ISO/TS 7240-9:2006
(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
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006 describes methods of test using test fires to which fire detectors, such as smoke, heat and flame are the be subjected as specified in other International Standards for such detectors.
Systèmes de détection et d'alarme d'incendie — Partie 9: Essais sur foyers pour détecteurs d'incendie
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
TECHNICAL ISO/TS
SPECIFICATION 7240-9
First edition
2006-01-01
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/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
©
ISO 2006
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but
shall not be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In
downloading this file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat
accepts no liability in this area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation
parameters were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In
the unlikely event that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.
© ISO 2006
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or
ISO's member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Characteristics of test fires . 1
4.1 Description . 1
4.2 Measurement parameters . 2
5 Test laboratory. 3
5.1 Dimensions. 3
5.2 Ambient test conditions. 3
5.3 Instruments . 3
6 Test method. 3
6.1 Arrangement. 3
6.2 Samples . 5
6.3 Profile curves . 5
6.4 Recording of data . 5
6.5 Fire tests response. 6
6.6 End-of-test parameters. 6
7 Fire sensitivity classification. 7
8 Test fires . 9
8.1 General. 9
8.2 Test fire TF1 — Open cellulosic (wood) fire. 9
8.3 Test fire TF2 — Rapid smouldering pyrolysis (wood) fire. 11
8.4 Test fire TF3 — Glowing (smouldering) cotton fire. 14
8.5 Test fire TF4 — Open plastics (polyurethane) fire . 16
8.6 Test fire TF5 — Liquid (heptane) fire . 18
8.7 Test fire TF6 — Liquid (methylated spirit) fire .19
8.8 Test fire TF7 — Slow smouldering (pyrolysis) wood fire . 20
8.9 Test fire TF8 — Low temperature black smoke (decalin) liquid fire. 22
8.10 Test fire TF9 — Deep seated smouldering cotton fire . 25
Annex A (normative) m value for different light beam lengths. 27
Annex B (normative) y value . 31
Annex C (normative) Optical measuring instrument. 33
Annex D (normative) Measuring ionization chamber (MIC). 34
Annex E (normative) Spark-generating equipment . 40
Bibliography . 41
© ISO 2006 – All rights reserved iii
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(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.
In other circumstances, particularly when there is an urgent market requirement for such documents, a
technical committee may decide to publish other types of normative document:
— an ISO Publicly Available Specification (ISO/PAS) represents an agreement between technical experts in
an ISO working group and is accepted for publication if it is approved by more than 50 % of the members
of the parent committee casting a vote;
— an ISO Technical Specification (ISO/TS) represents an agreement between the members of a technical
committee and is accepted for publication if it is approved by 2/3 of the members of the committee casting
a vote.
An ISO/PAS or ISO/TS is reviewed after three years in order to decide whether it will be confirmed for a
further three years, revised to become an International Standard, or withdrawn. If the ISO/PAS or ISO/TS is
confirmed, it is reviewed again after a further three years, at which time it must either be transformed into an
International Standard or be withdrawn.
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/TS 7240-9 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 21, Equipment for fire protection and fire
fighting, Subcommittee SC 3, Fire detection and alarm systems.
ISO/TS 7240 consists of the following parts, under the general title Fire detection and alarm systems:
⎯ Part 1: General and definitions
⎯ Part 2: Control and indicating equipment
⎯ Part 4: Power supply equipment
⎯ Part 5: Point-type heat detectors
⎯ Part 6: Carbon monoxide fire detectors using electro-chemical cells
⎯ Part 7: Point-type smoke detectors using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization
⎯ Part 9: Test fires for fire detectors [Technical Specification]
⎯ Part 10: Point-type flame detectors
iv © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
⎯ Part 11: Manual call points
⎯ Part 12: Line type smoke detectors using a transmitted optical beam
⎯ Part 13: Compatibility assessment of system components
⎯ Part 14: Guidelines for drafting codes of practice for design, installation and use of fire detection and fire
alarm systems in and around buildings [Technical Report]
⎯ Part 15: Point type fire detectors using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization sensors in combination
with a heat sensor
⎯ Part 16: Sound system control and indicating equipment
⎯ Part 19: Design, installation, commissioning and service of sound systems for emergency purposes
⎯ Part 21: Routing equipment
⎯ Part 22: Smoke detection equipment for ducts
The following part is under preparation:
⎯ Part 8: Carbon monoxide fire detectors using electro-chemical cell in combination with a heat sensor
© ISO 2006 – All rights reserved v
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
Introduction
Many countries in different parts of the world have developed standards for the evaluation of fire detectors
with the result that there are many variations in a smoke chamber, subjection to different environmental
conditions, and variations in test fires.
