NFPA 11: US Standard for Firefighting Foam
NFPA 11 is an internationally recognised US Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Fire Fighting Foam.
- The standard was introduced by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).
- The current revision is NFPA 11: 2021.
- NFPA 11 covers the design, installation, operation, testing, and maintenance of low-, medium-, and high-expansion foam systems for fire protection.
- Criteria apply to fixed, semi-fixed, or portable systems for interior and exterior hazards.
- NFPA 11 stipulates that both foam concentrates and foam proportioning systems should be tested at least annually. For further information on foam testing, please see our foam testing section.
For further information, visit the NFPA website here.
Extracts from NFPA 11: 2021 regarding foam testing requirements
12.6 Discharge Tests
12.6.5: The foam concentrate induction rate of a proportioner, expresses as a percentage of the foam solution flow (water plus foam concentrate), shall be within minus 0 percent to plus 30 percent of the manufacturer’s listed concentrations, or plus 1 percentage point, whichever is less.
13.2 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
13.2.1.1: At least annually, all foam systems shall be thoroughly inspected and tested for correct operation.
13.2.1.2: The goal of this inspection and testing shall be to ensure that the system is in full operating condition and that it remains in that condition until the next inspection.
13.2.6 Foam Concentrate Inspection
13.2.6.1: At least annually, an inspection shall be made of foam concentrates and their tanks or storage containers for evidence of excessive sludging or deterioration.
13.2.6.2: Samples of concentrates shall be sent to the manufacturer or qualified laboratory for quality condition testing.
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