ISO 6182-4:2019

Overview

ISO 6182-4:2019 - Fire protection - Automatic sprinkler systems - Part 4: Requirements and test methods for quick opening devices - specifies performance and test requirements for accelerators (quick-opening devices) used with dry pipe valves. The standard ensures these devices reliably hasten valve operation when one or more sprinklers operate, improving response time in dry-pipe sprinkler systems.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions: Defines accelerator, antiflooding device, holding chamber, rated working pressure and service pressure.
• Rated working pressure: Minimum rated working pressure is 1.2 MPa (12 bar).
• Leakage tests:
  • Pneumatic leak test: 0.7 MPa for 1 minute (no leakage).
  • Hydrostatic leak test: 2× rated working pressure for 5 minutes (no leakage).
• Strength tests: All parts must withstand 4× rated working pressure for 5 minutes without permanent distortion.
• Component durability: Springs and diaphragms must survive 5 000 cycles of normal operation (≤ 6 cycles/min). Sealing elements must show no damage after operational tests.
• Materials and construction: Bodies/covers require corrosion resistance at least equivalent to cast iron; non-metallic body parts limited (no plastics with melting point < 650 °C except for pipe jointing). Bearings and moving surfaces must be corrosion-resistant or fitted with corrosion-resistant inserts.
• Non‑metallic ageing: Air-oven and warm-water ageing procedures are specified (e.g., air-oven ageing example: 120 °C ±2 °C for 180 days or adjusted with the provided time–temperature formula). After ageing, devices must still meet leakage and operation requirements.
• Operational requirements: Must not falsely trip incompatible dry pipe valve types; must operate the intended valve when system air-pressure decay rate (caused by sprinklers with k‑factor 80) exceeds a specified rate. Equilibrium time ≤ 3 minutes.
• Clearances and protection: Minimum clearance 3.0 mm; orifices smaller than 3 mm require strainers/filters with openings ≤ 70% of the protected opening and total filter area ≥ 20× protected area.
• Production testing and marking: Manufacturer quality control required; every unit must pass aerostatic and operation tests and be marked and supplied with installation instructions.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 6182-4:2019 is intended for:

• Fire protection engineers and system designers specifying dry pipe sprinkler systems.
• Manufacturers of accelerators/quick-opening devices and dry pipe valves ensuring product compliance.
• Test laboratories performing type and production testing.
• Authorities having jurisdiction and facility managers verifying installation safety and performance.

Keywords: ISO 6182-4:2019, automatic sprinkler systems, quick opening devices, accelerators, dry pipe valves, fire protection standards, performance tests.

Related standards

• ISO 6182 series (other parts covering automatic sprinkler systems)
• ISO 49 (malleable cast iron fittings)
• ISO 898-1 and ISO 898-2 (mechanical properties of fasteners)