GB18428-2010
Glass bulbs used for automatic fire extinguishing systems
自动灭火系统用玻璃球
GB 18428-2010 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Glass bulbs used for automatic fire extinguishing systems. It appears in the Environment compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Jun 1, 2011.
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 glass bulbs specifically designed and utilized for automatic fire extinguishing systems. It covers the essential requirements, testing methods, and inspection rules for these critical thermal sensing components. It is mandatory for all manufacturers producing glass bulbs for fire protection systems in China. Additionally, temperature-sensitive glass bulbs used in other fire-fighting devices may refer to this standard for compliance guidance.
Technical requirements
The standard specifies comprehensive physical and dynamic performance criteria for glass bulbs. Chapter 4 and Chapter 6 are mandatory, outlining strict requirements for appearance, dimensions, and color-coding of the working liquid corresponding to nominal operating temperatures. Manufacturers must ensure dimensional deviations do not exceed the strict tolerances specified for diameter and assembly length. The standard also defines the static operating temperature limits using a specific mathematical formula to ensure reliable activation. Regarding mechanical and thermal endurance, the standard mandates rigorous criteria for fatigue strength, thermal stability, and low-temperature storage performance. Glass bulbs must withstand these harsh conditions without any damage, and their static operating temperature must remain compliant post-testing. Furthermore, the average fracture load must meet or exceed the manufacturer's declared value, with a strict lower limit tolerance calculated via normal distribution. A critical aspect of this standard is the classification and validation of dynamic response capabilities. Glass bulbs are categorized into fast response, special response, and standard response types based on their Response Time Index (RTI). Manufacturers must declare the response type, and all measured RTI values must strictly fall within the defined mathematical boundaries for each category. The standard also sets a maximum function activation time of 120 seconds during functional testing. Lastly, the standard addresses long-term reliability through light fading and working liquid volatility requirements. The working liquid's color must remain distinct from other temperature ratings after UV exposure, and the liquid must exhibit obvious changes after prolonged storage at elevated temperatures to ensure long-term operational integrity.
Testing methods
The standard outlines a series of rigorous evaluation procedures, including the static operating temperature test conducted in a controlled liquid bath (water or oil) to measure activation limits. Mechanical integrity is verified through the fracture load test, applying uniform axial loading until breakage. Dynamic response is evaluated using a specialized wind tunnel test to calculate the RTI value under specific air temperature and velocity conditions. Additionally, it includes thermal shock tests for fatigue and stability, UV light exposure for color fastness, and extended environmental conditioning for working liquid volatility assessment.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 18428-2010?
It applies to glass bulbs used in automatic fire extinguishing systems. Temperature-sensitive glass bulbs used in other fire protection devices may also refer to this standard. It is mandatory for manufacturers supplying these components in China.
Are there any updates from the previous version of GB 18428-2010?
The 2010 version replaced GB 18428-2001. Key updates include modified requirements for appearance, dimensions, static operating temperature ranges, and average fracture load. It also changed the 'residual color' test to a working liquid volatility test and removed the low-temperature test.
How does GB 18428-2010 classify the response types of glass bulbs?
The standard defines three response types based on the RTI: fast response (RTI ≤ 50), special response (50 < RTI ≤ 80), and standard response (80 < RTI ≤ 350). Manufacturers must declare the response type and ensure RTI values meet the corresponding limits.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 18428-2010. 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 18428-2010 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 18428-2001