Fire Fighting Equipment - Glossary of Terms
2004 Edition

IS 7673 outlines the terminology for automatic fire sprinkler systems utilized in safeguarding structures and installations. It includes definitions related to range pipes supporting sprinklers (maximum 300 mm length), foam suppression system equipment, and gaseous fire suppression components. Key points include specifications for equipment types, their descriptions, and installation guidelines. The range pipe length limitation optimizes water dispersal efficiency. The standard also distinguishes equipment standards for foam and gaseous systems as detailed within their respective clauses.

This standard functions as a comprehensive glossary covering terms associated with various fire fighting devices and systems. It aims to harmonize language used across multiple fire fighting equipment standards, incorporating updated terms to reflect technological advancements. The document does not provide formulas or design tables but serves as an essential reference for engineers, manufacturers, and safety personnel to ensure consistent understanding in design, installation, and maintenance.

This section specifies requirements for general equipment such as hydrant valves, hoses, nozzles, sprinkler heads, foam concentrates, proportioning devices, and gaseous agent storage. Hydrant hoses generally conform to IS 636 standards with specific diameters and lengths. Sprinkler heads operate within specified pressure ranges and spacing grids, while foam systems maintain designated foam-to-water ratios. Gaseous systems include cylinders and discharge components designed for uniform agent distribution.

The standard differentiates between hand-operated and mechanical foam extinguishers, detailing capacity, foam concentrate types such as AFFF, and discharge methods including compressed air or CO2 cartridges. It covers components of foam systems like concentrate storage, proportioners, and delivery devices, providing typical mixing ratios and expansion ratios for foam types. The section includes design considerations for effective foam generation and projection.

Defines components of hydrant systems including underground hydrants with control valves and outlet connections for hose attachments. It describes operating tools such as hydrant keys and bars, typical outlet sizes, materials, and placement considerations ensuring accessibility and protection. A fundamental flow rate formula is provided for calculating hydrant discharge based on valve characteristics and pressure head.

This part identifies types of sprinklers, including horizontal, upright, and pendant models, along with associated piping such as arm pipes feeding individual sprinklers. It specifies materials, operating pressures, spacing based on hazard classifications, and hydraulic design calculations to maintain adequate pressure and flow. Tables illustrate recommended sprinkler coverage and spacing requirements.

Defines nozzles used for water spray including spray nozzles, projectors designed for high velocity streams, sprayers for medium velocity applications, and fog nozzles that produce fine mists with adjustable patterns. It details velocity ranges, orifice sizes, discharge angles, and selection criteria based on fire hazard type and required coverage. A discharge formula relates flow rate to orifice area and pressure head.

Describes devices that generate mechanical foam by aerating foam compound-water mixtures, including foam making branches used with knapsack tanks and inductors. It defines foam compounds as liquid concentrates and outlines typical concentrations and mixing ratios. Design considerations for orifice size, air-to-solution ratios, and projection ranges are included to optimize foam discharge effectiveness.

Covers terminology for automatic detection equipment that senses fire indicators like heat, smoke, or flame, and initiates alarms automatically. It defines activation devices, detectors, and types of alarms including audible and visual signals. The section includes guidelines on detector spacing relative to ceiling height and summarizes detector types with their typical applications and response times.

Details components controlling the release of clean extinguishing agents, such as container discharge valves, control devices managing discharge sequences, manual inhibit switches, and safety interlocks that prevent agent release when areas are occupied. Control logic diagrams illustrate decision flow ensuring occupant safety during agent discharge. Emphasizes importance of coordinated timing and safety mechanisms.

Defines safety devices like fall arrest mechanisms with lines and belts, industrial helmets for head protection, chemical protective suits used with breathing apparatus, and safety belts for secure firefighter descent. Specifies requirements for anchorage, material standards, and inspection practices. Includes load calculation formulas to design secure anchor points.

Describes equipment such as automatic escape devices that allow controlled lowering of personnel using steel cables and speed-regulating brakes, rescue slings for safe lowering, resuscitation apparatus for oxygen supply, and safety devices combining lines and belts. Provides typical speed parameters for controlled descent and summarizes key features of rescue equipment.

Details classifications of fire pumps including portable, trailer-mounted, built-in, and heavy-duty pumps with capacities ranging from 4,000 to 11,000 liters per minute. Explains power take-off (PTO) mechanisms that transfer engine power to pumps, with types based on connection points. Provides hydraulic power calculation formulas linking flow, head, efficiency, and power.

Defines various hose connectors such as adaptors (male-to-male or female-to-female), instantaneous delivery couplings with spring-loaded locking plungers, and double female couplings for joining male connectors. Discusses materials, sizes, and functional features ensuring quick and secure hose connections. Provides dimensional examples and functional diagrams.

Focuses on terminology concerning testing procedures, maintenance activities, inspections, and preventive versus corrective maintenance approaches. Provides typical inspection criteria and intervals for various equipment types. Includes a formula for pressure testing based on working pressure and emphasizes the cyclic nature of inspection, testing, and maintenance to ensure equipment reliability.