Part 9: Requirements and test methods for water mist nozzles
 Part 10: Requirements and test methods for domestic sprinklers
 Part 11: Requirements and test methods for pipe hangers
The following parts are under preparation:
 Part 8: Requirements and test methods for pre-action dry alarm valves
 Part 12: Requirements and test methods for grooved end pipe couplings
 Part 13: Requirements and test methods for extended coverage sprinklers
iv © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

Introduction
This part of ISO 6182 is one of a number of ISO Standards prepared by ISO/TC 21 covering requirements and
test methods for early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6182-7:2004(E)

Fire protection — Automatic sprinkler systems —
Part 7:
Requirements and test methods for early suppression fast
response (ESFR) sprinklers
1 Scope
This part of ISO 6182 specifies performance requirements, test methods and marking requirements for fusible
element and glass-bulb early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers. It is applicable to ESFR sprinklers
with flow constants of 202 ± 8.
NOTE 1 Requirements for ESFR sprinklers with flow constants other than 202 ± 8 are in preparation.
NOTE 2 All pressure data in this part of ISO 6182 are also given as gauge pressure in bar. The correct SI unit for
5 2
pressure is the pascal (Pa) (1 bar = 10 N/m = 0,1 MPa).
2 Normative reference
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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.
ISO 7-1:1994, Pipe threads where pressure-tight joints are made on the threads — Part 1: Dimensions,
tolerances and designation
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1 General
3.1.1
sprinkler
thermosensitive device designed to react at a predetermined temperature by automatically releasing a stream
of water and distributing it in a specified pattern and quantity over a designated area
3.1.2
conductivity factor
C
measure of the conductance between the sprinkler's heat responsive element and the fitting
0,5
NOTE The conductivity factor is expressed in units of (m/s) .
3.1.3
response time index
RTI
measure of sprinkler sensitivity
RTI = t u
where
t is equal to the time constant, expressed in seconds, of the heat-responsive element;
u is the gas velocity, expressed in meters per second
0,5
NOTE 1 The response time index is expressed in units of (m◊s) .
NOTE 2 RTI can be used in combination with the conductivity factor (C) to predict the response of a sprinkler in fire
environments defined in terms of gas temperature and velocity versus time.
3.1.4
orientation A
orientation with the airflow perpendicular to both the waterway axis and the plane of the frame arms and with
the heat responsive element upstream of the frame arms
See Figure 1.
3.1.5
orientation B
orientation with the airflow perpendicular to both the waterway axis and the plane of the frame arms and with
the heat responsive element downstream of the frame arms
See Figure 1.
3.1.6
orientation C
·head onÒ orientation with the axis of the sprinkler inlet parallel to the airflow and the deflector perpendicular to
the airflow
See Figure 1.
a) Orientation A
Figure 1 — Orientations A, B and C
2 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

b) Orientation B
c) Orientation C
Key
1 air flow
2 tunnel test section (elevation view)
NOTE If the sprinkler has a symmetrical heat responsive element and frame, Orientation A would be the same as
Orientation B. Testing in both positions is not required.
Figure 1 (continued)
3.1.7
actual delivered density
ADD
rate at which water is deposited from an operating sprinkler onto the top horizontal surface of a simulated
burning combustible array
3.1.8
early suppression
sprinkler system performance whereby the first few sprinklers, which operate, are able to provide sufficient
water to the fire early enough so as to reduce the fire to an acceptable level, if not extinguished
3.1.9
early suppression fast response automatic sprinkler
ESFR
thermosensitive device designed to react at a predetermined temperature by automatically releasing a stream
of water and distributing it in a specified pattern and density over a designated area so as to provide early
suppression of a fire when installed on the appropriate sprinkler piping
3.1.10
assembly load
force exerted on the sprinkler at 0 MPa (0 bar) hydraulic pressure at the inlet
3.1.11
design load
force exerted on the sprinkler at the service load of the sprinkler
3.1.12
service load
combined force exerted on the sprinkler body by the assembly load of the sprinkler and the equivalent force of
a 1,2 MPa (12 bar) hydraulic pressure of the inlet
3.1.13
average design strength
·axialÒ glass-bulb suppliers specified and assured lowest average design strength of any batch of 50 bulbs
3.2 Sprinklers classified according to type of heat responsive element
3.2.1
fusible element sprinkler
sprinkler that opens under the influence of heat by the melting of a component
3.2.2
glass-bulb sprinkler
sprinkler that opens under the influence of heat by the bursting of the glass bulb caused by the increased
pressure resulting from expansion of the fluid enclosed therein
3.3 Sprinklers classified according to position
3.3.1
pendent sprinkler
P
sprinkler that is arranged in such a way that the water stream is directed downwards against the distribution
plate
3.3.2
upright sprinkler
U
sprinkler that is arranged in such a way that the water stream is directed upwards against the distribution plate
4 Product consistency
It shall be the responsibility of the manufacturer to implement a quality control programme to ensure that
production continuously meets the requirements of this part of ISO 6182 in the same manner as the originally
tested samples.
Every manufactured sprinkler shall pass a leak resistance test equivalent to a hydrostatic pressure of at least
3,4 MPa (34 bar) for at least 2 s.
5 Product assembly
All sprinklers shall be designed and manufactured in such a way that they cannot be readily adjusted,
dismantled or reassembled.
4 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