[1]
Except for test fires TF7 and TF9, the working document from which this document evolved was EN 54-9 ,
developed by Technical Committee TC 72, which had been adopted as a CEN (European Committee for
Standarization) Standard in July 1982. This European Standard was withdrawn in December 2000.
[2]
Test fire TF7, Slow smouldering (pyrolysis) wood test, is based on development work conducted in the
United States. It represents the build up of combustion products in the home from the smouldering of a
[3]
cigarette on a cotton mattress. This is the same test as presently appears in ANSI-UL217-1994 , except the
test parameters have been translated into the “m” and “y” parameter of this Technical Specification.
Test fire TF9, Deep seated smouldering cotton fire, is based on a test developed in the United Kingdom by the
BFPSA and LPCB for carbon monoxide fire detectors.
The test fires included in this document are intended to represent a majority of test fires that can occur in the
real world. While they are not the actual fires, they are typical of occurrence in practice. The combustibles
selected represent the full spectrum of large (m) and small (y) combustion particles for both gray and black
smoke. These include burning liquids, plastics and cellulosic (wood) materials, and glowing and smouldering
fabrics. See Figure 1 for the acceptable test fire profiles.
Key
Y absorption index, m, dB/m
X MIC, y (dimensionless)
Figure 1 — Composite of ISO test fires TF1 to TF8 profile curves: m versus y
vi © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
The fires included in this document represent a general test of fire detector performance. The response of the
detectors subjected to test fires in this document can be evaluated in relation to three levels during a test fire.
Such information is then helpful in permitting the designer of the fire alarm system to select the proper
sensitivity for the anticipated application.
The test fires in this document are intended to be applicable for the evaluation of all automatic fire detectors
(smoke, heat, flame, etc.). They are 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, is
used to evaluate the response of heat detectors. Test fires TF1 through TF5 are selected to evaluate the
response of system-connected smoke detectors. Test fire TF7 is selected in lieu of test fire TF2 to evaluate
the response of smoke alarms intended primarily for installation in residential type occupancies. In view of the
residential type application, smoke alarms are evaluated for compliance with test fire TF7 using a 3 m high
rather a 4 m high ceiling. 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.
© ISO 2006 – All rights reserved vii
---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
Fire detection and alarm systems —
Part 9:
Test fires for fire detectors
1 Scope
This Technical Specification describes methods of test using test fires to which fire detectors, such as smoke,
heat and flame are subjected as specified in other International Standards for such detectors.
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 7240-1, Fire detection and alarm systems — Part 1: General and definitions
3 Terms, definitions and symbols
For the purposes of this document, the terms, definitions and symbols given in ISO 7240-1 and the following
apply.
3.1
sensitivity
relative degree of response of a smoke detector
NOTE A high sensitivity denotes response to a lower concentration of smoke particles than a low sensitivity under
identical smoke build-up conditions.
4 Characteristics of test fires
4.1 Description
Nine test fires are described in Clause 8 and designated TF1 through TF9. Their characteristic features are
shown in Table 1.
The test fires shall be carried out in accordance with the descriptions of Clause 8. It is permissible to vary
slightly the quantities of fuel used, if necessary, to produce the required values of fire parameters.
