BS en 00003-8-2021
BS en 00003-8-2021
National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 3‑8:2021. It
supersedes BS EN 3‑8:2006, which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee FSH/2, Fire extinguishers.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its committee manager.
BSI, as a member of CEN, is obliged to publish EN 3-8:2021 as a British
Standard. However, attention is drawn to the fact that during the
development of this European Standard, the UK committee voted against
its approval.
It is the view of the UK committee that some of the requirements in
the standard — for example those relating to the burst pressures
required and therefore wall thickness — may be suboptimal to the
recommendations in BS EN 3‑8:2006.
The UK committee believes, based on experience, that the requirements
in those areas in the superseded BS EN 3‑8:2006 may be more robust
than the requirements in BS EN 3‑8:2021.
Contractual and legal considerations
This publication has been prepared in good faith, however no
representation, warranty, assurance or undertaking (express or
implied) is or will be made, and no responsibility or liability is or will be
accepted by BSI in relation to the adequacy, accuracy, completeness or
reasonableness of this publication. All and any such responsibility and
liability is expressly disclaimed to the full extent permitted by the law.
This publication is provided as is, and is to be used at the
recipient’s own risk.
The recipient is advised to consider seeking professional guidance with
respect to its use of this publication.
This publication is not intended to constitute a contract. Users are
responsible for its correct application.
This publication has been prepared under a mandate given to the
European Standards Organizations by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association. It is intended to support requirements
of the EU legislation detailed in the European Foreword. A European
Annex, usually Annex ZA or ZZ, describes how this publication relates to
that EU legislation.
For the Great Britain market (England, Scotland and Wales), if UK
Government has designated this publication for conformity with UKCA
marking (or similar) legislation, it may contain an additional National
Annex. Where such a National Annex exists, it shows the correlation
between this publication and the relevant UK legislation. If there is no
National Annex of this kind, the relevant Annex ZA or ZZ in the body
of the European text will indicate the relationship to UK regulation
applicable in Great Britain. References to EU legislation may need to be
read in accordance with the UK designation and the applicable UK law.
Further information on designated standards can be found at
www.bsigroup.com/standardsandregulation.
BRITISH STANDARD BS EN 3‑8:2021
English Version
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. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists 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.
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 3-8:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
Contents Page
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BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
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BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
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BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
European foreword
This document (EN 3-8:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 70 “Manual means of
fire fighting equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2022, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by February 2022.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
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 EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive 2014/68/EU, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of
this document.
EN 3 consists of the following parts, under the general title “Portable fire extinguishers”.
— Part 8: Requirements for the construction; pressure resistance and mechanical tests for
extinguishers with a maximum allowable pressure equal to or lower than 30 bar, which comply with
the requirements of EN 3-7.
NOTE The title of EN3-9 will upon revision be amended to read: “Part 9 - Requirements for the Assembly,
Construction and Pressure Resistance of CO2 extinguishers which comply with the requirements of EN3-7.”
— Part 10: Provisions for evaluating the conformity of a portable fire extinguisher to EN 3-7.
— title;
— scope;
— materials;
— design;
— permanent joining;
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Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: 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 the United
Kingdom.
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Introduction
— health and safety bodies (regulators, accident prevention organizations, market surveillance, etc.)
— service providers, e.g., for maintenance (small, medium and large enterprises);
The above-mentioned stakeholder groups have been given the possibility to participate at the drafting
process of this document.
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1 Scope
This document specifies, as far as the pressure risk is concerned, the rules of design, type testing,
fabrication and inspection control of portable fire extinguishers with a metallic body which comply with
the requirements of EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007.
This part of EN 3 applies to portable fire extinguishers of which the maximum allowable pressure PS is
lower than or equal to 30 bar and containing non-explosive, non-flammable, non-toxic and non-oxidising
fluids.
This document also applies to the marking of metallic propellant gas cartridges (see Annex E).
