CEN/TC 191/WG 2 - Foam extinguishing systems

The requirements of this document set out the materials, construction, and performance of components intended for use in fixed foam fire fighting systems, and using foam concentrates conforming to EN 1568-1 to EN 1568-4. The components covered are: proportioners, sprayers, semi-subsurface hose units, branchpipes, low/medium expansion foam generators, high expansion foam generators, foam chambers, tanks and pressure vessels. Methods of test are given in Annex A to Annex K.
Requirements are also given for the provision of the characteristic data needed for correct application of components.
NOTE 1   Unless otherwise stated pressures are gauge pressures expressed in bar.
The requirements of this document do not cover, except where stated, the use of combinations of components to form part, or the whole, of a fire fighting system.
NOTE 2   Components conforming to this document are not necessarily compatible one with another.
Requirements for pumps, motors and the functioning of mechanical components (i.e. remote control turrets) are outside the scope of this document.

This document specifies the requirements and describes the methods for design, installation, testing and maintenance of low, medium, and high expansion foam fire extinguishing systems.
Foam systems may be used to suppress the release of toxic vapours but this application is outside the scope of this document.
This document provides guidance for the design of various foam systems available to persons with knowledge and experience in determining the selection of foam fire extinguishing systems which will be effective in protecting specific hazard configurations. For the application of this standard, a risk assessment by a qualified and experienced person should be performed for both new and existing systems, however the risk assessment is outside the scope of this document.
This document does not cover a risk analysis carried out by a competent person.
Nothing in this document is intended to restrict new technologies or alternative arrangements, provided that the level of foam system performance prescribed in this standard is not lowered, and supported by documented evidence/test reports.
All foam systems are generally unsuitable for the following:
-   chemicals, such as cellulose nitrate, that release sufficient oxygen or other oxidizing agents which can sustain combustion;
-   energized unenclosed electrical equipment;
-   metals such as sodium, potassium and sodium-potassium alloys which are reactive to water;
-   hazardous, water-reactive materials such as triethyl-aluminium and phosphorous pentoxide;
-   combustible metals such as aluminium and magnesium.

This document specifies the requirements and describes the methods for design, installation, testing and maintenance of low, medium, and high expansion foam fire extinguishing systems.
Foam systems may be used to suppress the release of toxic vapours but this application is outside the scope of this document.
This document provides guidance for the design of various foam systems available to persons with knowledge and experience in determining the selection of foam fire extinguishing systems which will be effective in protecting specific hazard configurations. For the application of this standard, a risk assessment by a qualified and experienced person should be performed for both new and existing systems, however the risk assessment is outside the scope of this document.
This document does not cover a risk analysis carried out by a competent person.
Nothing in this document is intended to restrict new technologies or alternative arrangements, provided that the level of foam system performance prescribed in this standard is not lowered, and supported by documented evidence/test reports.
All foam systems are generally unsuitable for the following:
-   chemicals, such as cellulose nitrate, that release sufficient oxygen or other oxidizing agents which can sustain combustion;
-   energized unenclosed electrical equipment;
-   metals such as sodium, potassium and sodium-potassium alloys which are reactive to water;
-   hazardous, water-reactive materials such as triethyl-aluminium and phosphorous pentoxide;
-   combustible metals such as aluminium and magnesium.

TC - Correction of wording in 5.2.2, 2nd hyphen plus merged text from EN 13565-2:2009/AC:2009 which has been superseded by this new extended Corrigendum - Health and safety

This European Standard specifies the requirements and describes the methods for design, installation, testing and maintenance of low, medium, and high expansion foam fire extinguishing systems.
This European Standard provides guidance for the design of various foam systems available to persons with knowledge and experience in determining the selection of foam fire extinguishing systems which will be effective in protecting specific hazard configurations.
This European Standard does not cover a risk analysis carried out by a competent person.
Nothing in this European Standard is intended to restrict new technologies or alternative arrangements, provided that the level of safety prescribed in this standard is not lowered, and supported by documented evidence/test reports.

TC - Correction of value in Figure 2, table, 2nd column, last line

This European Standard specifies requirements for materials, construction, and performance of components intended for use in fixed foam fire fighting systems conforming to EN 13565-2, and using foam concentrates conforming to prEN 1568. Methods of test are given in Annexes A to J. Requirements are also given for the provision of the characteristic data needed for correct application of components.NOTE 1 Unless otherwise stated pressures are gauge pressures expressed in bars.