EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007

Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 General
   4.1 Description of a portable fire extinguisher
   4.2 Control of discharge
   4.3 Operating position
   4.4 Hose assembly
   4.5 Propellants
   4.6 Stored pressure extinguishers
5 Testing of portable fire extinguishers
6 Nominal charges, filling tolerances and minimum fire
   performance
   6.1 Nominal charges
   6.2 Filling tolerances
   6.3 Design of the filling opening, excluding carbon dioxide
        fire extinguishers
   6.4 Minimum fire ratings
7 Duration of operation, residual charge and operating
   temperatures
   7.1 Duration of operation
   7.2 Residual charge
   7.3 Commencement of discharge
   7.4 Effective range of operating temperature
8 Retention of propellant
   8.1 Verification
   8.2 Acceptance levels
   8.3 Production leak tests
9 Dielectric test for water based extinguishers
   9.1 General
   9.2 Required performance
10 Requirements for components
   10.1 General
   10.2 Operation and emission control mechanisms/devices
   10.3 Safety devices
   10.4 Filter for water based portable fire extinguishers
   10.5 Hose and coupling systems
   10.6 Control valve
11 Means of pressure indication
   11.1 Pressure gauge
   11.2 Pressure indicator
12 Horns for carbon dioxide portable fire extinguishers
13 Portable fire extinguisher mounting bracket
14 Resistance to corrosion
   14.1 Resistance to external corrosion
   14.2 Resistance to extinguishing medium of extinguishers using
        water based media
15 Fire performance
   15.1 General
   15.2 Class A fire rating
   15.3 Class B fire rating
   15.4 Class F fire rating
16 Portable fire extinguisher identification
   16.1 Colour
   16.2 Marking
17 Maintenance
Annex A (normative) - Duration of operation, residual charge tests
Annex B (normative) - Range of operating temperature
Annex C (normative) - Dielectric test
Annex D (normative) - Operation and emission control
                      mechanisms/devices
Annex E (normative) - Test for performance of the hose
Annex F (normative) - Control valve test
Annex G (normative) - Tests on the horn
Annex H (normative) - Resistance to corrosion
Annex I (normative) - Fire tests
Annex J (normative) - Measurement of moisture content of wood
Annex K (normative) - Compaction procedure
Annex L (normative) - Specific requirements for Class F fire
                      extinguisher
Annex M (normative) - Polar solvents
Bibliography

This standard specifies the characteristics, performance requirements and test methods for portable fire extinguishers.Reference to the suitability of an extinguisher for use on gaseous fires (class C fires) are at the manufacturer’s discretion, but are applied only to powder type extinguishers which have gained a class B or class A and class B rating.Suitability of extinguishers for use on class D fires (fires involving flammable metals) is outside the scope of this standard in respect of test fires. However, extinguishers claiming class D suitability are covered in all other respects by the requirements in this standard for powder extinguishers.It is considered hazardous for powder and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers to be used on Class F fires. For this reason powder and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are excluded for conformance with regard to Class F in this European Standard.NOTEThe extinction of a metal fire presents a situation so specific (in terms of the metal itself, its form, the configuration of the fire etc.) that it is not possible to define a representative standard fire for the purposes of testing. The efficiency of extinguishers on class D fires needs to be established on a case by case basis.