Skip to main content
Search
Menu

Tests for fire detection systems intended for engine compartments

Tests for fire detection systems intended for engine compartment according to SP Method 5320.

Purpose

The test method described in this document is intended to test and rate the detection performance of fire detection systems installed in engine compartments. The test method also examines the durability of the system components.

To ensure early detection of fire and durability of detection systems, there is a need for fire detectors intended for engine compartments to be tested. Many of the challenges in this environment, are namely not specifically tested for in other standards for fire detection systems. These challenges are, for example, complex geometries cluttered with obstructions, high airflows, high temperatures and hot surfaces, dirt and dust, as well as vibrations, shocks and corrosion. SP Method 5320, considers these challenges, allowing for rapid performance evaluation under realistic and repeatable conditions.

Method

The test method is divided over a number of different categories. Firstly, the complete system is test in a mock-up engine compartment as follows:

  • The System Coverage Test evaluates the response time of fire detectors for both small and large fires under varying ventilation conditions. In total 13 different fire scenarios are considered to ensure the detection system has the ability to detect fires starting in practically every possible location in the engine compartment.
  • The Response Time Test gives information on and compares the response times of detection systems in two fire scenarios; a slow-growing fire and an instant large flaming fire. This ensures that detection systems are equipped with components that allow for detecting both of these very different fire scenarios.

To secure the surviveability of the fire detection system and its components they are also subjected to component tests. These tests consider their durability to corrosion, ageing, temperature variations, vibrations, schock, EMC as well as ingress of dust and water. Before and after these tests, individual components are also subjected to the following test cases:

  • The activation temperature and response time of heat detectors is analysed in the Heat Detection Test. This is done before and after component levels tests, to ensure that these do not affect their function in a negative way. In addition to this, the sensitivity of heat detectors to false alarms is tested.
  • Flame detectors are tested in the Flame Detection Test to ensure their sensitivity was not affect by the components tests. Flame detectors are also subjected to field of view tests to guarantee detection ability is preserved for the complete field of view.
  • The sensitivity of smoke or as detectors is investigated in a smoke tunnel during the Smoke/Gas Detection Test. Time to activation and obscuration at activation is compared before and after component testing.

Deliveries

After testing, a test report is delivered with the results which may be the basis for product approval (P-mark) according to SPCR 197.

Application of interest

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

* Mandatory

By submitting the form, RISE will process your personal data.

Service

SP Method 5320 - System tests for safety systems intended for engine compartments - Fire detection systems

Delivery level

Accredited

Standards

SP Method 5320

Price

Price on tender

Ola Willstrand

Contact person

Ola Willstrand

Forskare

+46 10 516 54 50

Read more about Ola

Contact Ola
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

* Mandatory By submitting the form, RISE will process your personal data.

Contact

Cannot find what you are looking for or are you curious about how we can help?

Send message
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

* Mandatory By submitting the form, RISE will process your personal data.