EN 615 Fire Protection - Extinguishing Agents - Specifications for Dusts (Except Class D Dusts)

In the EN 615 standard, which is a European standard, the requirements for fire extinguishing powders for fire classes A, B and C are explained and test methods are defined. This standard contains minimum requirements for chemical and physical properties and minimum extinguishing abilities through defined test methods. The requirements for the information and data to be given by the suppliers are also explained. However, this standard does not apply to powders used in class D fires. Some countries have national standards for class D dusts. Classification of fires is given in EN 2 standard.

For the purposes of this standard, the expression extinguishing powder refers to an extinguishing medium consisting of finely divided solid chemical products consisting of one or more main components combined with additives to improve their properties. The term dry powder is sometimes used to designate special metal extinguishing agents and the term dry chemical extinguishing agent refers to the extinguishing media covered by this standard. Capital letters are added before the term to indicate the fire class for which a particular powder is designed. This classification is defined as follows in the ISO 3941 Classification of Fires standard.

• Class A fires are the easiest to extinguish. They include solid materials such as wood, paper, plastic or clothing.
• Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as oil, alcohol or gasoline.
• Class C fires involve an electrical source.
• Class D fires are rare, but can occur when a metal ignites.

Extinguishing powder is preferred more than other extinguishing agents with its instant extinguishing effect. These powders can be used on a wide variety of burning objects. It can also be used in different types of extinguishing devices, including portable fire extinguishers, mobile fire extinguishers and fixed installations. Unlike water, dry extinguishing powder does not conduct electricity and is not affected by cold. Generally, they are mixtures of solid and salt type chemicals suitable for fire fighting.

Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services for powders among fire extinguishing agents in fire protection activities, within the scope of EN 615 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.