IS 13385:1992 specifies the requirements for 50-litre capacity wheel-mounted water type fire extinguishers operated by gas cartridges. It covers materials, construction, anti-corrosion treatment, performance, testing, marking, and conformity criteria to ensure reliability and safety. This standard is essential for manufacturers, quality controllers, and safety engineers involved in producing or maintaining large water-based fire extinguishers mounted on trolleys.
Overview
IS 13385:1992 specifies the requirements for 50-litre capacity wheel-mounted water type fire extinguishers operated by gas cartridges. It covers materials, construction, anti-corrosion treatment, performance, testing, marking, and conformity criteria to ensure reliability and safety. This standard is essential for manufacturers, quality controllers, and safety engineers involved in producing or maintaining large water-based fire extinguishers mounted on trolleys.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 13385: Scope Summary for 50 Litre Wheel Mounted Water Type Fire Extinguisher (Gas Cartridge)
Key Material Specification Example (Table 1 excerpt):
| Component | Material Specification |
|---|---|
| Nozzle | Leaded tin-bronze Gr LTB2 (IS 318), Type 1 (IS 319), or Gr 1 (IS 291) |
flowchart TD
A[Gas Cartridge] -->|Pierced by plunger| B[Gas Released]
B --> C[Pressurizes Water]
C --> D[Water Discharged Through Nozzle]
D --> E[Fire Extinguishing]
For detailed design, materials, and testing, refer to full IS 13385 standard and its Annexes.
IS 13385 references several key Indian Standards essential for components and materials of fire extinguishers. These include:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| IS 5 : 1978 | Colours for ready mixed paints and enamels |
| IS 2643 (Part 1):1975 | Dimensions for pipe threads for fastening purposes: Part 1 |
| IS 318 : 1981 | Leaded tin bronze ingots and castings |
| IS 3203 : 1982 | Methods of testing local thickness of electroplated coatings |
| IS 3601 : 1984 | Steel tubes for mechanical and general engineering purposes |
| IS 3618 : 1966 | Phosphate treatment of iron and steel for corrosion protection |
| IS 4454 (Part 1):1981 | Steel wires for cold formed springs: Part 1 Patented and cold drawn steel wires |
| IS 4947 : 1985 | Gas cartridges for use in fire extinguishers |
| IS 4984 : 1987 | Specification for high density polyethylene pipes for potable water supplies |
| IS 4989 (Part 2):1984 | Specification for foam concentrate for mechanical foam: Part 2 Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) |
| IS 5382 : 1985 | Rubber sealing rings for gas mains, water mains and sewers |
| IS 6528 : 1972 | Stainless steel wire |
| IS 6603 : 1972 | Stainless steel bars and flats |
| IS 7328 : 1992 | High density polyethylene materials for moulding and extrusion |
| IS 9595 : 1980 | Recommendations for metal arc welding of carbon and carbon manganese steels |
| Component | Material | Relevant IS Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Mild steel sheet | IS 1079 : 1978 |
| Neck ring | a) Leaded tin bronze (LTB 2) | IS 318 : 1981 |
| b) Mild steel pipe | IS 1239 (Part 1) : 1979 | |
| Cap | Leaded tin bronze (LTB 2) | IS 318 : 1981 |
| Cap washer | Rubber (acid/alkali resistant) | IS 5382 : 1985 (Type 3) |
| Safety valve | Brass (Type I) | IS 319 : 1974 |
| Spring | Spring steel (Grade I) | IS 4454 (Part 1) : 1981 |
| Siphon tube | Mild steel / Brass / HDPE / Copper | IS 3601 : 1984 / IS 407 : 1981 / IS 4984 : 1987 / IS 1545 : 1982 |
| Discharge fittings | Leaded tin bronze / Brass | IS 318 : 1981 / IS 291 : 1989 / IS 319 : 1974 |
| Nozzle | Leaded tin bronze / Brass | IS 318 : 1981 / IS 319 : 1974 / IS 291 : 1977 |
| Gas cartridges | Seamless/welded steel tube | IS 4947 : 1985 |
| Hose | Braided rubber/plastic (burst ≥ 50 kg/cm²) | IS 7328 : 1992 |
| Snifter valve | Brass / Stainless steel | IS 319 : 1974 / IS 6603 : 1972 |
| Strainer | Brass (CuZn 37) | IS 410 : 1977 |
| Piercer | Steel | IS 6528 : 1972 |
For Carbon Steel Bodies:
[ t = \frac{P \
IS 13385: Construction Requirements Summary
| Aspect | IS Code Reference | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Welding | IS 819:1957 | For fittings attachment only |
| Metal Arc Welding | IS 9595:1980 | For main welding |
| Paint Coating | IS 2932:1974 | Protective paint specification |
| Bursting Pressure Test | Clause 10.2 | One type test, must conform |
[ P_b = \frac{2 \times t \times \sigma_y}{D} ]
Where:
flowchart TD
A[Start Construction] --> B{Welding Type?}
B -->|Spot Welding| C[IS 819:1957]
B -->|Metal Arc Welding| D[IS 9595:1980]
C & D --> E[Painting]
E --> F[IS 2932:1974]
F --> G[Testing]
G --> H{Bursting Pressure Test}
H --> I[Conform to Clause 10.2]
I --> J[Construction Complete]
Ensure all welding, painting, and testing strictly follow the referenced IS codes for compliance and safety.
