What is ISO 12239 about?

ISO 12239 defines requirements, test methods, performance criteria and manufacturers' instructions for smoke alarms that operate using scattered light, transmitted light, or ionization, and are intended for household or similar residential applications.

ISO 12339 allows, although it does not require, the inclusion within the smoke alarm of facilities for the following:

Visual fault condition indication
Extended temperature-range operation
Interconnection with other similar smoke alarms or accessories
Temporary disablement
Alarm silencing
Signal frequency characteristics
Standby power source low condition silence
Smoke alarms with voice
Smoke alarms using radio frequency links
Response to slowly developing fires (drift compensation)

For the testing of other types of smoke alarms, or smoke alarms working on different principles, this document is recommended only as guidance. Smoke alarms with special characteristics and developed for specific risks are not covered by this document.

ISO 12239 does not cover devices intended for incorporation in systems using separate control and indicating equipment. Such systems are specified in the ISO 7240 series

Who is ISO 12239 for?

ISO 12239 on smoke alarms using scattered light is useful for:

Manufacturers of smoke alarms based on scattered and transmitted light and ionization
Fire rescue and extinguishing agencies
Safety and security management personnel in buildings
Installers
Insurers

Why should you use ISO 12239?

Smoke alarms that operate using scattered light, transmitted light or ionizing are essential tools in early detection of a potentially deadly fire in residential spaces that ultimately gives occupants time to escape.

Smoke detectors adhering to guidelines under ISO 12239 are beneficial as it ensures timely detection of fire by identifying situations when there is smoke in a given room. At the same time, it also takes into consideration appropriate coding system that prevent the triggering or receiving of alarms from another unrelated radio frequency smoke alarm system within the same radio range. This makes sure incidents of false alarms are avoided. Ionizing smoke alarms outperform photoelectric smoke alarms when detecting fast flaming fires with little visible smoke.

ISO 12239 assures much longer battery life of fire alarms and quick response to smouldering fires that begin slowly and burn without a flame for a long period of time.

ISO 12239 deals with detecting dense smoke and do not contain radioactive materials, making them safer for use.

Overall, with ISO 12239, will help you minimize the risk of damage to human life and property in the event of a fire by establishing an optimum fire protection system in residential spaces. Moreover, specifications over smoke alarm signals, markings and electrical safety, amongst others ensures of end-to-end operational efficiency of the systems.

ISO 12239 contributes to Goal 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) and Goal 11 (Sustainable cities and communities) of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS ISO 12239:2021 supersedes ISO 12239:2010, which is withdrawn. BS ISO 12239 has been technically revised with the following changes:

Recognizes the introduction of combination and multi-criteria smoke alarms: smoke alarms that within the one housing provide multiple fire sensors
Recognizes the technology for open smoke alarms: smoke alarms where the detection of smoke occurs outside the smoke alarm enclosure
Permits the inclusion of a sensor within the smoke alarm that is unrelated to fire detection, e.g., carbon monoxide sensor
Introduces new requirements for smoke alarms that derive their main power from the mains or a mains-derived source, external power supply equipment and assessment of wall-mounted smoke alarms

BS ISO 12239:2021

Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization

Current

Published:

30 Nov 2021