Pyrotechnic articles - Fireworks, Category F4 - Part 3: Test methods

This European Standard specifies test methods for fireworks which are classified in category F4

Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Feuerwerkskörper, Kategorie F4 - Teil 3: Prüfverfahren

Dieses Dokument legt Prüfverfahren für Feuerwerkskörper der Kategorie F4 fest.

Articles pyrotechniques - Artifices de divertissement, Catégorie F4 - Partie 3: Méthodes d'essai

Le présent document spécifie des méthodes d’essai pour les artifices de divertissement de catégorie F4.

Pirotehnični izdelki - Ognjemet, kategorija F4 - 3. del: Preskusne metode

General Information

Status
Not Published
Public Enquiry End Date
31-May-2021
Technical Committee
Current Stage
4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
Start Date
31-Mar-2021
Due Date
18-Aug-2021
Completion Date
03-Jun-2021

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SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 16261-3:2021
01-maj-2021
Pirotehnični izdelki - Ognjemet, kategorija F4 - 3. del: Preskusne metode
Pyrotechnic articles - Fireworks, Category F4 - Part 3: Test methods
Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Feuerwerkskörper, Kategorie F4 - Teil 3: Prüfverfahren
Articles pyrotechniques - Artifices de divertissement, Catégorie F4 - Partie 3: Méthodes
d'essai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 16261-3
ICS:
71.100.30 Eksplozivi. Pirotehnika in Explosives. Pyrotechnics and
ognjemeti fireworks
oSIST prEN 16261-3:2021 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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oSIST prEN 16261-3:2021

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oSIST prEN 16261-3:2021


DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 16261-3
NORME EUROPÉENNE

EUROPÄISCHE NORM

May 2021
ICS 71.100.30 Will supersede EN 16261-3:2012
English Version

Pyrotechnic articles - Fireworks, Category F4 - Part 3: Test
methods
Articles pyrotechniques - Artifices de divertissement, Pyrotechnische Gegenstände - Feuerwerkskörper,
Catégorie F4 - Partie 3: Méthodes d'essai Kategorie 4 - Teil 3: Prüfverfahren
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 212.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.


EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 16261-3:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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prEN 16261-3:2021 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Test environment for functioning test . 5
4.1 General . 5
4.2 Wind measurement . 5
5 Apparatus . 5
6 Test methods . 9
6.1 Construction and stability . 9
6.1.1 Outer dimension of item . 9
6.1.2 Determination of calibre . 10
6.1.3 Determination of gross mass . 10
6.2 Design – Verification . 10
6.3 Determination of tube angle . 10
6.3.1 Apparatus . 10
6.3.2 Procedure. 10
6.4 Angle of ascent and burst height . 11
6.4.1 General . 11
6.4.2 Dimensions of mortar . 11
6.4.3 Support of mortar . 11
6.5 Measurement of sound pressure level . 11
6.5.1 Apparatus . 11
6.5.2 Procedure. 11
6.6 Extinguishing of flames . 11
6.6.1 Apparatus . 11
6.6.2 Procedure. 11
6.7 Visual and audible inspections . 12
6.8 Mechanical conditioning . 12
6.8.1 Apparatus . 12
6.8.2 Procedure. 12
6.9 Thermal conditioning . 12
6.9.1 Apparatus . 12
6.9.2 Procedure. 12
6.10 Function test . 12
6.10.1 Apparatus . 12
6.10.2 Procedure. 13
6.10.3 Monitoring of effect, rising/bursting and drop height . 13
6.10.4 Monitoring of effect range and effect dimensions of aquatic fireworks . 14
6.11 Measuring of CE-marking . 14
6.11.1 Apparatus . 14
6.11.2 Procedure. 14
6.12 Use of detonative explosives . 14
6.12.1 General . 14
6.12.2 Test Method A . 14
2

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6.12.3 Test method B . 15
Annex A (informative) Mechanical conditioning (Shock Apparatus) . 18
Annex B (informative) Procedures for calculation of heights . 21
Annex C (informative) Calculation method for safety-/protection distance . 25
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
safety requirements of Directive 2013/29/EU aimed to be covered . 26
Bibliography . 28

3

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European foreword
This document (prEN 16261-3:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 212
“Pyrotechnic articles”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 16261-3:2012.
In comparison with the previous edition, the following technical modifications have been made:
— Addition of balances with different accuracies to clause 5.6;
— Clause 6.10.3 has been technically revised;
— A clause 6.12 on the use of detonative explosives has been added.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of Directive 2013/29/EU on the
harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of
pyrotechnic articles.
For relationship with Directive 2013/29/EU, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
4