IS 13385: Anti-Corrosive Treatment Key Points
Internal Surface Coating (Clause 8.1):
External Surface Coating (Clause 8.1.1 & 8.2):
| Surface | Treatment Type | Material/Process | Min. Thickness | Reference IS Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Body | Lead-Tin Alloy Coating | Electrolytic / Hot Dipping | 0.012 mm | IS 3203:1982 |
| External Body | Lead-Tin Alloy Coating | Electrolytic / Hot Dipping | 0.012 mm | IS 3203:1982 |
| External Body | Phosphating | Chemical Phosphating | As per IS 3618 | IS 3618:1966 |
flowchart LR
A[Body Surface] --> B[Internal Surface]
A --> C[External Surface]
B --> D[Lead-Tin Alloy Coating]
D --> E[Thickness ≥ 0.012 mm]
D --> F[Measured as per IS 3203]
C --> G{Treatment Options}
G --> H[Lead-Tin Alloy Coating]
G --> I[Phosphating (IS 3618)]
H --> J[Thickness ≥ 0.012 mm]
I --> K[Phosphate Layer as per IS 3618]
This ensures compliance with IS 13385 anti-corrosive treatment requirements.
IS 13385: Performance Requirements Key Points
Clause 7.8.4:
Clause 10.3 (10.3.1 - 10.3.2):
Clause 1.2.4:
Clause 11.1:
| Parameter | Typical Range/Formula |
|---|---|
| Orifice Area (A) | ( A = \frac{Q}{C_d \sqrt{2gH}} ) |
| - (Q): Discharge flow rate (m³/s) | |
| - (C_d): Discharge coefficient (~0.6-0.8) | |
| - (g): Gravity acceleration (9.81 m/s²) | |
| - (H): Pressure head (m) | |
| Discharge Rate (Q) | Determined by pressure and orifice size |
| Spray Angle | Ensures effective coverage (typically 30°-60°) |
| Minimum Discharge Time | As per extinguisher capacity and test standards |
flowchart LR
A[Design Nozzle & Orifice] --> B[Calculate Orifice Area]
B --> C[Ensure Discharge Rate & Spray Pattern]
C --> D[Conduct Performance Test (Clause 10.3)]
D --> E{Pass Test?}
E -- Yes --> F[Lot Conforms]
E -- No --> G[Reject Lot]
Summary: Design nozzle/orifice per flow and pressure formulas, verify via performance tests (Clause 10.3), and certify lot only if tests pass.
IS 13385 — Key Testing Specifications & Sampling
| Lot Size (No. of Items) | Sample Size for Testing |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 | 3 |
| 26 to 50 | 5 |
| 51 to 100 | 8 |
| 101 to 200 | 8% of lot size |
flowchart TD
A[Lot Produced] --> B[Random Sampling]
B --> C{Sample Size per Table 2}
C --> D[Visual Examination]
C --> E[Hydraulic Pressure Test]
C --> F[Corrosion Test]
A --> G[Bursting Pressure Test (1 type test)]
A --> H[Performance Test (1 sample)]
D & E & F & G & H --> I{Pass?}
I -->|Yes| J[Lot Conforms]
I -->|No| K[Lot Rejected]
IS 13385 - Marking and Labeling Key Points
Every extinguisher must be clearly and permanently marked with:
| Marking Item | Description/Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Name/Trade-mark | Permanent identification |
| Operating Instructions | Clear, bold letters |
| Type | "WATER TYPE (GAS CARTRIDGE)" prominently |
| Nominal Charge | In litres |
| Liquid Level | Specified charging level |
| Hydraulic Test Pressure | 3.0 MN/m² (30 kgf/cm²) |
| Year of Manufacture | Four-digit year |
| Gas Cartridge Size | Specified size |
flowchart TD
A[Fire Extinguisher] --> B[Markings]
B --> C[Manufacturer Name]
B --> D[Operating Instructions]
B --> E[Type: WATER TYPE (GAS CARTRIDGE)]
B --> F[Nominal Charge (litres)]
B --> G[Liquid Level]
B --> H[Hydraulic Test Pressure: 3.0 MN/m²]
B --> I[Year of Manufacture]
B --> J[Gas Cartridge Size]
B --> K[Standard Mark (optional)]
This ensures traceability, safe operation, and compliance with IS 13385.
