Overview - ISO 7240-8:2014 (Point-type CO + heat detectors)
ISO 7240-8:2014 is an international standard for fire detection and alarm systems covering point-type multi-sensor fire detectors that combine at least one carbon monoxide (CO) sensor with one or more heat sensors. The standard specifies requirements, test methods, and performance criteria for these detectors when used in building fire detection and alarm systems (see ISO 7240‑1 for system-level requirements). It also notes that the document is for guidance when testing other CO multi-sensor types and that detectors with special characteristics developed for specific risks are excluded.
Keywords: ISO 7240-8:2014, fire detection and alarm systems, carbon monoxide sensor, CO sensor, heat sensor, multi-sensor fire detectors, point-type detectors, detector testing, performance criteria.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard focuses on functional and environmental performance and detailed testing. Major topics include:
- General requirements and compliance - mandatory criteria for detector performance and documentation.
- Individual alarm indication - requirements for clear, local alarm signaling for each detector.
- Ancillary devices and monitoring - connection, supervision, and monitoring of detachable detectors and external devices.
- Adjustment and response behaviour - manufacturer and on-site adjustments, including rate-sensitive response settings.
- Software-controlled detectors - software design, storage of programs/data, and validation requirements.
- Measurement and test methods - procedures for measuring CO response value and heat sensor response, including:
- Atmospheric and mounting conditions for tests
- Operating conditions and tolerances
- Repeatability, reproducibility, and directional dependence tests
- Environmental endurance tests (dry heat, cold, damp heat, humidity)
- Exposure to chemical agents (environmental concentrations and fire by-products)
- Long-term stability, saturation, supply variation, and air movement effects
- Test reporting - required test schedules and documentation for certification.
Practical applications and users
ISO 7240-8:2014 is used by:
- Detector manufacturers for design, factory testing and certification of CO + heat multi-sensor point detectors.
- Testing laboratories and certification bodies to validate detector performance against international criteria.
- Fire safety engineers, system designers and installers specifying detectors for buildings and integrating them into fire alarm systems.
- Building owners, facility managers and regulators to inform procurement, compliance checks and risk assessments.
Practical uses include improving early detection of smoldering fires, reducing false alarms in complex environments, and demonstrating conformity for product approval and insurance purposes.
Related standards
- ISO 7240‑1 - system-level requirements for fire detection and alarm systems (see for system integration).
- Other parts of the ISO 7240 series and applicable regional/national standards (e.g., EN 54 series in Europe) may be referenced when specifying or certifying detectors for particular jurisdictions.
Open preview (PDF)Fire detection and alarm systems — Part 8: Point-type fire detectors using a carbon monoxide sensor in combination with a heat sensor