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1 Scope
This document specifies test methods for fireworks of category F4.
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.
1
EN 16261-1:—, Pyrotechnic articles - Fireworks, category F4 - Part 1: Terminology
2
EN 16261-2:—, Pyrotechnic articles — Fireworks, Category F4 — Part 2: Requirements
EN 61672-1, Electroacoustics - Sound level meters - Part 1: Specifications (IEC 61672 1)
ISO 13385-1:2019, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) — Dimensional measuring equipment —
Part 1: Design and metrological characteristics of callipers
3 Terms and definitions
1
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 16261-1:— apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
4 Test environment for functioning test
4.1 General
A large unobstructed area, which shall be wide open. The measuring points shall be positioned
appropriately for the type of measurement being carried out.
For aquatic fireworks, a water test area shall be available for testing the resistance to moisture and
functioning in the expected manner.
4.2 Wind measurement
The wind speed at a height of 1,50 m above the ground shall be measured and recorded using a wind
speed meter (see 5.5). No performance testing shall be carried out if the wind speed exceeds 5,0 m/s.
5 Apparatus
Any equivalent apparatus with the same accuracy or better may be used.
5.1 Timing device, capable of being read to the nearest 0,1 s.
5.2 Calliper, flat faced vernier reading to 0,1 mm, which shall conform to ISO 13385-1:2019.

1
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: prEN 16261-1:2021.
2
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: prEN 16261-2:2021.
5

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5.3 Ruler, with a scale resolution of 1,0 mm or better.
5.4 Measuring tape, with a scale resolution of 10 mm or better.
5.5 Wind speed meter, accurate to at least 0,5 m/s.
5.6 Balance, with an accuracy of:
±0,01 g (for weight lower than 100 g)
±0,1 g (for weight lower than 1 000 g)
±1 g (for weight lower than 10 000 g)
±10 g (for weight upper or equal to 10 000 g)
or better.
5.7 Temperature chamber.
5.7.1 Up to (50 ± 2,5) °C.
5.7.2 Up to (75 ± 2,5) °C.
5.8 Sound level meter, class 1, which shall conform to EN 61672-1 with a free-field microphone.
5.9 Shock apparatus.
2 2
The apparatus shall provide a deceleration of 490 m/s (−50/+100) m/s (when measured at the centre
of an unloaded platform) and the shock impulse duration (time elapsed from the starting of the
machine's deceleration to the time in which the deceleration reaches its maximum value during each
first shock pulse) shall be 2 ms ± 1 ms working at a frequency of 1 Hz ± 0,1 Hz.
An example of an apparatus is shown in Annex A.
5.10 Devices for measuring heights.
Heights shall be measured using universal surveying instruments (USI) such as theodolites, electronic
spirit levels or video (visible and/or infrared) systems.
Examples of measuring methods and the calculation of the height are given in Annex B.
5.11 Goniometer, reading to 1° or better.
5.12 Mortar.
The rising height of shells depends particularly on the clearance of the shell in the mortar (ratio of the
maximum cross section area of the shell (A ) to the inner cross section area of the mortar (A )),
Shell mortar
also designated as “Q”. Q is the ratio of the outer diameter of the shell (d including the fuse to the
o,shell,
lifting charge) squared over the inner diameter of the mortar (d ) squared. The outer diameter of
i,mortar
the shell shall be measured horizontally at the place of largest diameter including the fuse to the lifting
charge. The following conditions shall be achieved:
2
d
A
o,shell
shell
09,,Q ≤ 098
2
A
d
mortar
i,mortar
2 2
1,,02⋅ dd≤ ≤⋅1 1 d
o,shell i,mortar o,shell
6
= ≤=

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prEN 16261-3:2021 (E)
For calibre ≤ 100 mm, a wider tolerance can be accepted. The following conditions shall be achieved:
*
0,,83≤≤Q 0 98
≤100
2 * 2
10, 2⋅ dd≤ ≤⋅(12, d
o,shell i,mortar o,shell
Another determining factor influencing the rising height is the length of the mortar (l ) – length
mortar
from the mortar muzzle to the mortar ground.
The dimensions of the mortar may also be determined from Figures 1, 2 and 3.

Key
X calibre of the shell (mm)
Y internal diameter of the mortar (mm)
Figure 1 — Dimensions of the mortars for spherical shells – Calibre above 100 mm
7

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Key
X calibre of the shell (mm)
Y internal diameter of the mortar (mm)
Figure 2 — Dimensions of the mortars for spherical shells – Calibre up to 100 mm
8

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prEN 16261-3:2021 (E)

Key
X calibre of the shell (mm)
Y internal diameter of the mortar (mm)
  l = 6 X d + 70
mortar n
  l = 4 X d + 120
mortar n
4 X d + 120 ≤ l (mm) ≤ 6 X d + 70
n mortar n
d  nominal calibre
n
Figure 3 — Range of the mortar length for spherical shells
6 Test methods
NOTE Any equivalent method with the same sensitivity and the same accuracy or better might be used.
6.1 Construction and stability
6.1.1 Outer dimension of item
6.1.1.1 Apparatus
— Ruler (see 5.3).
9