IS 13385: Sampling and Criteria for Conformity (Annex B)
| Number of Items in Lot | Sample Size (No. of Samples) |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 | 3 |
| 26 to 50 | 5 |
| 51 to 100 | 8 |
| 101 to 200 | 8% of lot size |
flowchart TD
A[Lot Received] --> B[Random Sampling as per Table 2]
B --> C[Visual Inspection]
C --> D{Pass?}
D -- Yes --> E[Hydraulic Pressure Test]
D -- No --> F[Reject Lot]
E --> G{Pass?}
G -- Yes --> H[Corrosion Test]
G -- No --> F
H --> I{Pass?}
I -- Yes --> J[Accept Lot]
I -- No --> F
This sampling plan ensures statistical confidence in product conformity while maintaining safety standards.
IS 13385: Wheeled Carriage Specifications for 50L Wheel Mounted Water Type Fire Extinguisher
| Component | Material |
|---|---|
| Body | Mild steel sheet |
| Axle | Mild steel rod |
| Wheels | Rubber-tyred |
flowchart TB
A[Extinguisher Body] -->|Mounted on| B[Wheeled Carriage]
B --> C[Rubber Tyred Wheels (250x50x25 mm)]
B --> D[Axle (Mild Steel Rod, Ø 25 mm)]
A --> E[Minimum Clearance 10 cm from ground]
This ensures mobility and safe operation of the extinguisher on site.
IS 13385 - Optional Requirements for ECO Mark (Clause 11)
The ECO Mark scheme promotes environmentally friendly products alongside the ISI Mark. Key points:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| BIS Standard Mark | Mandatory before ECO Mark eligibility |
| Environmental Clearances | Consent under Water and Air Pollution Acts |
| Authorization under Environment Act | Required if applicable |
| Marking | Combined ISI + ECO Mark |
| Manufacturer's choice | ECO Mark is optional |
This ensures products are both quality certified and environmentally responsible.
flowchart LR
A[Product with ISI Mark] --> B{Meets Environmental Criteria?}
B -- Yes --> C[Apply for ECO Mark]
B -- No --> D[ISI Mark Only]
C --> E[Submit Pollution Clearances]
E --> F[Receive Combined ISI + ECO Mark]
IS 13385 Annex A: List of Referred Indian Standards
This annex lists essential Indian Standards referenced for materials, testing, and components related to 50-litre water-type fire extinguishers (gas cartridge operated). Key IS numbers and titles include:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 5:1978 | Colours for ready mixed paints and enamels (3rd revision) |
| 2643 (Part 1):1975 | Dimensions for pipe threads for fastening purposes |
| 318:1981 | Leaded tin bronze ingots and castings (2nd revision) |
| 1239 (Part 1):1979 | Mild steel tubes and fittings (4th revision) |
| 2190:1992 | Code of practice for selection, installation & maintenance of portable fire extinguishers (3rd revision) |
| 4984:1987 | Gas cartridges for fire extinguishers - Specification (2nd rev) |
| 5382:1985 | Rubber sealing rings for gas mains, water mains and sewers |
| 7328:1992 | High density polyethylene materials for moulding and extrusion |
| 9595:1980 | Recommendations for metal arc welding of carbon steels |
graph TD
A[IS 13385 Fire Extinguisher Spec] --> B[Material Specs (IS 318, 1239)]
A --> C[Component Specs (IS 4984, 5382)]
A --> D[Testing & Maintenance (IS 2190, 9595)]
A --> E[Manufacturing Dimensions (IS 2643)]
A --> F[Material Properties (IS 5, 7328)]
For detailed tables and exact clauses, refer to Annex A and B of IS 13385:1992.
