ISO/TR 7240-9:2022
(Main)Fire detection and alarm systems — Part 9: Test fires for fire detectors
Fire detection and alarm systems — Part 9: Test fires for fire detectors
This document provides a catalogue of test fires and is intended to enhance comprehensive understanding of fire detection test methods. It describes a series of test fires to which fire detectors, such as smoke, heat and flame detectors, are subjected, as specified in other Parts of the ISO 7240 series. This document does not specify normative requirements regarding the test methods for the test fires.
Systèmes de détection et d'alarme d'incendie — Partie 9: Essais sur foyers pour détecteurs d'incendie
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Standards Content (Sample)
TECHNICAL ISO/TR
REPORT 7240-9
First edition
2022-04
Fire detection and alarm systems —
Part 9:
Test fires for fire detectors
Systèmes de détection et d'alarme d'incendie —
Partie 9: Essais sur foyers pour détecteurs d'incendie
Reference number
© ISO 2022
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword . vi
Introduction .vii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 1
3.1 Terms and definitions . 1
3.2 Abbreviated terms . 1
4 Characteristics of test fires . 2
5 Test laboratory . 3
5.1 General . 3
5.2 Fire test room (for all detectors except aspirating smoke detectors) . 3
5.3 Fire test room and ventilation system (for aspirating smoke detectors) . 4
5.3.1 Fire test room . 5
5.3.2 Ventilation system. 6
5.4 Ambient test condition . 7
5.5 Instruments. 8
5.5.1 General . 8
5.5.2 Obscuration meter . 8
5.5.3 Measuring ionization chamber (MIC). 9
5.5.4 CO measuring instrument . 11
5.5.5 Spark generator .12
6 Test method description .13
6.1 General .13
6.2 Arrangement .13
6.3 Measurement parameters . 13
6.4 End-of-test parameters .13
7 Test fires .13
7.1 General .13
7.2 Test fire TF1 — Open cellulosic (wood) fire . 14
7.2.1 General . 14
7.2.2 Fuel . 14
7.2.3 Conditioning . . 14
7.2.4 Preparation . 14
7.2.5 Arrangement . 14
7.2.6 Ignition starter . 15
7.2.7 Test validity criteria . 15
7.2.8 End-of-test conditions . 16
7.3 Test fire TF2 — Smouldering (pyrolysis) wood fire . 16
7.3.1 General . 16
7.3.2 Fuel . 16
7.3.3 Hotplate . . . 16
7.3.4 Arrangement . 16
7.3.5 Heating rate . 16
7.3.6 End-of-test condition . 16
7.3.7 Test validity criteria . 17
7.4 Test fire TF2A and TF2B — Reduced smouldering (pyrolysis) wood fire . 19
7.4.1 General . 19
7.4.2 Fuel . 19
7.4.3 Hotplate . . . 19
7.4.4 Arrangement . 19
7.4.5 Heating rate .20
7.4.6 End-of-test condition . 20
iii
7.4.7 Test validity criteria . 20
7.5 Test fire TF3 — Glowing smouldering cotton fire . 21
7.5.1 General . 21
7.5.2 Fuel . 21
7.5.3 Arrangement . 22
7.5.4 Ignition . 22
7.5.5 End-of-test condition . 22
7.5.6 Test validity criteria . 23
7.6 Test fire TF3A and TF3B — Reduced glowing smouldering cotton fire . 24
7.6.1 General . 24
7.6.2 Fuel . 24
7.6.3 Arrangement . 24
7.6.4 Ignition . 25
7.6.5 End-of-test condition . 25
7.6.6 Test validity criteria . 25
7.7 Test fire TF4 — Flaming plastics (polyurethane) fire . 26
7.7.1 General . 26
7.7.2 Fuel . 26
7.7.3 Conditioning . .26
7.7.4 Arrangement . 26
7.7.5 Ignition . 27
7.7.6 Method of ignition . 27
7.7.7 End-of-test condition . 27
7.7.8 Test validity criteria . 27
7.8 Test fire TF5 — Flaming liquid (n-heptane) fire .29
7.8.1 General .29
7.8.2 Fuel . 29
7.8.3 Arrangement .29
7.8.4 Ignition . 29
7.8.5 End-of-test condition .29
7.8.6 Test validity criteria . 30
7.9 Test fire TF5A and TF5B — Reduced flaming liquid (n-heptane) fire . 32
7.9.1 General . 32
7.9.2 Fuel . 32
7.9.3 Arrangement . 32
7.9.4 Ignition . 33
7.9.5 End-of-test condition . 33
7.9.6 Test validity criteria . 33
7.10 Test fire TF6 — Liquid (methylated spirit) fire .34
7.10.1 General .34
7.10.2 TF6 used for detectors with heat sensor .34
7.10.3 TF6 used for Point-type flame detectors . 35
7.11 Test fire TF7 — Slow smouldering (pyrolysis) wood fire .36
7.11.1 General .36
7.11.2 Fuel . 36
7.11.3 Conditioning . .36
