Specification for fire extinguisher 50-litre capacity, mechanical foam type

IS 13386: Scope & Key Specifications Summary

• Scope: Specifies requirements for 50-litre mechanical foam fire extinguishers — material, construction, charge, anti-corrosion treatment, and tests. Extinguishers are trolley-mounted, upright, and discharge foam via gas cartridge pressure.

• Capacity: Total liquid capacity = 50 litres (filled to specified level).

• Operation: Gas cartridge punctured to pressurize liquid, forcing foam out through hose and aerating branchpipe.

Annex D: Atmospheric Life Time of Gas-Based Agents (Years)

Annex E: Global Warming Potential (GWP) (100-year CO2 equivalence)

Additional Notes

• Materials for construction are detailed in Table 1 of the standard.
• All numerical test results should be rounded per IS 2:1960 rules.
• The extinguisher body must be smooth, free of burrs and sharp edges.

IS 13386: Key Tables & Specifications for Gas-Based Fire Extinguishing Agents

1. Atmospheric Life Time of Gas-Based Agents (Annex D, Clause 12.2.2)

2. Global Warming Potential (GWP) - 100 Year Horizon (Annex E, Clause 12.2.3)

3. Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) - Annex C (Clause 12.2.1)

IS 13386 - Terminology & Key Specifications

• Thickness (t) and External Diameter (D): Clause 7.7 (now deleted) initially defined these as minimum thickness (mm) and external diameter (mm) of the body.

• Rounding Off (IS 2:1960): Final test or analysis values must be rounded to the same number of significant digits as specified in the standard.

Key Tables from Annexes:

Atmospheric Life Time of Gas-Based Agents (Years)

Global Warming Potential (GWP) (100-year CO2 equivalent)

Summary:

• Use IS 2:1960 for rounding test values.
• Atmospheric life and GWP values help select environmentally suitable extingu

IS 13386: General Requirements Summary

1. Rounding Off Values (Clause 12.1)

• Final test or analysis values must be rounded per IS 2:1960.
• Retain the same number of significant figures as specified in the standard.

2. Atmospheric Life Time of Gas-Based Agents (Annex D, Clause 12.2.2)

3. Global Warming Potential (GWP) of Substances (Annex E, Clause 12.2.3)

Notes:

• Atmospheric life time indicates environmental persistence.
• GWP values help assess environmental impact.

IS 13386: Materials for Fire Extinguishers

1. Material Requirements (Clause 7.2 & Table 1)

• Body: Mild steel sheet (Any grade IS 1079:1978), weldable with compatible filler materials.
• Neck Ring: Leaded tin bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318:1981) or Mild steel pipe (IS 1239 Part 1:1979).
• Cap: Leaded tin bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318:1981).
• Cap Washer: Rubber (Type 3, IS 538:1985), acid/alkali resistant.
• Safety Valve: Brass (Type I, IS 319:1974).
• Spring: Spring steel (Grade 1, IS 4454 Part 1:1981).
• Siphon Tube: Mild steel (IS 3601:1984), Brass, HDPE, Copper (per IS 407:1981, IS 4984:1987).
• Discharge Fittings: Leaded tin bronze or Brass (IS 318:1981, IS 291:1989).
• Foam Branch Pipe: Aluminium alloy (Gr. 4450/4425, IS 617:1975), Leaded tin bronze, Plastic (IS 7328).
• Gas Cartridges: As per IS 4947:1985.
• Hose: Braided rubber/plastic, bursting pressure ≥ 50 kg/cm².
• Snifter Valve: Brass or Stainless steel (IS 319:1974, Grade 04Cr18Ni10 IS 6603:1972).

2. Wall Thickness Calculation (Clause 7.2)

• For Carbon Steel Bodies:

[ t = \frac{P \times D}{2 \times \sigma} + 0.7 , \text{mm} ]

Where:

• ( t ) = minimum wall thickness (mm)

• ( P ) = design pressure (kg/cm²)

• ( D ) = diameter of the body (mm)

• ( \sigma ) = allowable stress (kg/cm²)

• For Austenitic Stainless Steel Bodies, refer to the specific amendment (not detailed here).

3. Snifter Valve (Clause 7

IS 13386: Dimensions and Construction Key Points

• Body Shape & Dimensions (Clause 3.15):

  • Cylindrical body
  • Outside diameter: 300 ± 25 mm
  • Mild steel sheet thickness: ≥ 3.15 mm (nominal)

• Welding Standards (Clause 7.2.1):

  • Spot welding (for fittings): IS 819 : 1957
  • Metal arc welding: IS 9595 : 1980
  • Welded construction must use compatible filler materials for good weld quality.

• Minimum Wall Thickness Calculation (Clause 7.2):

  For carbon steel bodies:

  [ t = \frac{D}{300} + \frac{D}{600} + 0.7 ]

  Where:

  • ( t ) = minimum thickness (mm)
  • ( D ) = external diameter (mm)

  (Note: Clause 7.7 regarding thickness formula deletion suggests referring to updated amendments or standards for stainless steel thickness)

• Construction Notes:

  • A cylindrical ring is welded to the bottom dish for structural integrity.
  • Material must be weldable steel, ensuring compatibility with filler metals.

flowchart LR
    A[Cylindrical Body] --> B[Diameter: 300 ± 25 mm]
    A --> C[Thickness ≥ 3.15 mm]
    A --> D[Welding]
    D --> E[Spot Welding (IS 819)]
    D --> F[Metal Arc Welding (IS 9595)]
    A --> G[Bottom Dish with Welded Ring]

This summary provides essential dimensional and construction criteria per IS 13386 for mechanical foam extinguisher bodies.