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6.1.1.2 Procedure
Use the ruler to measure the outer dimensions of the tested article to the nearest of 1,0 mm and record
the results.
6.1.2 Determination of calibre
6.1.2.1 Apparatus
— Calliper (see 5.2).
6.1.2.2 Procedure
Use the calliper (see 5.2) to measure the calibre of the tested article at least three times at different
positions on the article and to the nearest of 0,1 mm and record the results.
6.1.3 Determination of gross mass
Use the balance (see 5.6) to measure the gross mass of the tested article and record the results.
6.2 Design – Verification
Compare the actual article with the detailed manufacturer’s drawing.
Observe and record any nonconformity.
6.3 Determination of tube angle
6.3.1 Apparatus
Goniometer (see 5.11).
6.3.2 Procedure
For determination of the tube angle, dismantle the functioned article (if necessary) in such a way that
the angle of the tube against the vertical can be measured with goniometer (see Figure 4) and record
the results.

Key
1 base of firework
2 tube of mine, Roman candle or shot tube
10

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Figure 4 — Determination of tube angle
6.4 Angle of ascent and burst height
6.4.1 General
The fireworks shall be fired vertically (firing device at 90° ± 2°).
The measurement of heights may be made according to one of the methods described in Annex B.
6.4.2 Dimensions of mortar
For type and batch tests, defined standard mortars (5.12) shall be used. Tables for the standardized
inside diameter and inside length are given in 5.12.
When the height of a shell casing (excluding the lifting charge) is more than twice the calibre, for all
shells with a calibre greater than 400 mm and for shells that are designed to be fired from a specific
mortar, the mortar recommended by the manufacturer shall be used.
6.4.3 Support of mortar
The mortar shall be supported in such a way that it is not displaced by the firing of the tested article.
No deformable material shall be placed under the mortar.
6.5 Measurement of sound pressure level
6.5.1 Apparatus
— Sound level meter (see 5.8);
— Measuring tape (see 5.4).
6.5.2 Procedure
Set up the microphone of the sound level meter in the test area (Clause 4) at a height of 1,0 m. The
sound level meter shall be orientated to the firing point.
The distance between the measuring and firing point may be the same as for the measuring of the
Rising Height according to 6.4.
Place and ignite the test sample in accordance with the labelled instructions and instructions for use,
and record the maximum A-weighted impulse sound pressure levels as measured by the sound level
meter (see 5.8) and the distance from the firing point (see 5.4).
NOTE An example of the calculation method for safety/protection distance is given in Annex C.
6.6 Extinguishing of flames
6.6.1 Apparatus
— Timing device (see 5.1).
6.6.2 Procedure
At the moment the tested article ceases to function (see 6.10.2), immediately start the timing device
(see 5.1) and record the time until all flames caused by the functioning of the fireworks have
extinguished.
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6.7 Visual and audible inspections
The visual inspection shall be done by naked eye.
The audible inspection shall be done by suitably protected ears at the relevant distance.
Record any anomalies.
6.8 Mechanical conditioning
6.8.1 Apparatus
— Shock apparatus (see 5.9);
— Balance (see 5.6);
— Timing Device (see 5.1).
6.8.2 Procedure
Place a sheet of paper on the platform of the mechanical shock apparatus and place the test samples on
the top of the sheet of paper. For articles that are supplied in primary packs, condition the appropriate
number of complete, unopened packs. Cover the test samples or packs and secure the covering to the
platform around its edges. Run the shock apparatus (see 5.9) for 1 h.
At the end of the conditioning period stop the shock apparatus (see 5.9) and remove the test samples or
primary packs. For samples which have been conditioned in primary packs, carefully open the packs,
remove the samples and empty any loose material on to the sheet of paper. Separate any pyrotechnic
composition from the loose material and weigh this pyrotechnic composition with the balance.
Where the tested article contains sealing paper, ignition head(s) and/or friction head(s), record
whether there was any of these damaged or loose after the mechanical conditioning.
6.9 Thermal conditioning
6.9.1 Apparatus
Temperature chamber (see 5.7).
6.9.2 Procedure
Store the fireworks for 2 days at a temperature of (75 ± 2,5) °C or 4 weeks at a temperature of
(50 ± 2,5) °C in the temperature chamber (see 5.7) and then for at least two days at ambient
temperature before testing. For fireworks which were supplied in primary packs, condition the
fireworks by storing the appropriate number of complete unopened packs.
Record if any article presents sign of ignition or chemical reaction. If any signs are visible, the test is
failed and no re-test is possible.
Record whether any articles are damaged to an extent that might affect their functioning.
6.10 Function test
6.10.1 Apparatus
— Test area (see Clause 4);
— Water test area where applicable (see 4.1);
— Mortar (see 5.12).
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6.10.2 Procedure
Articles shall be fired vertically upwards specified otherwise by the manufacturer. For waterfalls, the