6 Requirements
6.1 Dimensions
6.1.1 Sprinklers shall have a nominal thread size of R 3/4.
6.1.2 Nominal thread sizes shall be suitable for fittings threaded in accordance with ISO 7-1.
The dimensions of all threaded connections should conform to International Standards where applied.
National standards may be used if International Standards are not applicable.
6.1.3 All sprinklers shall be constructed so that a sphere of diameter 8 mm can pass through each water
passage in the sprinkler.
6.2 Nominal operating temperatures (see 7.7)
The nominal operating temperature of ESFR sprinklers shall be as indicated in Table 1.
The nominal operating temperatures of all sprinklers shall be specified in advance by the manufacturer and
verified in accordance with 6.3. They shall be determined as a result of the operating temperature test (see
7.7.1). Nominal operating temperatures shall be within the ranges specified in Table 1.
The nominal operating temperature that is to be marked on the sprinkler shall be that determined when the
sprinkler is tested in accordance with 7.7.1, taking into account the specifications of 6.3.
Table 1 — Nominal operating temperature and colour coding
Values in degrees Celsius
Glass-bulb sprinklers Fusible element sprinklers
Liquid colour code Yoke arm colour code
Nominal operating Nominal operating
temperature temperature
68 to 74 red 68 to 74 uncoloured
93 to 104 green 93 to 104 white

6.3 Operating temperatures (see 7.7.1)
Sprinklers shall open within a temperature range of
TT±+(0,035 0,62) (1)
where T is the nominal operating temperature, expressed in degrees Celsius.
6.4 Water flow and distribution
6.4.1 Flow constant (see 7.11)
The flow constant, K, for sprinklers is given by the formula
q
V
K = (2)
p
where
p is the pressure, expressed in bars;
q is the flow rate, expressed in litres per minute (l/min).
V
The flow constant for ESFR sprinklers shall have values of 202 ± 8 when determined by the test method of
7.11. All values tested shall be within the acceptable range and the standard deviation divided by the average
value of the flow constant shall be less than 2 %.
6.4.2 Water distribution (see 7.12)
6.4.2.1 To demonstrate the required coverage of the protected area allotted to it, the sprinkler shall be
subjected to the tests specified in 7.12.
6.4.2.2 Ten collection pans, as specified in 7.12.1, shall be utilized on a rotating table to measure the
distribution from a single sprinkler. All pan collection rate values shall be recorded. The tenth pan shall have a
collection rate not exceeding 0,80 mm/min.
6.4.2.3 Three samples, or sets of samples, shall be tested to the requirements of Table 2 in accordance
with 7.12.2.
Table 2 — Sprinkler water distribution measurements
a, b
Number Sprinkler Pipe Ceiling Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum Minimum
Pressure
of spacing spacing clearance 16-pan flue 20-pan non-flue single
sprinklers  to water- average space average 10-pan non-flue
c c
under the  collection density (4 pans) density average pan
c c,d c
water- pans
average density density
collection
system
m m m MPa mm/min mm/min mm/min mm/min mm/min
(bar)
1 0 0 3,04 0,34 21,22 40,80 NR NR NR
(3,4)
1 0 0 4,42 0,34 19,58 36,31 NR NR NR
(3,4)
1 0 0 4,42 0,51 NR 69,36 37,13 20,40 10,61
(5,1)
2 3,04 0 1,27 0,34 24,48 NR NR NR NR
(3,4)
2 3,04 0 3,04 0,34 22,03 NR NR NR NR
(3,4)
2 0 3,04 1,27 0,34 23,66 NR NR NR NR
(3,4)
2 0 3,04 3,04 0,34 23,26 NR NR NR NR
(3,4)
2 3,66 0 1,27 0,34 17,95 NR NR NR NR
(3,4)
2 0 3,66 1,27 0,34 18,36 NR NR NR NR
(3,4)
2 3,04 0 1,27 0,51 NR NR 31,42 24,48 8,16
(5,1)
2 0 3,04 1,27 0,51 NR NR 31,42 24,48 8,16
(5,1)
4 3,04 3,04 1,27 0,34 27,74 NR NR NR NR
(3,4)
4 3,04 3,04 3,04 0,34 35,09 NR NR NR NR
(3,4)
4 2,44 3,6 1,27 0,34 26,93 NR NR NR NR
(3,4)
4 3,04 3,04 1,27 0,51 NR NR 28,97 24,48 15,10
(5,1)
a
All 0,34 MPa (3,4 bar) tests are performed on a system fed from both directions (double feed).
b
All 0,51 MPa (5,1 bar) tests are performed on a system fed from one direction (single feed), except for the two-sprinklers, single-pipe tests which are
performed on a double-feed system.