This document does not apply to carbon dioxide fire extinguishers.
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.
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, Portable fire extinguishers — Part 7: Characteristics, performance requirements
and test methods
EN ISO 4892-2:2013, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps
(ISO 4892-2:2013)
EN ISO 9017:2018, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Fracture test (ISO 9017:2017)
EN ISO 13585:2012, Brazing — Qualification test of brazers and brazing operators (ISO 13585:2012)
EN ISO 14555:2017, Welding — Arc stud welding of metallic materials (ISO 14555:2017)
EN ISO 14732:2013, Welding personnel — Qualification testing of welding operators and weld setters for
mechanized and automatic welding of metallic materials (ISO 14732:2013)
EN ISO 15614-1:2017, 2) Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials —
Welding procedure test — Part 1: Arc and gas welding of steels and arc welding of nickel and nickel alloys
(ISO 15614-1:2017)
EN ISO 15614-2:2005, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials -
Welding procedure test — Part 2: Arc welding of aluminium and its alloys (ISO 15614-2:2005)
EN ISO 15614-11:2002, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials —
Welding procedure test — Part 11: Electron and laser beam welding (ISO 15614-11:2002)
EN ISO 15614-12:2014, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials —
Welding procedure test — Part 12: Spot, seam and projection welding (ISO 15614-12:2014)
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EN 3-8:2021 (E)
3.1
pressure at maximum operating temperature
pressure experimentally measured
P (Tmax)
pressure measured in the extinguisher after stabilisation during at least 24 h at maximum operating
temperature (Tmax); for cartridge operated extinguishers, the maximum pressure is the maximum
pressure recorded for 0,5 s during a period of three minutes, excluding the first second after release of
the propellant gas
3.2
maximum allowable pressure
maximum declared pressure
PS
maximum pressure for which the equipment is designed, as specified by the manufacturer and which is
in any case greater than or equal to P (Tmax)
Note 1 to entry: The value of PS for components should be equal to or greater than the value of PS for the
extinguisher assembly.
3.3
bursting pressure
Pr
maximum pressure measured during a bursting test
3.4
portable fire extinguisher assembly
assembly of parts to comprise the pressure retaining part of a fire extinguisher which can include a
extinguisher body, operating device, filling cap, closure, a propellant gas cartridge, hose and other
components under pressure, if fitted
3.5
maximum operating temperature
Tmax
maximum operating temperature declared by the manufacturer equal to or less than TSmax
3.6
minimum operating temperature
Tmin
minimum operating temperature declared by the manufacturer equal to or higher than TSmin
3.7
portable fire extinguisher
fire extinguisher which is designed to be carried and operated by hand and which in working order has a
mass of not more than 20 kg
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3.8
propellant gas cartridge
refillable or non-refillable pressure receptacle made of metal, containing a propellant gas
3.9
fittings
pressure accessories which include operating devices, filling caps and hose assemblies
3.10
allowable temperature
TS
maximum / minimum temperatures for which the equipment is designed as declared by the
manufacturer
5 Design
5.1 Design parameters
— PT of the extinguisher;
— material characteristics;
— temperature range (see Table B.2). The allowable temperature range declared for the extinguisher
body shall be TSmin to TSmax;
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where:
The relationship between the different pressures and temperatures is shown in Annex B.
5.2 General
The verification of the product design shall be by prototype testing against 5.3 to 5.9.
The samples used for these tests shall be manufactured using the same materials, processes and
equipment as for the intended production.
The minimum wall thickness (S) required for the body to achieve all the requirements of this standard
shall be specified, declared and guaranteed by the manufacturer.
Annex A gives the classification of the different parts forming the portable fire extinguisher.
5.3 Bodies
5.3.1 General Test Conditions
All the bodies and fittings used for the tests shall bear all normal markings indicated in Clause 6 and shall
be in their finished state (e.g. painted).