© ISO 2006 – All rights reserved 1
---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
Table 1 — Characteristics of test fires
Designation Development Aerosol Visible Carbon
Type of fire Up-current Smoke
TF = Test fire of heat spectrum portion monoxide
TF1 Open Strong Strong Yes Predominantly Dark —
cellulosic fire invisible
(wood)
TF2 Rapid Can be Weak Yes Predominantly Light, high Yes
smouldering neglected visible scattering
pyrolysis fire
(wood)
TF3 Glowing Can be Very weak Yes Predominantly Light, high Strong
smouldering neglected invisible scattering
fire (cotton)
TF4 Open plastics Strong Strong Yes Partially Very dark Weak
fire invisible
(polyurethane)
TF5 Liquid fire Strong Strong Yes Predominantly Very dark Weak
(n-heptane) invisible
TF6 Liquid fire Strong Strong No None None —
(methylated
spirits)
TF7 Slow Can be Weak Yes Predominantly Light high —
smouldering neglected visible scattering
(pyrolysis)
TF8 Low Can be Weak Yes Predominantly Dark Very weak
temperature neglected visible
black smoke
TF9 Slow Weak Weak Yes Predominantly Light high Yes
smouldering visible scattering
4.2 Measurement parameters
During each test the following parameters are to be recorded:
Parameter Symbol Unit
Temperature T °C
Temperature change ∆ T °C
Time t seconds (s)
Smoke density (optical) m dB/m
Smoke density (ionization) y dimensionless
Carbon monoxide concentration S µl/l
See Annexes A and B for tables of m values and y values.
2 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
5 Test laboratory
5.1 Dimensions
The dimensions of the test room shall be within the following limits:
⎯ length: 10 m ± 1 m;
⎯ width: 7 m ± 1 m;
⎯ height: 4 m ± 0,2 m for all tests except TF7 which specifies a 3 m ± 0,2 m ceiling height. This can
be achieved by placing the hotplate on a 1 m high platform.
The ceiling and walls shall be flat with no obstructions between the fire source and the detectors and
instrumentation. The fire source shall be centred as much as possible with respect to the four walls to
minimize reflection of smoke and/or heat. Fire curtains may be employed to reduce the room size within
specified limits, if needed.
5.2 Ambient test conditions
The following ambient conditions are to prevail prior to conducting each test fire:
a) temperature: (15 to 35) °C. Recommend maximum 2 °C difference between ceiling and floor
temperatures for smouldering tests TF2, TF3 and TF7;
b) relative humidity: (25 to 75) %;
c) air pressure: (86 to 106) kPa;
d) air movement: negligible;
e) MIC reading: Less than y = 0,05;
f) optical beam reading: Less than m = 0,05 dB/m.
5.3 Instruments
The measuring instruments or their specification employed during the test fires are described under the
following annexes:
⎯ optical measuring equipment (see Annex C);
⎯ measuring ionization chamber (see Annex D);
⎯ spark generator (see Annex E).
6 Test method
6.1 Arrangement
The location and arrangement of the detectors under test, instrumentation and fire test location are illustrated
in Figure 2.
For those tests that require ignition inside the test room, the personnel entrusted with the performance of the
test shall leave the test room immediately after igniting the fuel, taking care to prevent air movement, which
may affect the development of the test. All doors, windows, or other openings shall be kept closed during the
test.
© ISO 2006 – All rights reserved 3
---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
Dimensions in metres
Key
1 specimens and measuring instruments [see Figure 2 b)]
2 position of test fire
a) Plan view of fire test room
Dimensions in metres
Key
1 ceiling
b) Mounting positions for instruments and specimens
Figure 2 — Location of detectors, fire and measuring instruments
4 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 11 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
6.2 Samples
The following samples and conditions shall be employed during each test fire, except as otherwise required in
the product standard.
a) Four detectors of the same model, calibrated to the lowest sensitivity setting to be produced by the
manufacturer shall be supplied.
b) Detectors shall be mounted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and be oriented so that
the least favourable position (most difficult to detect) for smoke entry, response to heat or to flame, faces
the fire source.
c) Detectors shall be energized from the maximum rated source of supply voltage and frequency. If a
voltage range is specified, then the detectors are to be energized from the voltage least likely to obtain an
alarm response.
d) Prior to each fire test, the detectors shall be energized in the quiescent (normal standby) condition for a
least 15 min or as recommended by the manufacturer.
