NFPA 11, Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam (2024)

NFPA 11, Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam (2024)

NFPA 11, the Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam (2024), is an important guide from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It covers how to design, install, operate, test, and maintain foam systems used to fight fires caused by flammable liquids. This standard explains the requirements for different types of foam—low, medium, and high expansion—and applies to fixed, semi-fixed, and portable systems. It is especially important for industries like oil and gas, aviation, and chemical processing to make sure their fire protection systems work well.

Key Points of NFPA 11 (2024 Edition)

Scope: This standard applies to foam systems used for flammable liquids and gases.
It covers all aspects of these systems, from how they are designed to how they are maintained, for all three types of expansion foam.

Purpose: The main goal is to ensure that foam systems are effective and reliable for protecting property.
Even though it doesn’t focus on life safety, it does help in that area indirectly.

Application: This standard helps in setting up foam systems for places like fuel storage areas, industrial process zones, portable units, and other specific fire hazards.
It includes methods like using foam monitors and injecting foam on the surface or under the surface of a fire.

Not Covered: The standard does not tell where foam should be used.
It also does not cover older chemical foams, combined fire-fighting agents, or mobile firefighting equipment.

Updates: The 2024 edition includes new developments, updates on fluorine-free foams, and improvements based on real-world experience.
This keeps the standard up to date and relevant.