5.3.2 Burst test
5.3.2.1 Conditions
— the burst test shall not cause the extinguisher body to fragment;
— the main break shall show no signs of brittleness, for example the edges of the break shall not be
radial, but shall be inclined relative to a diametrical plane and shall have a reduction in area over
their entire thickness and shall occur in the cylindrical (parallel) portion of the extinguisher body;
— the break shall not show any obvious defects in the material;
— the break shall not originate in the extinguisher body marking area or weld;
NOTE The heat affected zone is not considered to be in or part of the weld.
Should the fracture cross the weld from its point of origin it shall not be considered a failure.
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— the burst pressure test shall be carried out at the specified pressures. In the event that a sealing “O”
ring or washer moves out of its housing before burst pressure is reached, and this is not caused by
deformation of the valve or the neck ring, then a special test adapter shall be used to enable the burst
test to be completed.
5.3.3.1 General
The mechanical strength test shall be carried out in the form of a crushing test used to confirm the
ductility of the extinguisher body.
5.3.3.2 Conditions
Following the crushing test, the extinguisher body shall be subjected to the test pressure PT at
(20 ± 5) °C for 30 s. During the pressure test the extinguisher body shall not have any cracks or leaks.
5.3.4 Macroscopic examination of the extinguisher body
5.3.4.1 Conditions
The macroscopic examination of a transverse section of the weld, in accordance with the requirements
of EN ISO 9017:2018, shall show complete fusion over the area treated with a preparation acid and any
defects shall be revealed.
If there is any doubt, a microscopic examination of the suspect area shall be carried out.
5.3.5 Requirements for the base
and/or
— fixed to a vertical surface.
or
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b) the thickness of the metal in the base of the body in contact with the horizontal surface shall have a
minimum wall thickness of (S + 0,6) mm, where S is the minimum wall thickness declared and
guaranteed by the manufacturer to achieve the minimum burst pressure Pr for the body.
— the break shall not show any obvious defects in the material;
Three samples shall be submitted to the pressure test which shall be carried out using apparatus that
permits a regular increase of pressure at a maximum of 2 bar/s until 2,7 times P (Tmax) is reached.
Maintain this pressure for 30 s.
The samples shall be tested at a temperature of (20 ± 5) °C.
5.5.2 Requirements
The samples:
— shall not leak at a pressure less than PT;
— shall not fail at a pressure less than 2,7 times P (Tmax) or 55 bar whichever is the greater and when
failure occurs there shall be no ejection of any components.
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5.6 Pressure test (test pressure PT) – extinguisher bodies, fittings and assemblies
5.6.1 Conditions
Extinguisher bodies, fittings and assemblies shall be submitted to the pressure test (at 20 ± 5) °C which
shall be carried out using apparatus that permits a regular increase of pressure at a maximum of 2 bar/s
up to the moment the test pressure is reached.
Five samples of extinguisher body and fittings and one assembly (see 3.4) shall be tested.
5.6.2 Requirements – Extinguisher bodies
The test pressure PT shall not be less than 1,43 times the maximum allowable pressure PS.
The test pressure shall be maintained for a minimum of 30 s and the extinguisher body shall remain
pressure tight.
After the test, the extinguisher body shall not show any visible sign of permanent deformation.
5.6.3 Requirements – Fittings
The test pressure PT shall not be less than 1,43 times the maximum allowable pressure PS.
The test pressure shall be maintained for a minimum of 30 s and the fittings shall remain pressure tight
and show no defects (e.g. cracks, splits or ejection of parts).
5.6.4 Requirements – Assembly
The test pressure PT shall not be less than 1,43 times the maximum allowable pressure PS.
The test pressure shall be maintained for a minimum of 30 s and the assembly shall remain pressure tight
and show no defects (e.g. cracks, splits or ejection of parts).
5.7 Overfill pressure test (for water based media cartridge operated extinguishers only)
5.7.1 General
To ensure the extinguishers will remain safe even in case of overfilling, the extinguishers shall be tested
in accordance with Annex F.