6.3 Profile curves
6.3.1 MIC versus beam
The MIC (y) versus infrared beam (m) curve build-up during the course of test fires TF1, TF2, TF3, TF4, TF5,
TF7 and TF8 shall be within the limits of Figures 5, 8, 12, 15, 18, 23 and 25, respectively.
6.3.2 Beam versus time
The optical density (m) versus time (t) build-up during the course of test fires TF1, TF2, TF3, TF4, TF5, TF7
and TF8 shall be within the limits of Figures 6, 9, 13, 16, 19, 24 and 26, respectively.
6.3.3 Temperature versus time
The temperature (T) curve build-up during the course of test fire TF6 shall be within the limits of Figure 21.
6.3.4 Carbon monoxide versus beam
The carbon monoxide (S) curve build-up during the course of test fire TF9 shall be within the limits of
Figure 29.
6.3.5 Carbon monoxide versus time
The carbon monoxide (S) curve build-up during the course of test fires TF2, TF3, TF4, TF5, TF8 and TF9 shall
be within the limits of Figures 10, 14, 17, 20, 27 and 30, respectively.
6.4 Recording of data
During the test, the fire parameters T, m, y, t and S shall be measured and recorded. The alarm signal given at
the control and indicating equipment shall be taken as the indication that a detector has responded. At the
moment of the alarm signal from a detector, the response values, T , m , y , t , S shall be recorded. If the
A A A A A
requirements set out in the relevant test are not fulfilled the fire test shall be repeated.
During the test, at least one of the parameter values at ∆T , m , y , or S shall be exceeded (see Clause 7).
3 3 3 3
© ISO 2006 – All rights reserved 5
---------------------- Page: 12 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
6.5 Fire tests response
To make it easier to assess and classify the detectors according to their response behaviour, the relevant
response values T , m , y , t , S are inserted in the appropriate location of Table 2.
A A A A A
Table 2 — Fire sensitivity table
Detector T m y t S
A A A A A
Test fire Remarks
number °C dB/m s µl/l
TF1 1
2
3
4
TF2 1
2
3
4
TF3 1
2
3
4
TF4 1
2
3
4
TF5 1
2
3
4
TF6 1
2
3
4
TF7 1
2
3
4
TF8 1
2
3
4
TF9 1
2
3
4
6.6 End-of-test parameters
The values of the fire parameters at the end of the test (T , m , y , t S ) together with the profile curves
,
E E E E E
included in Clause 8 are used as the control of the validity and reproducibility of the test fires. The test shall be
considered finished when the maximum value specified in Clause 7 is reached. If a detector responds after
the specified end of test fire parameters have been reached, the detector shall be considered as having failed
the test and this shall be recorded under “Remarks” in Table 2. The specific limits for each test are included in
Clause 8.
6 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 13 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
7 Fire sensitivity classification
The purpose of the fire sensitivity classification is to give the user an indication of the suitability of a detector
type in a particular potential fire situation by providing a suitability table (see example in Table 3). This
classification applies only to applications for which the test conditions can be regarded as representative.
The ranges of the fire parameters are divided into three sections, thus defining a total of nine limiting values.
∆T ∆T ∆T
1 2 3
y y y
1 2 3
m m m
1 2 3
In a three-dimensional system of coordinates with the axes ∆T, m and y, these values define three rectangular
boxes (see Figure 3). The response values T , m , y , also termed alarm coordinates, constitute points in this
A A A
system.
Figure 3 — Coordinates of the rectangular boxes that define Classes A, B and C of the suitability table
(see example in Table 3)
If the alarm points of all four detectors are within the smallest rectangular box, the detector for this type of fire
shall be classified under Class A of the suitability table (see the example in Table 3), i.e., the following
necessary conditions shall be fulfilled:
⎯ ∆t u ∆T and
A 1
⎯ m u m and
A 1
⎯ y u y .