c
NR = No requirement (see Figures 8 to 13).

d
Average of the ten non-flue pans with the lowest water collection.

6 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

6.5 Ability to function (see 7.6)
6.5.1 When tested in accordance with 7.6.1, all operating parts shall clear the sprinkler within 10 s or shall
comply with the requirements of 6.4.2.
6.5.2 The deflector and its supporting parts shall not sustain significant damage as a result of the deflector
strength test specified in 7.6.2 and shall meet the requirements of 6.4.2.
NOTE In most instances, visual examination of the sprinkler is sufficient to establish conformity with the requirements
of 6.5.1 and 6.5.2.
6.6 Strength of sprinkler body (see 7.4)
The sprinkler body shall not show permanent elongation of more than 0,2 % between the load-bearing points
of the sprinkler body after being subjected to twice the average service load as measured in 7.4.
6.7 Strength of release element (see 7.10)
6.7.1 When tested in accordance with 7.10.1, the elements of glass bulbs shall
a) have an average design strength of at least six times the average service load, and
b) have a design strength lower tolerance limit (L ) on the strength distribution curve of at least two times
TL
the upper tolerance limit (U ) of the service load distribution curve based on calculations with a degree
TL
of confidence (y) of 0,99 for 99 % of samples (n).
Calculations will be based on a normal or Gaussian distribution, except where other distributions can be
shown to be more applicable due to manufacturing of designing factors. See Figure 2 and Annex A.

Key
1 average service load 4 L
TL
2 service load curve
5 average design strength
3 U
6 design strength curve
TL
Figure 2 — Strength curve
6.7.2 Fusible heat-responsive elements shall sustain the design load when tested in accordance with
7.10.2.
6.8 Leak resistance and hydrostatic strength (see 7.5)
6.8.1 A sprinkler shall not show any sign of leakage when tested by the method specified in 7.5.1.
6.8.2 A sprinkler shall not rupture, operate, or release any parts when tested by the method specified in
7.5.2.
6.9 Heat exposure (see 7.8)
6.9.1 Glass-bulb type ESFR sprinklers
There shall be no damage to the elements of the glass bulb when the sprinkler is tested by the method
specified in 7.8.1.
6.9.2 All ESFR sprinklers
ESFR sprinklers shall withstand exposure to increased ambient temperature without evidence of weakness or
failure when tested by the method specified in 7.8.2.
6.10 Thermal shock (see 7.9)
Glass-bulb type ESFR sprinklers shall not be damaged when tested by the method specified in 7.9.
6.11 Corrosion
6.11.1 Stress corrosion (see 7.13.1)
When tested in accordance with 7.13.1, each sprinkler shall show no cracks, delaminations, or failures which
can possibly affect its ability to satisfy other requirements. Following exposure, half the sprinkler samples shall
0,5
be tested to requirements of 6.8.1. The remaining samples shall have an RTI of (28 ± 8) (m◊s) when tested
in accordance with 7.7.2.2.
6.11.2 Moist sulfur-dioxide/carbon-dioxide corrosion (see 7.13.2)
ESFR sprinklers shall be resistant to sulfur-dioxide/carbon-dioxide saturated with water vapour when
conditioned in accordance with 7.13.2. Following exposure, the sprinklers shall meet the requirements of 6.8.1
at 1,20 MPa (12,0 bar). Half the samples shall meet the requirements of 6.3 and the remaining samples shall
0,5
have an RTI of (28 ± 8) (m◊s) when tested in accordance with 7.7.2.2.
6.11.3 Moist hydrogen-sulfide corrosion (see 7.13.3)
ESFR sprinklers shall be resistant to hydrogen sulfide saturated with water vapour when conditioned in
accordance with 7.13.3. Following exposure, the sprinklers shall meet the requirements of 6.8.1 at 1,20 MPa
(12,0 bar). Half the samples shall meet the requirements of 6.3 and the remaining samples shall have an RTI
0,5
of (28 ± 8) (m◊s) when tested in accordance with 7.7.2.2.
6.11.4 Salt-spray corrosion (see 7.13.4)
ESFR sprinklers shall be resistant to salt spray when conditioned in accordance with 7.13.4. Following
exposure, the sprinklers shall be tested at 1,20 MPa (12,0 bar) in accordance with 6.8.1 and have an RTI of
0,5
(28 ± 8) (m◊s) when tested in accordance with 7.7.2.2.
8 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