5.7.2 Conditions
TSmax (±3 °C) and TSmin (±3 °C) claimed by the manufacturer shall be used for the tests.
5.9.2 Requirements
When tested in accordance with Annex C, extinguishers shall not show evidence of bursting, breakage or
ejection of components. Leaks are acceptable.
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Assemblies shall meet the requirements of EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, 14.2 “Resistance to media”. All
materials in contact with the extinguishing media shall be either compatible or appropriately treated to
prevent corrosion.
5.10.3 Material compatibility
All materials used in the extinguisher assembly shall be compatible with all other components including
the media.
Particular attention shall be given to galvanic corrosion and stress corrosion.
5.11 Filling opening
6 Marking
6.1 General
The marking of the extinguisher shall comprise at least the following in addition to the markings of
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007 (see 6.2 to 6.3).
NOTE For marking requirements for Gas Cartridges see Clause 9 and Annex E.
The marks specified below shall be applied to the metal of the extinguisher body by hard stamping or
engraving or other permanent means:
a) mark of the extinguisher body manufacturer as registered, for identification;
c) year of manufacture, which can be represented by using at least 2 digits (e.g. 13 or 2013);
d) test pressure in bar, with the letters PT before and followed by “BAR” or “bar”.
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f) identification of the propellant gas (this does not include any tracer gas);
h) maximum allowable pressure of the extinguisher assembly, with the letters PS before and followed
by “BAR” or “bar”.
The manufacturer of the fire extinguisher shall ensure that the materials and components used in the
fabrication are free from any defect likely to impair the safe use.
7.2 Permanent joining
7.2.1 Introduction
Welds and brazed joints shall be free from defects which may impair the safe use of the extinguisher body.
7.2.2 Welding procedures
7.2.2.1 General
7.2.3.1 General
The brazing design and brazing procedure shall be described in a brazing procedure specification in
accordance with EN 13134:2000.
7.2.3.2 Brazing personnel
Batch recording procedures shall be applied on all pressure retaining parts in such a way that they are
fully traceable throughout the manufacturing process from the original material certificates (see
Annex H) to the finished product.
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The operating devices, filling caps and hose assemblies which are or can be subjected to pressure during
normal use shall be indelibly marked to permit subsequent identification and traceability.
7.4 Pressure testing
7.4.1 Personnel
The examination personnel shall be competent to carry out the processes involved.
7.4.2 Proof testing
7.4.2.1 General
All extinguisher bodies shall be subjected to the test pressure PT before or after painting.
Fittings and hose assemblies shall be subjected to a pressure test under an adequate sampling plan (ASP).
7.4.2.2 Requirements for extinguisher bodies
The test pressure PT shall not be less than 1,43 times the maximum allowable pressure PS.
The test pressure PT shall be maintained for a minimum of 15 s and the extinguisher body shall remain
pressure tight during this period.
After the test, the extinguisher body shall not show any visible sign of permanent deformation.
7.4.2.3 Requirements for fittings (excluding pressure relief devices and fittings to be ruptured
on over pressure)
The test pressure PT shall not be less than 1,43 times the maximum allowable pressure PS.
The test pressure PT shall be maintained for a minimum of 15 s and the fitting shall remain pressure tight
during this period.
7.5 Burst and crushing tests
7.5.1 Extinguisher bodies
Crushing test
Number of bodies per batch Bursting test
(as defined in Annex G)
N ≤ 500 1 2
500 < N ≤ 1 500 2 3
1 500 < N ≤ 3 000 3 4
Every additional 3 000 or part of 3 000 1 1
An extinguisher body that has successfully passed the crushing test (see Annex G) may be utilized for one
of the bursting tests. If this extinguisher body fails the burst test it shall not be considered a failure but
the full number of extinguisher bodies shown in the Table 1 column 3 shall then be tested.
