The 2002 edition specifies detailed criteria for dividing breeching with control mechanisms used by fire brigades to split a single hose line into two regulated outlets. It includes material requirements, construction guidelines, dimensional standards, craftsmanship quality, and performance testing to guarantee dependable functionality during firefighting operations. This code is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers involved in fire safety equipment development and upkeep.
Overview
The 2002 edition specifies detailed criteria for dividing breeching with control mechanisms used by fire brigades to split a single hose line into two regulated outlets. It includes material requirements, construction guidelines, dimensional standards, craftsmanship quality, and performance testing to guarantee dependable functionality during firefighting operations. This code is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers involved in fire safety equipment development and upkeep.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 5131 outlines the dimensional, material, and functional requirements for dividing breeching with control used in firefighting systems. All measurements are expressed in millimetres (Clause 11.30). Numerical values derived from testing or calculations must be rounded according to IS 2:1960, preserving the same number of significant digits as originally specified. Key components include the dividing breeching with control featuring a threaded connection G 22 with a minimum length of 12 mm (per IS 2643), female outlets compliant with IS 5290, and male inlets adhering to IS 903. Each unit must be verified for compliance with the standard’s criteria (Clause 9). Annex A lists the Indian Standards referenced, which should be the most recent editions.
This section details the Indian Standards cited by IS 5131, including IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical values, IS 2643 for thread specifications, IS 5290 for female outlet dimensions, and IS 903 for male inlet dimensions. All dimensions remain in millimetres (Clause 11.30), and fittings must be inspected to ensure adherence to the standard (Clause 9). Figures provided include Fig. 1 showing dividing breeching with control and Fig. 2 depicting Type B dividing breeching. The 1986 revision updated dimensions and material specifications to align with related standards.
Terminology utilized in IS 5131 clarifies that all measurements are in millimetres (Clause 11.30). Threading specifications require a minimum thread size G 22 with a 12 mm length as per IS 2643. Female outlets comply with IS 5290 and male instrument inlets follow IS 903. Numerical rounding is to be done in accordance with IS 2:1960, maintaining the same significant figures. Compliance of each fitting to the standard’s requirements is mandatory. Annex A references the related Indian Standards fundamental to IS 5131.
Materials specified include stainless steel conforming to IS 6603 (Clause 4.9), with grades I or IV as per IS 3444 recommended for bodies, sleeves, connectors, and handles (Clause 4.1). Leaded tin bronze of Grade LTB 2 is specified following IS 318 standards. Aluminium alloys designated 4225, 4450, and 4600 per IS 617 are also acceptable. All material test values should be rounded following IS 2:1960 guidelines. Material choice impacts durability, corrosion resistance, and mechanical performance.
Two primary types are defined: Type A (bush design) and Type B (ball design). Both types utilize stainless steel as per IS 6603 (Clause 4.9). Dimensions are in millimetres (Clause 11.30). The central chamber is a hollow cylinder with a removable top and smooth internal surface. The inlet is positioned at one end, with two outlets angled at 45° relative to the inlet axis. Revolving sleeves fit snugly within the chamber, covered on top, and pass through a gland. Threads conform to G 22 minimum 12 mm length (IS 2643), female outlets comply with IS 5290, and male inlets to IS 903.
Construction mandates stainless steel materials per IS 6603 (Clause 4.9). Threading details specify female outlets per IS 5290, male inlets per IS 903, and threads sized G 22 minimum 12 mm length as per IS 2643. Hydraulic testing requires pressure of 2.1 MN/m² (21 kgf/cm²) sustained for 150 seconds with both outlets closed and no leakage permitted (Clause 2.1). Workmanship must ensure absence of burrs, sharp edges, welding defects, or repairs (Clause 8).
Performance focuses on dimensional precision with all measurements in millimetres (Clause 11.30) and adherence to shapes and key dimensions shown in Fig. 1 (Type A) and Fig. 2 (Type B). Construction includes a hollow cylindrical central chamber with a removable top, two outlets at 45° angles to the inlet axis, and closely fitting revolving sleeves. Testing mandates rounding of results per IS 2:1960 and verification of material quality, workmanship, and functional performance.
