ISO 12239:2021

Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization

This document specifies requirements, test methods, performance criteria and manufacturers' instructions for smoke alarms that operate using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization, and are intended for household or similar residential applications. For the testing of other types of smoke alarms, or smoke alarms working on different principles, this document is recommended only as guidance. Smoke alarms with special characteristics and developed for specific risks are not covered by this document. This document allows, although it does not require, the inclusion within the smoke alarm of facilities for the following: — visual fault condition indication; — extended temperature-range operation; — interconnection with other similar smoke alarms or accessories; — temporary disablement; — alarm silencing; — signal frequency characteristics; — standby power source low condition silence; — smoke alarms with voice; — smoke alarms using radio frequency links; — response to slowly developing fires (drift compensation). Where such facilities are included, this document specifies applicable requirements. This document does not cover devices intended for incorporation in systems using separate control and indicating equipment. Such systems are specified in the ISO 7240 series.

Dispositifs d'alarme de fumée fonctionnant suivant le principe de la diffusion de la lumière, de la transmission de la lumière ou de l'ionisation

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 04-Nov-2021
• ICS: 13.220.20 - Fire protection
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 21/SC 3 - Fire detection and alarm systems
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 21/SC 3/WG 3 - Self-contained smoke alarms
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 05-Nov-2021
• Due Date: 11-Sep-2021
• Completion Date: 05-Nov-2021

Relations

• Consolidated By: ISO 7012-2:2025 - Paints and varnishes - Determination of preservatives in water-dilutable coating materials - Part 2: Determination of in-can total formaldehyde
• Effective Date: 06-Jun-2022
• Revises: ISO 12239:2010 - Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization
• Effective Date: 23-Sep-2017

Overview

ISO 12239:2021 specifies requirements, test methods, performance criteria and manufacturers’ instructions for household (residential) smoke alarms that operate using scattered light, transmitted light (optical) or ionization principles. The standard covers general design, electrical and environmental requirements, marking and documentation, and optional functions commonly found in consumer smoke alarms. It is intended for standalone household smoke alarms and is recommended as guidance for other detector types; it does not apply to devices intended for integration into fire detection systems specified in the ISO 7240 series or to alarms developed for very specific risks.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Detector types covered: optical (scattered/transmitted light) and ionization smoke alarms.
• Performance & test methods: response threshold measurement, directional dependence, initial sensitivity, repeatability, air-movement sensitivity, dazzling, and environmental/operational tests (e.g., dry heat, cold).
• Power & electrical: main and standby power source requirements, battery monitoring, user-replaceable batteries, battery-disconnect facilities and electrical safety.
• Signal & indicators: audible alarm characteristics, visual indicators (power-on, fault), alarm silencing and temporary disablement functions.
• Optional functions (allowed, with requirements if included):
  • Visual fault indication
  • Extended temperature-range operation
  • Interconnection (wired or radio frequency links)
  • Alarm silencing and temporary disablement
  • Voice messages and smoke alarms with voice
  • Response to slowly developing fires (drift compensation)
  • Standby power low-condition silence
• Interconnectivity & RF: requirements for radio-frequency linked alarms including range, identification code verification and environmental constraints.
• Documentation & marking: packaging, hardware and software documentation, marking and manufacturer instructions; additional requirements for software-controlled alarms.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Manufacturers and designers of household smoke alarms use ISO 12239:2021 to ensure product safety, reliability and regulatory compliance.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies apply the specified test methods and performance criteria to certify devices.
• Regulators, procurement specialists and specifiers reference the standard when defining minimum requirements for residential smoke detection.
• Installers and distributors benefit from standardized requirements for interconnection, power supply and user interfaces.

Related standards

• ISO 7240 series - fire detection and alarm systems (for devices intended to be part of systems with separate control and indicating equipment).

