ISO 12239:2003
(Main)Fire detection and fire alarm systems — Smoke alarms
Fire detection and fire alarm systems — Smoke alarms
ISO 12239:2003 specifies requirements, test methods, performance criteria, and manufacturer's instructions for smoke alarms (including those with optional features) that operate using scattered light, transmitted light, or ionization, and are intended for household or similar residential applications. Smoke alarms with special characteristics and developed for specific risks and devises intended for incorporation in systems using separate control and indicating equipment are not covered by ISO 12239:2003. For the testing of other types of smoke alarms, or smoke alarms working on different principles, this document should be used only for guidance.
Systèmes de détection d'incendie et d'alarme — Détecteurs de fumée
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12239
First edition
2003-12-15
Fire detection and fire alarm systems —
Smoke alarms
Systèmes de détection d'incendie et d'alarme — Détecteurs de fumée
Reference number
ISO 12239:2003(E)
©
ISO 2003
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ISO 12239:2003(E)
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ISO 12239:2003(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references. 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 General requirements. 3
4.1 Compliance. 3
4.2 Alarm-condition aural indicator. 4
4.3 Alarm-condition visual indicator — Optional function . 4
4.4 Mains-on visual indicator. 4
4.5 Fault-condition visual indicator — Optional function . 4
4.6 Connection of external ancillary devices . 4
4.7 Means of calibration . 4
4.8 User-replaceable components. 4
4.9 Primary power source . 4
4.10 Standby power source. 5
4.11 Electrical safety requirements. 6
4.12 Test facility. 6
4.13 Terminals for external conductors. 6
4.14 Smoke-alarm signals. 6
4.15 Battery removal indication. 7
4.16 Battery connections. 7
4.17 Protection against the ingress of foreign bodies . 7
4.18 Interconnectable smoke alarms — Optional function. 7
4.19 Alarm-silence facility — Optional function. 8
5 Tests. 8
5.1 General. 8
5.2 Directional dependence. 10
5.3 Initial sensitivity. 12
5.4 Repeatability. 12
5.5 Air movement. 12
5.6 Dazzling. 13
5.7 Dry heat (operational). 14
5.8 Cold (operational). 14
5.9 Damp heat (operational). 15
5.10 Sulfur dioxide (SO ) corrosion. 16
2
5.11 Impact (operational). 17
5.12 Vibration, sinusoidal (operational). 18
5.13 Vibration, sinusoidal (endurance). 19
5.14 Extended temperature (operational) — Optional function. 20
5.15 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) immunity tests (operational). 21
5.16 Fire sensitivity. 21
5.17 Battery-low condition. 23
5.18 85 dB(A) Sound output — Optional function . 24
5.19 70 dB(A) Sound output — Optional function . 24
5.20 Sounder durability. 25
5.21 Interconnectable smoke alarms. 25
5.22 Alarm-silence facility. 26
5.23 Variation in supply voltage . 27
5.24 Polarity reversal. 27
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ISO 12239:2003(E)
6 Marking and data.28
6.1 Smoke-alarm marking.28
6.2 Packaging marking.29
6.3 Provision of information.29
7 Test report.29
Annex A (normative) Assessment of personal protection against various hazards.30
Annex B (normative) Smoke tunnel for response-threshold value measurement .32
Annex C (normative) Test aerosol for response threshold value measurements .33
Annex D (normative) Smoke-measuring instruments.34
Annex E (normative) Apparatus for dazzling test .38
Annex F (normative) Apparatus for impact test .39
Annex G (normative) Fire test room .41
Annex H (normative) Smouldering pyrolysis wood fire (TF2).43
Annex I (normative) Glowing smouldering cotton fire (TF3).46
Annex J (normative) Flaming plastics (polyurethane) fire (TF4) .48
Annex K (normative) Flaming liquid (n-heptane) fire (TF5).50
Annex L (informative) Information concerning the construction of the smoke tunnel .52
Annex M (informative) Information concerning the construction of the measuring ionization
chamber.54
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ISO 12239:2003(E)
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 12239 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 21, Equipment for fire protection and fire fighting,
Subcommittee SC 3, Fire detection and alarm systems.
