ISO 7076-5:2014

Overview - ISO 7076-5:2014 (Fixed compressed air foam equipment)

ISO 7076-5:2014 is the International Standard that specifies requirements, test and assessment methods, and performance criteria for fixed compressed air foam (CAF) equipment used in fixed foam fire extinguishing systems for indoor and/or outdoor use. It applies to CAF generation, proportioning, foam quality, discharge devices and related performance testing, while explicitly excluding technical safety requirements for drives, pumps, energy sources and other equipment covered by their own standards. The standard supports improved suppression effectiveness for both Class A and Class B fires by defining how compressed air foam systems (CAFS) should perform and be tested.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & exclusions: Covers fixed compressed air foam equipment; excludes drives, pumps, special hazard-specific requirements, noise and hazards addressed by other equipment standards.
• Foam definitions: Wet foam (foam solution/air ratio 1:3 to 1:10) and dry foam (>1:10). Foam quality assessed by expansion ratio and 25% drainage time.
• Performance requirements:
  • Systems shall generate at least wet foam of homogeneous, finely pored quality.
  • No compressed air pulses at system outlet during start/stop.
  • Proportioning ratio deviation limits at foam solution pressures 0.4–1 MPa:
    • 0 to +20% for proportioning ratios ≤ 1%
    • 0 to +30% for proportioning ratios >1% to 3%
  • Pressure drop at nominal delivery rate ≤ 0.2 MPa.
  • Air pressure regulation that prevents air flow if liquid discharge is interrupted.
  • Design in accordance with Chapter 7 of NFPA 11-2010 (where specified).
• Testing and environmental requirements:
  • CAF fire extinguishment tests (Class B) and foam quality measurements.
  • Tests for discharge devices, generation and proportioning performance.
  • Durability tests including salt fog corrosion (ASTM B117), thermal shock, and environmental stabilization per IEC 60068-1 (15–35 °C, 25–75 % RH, 86–106 kPa).
  • Normative annexes: conductivity procedure (A) and low expansion foam test configurations/chronology (B, C).

Practical applications and users

ISO 7076-5 is used by:

• Fire protection engineers and system designers specifying fixed CAFS.
• Manufacturers of mixing chambers, nozzles and CAF discharge devices for product development and certification.
• Testing laboratories performing CAF performance, corrosion and thermal tests.
• Authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), facility managers, insurers and integrators validating system compliance for commercial, industrial and specialized facilities that require fixed foam fire protection (indoor/outdoor).

Related standards and keywords

• Related / referenced: NFPA 11-2010, IEC 60068-1, ASTM B117.
• SEO keywords: ISO 7076-5, compressed air foam, CAF, CAFS, fixed compressed air foam equipment, foam fire extinguishing systems, foam quality, proportioning ratio, fire protection standard, NFPA 11.