6.11.5 Moist-air exposure (see 7.13.5)
Sprinklers shall be resistant to moist-air exposure when tested in accordance with 7.13.5. Following exposure,
the sprinklers shall operate as intended when tested in accordance with 7.6.2.
6.12 Water hammer (see 7.15)
Sprinklers shall not leak when subjected to pressure surges from 0,4 MPa to 3,4 MPa (4 bar to 34 bar). They
shall show no signs of mechanical damage when tested in accordance with 7.15. Following the water-hammer
test, the samples shall not leak when tested in accordance with 7.5.1 and shall operate as intended when
tested in accordance with 7.6.2.
6.13 Dynamic heating (see 7.7.2)
6.13.1 See also the references in the Bibliography.
0,5
6.13.2 ESFR sprinklers shall meet the RTI limits of (28 ± 8) (m◊s) when tested in orientations A and B as
described in 7.7.2. The RTI value shall not exceed 138 % of the original value when tested in orientation C as
described in 7.7.2. The conductivity factor, C, is not required for this calculation in this part of ISO 6182.
0,5
6.13.3 The conductivity factor (C) shall not exceed 1,0 (m/s) when determined using the prolonged plunge
test (see 7.7.3.2) or the prolonged exposure ramp test (see 7.7.3.3).
6.14 Resistance to heat (see 7.14)
Open sprinklers shall be resistant to high temperatures when tested in accordance with 7.14. After exposure,
the sprinkler shall not show visual deformation or fracture.
6.15 Resistance to vibration (see 7.16)
Sprinklers shall be able to withstand the effects of vibration without deterioration when tested in accordance
with 7.16. After the vibration test of 7.16, sprinklers shall show no visible deterioration and shall meet the
0,5
requirements of 6.8.1 and shall have an RTI of (28 ± 8) (m◊s) when tested in accordance with 7.7.2.2.
6.16 Resistance to impact (see 7.17)
ESFR sprinklers shall have adequate strength to withstand impacts associated with handling, transport and
installation without deterioration of performance or reliability. These sprinklers shall show no fracture or
deformation, shall meet the leak resistance requirement of 6.8.1 and the dynamic heating test requirement of
6.13.3 after the impact test of 7.17.1. If the sprinkler is deformed during testing, water distribution testing
(6.4.2) shall be required.
6.17 Lateral discharge (see 7.18)
When tested in accordance with 7.18, there shall be no direct impingement or dripping of water from the
target.
6.18 Thirty-day leakage resistance (see 7.19)
When tested in accordance with 7.19 sprinklers shall not leak, sustain distortion, or suffer any other
mechanical damage when subjected to 2 MPa (20 bar) water pressure for 30 d.
6.19 Vacuum resistance (see 7.20)
Sprinklers shall not exhibit distortion or mechanical damage and shall meet the leakage requirements of 6.8.1
after being subjected to the test in 7.20.
6.20 Resistance to low temperatures (see 7.21)
Sprinklers shall be resistant to low temperatures when tested in accordance with 7.21. After exposure, the
sprinkler shall either be visibly damaged, leak subsequent to thawing, or not be damaged. Sprinklers not
0,5
visibly damaged shall be subjected to the requirements of 6.8 and shall have an RTI of (28 ± 8) (m◊s) when
tested in accordance with 7.7.2.2.
6.21 Actual delivered density (see 7.22)
ESFR sprinklers shall meet the minimum average densities shown in Table 3 when measured in accordance
with 7.22.
Table 3 — ADD measurements
Number of Sprinkler Pipe Ceiling Freeburn Pressure Direction Minimum Minimum
sprinklers spacing spacing clearance convective of feed 16-pan flue space
under the  to water- heat release flow average (4 pans)
a
ADD  collection  ADD
average
apparatus  pans
MPa
m m m kW (bar) mm/min
mm/min
0,34
1 0 0 4,57 1 318 Double 19,18 60,38
(3,4)
0,34
1 0 0 4,57 2 636 Double 9,79 20,40
(3,4)
0,34
2 3,66 0 1,22 2 636 Single 11,83 NR
(3,4)
0,34
2 0 3,66 1,22 2 636 Double 14,28 NR
(3,4)
0,34
4 2,44 3,66 1,22 2 636 Double 26,11 NR
(3,4)
a
NR = No requirement.
6.22 Thrust force measurements (see 7.23)
ESFR sprinklers shall meet the minimum thrust force requirements shown in Table 4 when tested in
accordance with 7.23.
Table 4 — Thrust
Pressure Direction of feed flow Ceiling clearance Minimum required thrust
to thrust plate
MPa m Pa
(bar) (mbar)
0,34 0,71
Double 1,2
(3,4) (0,71)
0,34 0,44
Double 2,1
(3,4) (0,44)
0,51 0,99
Single 2,1
(5,1) (0,99)
10 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