Hydraulic testing involves applying 2.1 MN/mm² (21 kgf/cm²) pressure for 150 seconds with no leakage allowed through outlets, glands, or castings (Clause 2.1). All components must be free from burrs and sharp edges; castings should be sound and free from welding or repairs (Clause 8). Threads for female outlets use G 22 size with a minimum 12 mm length per IS 2643. Female outlets must conform to IS 5290, and male inlets to IS 903. Rounding of numerical values follows IS 2:1960. Materials must meet stainless steel standards outlined in IS 6603.
Conformity checks require all dimensions in millimetres (Clause 11.30) and rounding of test results as per IS 2:1960 rules, preserving significant figures. Compliance must be verified against referenced standards including IS 2643 (threading), IS 5290 (female outlet), IS 903 (male inlet), and IS 937 (general fitting conformity). Each fitting undergoes thorough inspection to ensure alignment with IS 5131 requirements.
Each fitting must be permanently marked with the manufacturer’s name or trademark and the year of manufacture (Clause 10.1). Use of the BIS Standard Mark is permitted under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986, subject to licensing conditions (Clause 10.2). Rounding of test results follows IS 2:1960. Marking ensures traceability and quality assurance in conformity with Indian standards for firefighting fittings.
IS 5131 references multiple Indian Standards essential for firefighting equipment materials and components. Notable standards include IS 318 for leaded tin bronze castings, IS 617 for aluminium alloys, IS 903 for fire hose couplings and nozzles, IS 937 for washers, IS 2062 for general structural steel, IS 3444 for corrosion-resistant steel castings, IS 5290 for landing valves, IS 2643 for pipe thread dimensions, and IS 6603 for stainless steel bars. Users should consult the latest editions to ensure compliance.
The Fire Fighting Sectional Committee CED 22, responsible for IS 5131, includes representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Airport Authority of India, various state fire services, research institutions such as the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Central Building Research Institute, industrial security forces, and other fire safety stakeholders. This diverse committee ensures comprehensive standard development. Detailed membership is provided in Annex B of IS 5131.
Frequently Asked
Per IS 5131 Clause 4.1, the body and control handle of the dividing breeching must be made from materials including Leaded Tin Bronze (Grade LTB 2 as per IS 318), Aluminium Alloys (designations 4225, 4450, and 4600 according to IS 617), or Stainless Steel (Grades I or IV per IS 3444). These materials provide strength, corrosion resistance, and reliable operation under firefighting conditions.
Type A dividing breeching incorporates a control valve (a revolving sleeve with a handle) allowing regulation of flow through its two outlets, with the ability to shut off one outlet independently. It uses threaded connections per IS 2643 (G 22 minimum 12 mm length), female outlets per IS 5290, and male inlets per IS 903. In contrast, Type B has a simpler design without control valves, serving only to split the hose line without individual flow control at outlets. Dimensions for Type B are detailed in Fig. 2 of IS 5131.
Testing involves hydraulic pressure tests where the breeching is subjected to pressures typically 1.5 times the working pressure for a minimum duration (usually 150 seconds as per Clause 2.1), ensuring no leakage occurs through outlets, glands, or castings. Operational tests verify the smooth rotation and effective shut-off function of control handles. Dimensions and threading are also checked against IS 2643, IS 5290, and IS 903 standards to ensure compliance.
Markings must permanently display the manufacturer’s name or trademark and the year of manufacture. The fitting may carry the BIS Standard Mark if licensed under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986. Certification confirms adherence to material, workmanship, dimensional accuracy (all in millimetres), and functional performance criteria as set out in IS 5131, ensuring interchangeability and reliability.
IS 5131 references IS 2643 for pipe thread dimensions and tolerances, IS 903 for fire hose delivery couplings and nozzles, IS 318 for leaded tin bronze ingots and castings, IS 617 for aluminium and its alloys, IS 3444 for corrosion-resistant steel castings, and IS 2062 for general structural steel. These standards provide specifications that ensure compatibility and quality of firefighting components.
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