EN3

EN 3 is a European standard for portable fire extinguishers, published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It forms part of the EN 3 series and is intended to harmonize the design, performance, testing, and marking of extinguishers used by laypersons in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings. The standard provides a framework to ensure that extinguishers installed or sold in Europe meet common safety expectations and can be operated reliably by non-professional users.

Scope and content include the classification of extinguishers by extinguishing medium, with common types such as water, foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, and wet chemical variants. EN 3 specifies general design and construction requirements, including materials, pressure containment, corrosion resistance, discharge devices, and operating temperature ranges. It also outlines the performance and test methods used to verify that extinguishers meet the stated specifications.

Marking and documentation are a key part of EN 3. Extinguishers must carry clear labeling that identifies the extinguishing medium, nominal capacity, service pressure, and operating instructions. Additional information typically includes the date of manufacture and inspection or service intervals. In many jurisdictions, conformity assessment under EN 3 enables CE marking, indicating compliance with relevant European safety requirements.

Relation to practice: EN 3 is employed by manufacturers and suppliers to demonstrate compatibility with European market requirements. It is subject to periodic updates to reflect advances in technology and safety practices. While the standard provides a common baseline, national or local regulations may implement or supplement EN 3 provisions in building codes and safety programs.