7.11.4 Preparation .36
7.11.5 Hotplate . . .36
7.11.6 Arrangement . 36
7.11.7 Heating rate .36
7.11.8 Test validity criteria . 37
7.11.9 Variables .38
7.11.10 End-of-test condition .38
7.12 Test fire TF8 — Low-temperature black-smoke liquid (decalin) fire .38
7.12.1 General .38
7.12.2 Fuel .38
7.12.3 Arrangement .38
7.12.4 Volume .38
iv
7.12.5 Ignition .38
7.12.6 End-of-test condition . 39
7.12.7 Test validity criteria . 39
7.13 Test fire TF9 — Deep-seated smouldering cotton fire .40
7.13.1 General .40
7.13.2 Fuel .40
7.13.3 Arrangement . 41
7.13.4 Ignition . 41
7.13.5 End-of-test condition . 41
7.13.6 Test validity criteria . 42
Annex A (informative) Information concerning the construction of the measuring
ionization chamber .43
Annex B (informative) m value for different light beam lengths .45
Annex C (informative) y value .49
Bibliography .53
v
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 fire
fighting, Subcommittee SC 3, Fire detection and alarm systems.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO/TS 7240-9:2012), which has been
technically revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— The content has been reworded to include reproductions of clauses from other Parts of the ISO 7240
series so that this document can be considered a catalogue of information.
A list of all parts in the ISO 7240 series can be found on the ISO website.
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.
vi
Introduction
This document provides a summary of the standard test fires defined in other Parts of the ISO 7240
series and where they are used. It has been published to provide a convenient catalogue of test fires. The
formal definition and description of each test fire remains within the individual Parts of the ISO 7240
series. All text which has been reproduced from other Parts of the ISO 7240 series is written in italic
font.
The combustibles selected represent a spectrum of large (m) and small (y) combustion particles for
both grey and black smoke. These include burning liquids, plastics and cellulosic (wood) materials, and
glowing and smouldering fabrics.
Figure 1 shows the limits of m vs y where they are defined for the relevant test fires. This figure
illustrates how the test fires are designed to represent a reasonable cross–section of fire types and
thus ensure that the response characteristics of the detectors being assessed are broadly capable of
detecting the majority of common fires that can occur in practice.
Key
X measuring ionization chamber (MIC) reading, y (dimensionless)
NOTE y is the known function of the concentration of particulates in the smoke or aerosol.
Y absorbance index, m (dB/m)
TF1 to TF5, types of test fire which are explained in this document and which have been selected to illustrate a
spectrum of large and small combustion particles.
TF7 and TF8
Figure 1 — Composite of ISO test fires TF1 to TF5, TF7 and TF8 profile curves:
m versus y
The test fires described in this document are intended to be applicable for the evaluation of all
automatic fire detectors (smoke, heat, flame, etc.). TF7 has completed its original purpose, but has been
maintained for reference now and in the future. The test fires described are or have been employed on
a selective basis for use in concert with a specified International Standard covering the particular type
of detector. For example, test fire TF6, methylated spirits, has been used to evaluate the response of
point-type heat detectors. Test fires TF1 through TF5 have been selected to evaluate the response of
system-connected smoke detectors. Test fire TF7 has been selected in lieu of test fire TF2 to evaluate
the response of smoke alarms intended primarily for installation in residential-type occupancies. Test
fires TF2, TF3 and TF9 are suitable for testing the response of a detector to carbon monoxide. Carbon
monoxide output curves are also shown for TF4, TF5 and TF8.
vii
Table 1 shows the test fires that are employed in product standards (indicated with a tick).