IS 13385: Sampling and Criteria for Conformity (Annex B Summary)
| Number of Items in Lot | Sample Size (Random Selection) |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 | 3 |
| 26 to 50 | 5 |
| 51 to 100 | 8 |
| 101 to 200 | 8% of lot size |
flowchart TD
A[Lot of Fire Extinguishers] --> B[Random Sampling per Table 2]
B --> C{Visual Inspection}
C -->|Pass| D[Hydraulic Pressure Test]
C -->|Fail| E[Reject Lot]
D -->|Pass| F[Corrosion Test]
D -->|Fail| E
F -->|Pass| G[Lot Accepted]
F -->|Fail| E
This ensures stringent quality control and reliability per IS 13385 Annex B.
Frequently Asked
Materials Specified for Fire Extinguisher Construction (IS 13385)
| Component | Material(s) | Relevant IS Standard(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Mild steel sheet | IS 1079 : 1978 (any grade) |
| Neck ring | Leaded tin bronze or Mild steel pipe | IS 318 : 1981 (Grade LTB 2), IS 1239 : 1979 (Part 1) |
| Cap | Leaded tin bronze | IS 318 : 1981 (Grade LTB 2) |
| Cap washer | Rubber (acid/alkali resistant) | IS 5382 : 1985 (Type 3) |
| Safety valve | Brass | IS 319 : 1974 (Type I) |
| Spring | Spring steel | IS 4454 (Part 1) : 1981 (Grade I) |
| Siphon tube | Mild steel, Brass, HDPE, or Copper | IS 3601 : 1984, IS 407 : 1981, IS 4984 : 1987, IS 1545 : 1982 |
| Discharge fittings | Leaded tin bronze or Brass | IS 318 : 1981 (Gr LTB 2), IS 291 : 1989, IS 319 : 1974 |
| Nozzle | Leaded tin bronze or Brass | IS 318 : 1981, IS 319 : 1974, IS 291 : 1977 |
| Gas cartridges | Seamless or welded steel tube | IS 4947 : 1985 |
| Hose | Braided rubber/plastic (burst pressure ≥ 50 kg/cm²) | IS 7328 : 1992 |
| Snifter valve | Brass or Stainless steel | IS 319 : 1974, IS 6603 : 1972 (Grade 04 Cr 18 Ni 10) |
| Strainer | Brass | IS 410 : 1977 (Gr CuZn 37) |
| Piercer |
Performance Requirements for Discharge Duration and Pressure (IS 13385):
Loading diagram...
These ensure effective and reliable extinguisher performance under standard conditions.
Gas Cartridge Piercing Mechanism Design & Operation (IS 13385 - Clauses 7.6 & 7.7):
Design:
Operation:
Loading diagram...
This ensures safe, reliable activation of the gas cartridge in water-type extinguishers.
IS 13385 Anti-Corrosion Treatment Requirements:
Internal Surfaces:
External Surfaces (including siphon tube):
| Surface | Treatment Type | Minimum Thickness | Standard Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | Lead-tin alloy | 0.012 mm | IS 3203:1982 |
| Internal (alt.) | Plastic/Rubber lining | 0.5 mm | - |
| Internal & External | Epoxy powder coating | 0.050 mm | IS 3203 |
| External (alt.) | Phosphating | As per IS 3618 | IS 3618:1966 |
This ensures corrosion resistance and long service life of the body and siphon tube.
According to IS 13385, every fire extinguisher must be clearly and permanently marked with the following information:
These markings ensure traceability, safe use, and compliance with performance standards, including discharge requirements (95% content discharged within 180 seconds, continuous jet ≥10m for 60 seconds).
| Marking Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer's name/trade-mark | Clear and permanent |
| Operating instructions | Clear, bold letters |
| Type | "WATER TYPE (GAS CARTRIDGE)" |
| Nominal liquid charge | In litres |
| Liquid fill level | Specified level |
| Hydraulic test declaration | 3.0 MN/m² (30 kgf/cm²) |
| Year of manufacture | Marked |
| Gas cartridge size | Marked |
| Class suitability | Letter "A" for Class A fires |
This ensures the extinguisher is identifiable, safe, and effective in operation.
Ask AI about any clause, requirement, or provision in IS 13385. Get instant, clause-cited responses powered by our indexed library.
Free tier includes 150 queries (50 AI + 100 Reference) · No credit card required