ISO 7165:2017

Fire fighting - Portable fire extinguishers - Performance and construction

ISO 7165:2017 specifies the principal requirements intended to ensure the safety, reliability and performance of portable fire extinguishers. It is applicable to a fully charged extinguisher having a maximum mass of 20 kg. Subject to local acceptance, application can be extended to extinguishers having a total mass of up to 25 kg when fully charged.

Lutte contre l'incendie — Extincteurs portatifs — Performances et construction

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 16-Jul-2017
• ICS: 13.220.10 - Fire-fighting
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 21/SC 2 - Manually transportable fire extinguishers
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 21/SC 2 - Manually transportable fire extinguishers
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Start Date: 16-Mar-2023
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Relations

• Revises: ISO 7165:2009 - Fire fighting - Portable fire extinguishers - Performance and construction
• Effective Date: 12-Feb-2014

Overview

ISO 7165:2017 - Fire fighting - Portable fire extinguishers - Performance and construction is the international standard that specifies principal safety, reliability and performance requirements for portable fire extinguishers. Applicable to fully charged extinguishers with a maximum mass of 20 kg (extendable to 25 kg subject to local acceptance), this third edition (2017) defines test methods, construction criteria and performance benchmarks used worldwide for design, testing and certification.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard covers a comprehensive set of technical areas relevant to portable extinguishers, including:

• Classification of extinguishers and suitability for fire classes (A, B, C, D, F).
• Extinguishing media and propellants: requirements for CO2, clean agents, powders, foam concentrates and water-based agents, plus filling and charge tolerances.
• Pressure and mechanical tests: test pressure, minimum burst pressure, crushing and permanent volumetric expansion tests for cylinders.
• Operating performance: minimum effective discharge time, bulk range of discharge, resistance to temperature changes, intermittent discharge and low‑temperature performance.
• Leakage and retention: routine retention checks, partial-discharge behavior and long-term leakage tests.
• Corrosion and durability: external and internal corrosion tests (including for water-based media), resistance to impact and vibration.
• Special tests: tapping test for powder extinguishers, electrical conductivity of discharge (for water-based agents), and construction specifics for high- and low-pressure cylinders.
• Test fires and rating: detailed procedures for Class A, B, D and F test fires, operator safety, extinguishment criteria and test scheduling.

Applications and who uses this standard

ISO 7165:2017 is used by:

• Manufacturers designing and producing portable fire extinguishers to meet international performance and construction requirements.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing type approval, routine testing and compliance verification.
• Procurement officers and facility managers specifying compliant extinguishers for buildings, industrial sites and transportation.
• Regulators, inspectors and fire safety engineers establishing acceptance criteria, maintenance intervals and installation practices.
• OEMs and installers integrating extinguishers into safety systems and equipment.

Practical benefits include improved product safety, consistent test methods for performance rating, and harmonization across markets for easier regulatory acceptance and trade.

