ISO 10294-5:2005

Overview

ISO 10294-5:2005 specifies fire resistance test requirements for intumescent fire dampers used in ducted air distribution systems. It describes the modifications needed to apply the general damper test method (ISO 10294-1) to non‑mechanical, heat‑activated intumescent devices and adds material and operational tests to assess reliability. The standard is intended for dampers to be classified as EI dampers under ISO 10294-2 (note: intumescent-only dampers cannot achieve the “S” leakage classification without an added mechanical damper).

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose
  • Adapts ISO 10294-1 test procedures for intumescent behavior and defines additional material tests.
  • Targets classification as EI dampers per ISO 10294-2.
• Test procedure modifications
  • Opening/closing cycles: the 50-cycle mechanical damper test is not applicable (intumescence is irreversible).
  • Time to close: no requirement to close before 2 minutes; leakage performance must be met after 5 minutes (furnace stabilization).
  • Condensing device: required before the flow-measuring device; gas temperature at the flow meter must not exceed 40 °C (example solution: water tank with ~9 m of measuring duct immersed).
• Material and reliability tests
  • Thermal activation temperature test: oven range 25 °C–350 °C (±3 °C); begin 30 °C below manufacturer activation temperature, increase in 5 °C steps until activation occurs.
  • Faulty set-off (conditioning) test: specimens held at chosen operating temperature (standard 60 °C) for 60 minutes; thickness measured before/after - variation must not exceed 5%.
  • Expansion pressure tests: methods include disc pressure, pipe pressure, and die‑set pressure (appropriate method depends on whether material is covered/skinned or processed).
  • Specimen sampling and conditioning: initial type testing typically uses 10 specimens; factory control often uses 2; condition samples at 23 °C ±4 °C and 50% RH for at least 7 days.
• Reporting and annexes
  • Test report requirements plus normative Annex A (durability) and informative Annexes B and C (test apparatus and application guidance).

Applications and users

• Manufacturers of intumescent fire dampers - for type testing and production control
• Independent test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform standardized fire resistance testing
• Fire safety engineers, HVAC designers, installers, and building authorities - to evaluate product suitability for ducted systems and ensure compliance with EI classification requirements
• Specifiers and procurement teams - to reference standardized test methods in technical specifications

Related standards

• ISO 10294-1:1996 (Test method)
• ISO 10294-2:1999 (Classification and criteria)
• ISO 10294-3:1999 (Guidance)
• ISO 10294-4:2001 (Thermal release mechanism)
• ISO 13943 (Fire safety - Vocabulary)

Keywords: ISO 10294-5:2005, intumescent fire dampers, fire resistance tests, EI classification, expansion pressure test, thermal activation temperature, faulty set-off, fire dampers for air distribution systems.