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7.5.1.2 Conditions
The test equipment shall permit a regular increase in pressure. The burst pressure shall be recorded.
Tests shall be carried out between + 5 °C and + 40 °C.
7.5.1.3 Requirements
The burst pressure Pr shall not be less than 2,7 times the maximum allowable pressure PS with a
minimum of 20 bar.
The burst test shall not cause the extinguisher body to fragment.
The main break shall show no signs of brittleness, for example the edges of the break shall not be radial,
but shall be inclined relative to a diametral plane and shall have a reduction in area over their entire
thickness.
The break shall not show any obvious defects in the material.
The break shall not originate in the extinguisher body marking area or weld.
Should the fracture cross the weld from its point of origin, it shall not be considered a failure.
NOTE The heat affected zone is not considered to be in or part of the weld.
7.5.1.4 Failure
If anybody fails to meet the minimum requirements, further samples shall be taken in accordance with
the Table 2 and the test against which failure was recorded shall be repeated.
If one or more of these further samples from Table 2 fails to meet the minimum requirements, the whole
batch shall be rejected.
Table 2 — Batch sampling plan following failure
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7.5.2.2 Conditions
The test equipment shall permit a regular increase in pressure. The burst pressure shall be recorded.
Tests shall be carried out between + 5 °C and + 40 °C.
7.5.2.3 Requirements
The minimum burst pressure shall comply with the requirements of 5.4.2 or 5.5.2.
Where a pressure of two times Pr is reached the fitting is not required to be taken to burst.
7.5.2.4 Failure
If any item fails to meet the minimum requirements, further samples shall be taken in accordance with
the Table 4 and the test against which failure was recorded shall be repeated.
If one or more of the samples fails to meet the minimum requirements, the whole batch shall be rejected.
Table 4 — Batch sampling plan following failure
The extinguisher bodies and fittings, subject to pressure, shall be pressure tested to PT prior to assembly
(see 7.4) as a pressure test is impractical on a complete assembly because final filling with the
extinguishing media requires disassembly and treatment. See 7.5.
7.6.2 Final Inspection
After complete assembly of the extinguisher, a final visual inspection shall be carried out to ensure that
all parts comply with the approved design of the extinguisher and manufacturing records and that the
assembly was carried out correctly.
8 Materials
8.1 General
Assemblies shall meet the requirements of EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, 14.1 and 14.2 “Resistance to
corrosion”.
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The materials used for pressure bearing parts shall be defined in a detailed specification which forms an
integrated part of the design.
This specification shall contain at least detailed descriptions of:
— all raw materials used, including the normal production tolerances;
— all processes used, the process parameters and the normal admissible process tolerances;
The materials used for non-pressure bearing parts and accessories of extinguishers shall be compatible
with the materials used for the pressure bearing parts.
8.4 Plastic components
Plastic components shall fulfil the clauses of Annex D except hoses and nozzles.
8.5 Documentation
For the materials, used in the type testing, type approval, and manufacturing inspection documents in
accordance with Annex H shall be provided.
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Annex A
(normative)
In the framework of the European Legislation for Pressure Equipment, the different parts under pressure
forming the assembly of an extinguisher can be classified as indicated in Table A.1.
Table A.1 — Classification
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Annex B
(normative)
B.1 The scheme given in Table B.1 illustrate the definitions of pressure given in
Clause 4
Table B.1 — Scheme of pressure
Increasing
Name Symbol Requirement
pressure
B.2 The scheme given in Table B.2 illustrate the definitions of temperature given
in Clause 4 and in 5.1
Table B.2 — Scheme of temperature
Increasing
Name Symbol Requirement
temperature
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Annex C
(normative)
C.1 General
The test shall be carried out on four charged extinguishers fitted with all accessories that are subject to
pressure during normal operation.
NOTE 1 A low freeze depressant can be added to prevent the freezing of water based extinguishing agents.