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ISO 12239:2003(E)
Introduction
This International Standard for smoke alarms is drafted on the basis of functions that are to be provided on all
smoke alarms covered by this standard, and optional functions with requirements which may be provided. It is
intended that the options shall 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 standard with different combinations of functions to conform to this
International Standard.
Two optional sound output levels are specified in this International Standard. The options allow national
regulators to specify minimum sound output levels [70 dB(A) or 85 dB(A)] as required under national
regulations.
An optional extended temperature-range test is included for smoke alarms installed in areas subject to a
greater temperature range, such as leisure accommodation vehicles.
Other functions may also be provided, even if not specified in this International Standard, if they do not
jeopardize any function required by this document.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12239:2003(E)
Fire detection and fire alarm systems — Smoke alarms
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies requirements, test methods, performance criteria, and manufacturer's
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
International Standard should be used only for guidance. Smoke alarms with special characteristics and
developed for specific risks are not covered by this International Standard.
This International Standard 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 and/or accessories;
alarm-silencing facility.
Where such facilities are included, this International Standard specifies applicable requirements.
This International Standard does not cover devices intended for incorporation in systems using separate
control and indicating equipment.
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 International Standard. Such smoke
alarms should, however, comply with the applicable national standards, which should be in line with the
recommendations of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD).
2 Normative references
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 209-1, Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys — Chemical composition and forms of products —
Part 1: Chemical composition
ISO 7731, Ergonomics — Danger signals for public and work places — Auditory danger signals
ISO 8201, Acoustics — Audible emergency evacuation signal
EN 54-3, Fire detection and fire alarm systems — Part 3: Fire alarm devices — Sounders
EN 50130-4, Alarm systems — Part 4: Electromagnetic compatibility — Product family standard: Immunity
requirements for components of fire, intruder and social alarm systems
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ISO 12239:2003(E)
IEC 60065:2001, Safety requirements for mains operated electronic and related apparatus for household and
similar use
IEC 60068-1, Environmental testing — Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-1, Environmental testing — Part 2-1: Tests — Tests A: Cold
IEC 60068-2-2, Environmental testing — Part 2-2: Tests — Tests. Tests B: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-6, Environmental testing — Part 2-6: Tests — Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-42, Environmental testing — Part 2-42: Tests — Test Kc: Sulphur dioxide test for contacts and
connections
IEC 60068-2-78, Environmental testing — Part 2-78: Tests — Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state
IEC 60950-1:2001, Information technology equipment — Safety — Part 1: General requirements
IEC 61672-1, Electroacoustics — Sound level meters — Part 1: Specifications
OECD, Recommendations for ionization chamber smoke detectors in implementation of radiation protection
standards. Nuclear Energy Agency, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris, France.
1977
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. For definitions of terms used in
the clauses of IEC 60065:2001 or IEC 60950-1:2001 referred to in Annex A, reference shall be made to
Clause 2 of IEC 60065:2001 or 1.2 of IEC 60950-1:2001, respectively.
3.1
aerosol density
smoke density
amount of particulates per volume as described operationally by one of two parameters:
m (3.8), an absorbance index, used in the testing of smoke alarms using scattered or transmitted light;
y (3.15), a dimensionless variable, used in the testing of smoke alarms using ionization
NOTE Note that these parameters are not concentrations sensu stricto, but represent values which are proportional
to the concentration and have been shown to function in lieu of a true concentration value for the purposes of these tests.