Keywords: ISO 12239:2021, smoke alarms, scattered light, transmitted light, ionization, household smoke detectors, test methods for smoke alarms, drift compensation, interconnectable smoke alarms.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12239
Third edition
2021-11
Smoke alarms using scattered light,
transmitted light or ionization
Dispositifs d'alarme de fumée fonctionnant suivant le principe de
la diffusion de la lumière, de la transmission de la lumière ou de
l'ionisation
Reference number
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .vii
Introduction .viii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 General requirements . 5
4.1 Conformity . 5
4.2 Optional and additional functions . 5
4.3 Smoke alarm type . 5
4.4 Response threshold value of detectors using scattered or transmitted light . 6
4.5 Alarm condition . 6
4.5.1 Aural indicator . 6
4.5.2 Visual indicators . 6
4.6 External main power source-on visual indicator . 7
4.7 Fault condition visual indicator — Optional function . 7
4.8 Visual indicator visibility . 7
4.9 Smoke alarm signals . 7
4.10 Test facility . 7
4.11 Means of calibration . 7
4.12 User-replaceable components . 7
4.13 Main power source . 8
4.13.1 General . 8
4.13.2 Internal . 8
4.13.3 External . 8
4.14 Standby power source . 8
4.14.1 General . 8
4.14.2 Monitoring of standby power source . 9
4.14.3 Standby power source low condition silence — Optional function . 9
4.15 External power supply equipment. 9
4.16 Battery connections . 9
4.17 User-replaceable battery . 9
4.17.1 General . 9
4.17.2 Indication . 9
4.18 Electrical safety . 10
4.19 Battery — disconnect facility . 10
4.20 Connection of external connectable devices . 10
4.21 Terminals for external conductors . 10
4.22 Protection against the ingress of foreign bodies . 11
4.23 Interconnectable smoke alarms — Optional function . 11
4.23.1 General . 11
4.24 Alarm-silence facility — Optional function . 11
4.25 Temporary disablement — Optional function .12
4.26 Radioactive material in type B smoke alarms .12
4.27 Smoke alarms with voice — Optional function .12
4.27.1 General .12
4.27.2 Voice messages . 13
4.28 Smoke alarms using radio frequency links — Optional function .13
4.28.1 General .13
4.28.2 Response time . . .13
4.28.3 Radio frequency link range . 13
4.28.4 Identification code verification . 13
4.28.5 Environmental requirements for radio frequency interconnected smoke
alarms . 13
iii
4.29 Response to slowly developing fires (drift compensation) — Optional function . 14
4.30 Marking . 14
4.30.1 General . 14
4.30.2 Smoke alarm . 14
4.31 Packaging . 15
4.32 Hardware documentation . 16
4.33 Additional requirements for software-controlled smoke alarms . 17
4.33.1 General . 17
4.33.2 Software documentation . 17
4.33.3 Software design . 17
4.33.4 Storage of programs and data . 18
5 Tests .18
5.1 General . 18
5.1.1 Optional functions . 18
5.1.2 Atmospheric conditions for tests. 18
5.1.3 Operating conditions for tests. 18
5.1.4 Mounting arrangements . 19
5.1.5 Tolerances . 19
5.1.6 Measurement of response threshold value . 19
5.1.7 Provision for tests . 19
5.1.8 Test schedule . 20
5.1.9 Test report .20
5.2 Directional dependence . 21
5.2.1 Object of test. 21
5.2.2 Test procedure. 21
5.2.3 Requirements . 21
5.3 Initial sensitivity . 21
5.3.1 Object of test. 21
5.3.2 Test procedure. 22
5.3.3 Requirement .22
5.4 Repeatability . 22
5.4.1 Object of test. 22
5.4.2 Test procedure. 22
5.4.3 Requirements . 22
5.5 Air movement . 22
5.5.1 Object of test. 22
5.5.2 Test procedure. 22
5.5.3 Requirements . 23
5.6 Dazzling .23
5.6.1 Object of test. 23
5.6.2 Test procedure. 23
5.6.3 Requirements . 23
5.7 Dry heat (operational) . 24
5.7.1 Object of test. 24
5.7.2 Test procedure. 24
5.7.3 Requirements . 24
5.8 Cold (operational) . 24
5.8.1 Object of test. 24
5.8.2 Test procedure. 25
5.8.3 Requirement . 25
5.9 Damp heat (operational) . 25
5.9.1 Object of test. 25
5.9.2 Test procedure. 25
5.9.3 Requirements . 26
5.10 Sulfur dioxide (SO ) corrosion.26
5.10.1 Object of test. 26
5.10.2 Test procedure. 26
5.10.3 Requirements . 27
iv
5.11 Impact (operational) . 27
5.11.1 Object of test. 27
5.11.2 Test procedure. 27
5.11.3 Requirements .28
5.12 Vibration, sinusoidal (operational) .28
5.12.1 Object of test.28
5.12.2 Test procedure.28
5.12.3 Requirements .29
5.13 Vibration, sinusoidal (endurance) .29
5.13.1 Object of test.29
5.13.2 Test procedure.29
5.13.3 Requirements .30
5.14 Extended temperature (operational) — optional function .30
5.14.1 Object of test.30
5.14.2 Test procedure.30
5.14.3 Requirement . 31
5.15 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) immunity tests (operational) . 31
5.16 Fire sensitivity . 31
5.16.1 Object of test. 31
5.16.2 Test procedure. 31
5.16.3 Requirements . 33
5.17 Battery-low condition .33
5.17.1 Object of test. 33
5.17.2 Test procedure. 33
5.17.3 Requirements .34
5.18 85 dBA Sound output — Optional function .34
5.18.1 Object of test.34
5.18.2 Method of test .34
5.18.3 Requirements . 35
5.19 70 dBA Sound output — Optional function . 35
5.19.1 Object of test. 35
5.19.2 Method of test . 35
5.19.3 Requirements .36
5.20 Sounder durability .36
5.20.1 Object of test. 36
5.20.2 Test procedure.36
5.20.3 Requirements .36
5.21 Interconnectable smoke alarms . 37
5.21.1 Object of test. 37
5.21.2 Test procedure. 37
5.21.3 Requirements . 37
5.22 Smoke alarms using radio frequency links . 37
5.22.1 General . 37
5.22.2 Radio frequency range .38
5.22.3 Failure of radio link tests . 39
5.22.4 Identification codes verification . 39
5.22.5 Environmental tests for radio frequency-interconnected smoke alarms .39
