SIST EN 14291:2005
(Main)Foam producing solutions for leak detection on gas installations
Foam producing solutions for leak detection on gas installations
This document specifies requirements and test methods of foam producing solutions for leak detection (hereafter called leak detection solution) used for leak detection of combustible gases of the 1st family (town gas), 2nd family (natural gas), and 3rd family (liquefied petroleum gases (LPG)) (see EN 437) within the temperature range of -15 °C or 0 °C to 50 °C. It is applicable for leak detection solutions, which are delivered as ready to use solutions, e.g. in spray cans.
Note The leak detection solution covered by this document may also be used for other compressed gases. In this case the producer has to be consulted.
Schaumbildende Lösungen zu Lecksuche an Gasinstallationen
Diese Europäische Norm legt Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren für schaumbildende Lösungen zur Lecksuche (nachfolgend Lecksuchlösungen genannt) zum Nachweis von Leckagen brennbarer Gase der 1. Familie (Stadtgas), der 2. Familie (Erdgas) und der 3. Familie (Flüssiggas) (siehe EN 437) innerhalb des Temperaturbereiches von - 15 °C oder 0 °C bis 50 °C fest. Sie gilt für Lechsuchlösungen, die als gebrauchsfertige Lösungen z.B. in Sprühdosen ausgeliefert werden.
ANMERKUNG Die Lecksuchlösungen nach dieser Europäischen Norm können auch für andere verdichtete -Gase verwendet werden. In diesem Fall ist der Hersteller um Rat zu fragen.
Solutions moussantes pour détection de fuites sur les installations de gaz
La présente norme européenne précise les exigences et les méthodes d'essai relatives aux solutions moussantes pour détection de fuites (que l'on appellera solutions pour détection de fuites) en vue de la détection de fuites des gaz combustibles de la 1ère famille (gaz manufacturés), de la 2ème famille (gaz naturel), et de la 3ème famille (gaz de pétrole liquéfiés (GPL)) (voir l'EN 437) sur une échelle de températures comprises entre -15 °C, ou 0 °C et 50 °C. La présente norme est applicable aux solutions pour détection de fuites qui sont prêtes à l'usage, comme par exemple les aérosols.
NOTE La solution pour détection de fuites conforme à la présente norme peut aussi être employée pour d'autres gaz comprimés. Dans ce cas il faut consulter le fabricant.
Penilne raztopineza preskušanje tesnosti plinskih napeljav
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-May-2005
- Technical Committee
- PLN - Gas appliances for domestic use
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 01-Jun-2005
- Due Date
- 01-Jun-2005
- Completion Date
- 01-Jun-2005
Relations
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
SIST EN ISO 10239:2017 - Small craft - Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems (ISO 10239:2014) - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Overview
SIST EN 14291:2005 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies requirements and test methods for foam producing solutions used for leak detection in gas installations. These leak detection solutions are designed to visually indicate leaks in gas systems by producing bubbles when applied to joints or fittings where gas is escaping. The standard applies to solutions intended for detection of leaks with combustible gases of the 1st family (town gas), 2nd family (natural gas), and 3rd family (liquefied petroleum gases - LPG), as defined in EN 437, and is suitable for use within temperatures from -15 °C (or 0 °C) up to 50 °C. EN 14291 covers leak detection solutions delivered as ready-to-use products, such as those found in spray cans.
Key Topics
Performance Requirements: EN 14291 establishes essential properties for leak detection solutions, ensuring reliability and safety in practical applications. These include:
- Surface tension: Must be low enough to allow bubble formation by gas leaks.
- Foam stability: The formed foam must remain stable for sufficient time to allow detection.
- Corrosiveness: The solution must not cause excessive corrosion to pipes, fittings, or containers, and must contain limited amounts of corrosive ions.
- pH-value: Should remain within a neutral range to avoid damage to installation materials.
- Compatibility: Must not attack or degrade non-hardening sealing materials or lubricants.
- Flammability: Flash point must exceed specified limits, and propellants in spray cans must be non-flammable.
- Freezing point: Solutions for low temperatures must function without freezing at specified minimums.
- Toxicological safety: Solutions must be non-toxic in formulation.
Documentation: Manufacturers are required to provide:
- Health and safety data sheets
- Details on propellants (where relevant)
- Application and handling instructions
Testing Methods: EN 14291 references several international methods (such as ISO 304 for surface tension and EN ISO 10304-1 for anions) and details procedures to ensure product quality and safety.
Marking and Labelling: Clear, indelible marking on containers is required, including manufacturer, product designation, instructions, safety information, traceability, and specific warnings for use on sensitive materials (e.g., plastic or copper pipes).