6.23 Reaction force test (see 7.24)
ESFR sprinklers shall meet the minimum reaction force requirements shown in Table 5 when tested in
accordance with 7.24.
Table 5 — Reaction force
a
Pressure
Minimum required reaction force

MPa
N
(bar)
0,34
(3,4)
0,51
(5,1)
a
This is 35 % of the maximum force of a K 202 nozzle 476 N/MPa ¥ 0,35 = 167 N/MPa (47,6 N/bar ¥ 0,35 = 16,7 N/bar).
7 Test methods
7.1 General conditions
Carry out the following tests for each type of sprinkler. Before testing, precise drawings of parts and the
assembly shall be submitted together with the appropriate specifications (using SI units). Carry out tests at a
room temperature of (20 ± 5) °C, unless other temperatures are indicated. Test sprinklers with all the
components required by their design and installation. A suggested test programme is illustrated in Figure 3 for
guidance.
7.2 Preliminary examination
Examine the construction to ensure that it complies with the requirements of Clause 4 and Clause 5.
7.3 Visual examination
Before testing, examine the sprinklers visually with respect to the following points:
a) marking,
b) conformity of the sprinklers with the manufacturer's drawings and specifications, and
c) obvious defects.
7.4 Body strength test (see 6.6)
7.4.1 Measure the service load for 15 sprinklers by securely installing each sprinkler, at room temperature,
in a tensile/compression test machine and applying an equivalent of a hydraulic pressure of 1,2 MPa (12 bar)
at the inlet.
Use an indicator capable of reading deflection to an accuracy of 0,01 mm to measure any change in length of
the sprinkler between its load bearing points. Movement of the sprinkler shank thread in the threaded bushing
of the test machine shall be avoided or taken into account.
Release hydraulic pressure, or equivalent force, and remove the heat responsive element of the sprinkler by a
suitable method. When the sprinkler is at room temperature, make a second measurement using the indicator.
Apply an increasing mechanical load to the sprinkler, at a rate not exceeding 500 N/min, until the indicator
reading at the deflector end of the sprinkler returns to the initial value achieved as assembled and under
hydrostatic, or equivalent, load. The mechanical load necessary to achieve this shall be recorded as the
service load. Calculate the average service load. See Annex C.
Key
number of sprinklers required
○
test programme number

Test programme
1 Preliminary examination (7.2)
2 Visual examination (7.3)
3 Body strength (7.4)
4 Leak resistance and hydrostatic strength (7.5)
5 Lodgement (7.6.1)
6 Exposure verification of ability-to-function (7.6.2)
7 Deflector strength (7.6.2)
8 Operating temperature (7.7)
9 Plunge (7.7.2.1)
10 Exposure verification plunge (7.7.2.2)
11 Determination of conductivity factor (7.7.3)
12 Heat exposure for glass-bulb type (7.8.1)
13 Heat exposure (7.8.2)
14 Thermal shock, bulb type only (7.9)
15 Strength of bulb-type heat release element (7.10.1)
16 Strength of fusible type heat release element (7.10.2)
17 Water flow (7.11)
18 Single sprinkler distribution (7.12.1)
19 Multiple sprinkler distribution (7.12.2)
20 Stress corrosion test with aqueous ammonia solution (7.13.1)
21 Moist sulfur-dioxide/carbon-dioxide corrosion (7.13.2)
22 Moist hydrogen sulfide corrosion (7.13.3)
23 Salt spray corrosion (7.13.4)
24 Moist air exposure (7.13.5)
25 Heat resistance (7.14)
26 Water hammer (7.15)
27 Vibration (7.16)
28 Impact (7.17.1)
29 Tumble (7.17.2)
30 Lateral discharge (7.18)
31 Thirty-day leakage (7.19)
32 Vacuum (7.20)
33 Freezing (7.21)
34 ADD (7.22)
35 Thrust force (7.23)
36 Reaction force (7.24)
Unless otherwise stated, the tolerances given in Annex B shall apply.
a
Number of samples for each temperature rating
b
Glass bulb with seating parts only
c
Fusible elements only
Figure 3 — Test programme for ESFR sprinklers
12 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