Related standards

ISO 7165 is used alongside national and regional regulations and other international standards for fire testing, extinguisher maintenance and fire safety management (for example, regional EN standards and national fire protection codes). When specifying extinguishers, consult both ISO 7165 and applicable local rules.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 7165
Third edition
2017-07
Fire fighting — Portable fire
extinguishers — Performance and
construction
Lutte contre l’incendie — Extincteurs portatifs — Performances et
construction
Reference number
©
ISO 2017
© ISO 2017, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, 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
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Classification of extinguishers . 4
5 Extinguishing media, propellants and filling requirements . 4
5.1 Extinguishing media . 4
5.1.1 Carbon dioxide . 4
5.1.2 Clean agents . 4
5.1.3 Powders . 4
5.1.4 Foam concentrates . 5
5.1.5 Water-based agents . 5
5.2 Propellants . 5
5.3 Filling requirements . 5
5.3.1 Fill density . 5
5.3.2 Filling tolerance . 5
5.3.3 Charges . 5
6 Pressure requirements for low-pressure extinguishers. 6
6.1 Test pressure. 6
6.2 Minimum burst pressure . 6
7 General operating performance requirements . 6
7.1 Operating temperatures . 6
7.2 Minimum effective discharge time and bulk range of discharge . 6
7.2.1 Class A-rated extinguishers . 6
7.2.2 Class B rated extinguishers . 7
7.2.3 Bulk range . 8
7.3 Resistance to temperature changes . 9
7.3.1 Requirements . 9
7.3.2 Test method . 9
7.4 Retention of charge . 9
7.4.1 Routine checks . 9
7.4.2 Retention of charge following partial discharge .10
7.4.3 Long-term leakage test .11
7.5 Mechanical resistance .11
7.5.1 Resistance to impact .11
7.5.2 Resistance to vibrations .12
7.6 Resistance to corrosion .13
7.6.1 External corrosion test .13
7.6.2 Internal corrosion test for extinguishers using water-based media .14
7.7 Tapping test (powder extinguishers only) .14
7.7.1 Requirements .14
7.7.2 Test apparatus .14
7.7.3 Test method .17
7.8 Intermittent discharge test . .18
8 Performance requirements for test fires .18
8.1 Rating suitability for the various classes of fire .18
8.1.1 Class A .18
8.1.2 Class B .19
8.1.3 Class C.19
8.1.4 Class D .19
8.1.5 Class F .20
8.2 Test fires — General .20
8.2.1 Operator’s clothing .20
8.2.2 Requirements for extinguishment .20
8.2.3 Test extinguishers and method of use .20
8.2.4 Test schedule .21
8.3 Class A test fire .21
8.3.1 Location .21
8.3.2 Construction .21
8.3.3 Procedure .22
8.4 Class B test fire .24
8.4.1 General.24
8.4.2 Location .24
8.4.3 Construction .25
8.4.4 Fuel .25
8.4.5 Procedure .26
8.4.6 Low-temperature extinguishing test .26
8.5 Class D test fire .26
8.5.1 General.26
8.5.2 Metal chip or turning fires .27
8.5.3 Metal powder or dust fires .28
8.5.4 Shallow liquid metal fires .28
8.5.5 Simulated casting fire .29
8.6 Electrical conductivity of extinguisher discharge .30
8.6.1 Water-based extinguishers .30
8.6.2 Requirements .30
8.6.3 Test for electrical conductivity .30
8.7 Class F test fire .30
8.7.1 Location .30
8.7.2 Construction .30
8.7.3 Fuel .31
8.7.4 Procedure .31
8.8 Class F splash test .33
8.8.1 Location .33
8.8.2 Construction .33
8.8.3 Fuel .34
8.8.4 Procedure .34
8.8.5 Requirements .36
9 Construction requirements .36
9.1 High-pressure extinguishers .36
9.2 Low-pressure extinguishers .36
9.2.1 General requirements .36
9.2.2 Burst test .37
9.2.3 Crushing test.37
9.2.4 Permanent volumetric expansion test .38
9.2.5 Welded low-carbon steel cylinder .38
9.2.6 Stainless steel cylinders .39
9.2.7 Aluminium cylinders .39
9.3 Carrying handle .39
9.4 Mounting .40
9.5 Caps, valves and closures .40
9.6 Safety devices .41
9.7 Manufacturing tests .41
9.7.1 Low-pressure cylinders .41
9.7.2 Leakage tests .41
9.8 Requirements for plastics components .41
9.8.1 General requirements .41
9.8.2 Requirements for normally pressurized components .42
9.8.3 Ultraviolet light exposure .42
9.8.4 Impact resistance .43
iv © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