Applications
The primary application for foam producing solutions compliant with EN 14291 is detecting leaks in gas supply systems. Typical users include:
- Gas installers
- Maintenance professionals
- Safety inspectors in residential, commercial, and light industrial sectors
These solutions are used on a broad spectrum of gas-carrying piping and appliances, such as stoves, boilers, and industrial burners. The standard assures users that compliant products meet stringent requirements for safety, compatibility, and reliability. The easy application and visual indication (bubbling) make them especially valuable for pinpointing even small leaks during both initial installation and routine periodic inspection of gas installations.
Note: While developed for combustible gases in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd families, EN 14291-compliant solutions may also be used with other compressed gases if confirmed compatible by the producer.
Related Standards
For further information and related best practices, the following standards may be relevant:
- EN 437: Test gases, pressures, and appliance categories
- EN 751-2: Sealing materials for metallic threaded joints in gas and hot water applications
- EN 377: Lubricants for gas appliance applications
- EN 456: Determination of flashpoint in paints and varnishes
- EN 1412: Copper and copper alloys - numbering system
- ISO 304: Surface active agents - determination of surface tension
- ASTM D 1177: Freezing point of aqueous engine coolants
When selecting and using foam producing solutions for leak detection, compliance with EN 14291 ensures a higher level of safety, product compatibility, and performance in gas installation maintenance and inspection.
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik)
German Institute for Building Technology.
DIN CERTCO
DIN Group product certification.
Aboma Certification B.V.
Specialized in construction, metal, and transport sectors.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 14291:2005 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Foam producing solutions for leak detection on gas installations". This standard covers: This document specifies requirements and test methods of foam producing solutions for leak detection (hereafter called leak detection solution) used for leak detection of combustible gases of the 1st family (town gas), 2nd family (natural gas), and 3rd family (liquefied petroleum gases (LPG)) (see EN 437) within the temperature range of -15 °C or 0 °C to 50 °C. It is applicable for leak detection solutions, which are delivered as ready to use solutions, e.g. in spray cans. Note The leak detection solution covered by this document may also be used for other compressed gases. In this case the producer has to be consulted.
This document specifies requirements and test methods of foam producing solutions for leak detection (hereafter called leak detection solution) used for leak detection of combustible gases of the 1st family (town gas), 2nd family (natural gas), and 3rd family (liquefied petroleum gases (LPG)) (see EN 437) within the temperature range of -15 °C or 0 °C to 50 °C. It is applicable for leak detection solutions, which are delivered as ready to use solutions, e.g. in spray cans. Note The leak detection solution covered by this document may also be used for other compressed gases. In this case the producer has to be consulted.
SIST EN 14291:2005 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.140.40 - Gas supply systems. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 14291:2005 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST ISO 3819:1995, SIST EN 10027-1:2016, SIST EN 1715-4:1998, SIST EN 456:1997, SIST EN 751-2:1997, SIST EN 377:1996, SIST EN 1412:2017, SIST EN 15484:2007, SIST EN ISO 9514:1997, SIST EN 437:2021, SIST EN 1949:2022, SIST EN ISO 10239:2017, SIST EN 16125:2016, SIST EN 1775:2008, SIST EN 15001-1:2023. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN 14291:2005 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Penilne raztopineza preskušanje tesnosti plinskih napeljavSchaumbildende Lösungen zu Lecksuche an GasinstallationenSolutions moussantes pour détection de fuites sur les installations de gazFoam producing solutions for leak detection on gas installations91.140.40Sistemi za oskrbo s plinomGas supply systemsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 14291:2004SIST EN 14291:2005en,fr,de01-junij-2005SIST EN 14291:2005SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 14291November 2004ICS 23.040.99 English versionFoam producing solutions for leak detection on gas installationsSolution pour le détection des fuites aux installations degazSchaumbildende Lösungen zu Lecksuche anGasinstallationenThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 23 September 2004.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2004 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 14291:2004: ESIST EN 14291:2005
EN 377, Lubricants for applications in appliances and associated controls using combustible gases except those designed for use in industrial processes. EN 437, Test gases - Test pressures - Appliance categories. EN 456, Paints, varnishes and related products - Determination of flashpoint - Rapid equilibrium method (ISO 3679:1983, modified). EN 751 - 2, Sealing materials for metallic threaded joints in contact with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd family gases and hot water - Part 2: Non-hardening jointing compounds. EN 1412, Copper and copper alloys - European numbering system. EN 10027 - 1, Designation systems for steel - Part 1:
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...