A 2
If the alarm points of all four detectors are inside the middle rectangular box, but not all inside the smallest one,
the detector shall be classified under Class B of the suitability table (see example in Table 3) for this type of
fire, i.e., the following necessary conditions shall be fulfilled:
⎯ ∆T u T and
A 2
⎯ m u m and
A 2
⎯ y u y .
A 2
© ISO 2006 – All rights reserved 7
---------------------- Page: 14 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
If the alarm points of all four detectors are inside the biggest rectangular box, but not all inside the middle one,
the detector shall be classified under Class C of the suitability table (see example in Table 3) for this type of
fire, i.e., the following necessary conditions shall be fulfilled:
⎯ ∆T u T and
A 3
⎯ m u m and
A 3
⎯ y u y .
A 3
If the alarm point of one or more of the four detectors is outside the biggest rectangular box, for this type of fire,
this type of detector shall not be classified. This shall be recorded under Column N of the suitability test (see
the example in Table 3).
The following limiting values shall apply:
⎯ ∆T = 15 °C;
1
⎯ ∆T = 30 °C;
2
⎯ ∆T = 60 °C;
3
⎯ m = 0,5 dB/m;
1
⎯ m = 1,0 dB/m;
2
⎯ m = 2,0 dB/m;
3
⎯ y = 1,5;
1
⎯ y = 3,0;
2
⎯ y = 6,0.
3
Table 3 — Example of a suitability table for a type of detector
Test fire Class A Class B Class C Not classified
a
TF1 x — — —
b
TF2 — — x
TF3 — — x
TF4 x — — —
TF5 — x — —
TF6 — — — x
TF7 x — — —
TF8 — — — —
TF9 — — — —
a
For detectors intended for installation in residential occupancies, such as smoke alarms, Test TF7 is employed in lieu of Test TF2.
b
An “x” indicates that the detector type is classified under Class A, B, or C, or is not classified (did not respond within prescribed
limits).
8 © ISO 2006 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 15 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
8 Test fires
8.1 General
This section contains a description of the nine test fires, including type and amount of combustible material,
illustration of three test setups, method of ignition, pre-conditioning of combustible material (if needed) and
end-of-test parameters.
To permit more flexibility in conducting the tests and interpreting the results, the following guidelines may be
followed. This should also result in a higher success rate for a valid test.
a) Because of variation in smoke build-up that frequently occurs, the build-up curve occasionally may drift
out of the limits for a short interval or near the end of the test. The test is to be considered valid if the
detectors being evaluated respond during the time interval when the build-up is within the limits.
b) The following exceptions would apply to the guidelines in a):
If the build-up curve drifted to the left of the m vs y limit, the test could be considered valid if ionization
type detectors actuated during that interval since they respond best to large particles.
c) The fuels specified are the preferred test materials. Alternate fuels may be used as substitutes because
of the availability of national natural resources. The alternate fuel source shall exhibit the same
characteristics as the preferred fuels, i.e., colour of smoke and particle size distribution (within the profile).
8.2 Test fire TF1 — Open cellulosic (wood) fire
8.2.1 Fuel
Approximately 70 dried beechwood sticks, each stick having dimensions of 10 mm × 20 mm by 250 mm.
8.2.2 Conditioning
Dry the sticks in a heating oven so the moisture content is less than 3 %.
8.2.3 Preparation
If necessary, transport the sticks from the oven in a closed plastic bag and open the bag just prior to laying out
the sticks in the test arrangement.
8.2.4 Arrangement
Superimpose seven layers on a base surface measuring approx. 50 cm wide × 50 cm long × 8 cm high; see
Figure 4.
© ISO 2006 – All rights reserved 9
---------------------- Page: 16 ----------------------
ISO/TS 7240-9:2006(E)
Dimensions in centimetres
Key
1 container for methylated spirits
Figure 4 — Wood arrangement for test fire TF1
8.2.5 Ignition
3
0,5 cm methylated spirits in a bowl 5 cm in diameter. Locate the bowl in the centre of base surface.
8.2.6 Method of ignition
Ignite by flame or spark in the methylated spirits.
8.2.7 Test validity criteria
The development of the fire shall be such that the curves of m against y, and m
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.