7.4.2 Increase the applied load progressively at a rate not exceeding 500 N/min on each of the ten
specimens until twice the average service load has been applied. Maintain this load for (15 ± 5) s.
Remove the load and compare the permanent elongation with the requirement of 6.6 and compare it to the
strength of element determined in 7.10.
7.5 Leak resistance and hydrostatic strength test (see 6.8)
7.5.1 Subject 20 sprinklers to a water pressure of 3,4 MPa (34 bar). Increase the pressure from 0 MPa to
3,4 MPa (0 bar to 34 bar) at a rate of (0,1 ± 0,025) MPa/s [(1 ± 0,25) bar/s]. Maintain the pressure at 3,4 MPa
(34 bar) for a period of 3 min and then allow it to fall to 0 MPa (0 bar). After the pressure has dropped to
0 MPa (0 bar), increase it to 0,05 MPa (0,5 bar) in not more than 5 s. Maintain this pressure for 15 s and then
increase it to 1 MPa (10 bar) at a rate of increase of (0,1 ± 0,025) MPa/s [(1 ± 0,25) bar/s] and maintain it for
15 s.
7.5.2 Following the test of 7.5.1, subject 20 sprinklers to a water pressure of 4,8 MPa (48 bar). Fill the
sprinkler inlet with water at (20 ± 5) °C and vent any air. Increase the pressure to 4,8 MPa (48 bar) at a rate of
(0,1 ± 0,025) MPa/s [(1 ± 0,25) bar/s]. Maintain the pressure at 4,8 MPa (48 bar) for 1 min.
7.6 Lodgement, ability-to-function and deflector strength test (see 6.5.1)
7.6.1 Lodgement test
Heat the sprinklers using a suitable heat source. Continue heating until the sprinkler operates. Test
10 sprinklers in their normal mounting position at each of the following inlet pressures.
0,03 MPa (0,35 bar)
0,17 MPa (1,70 bar)
0,34 MPa (3,40 bar)
0,51 MPa (5,10 bar)
0,68 MPa (6,80 bar)
0,85 MPa (8,50 bar)
1,02 MPa (10,2 bar)
1,20 MPa (12,0 bar)
When installed on appropriate pipe and fitting, the flowing pressure shall be at least 75 % of the initial
operating pressure as measured within 0,5 m upstream of the sprinkler. A typical piping configuration is shown
in Figure 4.
7.6.2 Deflector strength test
In order to check the strength of the deflector (6.5.2), subject three sprinklers to the ability-to-function test in
the normal mounting position at a pressure of 1,4 MPa (14 bar). Allow the water to flow at a running pressure
of 1,4 MPa (14 bar) for a period of 30 min.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 typical assembly 6 union (50)
2 elbow (32 × 20) 7 gauge tee (50)
3 full port ball valve 8 long steel pipe (50 × 150)
4 pipe (∅ 32) 9 long steel pipe (32 × 300)
10 supply pipe
5 reducer (32 × 50)
All dimensions shown are nominal pipe diameters.
The discharge coefficient of test apparatus shall exceed 170 when discharging through an orifice with nominal
K of 202.
Figure 4 — Lodgement test apparatus
7.7 Operating temperature test (see 6.3)
7.7.1 Test of static operation
Heat 50 glass-bulb sprinklers or 10 fusible element sprinklers from a temperature of (20 ± 5) °C to a
+2
temperature of ( 20 ) °C below their nominal operating temperature at a rate not exceeding 20 °C/min.
Maintain this temperature for 10 min. Then increase the temperature at a rate of (0,5 ± 0,1) °C/min until the
sprinkler operates.
Determine the nominal operating temperature using equipment capable of measuring to within ± 0,25 % of the
nominal temperature rating.
Carry out the test in a liquid bath. Test sprinklers having nominal operating temperatures less than or equal to
80 °C in a bath containing demineralized water. Test sprinklers with higher rated elements in a bath containing
glycerine, vegetable oil or synthetic oil.
Position the sprinklers in the liquid bath in a vertical position and so as to immerse totally and cover the
+3
sprinklers with the liquid to a depth of ( 5 ) mm. Locate the measurement zone at a distance, below the liquid
surface, level with the geometric centre of the glass-bulb or fusible elements.
The measurement zone shall be at, if possible, but no less than, (40 ± 5) mm below the liquid surface level.
The temperature deviation within the measurement zone shall be within ± 0,25 °C.
Any rupture of a glass bulb within the prescribed temperature rate constitutes an operation. If partial fracture
of the glass bulb does not result in sprinkler operation, perform an additional ability-to-function test (see 6.5.1).
Figure 5 gives an example of a standardized liquid bath. Use a laboratory temperature-measuring device,
calibrated to a depth of 40 mm immersion, to determine temperatures of liquids in the bath tests as well as
operation temperature. Hold the temperature-sensing element level with the sprinkler operating parts using a
support member. To control the temperature in the thermal bath a PT-100 DIN EN 60751 can be used.
14 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