Two extinguishers shall be conditioned for a period of 24 h at (TSmin ± 2) °C and the other two at
(TSmax ± 2) °C. Within 1 min of the removal of the extinguisher from the conditioning chamber it shall be
subjected to the impact test.
One extinguisher at each temperature shall be tested horizontally and the other vertically.
For cartridge operated extinguishers, the extinguishers at TSmin shall be tested un-pressurized and with
the safety device (see Note 2) in position and the extinguishers at TSmax tested after pressurization, with
the control device closed and the safety device (see Note 2) removed. A charged cartridge shall be used
in each extinguisher.
For stored pressure extinguishers, all four extinguishers shall be tested with the safety device in position.
NOTE 2 Safety device is described in EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, 10.3.
C.2 Apparatus
A cylindrical steel weight, with flat surfaces, measuring 75 mm in diameter and weighing 4 kg, placed in
a structure which will allow it to free-fall vertically from a height h (in m) calculated by the following
formula, with a minimum of 150 mm:
h = M/20
where
M is the numerical value of the total mass of the filled fire extinguisher ready for operation, in
kilograms (in kg).
C.3 Procedure
Place the extinguishers on a flat and rigid surface, one in each of the following positions:
— vertically; in its normal position;
— horizontally; in such a position that the device which seals the unit is pressing against the surface.
— for each extinguisher, allow the weight to fall freely from height h, onto the closure, the most onerous
point of impact being determined by the authority carrying out the test. See Figure C.1.
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Key
1 vertical impact stored pressure models
2 typically contact point in line with axis of product, not end of levers
3 horizontal impact stored pressure models
4 typically onto pressure gauge or Schrader or valve body if no Schrader/pressure gauge
5 vertical impact gas cartridge models
6 typically onto top point of head cap aligned to axis of the product
7 horizontal impact gas cartridge models
8 typically onto valve body, not locking collar
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Annex D
(normative)
D.1 General
All tests and verifications shall be carried out on components conforming at every point to mass produced
components with regard to the material used, the shape, colour and the manufacturing process. The
plastic material used shall always be identifiable. Any modification of the material, shape or
manufacturing process shall necessitate a new test.
The components shall be verified in the as delivered condition with regard to their conformity with the
manufacturing plan, their appearance, dimensions and weight. Tests shall be carried out as indicated in
Table D.1.
The manufacturer shall prove by means of regular inspection of the manufacturing process that the
requirements of this document are met in mass production.
Table D.1 — Schedule of testing for pressure bearing components
Type of component
Clause
Pistols Other components
D.2.2 No Yes
D.2.3 No Yes
D.2.4 Yes Yes
D.2.5 Yes Yes
D.2.6 No Yes
NOTE The tests indicated in this table are not applicable to non-pressure bearing components such
as handles.
For components subject to pressure, the specifications of D.2.2 to D.2.6 are applicable. The manufacturer
of components subjected to pressure shall make available data sheets relating to the product and to its
processing.
D.2.2 Burst under pressure
Three components shall be subjected to the burst pressure by means of suitable liquid at temperatures
of (20 ± 3) °C , (TSmax ± 3) °C and (TSmin ± 3) °C The rate of increase of pressure shall not exceed 2 bar/s.
The burst pressure shall be at least equal to 3,4 times the maximum allowable pressure PS.
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Three plastics components normally subject to pressure in operating condition shall be conditioned at a
temperature of (TSmax ± 3) °C for 500 h.
Then they shall be conditioned in an atmosphere of 50 % relative humidity and at a temperature of
(20 ± 3) °C until their weight stabilizes.
Then they shall be checked to see that they comply with the manufacturing plans, appearances,
dimensions and weight.
The plastics components shall then be subjected to the burst pressure by means of suitable liquid at a
temperature of (20 ± 3) °C. The rate of increase of pressure shall not exceed 2 bar/s.
The burst pressure shall be at least equal to 3,4 times PS.