Note that the test fires are adjusted to meet the characteristics of each detector. Therefore, even if
they have the same name, their end-of-test conditions and test validity criteria can differ depending
on the applicable product standards. When test fires are applied, they use the conditions and criteria
described in the latest relevant product standard.
Based on original test fires (TF1 to TF9), modified test fires have been developed to evaluate new
principles of fire detectors such as TF2A and TF2B, etc. The new modified test fires are expected to be
added to the series of test fires within a few years.
Table 1 — Test fires employed in product standards
Product
TF1 TF2 TF2A TF2B TF3 TF3A TF3B TF4 TF5 TF5A TF5B TF6 TF7 TF8 TF9
standards
ISO 7240-
5:2018
ISO 7240-6:
ISO 7240-7:
ISO 7240-8:
ISO 7240-10:
ISO 7240-12:
ISO 7240-15:
ISO 7240-20:
ISO 7240-22:
ISO 7240-
27:2018
ISO 12239:
viii
TECHNICAL REPORT ISO/TR 7240-9:2022(E)
Fire detection and alarm systems —
Part 9:
Test fires for fire detectors
1 Scope
This document provides a catalogue of test fires and is intended to enhance comprehensive
understanding of fire detection test methods. It describes a series of test fires to which fire detectors,
such as smoke, heat and flame detectors, are subjected, as specified in other Parts of the ISO 7240
series.
This document does not specify normative requirements regarding the test methods for the test fires.
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.
ISO 7240-1, Fire detection and alarm systems — Part 1: General and definitions
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 7240-1 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1.1
sensitivity
relative degree of response of a smoke detector
Note 1 to entry: A high sensitivity denotes response to a lower concentration of smoke particles than a low
sensitivity under identical smoke build-up conditions.
3.2 Abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the following abbreviations apply.
a.s.d. aspirating smoke detector
MIC measuring ionization chamber
TF test fire
4 Characteristics of test fires
Clause 7 describes fifteen test fires which are designated TF1 through TF9. With the exception of TF7,
all of these test fires are reproduced from product standards which can be found in other Parts of the
ISO 7240 series. Their characteristic features are shown in Table 2.
The test fires are carried out in accordance with the descriptions of Clause 7. It is acceptable for
the quantities of fuel used to be slightly varied, if necessary, to produce the required values of fire
parameters.
Table 2 — Characteristics of test fires
Designation Develop-
Aerosol Visible Carbon
TF = Test Type of fire ment Up-current Smoke
spectrum portion monoxide
fire of heat
TF1 Open cellulosic Strong Strong Yes Predomi- Dark Very weak
(wood) nantly
invisible
TF2 Rapid smouldering Weak Weak Yes Predomi- Light, high Yes
pyrolysis (wood) nantly scattering
visible
TF2A Slow smouldering Weak Weak Yes Predomi- Light, high Yes
pyrolysis (wood) nantly scattering
visible
TF2B Smouldering Weak Weak Yes Predomi- Light, high Yes
pyrolysis (wood) nantly scattering
visible
TF3 Glowing (fast Weak Very weak Yes Partially Light, high Strong
smouldering) visible scattering
cotton
TF3A Glowing (slow Weak Very weak Yes Partially Light, high Strong
smouldering) visible scattering
cotton
TF3B Glowing Weak Very weak Yes Partially Light, high Strong
(smouldering) visible scattering
cotton
TF4 Open plastics Strong Strong Yes Partially Very dark Weak
(polyurethane) invisible
TF5 Liquid (n-heptane) Strong Strong Yes Predomi- Very dark Weak
nantly
invisible
TF5A Liquid (n-heptane) Strong Strong Yes Predomi- Very dark Weak
small nantly
invisible
TF5B Liquid (n-heptane) Strong Strong Yes Predomi- Very dark Weak
medium nantly
invisible
TF6 Liquid (methylated Strong Strong No None None Very weak
spirit)
TF7 Slow smouldering Weak Weak Yes Predomi- Light, high Very weak
(pyrolysis) wood nantly scattering
visible
TF8 Low temperature Weak Weak Yes Predomi- Dark Very weak
black smoke nantly
(decalin) liquid visible
Table 2 (continued)
Designation Develop-
Aerosol Visible Carbon
TF = Test Type of fire ment Up-current Smoke
spectrum portion monoxide
fire of heat
TF9 Deep seated Weak Weak Yes Predomi- Light, high Yes
smouldering cotton nantly scattering
visible
5 Test laboratory
5.1 General
The test fires are carried out in a standard fire test room.