3.2
alarm condition
audible signal specified by the manufacturer as indicating the existence of a fire
3.3
alarm-silence facility
means of temporarily disabling or desensitizing a smoke alarm
3.4
battery-low condition
any combination of battery voltage and series resistance which results in a fault condition
3.5
fault condition
audible signal specified by the manufacturer as indicating the existence of an actual or incipient fault that may
prevent an alarm condition
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ISO 12239:2003(E)
3.6
interconnectable smoke alarm
smoke alarm which may be interconnected with other smoke alarms to provide a common alarm condition
3.7
least sensitive orientation
point of rotation, relative to air flow, about the vertical axis where a detector produces the maximum response
threshold value
3.8
m
absorbance index
measured light attenuation characterizing the concentration of particulates in smoke or an aerosol
NOTE The equation for m is given in Annex D.
3.9
most sensitive orientation
point of rotation, relative to air flow, about the vertical axis where a detector produces the minimum response
threshold value
3.10
normal condition
condition in which the smoke alarm is supplied with power but is not giving either an alarm condition or a fault
condition, although able to give such signals if the occasion arises
3.11
primary power source
the source of power intended to supply the smoke alarm
3.12
response threshold
A
th
smoke concentration at which the smoke alarm changes to its alarm condition
3.13
smoke alarm
device containing within one housing all the components, except possibly the power source, necessary for
detecting smoke and generating an alarm condition
3.14
standby power source
the source of power intended to supply the smoke alarm in the event of a failure of the primary power source
3.15
y
dimensionless variable, reflecting the change in the current flowing in an ionization chamber as a known
function of the concentration of particulates in the smoke or aerosol
NOTE The equation for y is given in Annex D.
4 General requirements
4.1 Compliance
In order to comply with this International Standard, the smoke alarm shall meet the requirements of this clause,
shall be tested as specified in Clause 5 and shall meet the requirements of the tests.
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ISO 12239:2003(E)
4.2 Alarm-condition aural indicator
Where the smoke alarm is used to alert occupants to evacuate the area, the alarm condition shall be the
emergency evacuation signal defined in ISO 8201.
Where the smoke alarm is used to alert occupants to investigate the area for the cause of the alarm condition,
the alarm condition shall be the auditory danger signal defined in ISO 7731.
4.3 Alarm-condition visual indicator — Optional function
Alarm-condition indicators shall be red and shall be separate from other indicators. The indicator shall flash or
be continuously illuminated when the alarm condition is present. The failure of any visual alarm-condition
indicator shall not prevent the alarm condition.
Each interconnectable smoke alarm may be provided with an integral red visual indicator, by which the
individual smoke alarm, when in alarm condition, may be identified. This visual indicator may also perform
other additional functions, but the alarm indication needs to be distinct from any additional function.
4.4 Mains-on visual indicator
A smoke alarm intended for connection to the a.c. mains shall be provided with a mains-on visual indicator.
The indicator shall be continuously illuminated when the mains power is present. The indicator shall be green
and shall be separate from any other indicators.
4.5 Fault-condition visual indicator — Optional function
Fault condition indicators shall be amber or yellow and shall be separate from other indicators. The indicator
shall flash or be continuously illuminated when the fault condition is present. The failure of any visual fault
condition indicator shall not prevent the alarm condition.
4.6 Connection of external ancillary devices
The smoke alarm may provide for connections to external ancillary devices (e.g. remote indicators, control
relays, transmitters). Open- or short-circuit failure of these connections shall not prevent the correct operation
of the smoke alarm.
4.7 Means of calibration
The manufacturer's means of calibration shall not be readily adjustable after manufacture.
4.8 User-replaceable components
Except for batteries or fuses, a smoke alarm shall have no user-replaceable or serviceable components.
4.9 Primary power source
4.9.1 General
The power source of the smoke alarm may be internal or external to the smoke alarm housing.
4.9.2 Internal
Where the power source is internal to the smoke alarm, the source shall meet the following requirements:
a) be capable of supplying the quiescent load of the smoke alarm together with the additional load resulting
from weekly operation of the test facility of 10 s for at least 1 year before the battery-low condition is
given;
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ISO 12239:2003(E)
b) provide a distinctive battery-low condition before the battery is incapable of operating for alarm-condition
purposes (see 5.17);
c) at the point when a battery-low condition commences, have sufficient capacity for the smoke alarm to
produce an alarm condition, as specified in 5.18 or 5.19 as appropriate, for at least 4 min, followed by a
battery-low condition for at least 20 d;
d) at the point when the battery-low condition commences, have sufficient capacity for the smoke alarm to
produce a battery-low condition for at least 30 d;
e) be replaceable by the user, unless the power-source operating life in the smoke alarm is 10 years or
greater.
