ISO 15779:2011

Overview

ISO 15779:2011 - "Condensed aerosol fire extinguishing systems - General requirements" - defines requirements and test methods for components, system design, installation, commissioning, testing, maintenance and safety of condensed aerosol firefighting systems. The standard focuses on total‑flooding systems for buildings, plants and other structures that use electrically non‑conducting condensed aerosol extinguishants whose performance can be validated by an independent authority. Local, pre‑engineered appliance‑type applications are explicitly excluded unless separately tested and approved.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and limitations - covers total flooding; excludes local applications unless approved.
• Extinguishant characteristics - requirements for condensed aerosol agent properties and generator performance.
• Design application density - defines required application density (g/m² or g/m³) for system design and safety factors.
• Component testing and performance - test methods for aerosol generators and system components (see Annex C).
• Extinguishing effectiveness tests - procedures for determining application density and coverage (Annex D), including Class A wood crib and Class B (heptane) tests in a 100 m³ enclosure.
• Safety and human factors - toxicity, reduced visibility, thermal and electrical hazards, electrostatic discharge and environmental considerations.
• Installation, commissioning and acceptance - required documentation, tests and approvals for system acceptance.
• Inspection, maintenance, testing and training - periodic checks, maintenance routines and operator training to ensure readiness.
• Normative references - links to related test standards (e.g., ISO 3941, EN 60068 series).

Practical applications and users

ISO 15779:2011 is intended for professionals involved in the specification, design, installation, testing and maintenance of condensed aerosol fire suppression systems. Typical users include:

• Fire protection engineers and system designers
• Installation contractors and maintenance organizations
• Building owners and facility managers (data centers, telecom rooms, industrial plants)
• Testing laboratories and independent authorities validating system performance
• Insurance and regulatory authorities assessing compliance

The standard is particularly relevant where total‑flooding aerosol systems are considered for flammable liquid (Class B), electrical and ordinary Class A hazards - for example in information technology, telecommunications and process‑control facilities.

Related standards

• ISO 3941 (fire classification)
• EN 60068‑2‑6 and EN 60068‑2‑30 (environmental testing for vibration and damp heat)

By following ISO 15779:2011, stakeholders can ensure condensed aerosol systems are designed, tested and maintained to recognized international practices for safety and reliability.