The dimensions of the fire test room, locations of specimens being tested and measuring instruments
are described in ISO 7240-7:2018, Annex F. For cataloguing purposes, these are reproduced in
subclause 5.2 of this document.
For aspirating smoke detectors, the relevant dimensions and locations are described in
ISO 7240-20:2010, Annex I. For cataloguing purposes, these are reproduced in subclause 5.3 of this
document.
In addition to the details described in 5.2 and 5.3, the following points are also widely accepted as being
required by manufacturers and test authorities for fire test rooms:
— The ceiling and walls are flat with no obstructions between the fire source and the detectors and
instrumentation.
— The fire source is positioned as centrally as possible with respect to the four walls in order to
minimize reflection of smoke and/or heat.
— It is permitted to employ fire curtains in order to reduce the room size within specified limits, if
necessary.
5.2 Fire test room (for all detectors except aspirating smoke detectors)
NOTE The following text is reproduced for informational purposes from ISO 7240-7:2018, Annex F. The
figure numbers have been adapted to ensure continuity of numbering within this document.
The fire sensitivity tests shall be conducted in a rectangular room with a flat horizontal ceiling, and the
following dimensions:
Length: 9 m to 11 m;
Width: 6 m to 8 m;
Height: 3,8 m to 4,2 m.
The fire test room shall be equipped with the following measuring instruments:
— Measuring ionization chamber (MIC);
— Obscuration meter;
— Temperature probe.
The specimens to be tested, the measuring ionization chamber (MIC), the temperature probe and the
measuring part of the obscuration meter shall all be located as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
The specimens, the MIC and the mechanical parts of the obscuration meter shall be at least 100 mm apart,
measured to the nearest edges. The centre line of the beam of the obscuration meter shall be at least 35 mm
below the ceiling.
Dimensions in metres
Key
1 specimens and measuring instruments (see Figure 3)
2 position of test fire
Figure 2 — Plan view of fire test room and position of specimens and monitoring instruments
Dimensions in metres
Key
1 ceiling
Figure 3 — Mounting position for instruments and specimens
5.3 Fire test room and ventilation system (for aspirating smoke detectors)
NOTE The following text is reproduced for informational purposes from ISO 7240-20:2010, Annex I. The
figure numbers and cross references have been adapted to ensure continuity of numbering and cross-referencing
within this document.
5.3.1 Fire test room
The sampling point, the MIC, the temperature probe and the measuring part of the obscuration meter shall
all be located within the volume shown in Figures 4 and 5.
The sampling point shall be located on the 3 m arc (see Figure 4, key item 1). The optimum position is
marked as key item 2.
The ventilation system shall be located in the position marked as key item 3 in Figure 4. The direction of the
airflow produced by this system shall be toward the test fire (located at the position marked as key item 4 in
Figure 4). The description of the ventilation system is given in 5.3.2.
The sampling point, the MIC and the mechanical parts of the obscuration meter shall be at least 100 mm
apart, measured to the nearest edges. The centre line of the beam of the obscuration meter shall be at least
35 mm below the ceiling.
Dimensions in metres, unless otherwise indicated
Key
1 sampling point and measuring instruments (see Figure 5) 3 ventilation system (see Figure 6)
2 optimum position of the sampling point 4 position of test fire
Figure 4 — Plan view of the fire test room
Dimensions in metres, unless otherwise indicated
Key
1 ceiling
Figure 5 — Mounting position for instruments and specimens
5.3.2 Ventilation system
As a consequence of the low quantity of aerosols generated by reduced fire tests, it is necessary, for the
reduced fire tests TF2A, TF2B, TF3A, TF3B, TF5A and TF5B, to introduce in the fire test room a ventilation
system to increase the homogeneity of the atmosphere close to the sampling points. The following specifies
those characteristics of the ventilation system which are of primary importance.