Dimensions in millimetres
(Dimensions in inches)
Key
1 speed agitator (150 r/min)
2 thermometer calibrated for 40 mm (1,6 in) immersion and PT-100
3 liquid level
4 ring to support 10 sprinklers (3/4 in) or 15 sprinklers (1/2 in)
5 double wing [100 mm × 20 mm (3,9 in × 0,8 in)]
6 mesh screen
7 standard glass vessel
8 desiccator ∅250 (10 in), liquid volume about 7 l
9 immersion heater
Figure 5 — Liquid bath
7.7.2 Dynamic heating test (see 6.13.2)
7.7.2.1 Plunge test
Subject 12 sprinklers in each nominal temperature rating to the plunge test in orientations A, B and C in
accordance with 7.7.2.3. Calculate the RTI as described in 7.7.2.4 for each orientation.
7.7.2.2 Exposure verification for plunge test
Subject the sprinklers to the plunge test in orientation A or B, whichever produces the higher RTI value when
tested in accordance with 7.7.2.3.
7.7.2.3 Test conditions
Conduct the plunge tests using a brass sprinkler mount. Apply 1 wrap to 1,5 wraps of PTFE sealant tape to
the sprinkler threads of the sprinkler under test. Screw the sprinkler into a mount to a torque of (15 ± 3) N◊m.
Mount each sprinkler on a tunnel test section cover and maintain the sprinkler and its cover in a conditioning
chamber for a period of no less than 30 min so as to reach ambient temperature.
Test all sprinklers with the inlet end of each sample connected to a source of air pressure at
(0,034 ± 0,005) MPa [(0,34 ± 0,05) bar].
A timer accurate to ± 0,01 s with suitable measuring devices to sense the time between when the sprinkler is
plunged into the tunnel and the time it operates shall be utilized to obtain the response time.
Use a tunnel with air velocity and temperature conditions at the test section (sprinkler location) selected from
the appropriate range of conditions shown in Table 6. Select the tunnel conditions so as to limit maximum
anticipated equipment error to 3 % (see reference [2] in the Bibliography).
To minimize radiation exchange between the sensing element and the boundaries confining the flow, the test
section of the apparatus shall be designed to limit radiation effects to within ± 3 % of calculated RTI values. A
suggested method for determining radiation effects is by conducting comparative plunge tests on a blackened
(high emissivity) metallic test specimen and a polished (low emissivity) metallic test specimen.
Table 6 specifies the range of permissible tunnel operating conditions. Maintain the selected operating
conditions for the duration of the test with the tolerances as specified by the footnotes in Table 6.
Table 6 — Range of plunge test conditions at test section (sprinkler location)
a b
Nominal operating Air temperature Air velocity
temperatures
Early suppression fast Early suppression fast

response sprinklers response sprinklers

°C
m/s
°C
68 to 74 197 2,56
93 to 104 197 2,56
a
The selected air temperature shall be known and maintained constant within the test
section throughout the test to an accuracy of ± 2 °C for the air temperature.
b
The selected air velocity shall be known and maintained constant throughout the test
to an accuracy of ± 0,03 m/s.
16 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