5.23 Alarm-silence facility .40
5.23.1 Object of test.40
5.23.2 Test requirement .40
5.23.3 Requirements .40
5.24 Temporary disablement facility .40
5.24.1 Object of test.40
5.24.2 Test procedure.40
5.24.3 Requirements . 41
5.25 Variation in supply voltage . 41
5.25.1 Object of test. 41
5.25.2 Test procedure. 41
v
5.25.3 Requirements . 41
5.26 Polarity reversal . . 42
5.26.1 Object of test. 42
5.26.2 Test procedure. 42
5.26.3 Requirements . 42
5.27 Standby power source . . 42
5.27.1 Object of test. 42
5.27.2 Test procedure. 42
5.27.3 Requirements . 43
5.28 Electrical safety . 43
5.28.1 Object of test. 43
5.28.2 Test procedure. 43
5.28.3 Requirements .44
5.29 Sequence timing for smoke alarms with voice .44
5.29.1 Object of the test .44
5.29.2 Test procedure.44
5.29.3 Measurements during conditioning .44
5.29.4 Requirements .44
6 Test report . 44
Annex A (normative) Smoke tunnel for response-threshold value measurement .46
Annex B (normative) Test aerosol for response threshold value measurements .47
Annex C (normative) Smoke-measuring instruments .48
Annex D (normative) Apparatus for dazzling test .52
Annex E (normative) Apparatus for impact test.53
Annex F (normative) Fire test room .55
Annex G (normative) Smouldering pyrolysis wood fire (TF2).58
Annex H (normative) Glowing smouldering cotton fire (TF3) .61
Annex I (normative) Flaming plastics (polyurethane) fire (TF4) .64
Annex J (normative) Flaming liquid (n-heptane) fire (TF5) .67
Annex K (informative) Information concerning the construction of the smoke tunnel .70
Annex L (informative) Information concerning the constructionof the measuring ionization
chamber .72
Annex M (normative) Test configuration by using radio frequency shield test equipment.74
Annex N (informative) Compensation for alarm sensitivity drift .76
Bibliography .80
vi
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.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
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. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 21 Equipment for fire protection and
firefighting, Subcommittee SC 3, Fire detection and alarm systems.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 12239:2010), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— This edition recognizes the introduction of combination and multi-criteria smoke alarms: smoke
alarms that within the one housing provide multiple fire sensors.
— This edition recognizes the technology for open smoke alarms: smoke alarms where the detection
of smoke occurs outside the smoke alarm enclosure.
— This edition permits the inclusion of a sensor within the smoke alarm that is unrelated to fire
detection, e.g. carbon monoxide sensor.
— This edition introduces new requirements for:
a) smoke alarms that derive their main power from the mains or a mains-derived source;
b) external power supply equipment;
c) temporary disablement facility;
d) smoke alarms utilizing radio frequency links;
e) assessment of wall-mounted smoke alarms.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
vii
Introduction
This document for smoke alarms is drafted on the basis of functions that are to be provided on all smoke
alarms covered by this document, and optional functions with requirements which may additionally
be provided. It is intended that the options will be used for specific applications, as recommended in
application guidelines.
Each optional function is included as a separate entity, with its own set of associated requirements, in
order to permit smoke alarms covered by this document with different combinations of functions to
conform to this document.
Additional functions can also be provided, even if not specified in this document.
viii
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12239:2021(E)
Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or
ionization
IMPORTANT — Certain types of smoke alarms contain radioactive materials. The national
requirements for radiation protection differ from country to country and they are not specified
in this document. Such smoke alarms should, however, take into consideration the applicable
national standards, which should take into consideration the recommendations of the Nuclear
Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements, test methods, performance criteria and manufacturers'
instructions for smoke alarms that operate using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization, and
are intended for household or similar residential applications.
For the testing of other types of smoke alarms, or smoke alarms working on different principles, this
document is recommended only as guidance. Smoke alarms with special characteristics and developed
for specific risks are not covered by this document.
This document allows, although it does not require, the inclusion within the smoke alarm of facilities
for the following:
— visual fault condition indication;
— extended temperature-range operation;
— interconnection with other similar smoke alarms or accessories;
— temporary disablement;
— alarm silencing;
— signal frequency characteristics;
— standby power source low condition silence;
— smoke alarms with voice;
— smoke alarms using radio frequency links;
— response to slowly developing fires (drift compensation).
Where such facilities are included, this document specifies applicable requirements.
This document does not cover devices intended for incorporation in systems using separate control and
indicating equipment. Such systems are specified in the ISO 7240 series.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirement
...