What is BS EN 13565-1- Fixed foam firefighting systems?
BS EN 13565 is a European Standard that discusses fixed firefighting systems. The main objective of the BS EN 13565 series is to ensure optimal performance of firefighting systems, that play a positive role during a fire emergency.
BS EN 13565-1 is the first part in the series that specifies the requirements on materials, construction, and performance of components intended for use in fixed foam firefighting systems and using foam concentrates conforming to EN 1568‑1 to EN 1568‑4.
The components covered are proportioners, sprayers, semi-subsurface hose units, branch pipes, low/medium expansion foam generators, high expansion foam generators, foam chambers, tanks, and pressure vessels. Methods of the test are given in Annex A to Annex K.
NOTE 1: Unless otherwise stated pressures are gauge pressures expressed in a bar.
NOTE 2: Components conforming to this document are not necessarily compatible one with another.
Who is BS EN 13565-1- Fixed foam firefighting systems for?
BS EN 13565-1 on fixed foam firefighting systems is relevant to:
- Manufacturers of components used in fixed foam firefighting systems
- Product design engineers
- Fire safety department
- Quality control and testing personnel
- Marine applications
- Oil and gas industry
Why should you use BS EN 13565-1- Fixed foam firefighting systems?
Fixed foam firefighting systems make use of foam for fire suppression. The foam is an extinguishing agent that cools the fire and coats the fuel to extinguish a fire, effectively separating the fuel from oxygen. You would generally find foam systems in spaces that hold a large amount of combustible and flammable liquids.
BS EN 13565-1 includes test methods such as:
- Salt spray corrosion test
- Stress corrosion test
- Internal corrosion test
As foam quality is largely related to foam equipment, BS EN 13565-1 covers construction requirement and performance characteristics such as discharge coefficients, quality of foam, foam solution concentration and recommended test sequence. Consequently, you can gain insight on the flow rate, foam concentration rates and storage conditions that are best suited for your needs.
As a result, BS EN 13565-1 enables you to manufacture and select the right foam solution and equipment for an optimal foam fire response.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 13565-1:2019 supersedes BS EN 13565-1:2003+A1:2007, which is withdrawn. Compared to the previous edition, the following changes have been made:
- The foreword has been updated
- Normative references have been updated
- Revision of 4.1, 4.4, 4.5, and 4.6
- Clause 5 changed to ‘performance characteristics of foam components’
- Clause 6, new clause ‘documentation’