D.2.4 Ageing test – Xenon arc
Six components shall be subjected to an artificial ageing test as described in EN ISO 4892-2:2013, Method
A, for a period of 500 h under the following conditions:
— (65 ± 3) °C black panel temperature;
— spray cycle (102 ± 0,5) min dry interval; (18 ± 0,5) min water spraying;
Then they shall be conditioned in an atmosphere with a relative humidity of 50 % and at a temperature
of (20 ± 3) °C until their weight stabilizes.
Then they shall be checked to see that they comply with the manufacturing plans, appearances,
dimensions and weight. A change in colour is permitted.
Three of these plastics components shall then be subjected to a burst pressure test using a suitable liquid
at a temperature of (20 ± 3) °C. The rate of increase of pressure shall not exceed 2 bar/s.
Three components shall be subjected to the burst pressure using a suitable liquid at a temperature of
(TSmin ± 3) °C. The rate of increase of pressure shall not exceed 2 bar/s.
The burst pressure shall be at least equal to 3,4 times PS.
D.2.5 Impact test after ageing at 20 °C
Five components shall be subjected to an artificial ageing test as described in EN ISO 4892-2:2013,
Method A, for a period of 500 h under the following conditions:
— (65 ± 3) °C black panel temperature;
— spray cycle (102 ± 0,5) min dry interval; (18 ± 0,5) min water spraying;
They shall then be stored in an atmosphere with a relative humidity of 50 % and a temperature of
(20 ± 3) °C until their weight stabilizes.
26
BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
Then the plastics components shall be fitted to the extinguishers which are 95 % filled with water and
pressurized with nitrogen up to the maximum allowable pressure PS. The plastic component shall then
be subjected to the impact test with an impact on the top and the four sides.
In the impact test, the hammer shall be made of steel, be cylindrical with a diameter of 75 mm and have
a total mass of 4 kg, its bottom surface flat and it shall be capable of falling free.
The drop height is given in Table D.2.
Table D.2 — Drop height for hammer test
Drop height
Drop height
Extinguisher charge (components other
Pistols
than pistols)
kg or l mm mm
<6 300 300
≥6 500 300
Plastic/metal threaded connections between the cylinder and the operating device and/or filling cap
shall be designed so as to avoid the possibility of the plastic thread becoming damaged when coming into
contact with the metal thread.
When the operating device or filling cap is retained by a screw thread or threads produced in a non-
metallic material, all threads not having the characteristics defined below shall be prohibited:
— the thread pitch shall be 2,9 mm minimum and the width of the thread crest of both components,
when measured normal to the helix angle shall be ≥ 0,6 mm;
— the included angle of the thread form when measured normal to the helix angle shall be ≥ 18°
(see Figure D.1);
— the length of incomplete thread at the start of the non-metallic thread shall be no greater than the
actual depth of the thread.
The start of the thread is that part which is first engaged with the mating component as the two are
assembled.
Prior to carrying out the tests in accordance with D.2.2; D.2.3 and D.2.4, each sample shall be prepared in
the following manner:
— screw and unscrew the closure 100 times with its mating part, tightening each time in accordance
with the manufacturer's maintenance instructions;
— test samples in accordance with the requirements of D.2.2; D.2.3 and D.2.4.
If the closure seals are of the replaceable type, then new seals shall be fitted immediately, prior to carrying
out the burst tests and at any time during the screwing/unscrewing cycle when deterioration is evident.
27
BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
Key
a crest width
b thread pitch
c thread included angle
1 screw direction
28
BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
Annex E
(normative)
— mass of CO2 or content, in g or kg (to three decimal places), and/or charging pressure of the
compressed gas, in bar;
— year of manufacture;
The marking shall not become damaged during normal handling in manufacture and use and shall remain
legible. This is to be demonstrated by inspection of the cartridge after the internal corrosion test in
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007, 14.2.