7.7.2.4 Calculation of RTI value
Determine the RTI value using equation (3):
-tu
r
RTI = (3)
ln 1-DTT/D
()
ea g
where
t is the response time, expressed in seconds, of the sprinkler;
r
u is the actual air velocity, expressed in metres per second (m/s), in the test section of the tunnel
taken from Table 6;
∆T is the temperature difference, expressed in degrees Celsius (°C), between the mean liquid-bath
ea
operating temperature of the sprinkler and the ambient temperature;
∆T is the temperature difference, expressed in degrees Celsius (°C), between the actual air
g
temperature in the test section, corrected for radiation effects on the temperature sensing device,
and the ambient temperature.
7.7.3 Determination of conductivity factor (C)
7.7.3.1 General
Determine the conductivity factor (C) using the prolonged plunge test (see 7.7.3.2) or the prolonged exposure
ramp test (see 7.7.3.3).
7.7.3.2 Prolonged plunge test
The prolonged plunge test is an iterative process to determine C and may require up to 20 sprinkler samples.
Use a new sprinkler sample for each test in this clause even if the test sample does not operate during the
prolonged plunge test.
Determine the conductivity factor for sprinklers of each nominal temperature rating in either the “A” or “B”
orientation, whichever produces the larger RTI value in 6.13.2.
Apply 1 wrap to 1,5 wraps of PTFE sealant tape to the sprinkler threads of the sprinkler under test. Screw the
sprinkler into a mount to a torque of (15 ± 3) N◊m. Mount each sprinkler on a tunnel test section cover and
maintain the sprinkler and its cover in a conditioning chamber for a period of no less than 30 min so as to
reach ambient temperature.
Introduce at least 25 ml of water, conditioned to ambient temperature, into the sprinkler inlet prior to testing.
Test all sprinklers with the inlet end of each sample connected to a source of pressure at 0,05 MPa (0,5 bar).
Using a timer accurate to ± 0,01 s, measure the response time of the sprinkler, i.e. the time it takes the
sprinkler to begin operating from the time it is first plunged into the tunnel.
Maintain the mount temperature at (20 ± 0,5) °C for the duration of each test. Maintain the air velocity in the
tunnel test section at the sprinkler location with ± 2 % of the selected velocity. Select the appropriate air
temperature as specified in Table 7 and maintain this temperature during the entire test.
Table 7 specifies the range of permissible tunnel operating conditions. Maintain the selected operating
conditions for the duration of the test keeping within the tolerances also specified in Table 7.
To determine C, immerse the sprinkler in the test stream at various air velocities for a maximum of 15 min.
Choose the velocity so as to keep the actuation between two successive test velocities. Establish the lower
velocity (u ) so as to ensure the sprinkler does not actuate within the 15 min test interval but that it does
L
actuate at the next higher velocity (u ), within the 15 min time limit. If the sprinkler does not operate at the
H
highest velocity, select an air temperature from Table 7 for the next higher temperature rating.
Table 7 — Range of test conditions for conductivity factor (C)
determination at testsection (sprinkler location)
Nominal operating Air temperature Maximum variation of air
temperature temperature during test from
selected temperatures
°C °C °C
58 to 77 124 to 130
± 1,0
78 to 107 193 to 201
± 3,0
Select the test velocity so as to ensure that
u
H
u 1,1 (4)
u
L
Calculate the value of the test conductivity factor, C, which is equal to the average of the values calculated at
each of the two velocities using the following equation:
0,5
CT=-∆∆/1T u (5)
( )
gea
where
∆T is the temperature difference, expressed in degrees Celsius (°C), between the actual gas (air)
g
temperature and the mount temperature (T );
m
∆T is the temperature difference, expressed in degrees Celsius (°C), between the mean liquid-bath
ea
operating temperature and the mount temperature (T );
m
u is the actual air velocity, expressed in metres per second (m/s).
Determine the value of the sprinkler conductivity factor, C, by repeating the bracketing procedure three times
and calculating the numerical average of the three C values.
7.7.3.3 Prolonged exposure ramp test
Carry out the prolonged exposure ramp test for the determination of the conductivity factor in the test section
of a wind tunnel according to the temperature requirements given for the sprinkler mount as described for the
dynamic heating test. It is not necessary to precondition the sprinklers.
Test 10 sprinklers of each nominal temperature rating. Position all sprinklers in either the “A” or “B” orientation,
whichever produces the larger value of RTI in 6.13.2. Plunge the sprinklers in an air stream of a constant
velocity of (1 ± 0,1) m/s and an air temperature at the nominal operating temperature of the sprinkler at the
beginning of the test.
Increase the air temperature at a rate of (1 ± 0,25) °C/min until the sprinkler begins to operate. Control the air
temperature, velocity and mount temperature from the initial rate of increase and measure and record them at
sprinkler operation.
18 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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