ISO 7240-25:2010

Overview

ISO 7240-25:2010 - Fire detection and fire alarm systems - Part 25 - specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria for components that use radio-frequency (r.f.) transmission paths. It covers both individual components and, where necessary, system-level requirements so that wireless elements achieve integrity and stability comparable to wired fire detection and alarm systems. The standard also defines conformance assessment, marking, data and testing procedures for r.f. components installed in and around buildings.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope of application: Components using r.f. transmission paths (transmitters, receivers, radio parts, antennas, intermediate elements, base stations) and hybrid systems combining wired and r.f. transmission.
• Performance criteria and tests: Defined test methods and performance criteria for component and system behaviour, including system tests and component tests (see clause structure in the standard).
• Power supply and service life: Requirements for power-supply equipment and autonomous power sources (battery-operated devices), plus guidance on service-life assessment.
• Environmental and EMC requirements: Environmental testing (temperature, vibration, damp heat, shock) and electromagnetic compatibility considerations relevant to wireless fire alarm components.
• Radio path behaviour: Definitions and requirements related to antenna, site attenuation, collision, adjacent channel selectivity, blocking/desensitization, and spurious response rejection.
• Compatibility and system design: Rules for assessing compatibility between wireless and wired elements and requirements where component interaction requires knowledge of system design.
• Marking and data: Obligations for marking, identification codes and data exchange to support installation, maintenance and conformity assessment.
• Limitations clarified: The standard does not restrict spectrum usage (frequency/power), maximum permitted number of r.f. components, or allowed component counts affected by loss of a transmission path-these aspects are left to national rules or other guidance.

Practical applications and who uses it

ISO 7240-25:2010 is applicable to:

• Manufacturers of wireless smoke/heat detectors, radio call points, wireless input/output devices, and base stations - for design, testing and conformity claims.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies - to run the standardized component and system tests required for compliance.
• System designers and integrators - when deploying hybrid wired/wireless fire detection and alarm systems and ensuring component compatibility and installation robustness.
• Regulatory authorities and specifiers - to reference performance and testing requirements in procurement and codes.

Practical applications include wireless detector networks, retrofit wireless links for alarm systems, remote alarm signalling, and systems where cabling is impractical.

Related standards

• ISO 7240 series (e.g., ISO 7240-1, -2, -4, -18)
• EN 54-25 (European standard on which ISO 7240-25 is based)
• Relevant IEC/ITU and EMC standards referenced for environmental and electromagnetic testing

Keywords: ISO 7240-25:2010, fire detection, fire alarm systems, radio transmission paths, r.f., wireless detectors, conformity assessment, site attenuation, autonomous power source.