29
BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
Annex F
(normative)
A cartridge operated water based media extinguisher with all its associated fittings shall be filled to 95 %
of brimful capacity and fitted with the correct cartridge. The extinguisher shall be conditioned at
+4
Tmax ( °C ) for 24 h. The extinguisher shall then be operated in the correct manner and the results
0
recorded. Where there is a jet control device fitted at the end of the hose it shall be in the closed position
at the start of the test and shall not be operated during the test.
30
BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
Annex G
(normative)
G.1 General
The mechanical strength test shall be carried out in the form of a crushing test used to confirm the
ductility of the extinguisher body.
In carrying out the test the mandrel shall be positioned as stated, but such as to minimize the risk of
damage to connection points which allow pressurization of the extinguisher body. Damage to these points
does not constitute failure and alternative means of pressurizing the extinguisher body may be
established. A closure shall be fitted prior to the test. Any connection shall not add to the strength of the
extinguisher body during the test.
The length of the extinguisher body is the maximum distance between the ends of the pressure envelope,
excluding any skirt or connection.
If the designed test method for crushing test causes distortion of the pressure connection such that the
pressure test is not possible, the laboratory can decide to perform the test designed for the other
extinguisher body configuration. Where there is concern that the bodies are on the limit between short
and long bodies, it is permissible in these cases to carry out the test for short bodies. Following the test
the extinguisher body shall comply with the requirements of 5.3.3.
31
BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
Key
D nominal external diameter of the extinguisher body
DB diameter of the mandrel
The extinguisher body shall be crushed to (10 ± 1) % of its external diameter. The duration of the
movement of the mandrel shall be within a period of 30 s to 60 s.
For extinguisher bodies with a longitudinal weld, the weld seam shall be at 90° to the support line.
For extinguisher bodies with a transverse weld, the crushing shall be carried out at an angle of 45° to the
weld.
Following the crushing test, the extinguisher body shall be subjected to the test pressure PT for 30 s. The
extinguisher body shall satisfy the requirements of 5.3.3.
32
BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
R (12,5 ± 1) mm
D/3 ± 1 % D distance between mandrels at completion of crushing
D actual outside diameter of cylinder
33
BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
Annex H
(normative)
For material intended for use as-pressure bearing parts of pressure equipment of all categories and for
attachments (e.g. support feet, stiffening rings) welded directly to pressure containing parts of pressure
equipment of all categories, the pressure equipment manufacturer shall ensure compliance of these
materials by obtaining from the material manufacturer a declaration of compliance, which is traceable to
the supplied material batch.
The declaration of compliance consists of a declaration of the material manufacturer that the product
supplied is in compliance with the requirements of the specification and the order and an inspection
document in accordance with EN 10204:2004, as defined in Table H.1.
Table H.1 — Inspection document
Part Inspection
Document
(EN 10204:2004)
Extinguisher Body, including all pressure bearing 3.1 or 3.2
components
Operating device body / Filling Cap body
— metallic with pressure limiting device 3.1 or 3.2
— metallic without pressure limiting device 2.2
— plastic with or without pressure limiting 2.2
device
Hose 2.2
Other components attached to extinguisher body 2.2
pressure bearing material by welding or brazing
Welding consumables 2.2
34
BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
Annex ZA
(informative)
This European Standard has been prepared under a Commission’s standardization request M/071 to
provide one voluntary means of conforming to essential requirements of Directive.
Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union under that Directive, compliance
with the normative clauses of this standard given in Table ZA1 confers, within the limits of the scope of
this standard, a presumption of conformity with the corresponding essential requirements of that
Directive, and associated EFTA regulations.
Table ZA.1 — Correspondence between this European Standard and
Directive 2014/68/EU
WARNING 1 — Presumption of conformity stays valid only as long as a reference to this European
Standard is maintained in the list published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Users of this
standard should consult frequently the latest list published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
35
BS EN 3‑8:2021
EN 3-8:2021 (E)
WARNING 2 — Other Union legislation may be applicable to the product(s) falling within the scope of
this standard.
36
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