The ventilation system consists of a square duct opened in both extremities (see Figure 6).
A fan is located in the duct as described in Figure 6. The diameter of the fan shall be as close as possible to
the dimensions of the sides of the square section of the duct. At the location of the fan, the section of the duct
not occupied by the fan shall be closed. The axis of the fan shall be the same as the axis of the square duct.
The ventilation system shall create an airflow at (1,0 ± 0,2) m/s at the output of the duct (the airflow
direction is given in Figure 6). Conformity with this requirement shall be regularly verified during the fire
tests by measurements at the centre of the duct output section (see key item 5 in Figure 6).
Dimensions in metres
Key
1 fan
2 square duct
3 ground
4 stand
5 location of the flow velocity measurement
L length of the duct
h height of the fire test room (as described in ISO 7240-7:2018, 5.19.2.1)
a
Air flow.
Figure 6 — Ventilation system
5.4 Ambient test condition
The following ambient conditions are specified in the other Parts of the ISO 7240 series as indicated
and applied prior to conducting each test fire:
+5
a) temperature: (23 ± 5) °C except ISO 7240-20, to which 23 °C is applied.
()
−3
It is recommended to ensure less than 2 °C difference between ceiling and floor temperatures for
smouldering tests TF2, TF3, TF3A, TF3B and TF7;
b) relative humidity: (25 to 75) %;
c) air pressure: (86 to 106) kPa;
d) air movement: negligible or stable where the re-circulation fan is operational;
e) MIC reading: y ≤ 0,05 except ISO 7240-12, in which y < 0,05 is applied;
f) optical beam reading: m ≤ 0,02 dB/m except ISO 7240-12, in which m < 0,02 dB/m is applied;
g) CO concentration: S ≤ 5 µl/l except ISO 7240-27, to which S ≤ 1,5 µl/l is applied.
NOTE For improved consistency of test fires, the temperature can be controlled to (28 to 25) °C and the
relative humidity can be controlled to (45 to 55) %.
5.5 Instruments
5.5.1 General
The measuring instruments or their specification employed during the test fires are described in
the corresponding documents shown to the right of each instrument in the following list. These are
reproduced in subclauses 5.5.2 to 5.5.4 of this document, with the exception of "spark generator", which
is specified in subclause 5.5.5.
— Obscuration meter; ISO 7240-7:2018, C.1
— Measuring ionization chamber (MIC); ISO 7240-7:2018, C.2
[10]
— CO measuring instrument; EN 54-26:2015, B.2
— Spark generator No reference document
5.5.2 Obscuration meter
5.5.2.1 The response threshold of alarms using scattered light or transmitted light is characterized
by the absorbance index (extinction module) of the test aerosol, measured in the proximity of the alarm,
at the moment that it generates an alarm signal.
5.5.2.2 The absorbance index is designated m and expressed in decibels per metre (dB/m). The
absorbance index, m, is given by the following formula:
P
m= log
d P
where
d is the distance, expressed in metres, travelled by the light in the test aerosol or smoke, from the
light source to the light receiver;
P is the radiated power received without test aerosol or smoke;
P is the radiated power received with test aerosol or smoke.
5.5.2.3 For all aerosol or smoke concentrations corresponding to an attenuation of up to 2 dB/m, the
measuring error of the obscuration meter is required not exceed 0,02 dB/m + 5 % of the measured
attenuation of the aerosol or smoke concentration.
5.5.2.4 The optical system is required to be arranged so that any light scattered more than 3° by the
test aerosol or smoke is disregarded by the light detector.
The effective radiated power of the light beam is required to be:
— at least 50 % within a wavelength range from 800 nm to 950 nm;
— not more than 1 % in the wavelength range below 800 nm;
— not more than 10 % in the wavelength range above 1 050 nm.
NOTE The effective radiated power in each wavelength range is the product of the power emitted by the
light
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