9.8.5 Normally non-pressurized components .43
9.8.6 Test for exposure to extinguishing medium .43
9.9 Hose assemblies .43
9.10 Method of operation .44
9.11 Safety-locking devices .45
9.12 Requirements for pressure gauges and indicators for low-pressure extinguishers .46
9.12.1 General.46
9.12.2 Calibration test — Gauges and indicators . .47
9.12.3 Burst strength test — Gauges and indicators .47
9.12.4 Overpressure test — Gauges .47
9.12.5 Impulse test — Gauges .48
9.12.6 Pressure gauge relief test .48
9.12.7 Water resistance test — Gauges and indicators .48
9.12.8 Leakage test — Gauges and indicators .48
9.12.9 Plastics components — Gauges and indicators.48
9.13 Dip-tubes and filters — Water-based extinguishers .48
9.14 Special requirements for CO extinguishers .49
9.15 Gasket and O-rings .49
9.15.1 Tensile strength, elongation, maximum set and hardness.49
9.15.2 Compression set .49
10 Marking and colour .50
10.1 Colour .50
10.2 Marking .50
10.2.1 General.50
10.2.2 Use-code symbols .52
10.2.3 Recharging instructions .53
10.3 Inspection instructions .53
11 Manuals .54
11.1 User manual .54
11.2 Service manual .54
Annex A (normative) Alternate test fire for powder extinguishers with a rating exceeding 144B .55
Annex B (normative) Polar solvents .60
Annex C (normative) Clean agent FK-5-1-12 — Extinguishing agent physical properties .63
Annex D (normative) Clean agent HCFC Blend B — Extinguishing agent physical properties .66
Annex E (normative) Clean agent HFC-227ea — Extinguishing agent physical properties .69
Annex F (normative) Clean Agent HFC-236fa — Extinguishing agent physical properties .72
Bibliography .75
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 on 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 the following
URL: w w w . i s o .org/ iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 21, Equipment for fire protection and fire
fighting, Subcommittee SC 2, Manually transportable fire extinguishers.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 7165:2009), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— new requirements for four clean agents have been added;
— tests using polar solvents as a fuel for water-based fire extinguishers have been added.
vi © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 7165:2017(E)
Fire fighting — Portable fire extinguishers — Performance
and construction
1 Scope
This document specifies the principal requirements intended to ensure the safety, reliability and
performance of portable fire extinguishers.
It is applicable to a fully charged extinguisher having a maximum mass of 20 kg. Subject to local
acceptance, application can be extended to extinguishers having a total mass of up to 25 kg when fully
charged.
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 4892-2:2013, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps
ISO 5923, Equipment for fire protection and fire fighting — Fire extinguishing media — Carbon dioxide
ISO 7202, Fire protection — Fire extinguishing media — Powder
ISO 7203 (all parts), Fire extinguishing media — Foam concentrates
ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres — Salt spray tests
ISO 10619-2:2011, Rubber and plastics hoses and tubing — Measurement of flexibility and stiffness — Part
2: Bending tests at sub-ambient temperatures
ISO 11601, Fire fighting — Wheeled fire extinguishers — Performance and construction
ISO 13061-1, Physical and mechanical properties of wood — Test methods for small clear wood specimens
— Part 1: Determination of moisture content for physical and mechanical tests
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http:// www .iso .org/ obp
3.1
batch
group of the same products made on the same production line using the same lot of materials during
one production shift
3.2
bulk range
range of the extinguisher when 50 % of its media has been expelled
3.3
charge of extinguisher
mass or volume of the extinguishing medium (3.9) contained in the extinguisher expressed in volume
(litres) for water-based extinguishers and in mass (kilograms) for other extinguishers
3.4
classification of fires
grouping of fires on the basis of the characteristics as given in 3.4.1 to 3.4.5
Note 1 to entry: See ISO 3941.
3.4.1
class A
involving solid materials, usually of an organic nature, in which combustion normally takes place with
the formation of glowing embers
3.4.2
class B
involving liquids or liquefiable solids
3.4.3
class C
involving gases
3.4.4
class D
involving metals
3.4.5
class F
involving cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats) in cooking appliances
3.5
clean agent
electrically non-conductive gaseous or vapourizing liquid fire extinguishant that does not leave a
residue upon evaporation
Note 1 to entry: For conductive properties and amount of residue, see Annexes C, D, E and F.
3.6
complete discharge
point in the discharge of an extinguisher when the internal pressure has equalized with the external
pressure, with the valve control being kept fully open
3.7
disposable extinguisher
non-rechargeable extinguisher
extinguisher designed not to be recharged in the field or at the factory, but intended to be discarded
after use
3.8
effective discharge time
time from the commencement of discharge of the extinguishing medium (3.9) at the nozzle to the gas
point (3.12) of the discharge stream with the control valve fully open
3.9
extinguishing medium
substance contained in the extinguisher that causes extinguishment
2 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

