GB15308-2025
Foam extinguishing agent
泡沫灭火剂
GB 15308-2025 is an upcoming mandatory Chinese national standard for Foam extinguishing agent. It appears in the Environment compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Aug 1, 2026.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard applies to the research, development, production, and inspection of foam extinguishing agents (foam concentrates) used in fire suppression systems, fire trucks, and portable fire extinguishers. It covers various classifications including protein, fluoroprotein, aqueous film-forming (AFFF), and alcohol-resistant foam concentrates. It is mandatory for all manufacturers producing foam extinguishing agents for the Chinese market. The standard specifically excludes foam extinguishing agents dedicated solely to portable fire extinguishers, which are covered by separate regulations.
Technical requirements
The standard specifies comprehensive physical, chemical, and performance requirements for foam extinguishing agents. For physical and chemical properties, it mandates strict controls on freezing point, viscosity, pH levels, and sediment volume. Manufacturers must ensure that the freezing point and viscosity of their products remain within declared characteristic values before and after temperature treatment. For firefighting performance, the standard classifies low-expansion foams into different performance grades (e.g., Grade I, II, III) and burn-back levels (e.g., Level A, B, C). It defines specific requirements for extinguishing time and burn-back time under both gentle application and forceful application methods. Alcohol-resistant foams must pass additional extinguishing tests against water-soluble liquid fuels like acetone. Additionally, the standard outlines criteria for temperature sensitivity. If a foam concentrate exhibits significant deviations in pH, surface tension, or interfacial tension after temperature cycling, it is classified as a temperature-sensitive agent, which impacts its storage and usage parameters.
Testing methods
The standard details rigorous testing procedures to verify compliance. Key tests include temperature conditioning (involving freeze-thaw cycles and heat aging), freezing point determination, and viscosity measurement using rotational viscometers as specified in GB/T 21059. Performance testing involves standardized firefighting tests using specific foam generators and standardized steel pans. Tests measure the expansion ratio, 25% drainage time, and actual extinguishing time and burn-back time using standardized fuels like n-heptane (for non-water-soluble fuels) and acetone (for water-soluble fuels). Manufacturers must conduct these tests using both freshwater and artificial seawater if the product is rated for seawater use.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 15308-2025?
The standard regulates various types of foam extinguishing agents, including protein, fluoroprotein, aqueous film-forming (AFFF), and alcohol-resistant foam concentrates. It covers low, medium, and high expansion foams used in fire extinguishers, fire trucks, and fixed foam systems.
Are there any major updates from the previous GB 15308-2006 version?
The 2025 revision has added new classification codes and model specifications. It also deleted the technical requirements for specific fluidity and corrosion rate, while introducing new requirements and testing methods for viscosity. The firefighting performance testing methods and pH requirements have also been updated.
How does GB 15308-2025 differ from international foam standards?
While GB 15308-2025 shares similar testing principles with international standards like EN 1568 or UL 162, it establishes specific Chinese classification codes, performance tiers (e.g., Grade I, II, III), and distinct test parameters (such as specific foam generator designs and pan sizes) that manufacturers must meet for mandatory compliance in China.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 15308-2025. To ensure complete compliance for your products entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 15308-2025 today to access all detailed parameters, tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Product
- CCS
- C84
- ICS
- 13.220.10
- Competent department
- National Fire and Rescue Administration
- Technical committee
- National Technical Committee on Fire Protection of Standardization Administration of China
Relationships
Replaces:GB 15308-2006 (Current)