article shall be fired vertically downwards, unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer.
Place the test sample onto the testing site as specified in 4.1 and ignite test sample in accordance with
the labelled instructions and the instructions for use. Aquatic fireworks shall be tested in accordance
with the instructions for use; the test may be performed on the ground (see 4.1). For checking the
resistance to moisture and functioning under wet conditions, aquatic fireworks shall be ignited in the
water test area. Aquatic fireworks shall be wetted and ignited in a way which replicates its normal use.
The measurement, visible and audible inspection (see 6.7) while functioning (if this is applicable for the
tested article) shall observe and record the conformity:
— to the related principle effect;
2
— to the angle of ascent and burst or effect height (see EN 16261-2:—, 7.2.4);
2
— to the sound pressure level (see EN 16261-2:—, 7.2.5);
2
— to the extinguishing of flames (see EN 16261-2:—, 7.2.6);
2
— to the projected debris (see EN 16261-2:—, 7.2.7);
— to check that all pyrotechnic units function completely;
— to check that the article remains in its initial position whilst functioning (if applicable);
— to check that no explosion or rupture occurs during function (except when explosion is intended or
principal effect);
— to check that the elements of the tested article are securely attached;
2
Annex B.
and possible nonconformities as listed in EN 16261-2:—,
6.10.3 Monitoring of effect, rising/bursting and drop height
For single-break shells and rockets, two positions for monitoring the height of ascent and angle of flight
shall be provided, at an adequate measured distance and at preferably 90° to each other or at a
sufficient angle to ensure a good accuracy of the measuring (depending on the method of measurement
and calculation of the heights). For all other articles, one measuring position may be used. In order to
achieve a reasonable accuracy, the distance between firing point and measurement location, referred to
as “base length” here, shall be adjusted to the measurement device.
If two measuring points are necessary, vertical and horizontal angles shall be recorded. In case of one
measuring point, at least the vertical angle shall be recorded.
For combinations where tubes are placed at an angle, the direction of the trajectories shall have a 90°
angle to the measurement point.
For multi-effect articles, the burst or effect height of the highest effect shall be measured.
The vertical angle should not exceed 60°; optimal would be having angles between 30° and 50°. If the
monitoring positions are not in the same horizontal plane, appropriate corrections should be made in
the calculation of heights. Generally, the measuring distance should be adapted to the fireworks
(anticipated rising/bursting height).
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6.10.4 Monitoring of effect range and effect dimensions of aquatic fireworks
One position for monitoring the effect range and dimensions shall be provided at an adequate
measuring distance.
In order to achieve reasonable accuracy, the distance between the firing point and the measurement
location shall be adjusted to the measurement device.
The effect dimensions can also be measured during the ignition on the water test area.
6.11 Measuring of CE-marking
6.11.1 Apparatus
— Calliper (see 5.2).
6.11.2 Procedure
Using the calliper (see 5.2), measure the dimensions of the CE-marking. Record whether the size and
format of the CE-marking are correct.
6.12 Use of detonative explosives
6.12.1 General
The purpose of this test is to check that the tested articles:
— cannot detonate the booster defined in 6.12.2.1 (Method A); if this booster is initiated and
detonates, the article has the capacity to detonate secondary explosives
— or develop a mean equivalent shock energy and/or a mean equivalent bubble energy that are
smaller than the same energies developed by 0,25 g of PETN (Method B); if not, the article has the
capacity to detonate secondary explosives.
The test is carried out at 20 °C ± 5 °C.
6.12.2 Test Method A
6.12.2.1 Apparatus
The equipment and material needed for the test is composed of:
— 150 ± 10 mm x 150 ± 10 mm steel witness plates of 3,2 ± 0,2 mm thickness placed on sand
soil/ground, serving to determine whether detonation occurs;
— Cylindrical booster charge of 50 ± 1 mm diameter, consisting of 75 g - 100 g RDX/wax (95/5) with a
density of 1450 to 1600 ± 50 kg/m3. Its ends shall exhibit a flat surface.
6.12.2.2 Test method
3 articles shall be tested under the conditions described here below.
Place the article at one end of the booster in such a way that it touches the flat surface. As a rule, the
known or anticipated effect is orientated towards the centre of the booster. If these conditions cannot
be kept (e.g. due to its shape), the article shall be placed in the best possible way as if it was intended to
initiate the booster.
Then place the other end of the booster into contact with the steel plate in the anticipated direction of
the possible detonation.
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Fire the article.
After the initiation and functioning of the article, the result of the test is considered to be a detonation of
the booster if a clean hole is punched through the steel plate. In the other case, no
...

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