3.10
fill density
mass in kilograms of extinguishing medium (3.9) per litre of container volume as fitted for use, complete
with valve and internal fittings
3.11
fire extinguisher
appliance containing an extinguishing medium (3.9) that can be discharged and directed onto a fire by
the action of internal pressure
Note 1 to entry: Discharge may be achieved by
— stored pressure (constant pressurization of the extinguishing media container);
— cartridge operated [pressurization at the time of use by the release of a pressurizing gas stored in a separate
high-pressure container (cartridge)]
3.12
gas point
point where the medium discharge changes from predominately liquid medium to predominately
expellant gas
3.13
lowest observable adverse effect level
LOAEL
lowest concentration at which an adverse physiological or toxicological effect has been observed
3.14
low pressure extinguisher
extinguisher having a service pressure, p , not exceeding 25 bar
s
3.15
maximum service pressure
p
ms
equilibrium pressure developed in a normally charged and pressurized extinguisher that is conditioned
at 60 °C for at least 18 h
3.16
portable fire extinguisher
fire extinguisher (3.11) that is designed to be carried and operated by hand and that, in working order,
has a mass of not more than 20 kg
Note 1 to entry: Subject to local acceptance, extinguishers having a total mass of up to 25 kg when fully charged
are permitted.
3.17
pressure gauge
device that shows the pressure in the cylinder and the operating range of the extinguisher based on the
operating temperature-pressure relationship
Note 1 to entry: The gauge face is marked with the appropriate units.
3.18
pressure indicator
device that shows that the extinguisher is pressurized at its rated expellant gas pressure
3.19
propellant
non-flammable compressed gas used to expel the extinguishing medium (3.9)
3.20
rechargeable extinguisher
extinguisher designed to be recharged after use
3.21
service pressure
p
s
equilibrium pressure developed in a normally charged and pressurized extinguisher conditioned at
20 °C for at least 18 h
3.22
wet chemical
water-based chemical agents that include, but are not limited to, aqueous solutions of potassium acetate,
potassium carbonate, potassium citrate or combinations of these materials
4 Classification of extinguishers
Extinguishers shall be classified by the type of extinguishing medium that they contain. At present, the
main classes of extinguishers are
— water-based,
— powder,
— carbon dioxide, and
— clean agents.
These classes of extinguishers may be further sub-divided. For example, water-based extinguishers
may contain pure water or water with additives, such as wetting agents, viscosity-increasing agents,
flame retardant, foaming agents, wet chemical, etc. Water-based extinguishers, including foam,
containing different types of freezing-point depressants shall be treated as separate and distinct
models for the fire rating tests and for the purpose of testing the range of the operating temperatures,
electrical conductivity, etc. All other requirements relating to the design and construction of water-
based extinguishers are applicable to all models, irrespective of contents.
5 Extinguishing media, propellants and filling requirements
5.1 Extinguishing media
5.1.1 Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide used in extinguishers shall comply with ISO 5923.
5.1.2 Clean agents
Clean agents used in extinguishers shall comply with Annex C for FK-5-1-12, Annex D for HCFC Blend B,
Annex E for HFC-227ea or Annex F for HFC-236fa, as appropriate, or shall be regulated by the national
environmental regulatory body of a country.
NOTE In some countries, the manufacture and use of clean agents are regulated by the Montreal Protocol or
by national regulations.
5.1.3 Powders
Powders used in extinguishers shall comply with ISO 7202, with the exception of powders for use on
class D fires.
4 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