In the absence of suitable test procedures to verify battery capacity, data concerning the smoke-alarm loads
and the battery characteristics shall be submitted to indicate that the above requirement can be met.
4.9.3 External
Where the power source is external to the smoke alarm, an internal or external standby power source shall be
provided (see 4.10).
4.10 Standby power source
4.10.1 General
For smoke alarms intended for connection to an external power source, a standby power source shall be
provided and the following requirements shall apply.
a) Primary-cell standby power source: the standby power source shall be capable of meeting the
requirements of 4.9.2.
b) Rechargeable-cell standby power source: the standby power source shall be capable of supplying the
quiescent load of the smoke alarm for a minimum period of 72 h, followed by an alarm condition as
specified in 5.18 or 5.19 as appropriate, for at least 4 min in the event of fire, or in the absence of a fire, a
fault condition for at least 24 h.
In the absence of suitable test procedures to verify the standby power source, data concerning the smoke
alarm loads and the standby facility characteristics shall be submitted to indicate that the above requirements
can be met.
4.10.2 Monitoring of standby power source
4.10.2.1 General
The standby power source shall be monitored for fault conditions. These conditions shall include battery-low
condition, open- and short-circuit failure of the standby power source.
4.10.2.2 Standby battery-low condition
A battery-low condition shall be obtained both with mains power to the unit and without mains power to the
unit.
The test procedure set out in 5.17 shall be used to simulate the depletion of the standby power source to the
point where a battery-low condition is given.
4.10.2.3 Open circuit
The standby power supply shall be disconnected or removed as appropriate and mains power applied to the
unit.
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ISO 12239:2003(E)
The smoke alarm shall give an audible fault condition.
4.10.2.4 Short-circuit
The standby power supply shall be disconnected and replaced with a short-circuit between the standby power
source terminals and the mains power applied to the unit.
The smoke alarm shall give an audible fault condition.
4.11 Electrical safety requirements
The apparatus shall be designed and constructed so as to present no danger, either in normal use or under
fault conditions, as determined by the tests in Annex A.
4.12 Test facility
A test facility shall be provided to simulate either mechanically or electrically the presence of smoke in the
sensing assembly. The test facility shall be accessible from outside the smoke alarm when installed as
specified in the installation instructions.
4.13 Terminals for external conductors
The smoke alarm or base, as appropriate, if intended to have external connections, shall provide for the
connection of conductors by means of screws, nuts or equally effective devices.
For mains-powered smoke alarms which utilize a “flying lead”–type connector, the connector shall be
regarded as a conductor. “Flying lead”-type connectors shall be subjected to a pull test, such that when the
connector is subjected to a pull of 20 N without jerks for 1 min in any direction allowed by the design, the
connector does not become detached.
If terminals are provided, they shall allow the connection of conductors having nominal cross-sectional areas
2 2
of between 0,4 mm and 1,5 mm . Terminals shall be designed so that they clamp the conductor between
metal surfaces without rotation of those surfaces but with sufficient contact pressure and without damage to
the conductor. Disconnection of the conductors, or access to the conductors for disconnection, shall not be
possible without the use of a tool.
4.14 Smoke-alarm signals
The following conditions shall apply to smoke alarms which employ features in addition to the requirements of
this International Standard.
a) The alarm condition shall take precedence over any other signal, even when such other signal is initiated
first.
b) The alarm signal shall be distinctive from the signals of non-alarm-condition functions. Use of a common
sounder is permitted if distinctive signals are obtained. If an aural fault condition is provided, it shall be
distinctive from alarm-condition signals but may be common to all functions employed.
c) Any fault condition associated with features in addition to t
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