5.1.4 Foam concentrates
Foam concentrates used in extinguishers shall comply with the appropriate part of ISO 7203.
NOTE There is no International Standard covering non-foaming additives sometimes added to water to
produce antifreeze, wetting or other special characteristics. However, such extinguishers are included in the
category of water-based extinguishers.
5.1.5 Water-based agents
When the extinguishing agent has a pH exceeding 9,5, a warning statement shall be required for the
extinguisher nameplate (see 10.2).
5.2 Propellants
The propellants for stored pressure and cartridge-operated extinguishers shall be air, argon, carbon
dioxide, helium or nitrogen or mixtures of these gases having a maximum dew-point of −55 °C. Non-
flammable tracers may be added to the propellant to facilitate leakage detection. The percentage of the
tracer shall be indicated by the manufacturer and verified by the test laboratory, with the exception
that it is not necessary for the propellant for stored-pressure, water-based extinguishers to meet the
above dew-point.
5.3 Filling requirements
5.3.1 Fill density
The maximum fill density for carbon-dioxide extinguishers shall not exceed 0,75 kg/l. The fill density
for clean agent fire extinguishers shall not exceed the values given in Annexes C, D, E or F as appropriate.
NOTE The above fill densities can be subject to national pressure-vessel regulations.
5.3.2 Filling tolerance
The actual charge of an extinguisher shall be the nominal charge within the following limits:
a) water-based extinguisher: +0 % −5 % by volume;
b) powder extinguishers:
— ≤1 kg nominal charge, ±5 % by mass;
— >1 kg but <3 kg nominal charge, ±3 % by mass;
— ≥3 kg nominal charge, ±2 % by mass;
c) clean agent extinguishers: +0 % −5 % by mass;
d) carbon dioxide extinguishers: +0 % −5 % by mass.
5.3.3 Charges
The following are the recommended charges for fire extinguishers:
— water-based:   2 l, 3 l, 6 l, 9 l;
— powder:        1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg, 4 kg, 6 kg, 9 kg, 12 kg;
— CO :           2 kg, 5 kg;
— clean agent:    1 kg, 2 kg, 4 kg, 6 kg, 9 kg, 12 kg.
6 Pressure requirements for low-pressure extinguishers
6.1 Test pressure
1)
The test pressure, p , for low-pressure extinguishers shall be 1,43 × p but in no case less than 2 MPa
t ms
(20 bar).
6.2 Minimum burst pressure
The minimum burst pressure, p , for low-pressure extinguishers shall be 2,7 × p but in no case less
b ms
than 5,5 MPa (55 bar).
7 General operating performance requirements
7.1 Operating temperatures
Extinguishers shall be capable of operating reliably within one of the following temperature ranges:
— +5 °C to +60 °C;
— −5 °C to +60 °C;
— −10 °C to +60 °C;
— −20 °C to +60 °C;
— −30 °C to +60 °C;
— −40 °C to +60 °C;
— −55 °C to +60 °C.
The temperature range selected from the above ranges shall be marked on the fire extinguisher
(see 10.2.1.5).
For water-based extinguishers without any protection against freezing, the minimum operating
temperature shall be 5 °C.
7.2 Minimum effective discharge time and bulk range of discharge
7.2.1 Class A-rated extinguishers
The minimum effective discharge time of extinguishers with a 1A rating shall be no less than 8 s.
Extinguishers with ratings of 2A or higher shall have a minimum discharge time of 13 s.
7.2.1.1 Requirements
When three portable fire extinguishers are tested in accordance with 7.2.1.2, the duration of operation
of each extinguisher shall be within ±3 s of the average value for powder extinguishers and within 15 %
of the average value for other extinguishers, but duration value shall not be less than the minimum
specified.
7.2.1.2 Test method
Carry out the testing of portable extinguishers within 5 min of removal of the extinguisher from the
conditioning temperature. Store portable fire extinguishers for testing in a vertical position for at least
1) 1 bar = 100 kPa = 0,1 MPa; 1 Pa = 1 N/m .
6 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

18 h at a temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C before the tests are carried out and maintain the temperature
within this range until tested as given below.
a) Weigh the extinguisher.
b) Hold the extinguisher in its normal working position (i.e. hand-held) and keep it immobile for the
duration of the test.
c) For cartridge-operated extinguishers supplied with a final control valve and an independent
activation system, pressurize with the final control valve closed. Open this final control valve 6 s
after the commencement of pressurization of the extinguisher.
d) For cartridge-operated extinguishers where activation is by a simple action, pierce the cartridge
and close the control valve immediately for a period of 6 s, after which reopen the control valve.
e) For extinguishers that are activated by a single operation of the control valve, open the control
valve and leave it open for the duration of the test.
f) Measure and record the time between the opening of the final control valve and the commencement
of discharge. Measure and record the effective discharge time.
g) For gaseous extinguishers, reweigh, then calculate and record the residual charge. For all other
extinguishers, reweigh, empty the residual extinguishant, then reweigh or measure and record the
residual change.
All portable fire extinguishers shall operate within 4 s after the final control valve is opened.
7.2.2 Class B rated extinguishers
7.2.2.1 General
The minimum effective discharge time of extinguishers with a class B rating shall be no less than the
appropriate value given in Table 1.
7.2.2.2 Requirements
When three portable fire extinguishers are tested in accordance with 7.2.2.3, the duration of operation
of each extinguisher shall be within ±3 s of the average value for powder extinguishers and within 15 %
of the average value for other extinguishers, but duration value shall not be less than the minimum
specified.
7.2.2.3 Test method
Carry out the testing of portable extinguishers within 5 min of the removal of the extinguisher from
the conditioning temperature. Store portable fire extinguishers for testing in a vertical position for at
least 18 h at a temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C before the tests are carried out and maintain the temperature
within this range until tested as given below.
a) Weigh the extinguisher.
b) Hold the extinguisher in its normal working po
...