IS 13386: Detailed Construction Requirements Summary

1. General Requirements (Clause 12.1)

• Construction must ensure structural integrity and durability.
• Materials and workmanship should comply with relevant IS codes.
• Proper alignment, fitting, and finishing are essential.

2. Specific Requirements (Clause 12.2)

• Follow detailed instructions for welding, bolting, and assembly.
• Ensure all joints and connections meet strength and safety criteria.
• Surface treatment and corrosion protection as per design.

3. Welding Specifications (Clause 7.2.1)

• Spot Welding (for fittings only): Conform to IS 819:1957.
• Metal Arc Welding: Conform to IS 9595:1980.
• Welding quality must be verified by tests as per these standards.

4. Rounding Off Values

• Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding off test or analysis results.
• Retain the same number of significant figures as specified values.

Key References:

Quick Formula Reference (General Welding Strength):

For weld strength calculation (Metal Arc Welding):

[ F_w = A_w \times \sigma_w ]

• (F_w): Weld strength (N)
• (A_w): Weld cross-sectional area (mm²)
• (\sigma_w): Allowable weld stress (N/mm²) per IS 9595

flowchart TD
    A[Material Preparation] --> B[Welding Type Selection]
    B --> C{Spot Welding?}
    C -- Yes --> D[IS 819:1957]
    C -- No --> E[Metal Arc Welding]
    E --> F[IS 9595:1980]
    D & F --> G[Welding Execution]
    G --> H[Inspection & Testing]
    H --> I[Final Construction]

For detailed construction, always cross-check with IS 13386 clauses and referenced IS standards for welding and workmanship.

IS 13386 Key Points on Foam Concentrate & Gas Cartridge

Gas Cartridge (Clause 7.14)

• Capacity: Max 300 ± 3 ml.
• Charge: Foam concentrate per IS 4989 (Part 2):1984.
• Operation: Gas cartridge punctured to release gas, pressurizing foam solution for discharge.

Foam Concentrate (Clause 1.5)

• For 50 L extinguisher:
  • 6% concentrate: Minimum 3 L foam concentrate + water to 50 L.
  • 3% concentrate: Minimum 1.5 L foam concentrate + water to 50 L.

Atmospheric Life Time of Gas Agents (Annex D, Clause 12.2.2)

Global Warming Potential (GWP) (Annex E)

Summary Formula for Foam Solution

IS 13386: Anti-Corrosion Treatment & Coating Key Points

1. Coating Types & Thickness:

*Phosphating as per IS 3618:1966 is an alternative only for external surfaces.

2. Application Methods:

• Lead-tin alloy: Electrolytic or hot dipping process.
• Phosphating: Chemical conversion coating.
• Epoxy powder coating: Electrostatic spray and curing.
• Plastic/rubber lining: Applied as a protective lining inside.

3. Important Notes:

• No visible uncoated areas allowed internally or externally.
• Thickness measurement must follow IS 3203 procedures.
• Foam water solution preparation for cleaning:
  • 6% concentrate: ≥ 3 L concentrate + water to make 50 L
  • 3% concentrate: ≥ 1.5 L concentrate + water to make 50 L

flowchart LR
    A[Body Internal Surface] -->|Lead-tin alloy| B[Thickness ≥ 0.012 mm]
    A -->|Epoxy powder coating| C[Thickness ≥ 0.050 mm]
    A -->|Plastic/Rubber lining| D[Thickness ≥ 0.5 mm]
    E[Body External Surface] -->|Lead-tin alloy| B
    E -->|Phosphating| F[As per IS 3618]
    G[Siphon Tube Surfaces] -->|Same

IS 13386 Key Specifications for Marking and Labeling of Fire Extinguishers

• Marking for Class B suitability (Clause 10.3):

  • Letters A and B (for fire classes) printed in black, size 2.5 ± 0.5 cm.
  • Letters centrally contained in a cream (lemon yellow) square of size 4 ± 0.5 cm (Shade No. 355 of IS 5:1978).

• Mandatory Markings on Extinguisher (Clause 12.1):

  • Manufacturer's identification.
  • Method of operation (prominent letters).
  • Type: e.g., "MECHANICAL FOAM FIRE EXTINGUISHERS".
  • Capacity in litres.
  • Instruction: "After discharge the extinguisher must be washed out carefully with fresh water using at least two changes" (prominent letters).

• Standard Mark (Clause 12.1.1):

  • Extinguishers may carry the BIS Standard Mark as per Bureau of Indian Standards guidelines.

Marking Dimensions Summary

flowchart LR
    A[Extinguisher Body] --> B[Marking]
    B --> C[Class Letters A & B]
    B --> D[Manufacturer Info]
    B --> E[Operation Method]
    B --> F[Type & Capacity]
    B --> G[Post-Discharge Instructions]
    C --> H[Black, 2.5 cm letters]
    C --> I[Cream square, 4 cm]

This ensures clear identification and conformity with IS 13386 and related IS 2190 standards.

IS 13386: Performance and Testing - Key Points

1. Performance Test (Clause 1.2.4 & 11.1)

   • One sample per lot is tested for performance.
   • The sample must pass for the entire lot to conform.

2. Rounding Off Results (Clause 12.2)

   • Final test values are rounded as per IS 2:1960.
   • Retain the same significant figures as specified in IS 13386.

3. Sampling & Conformity (Clause 13, Annex B)

   • Sampling details and acceptance criteria are in Annex B.
   • High reliability is critical due to safety risks.

4. Marking (Clause 12.1.1)

   • Fire extinguishers may carry the BIS Standard Mark.

Summary Table: Performance Testing & Conformity

Notes:

• Refer to Annex B for detailed sampling plans and acceptance numbers.
• Testing ensures high reliability due to critical safety function.
• Related IS standards (e.g., IS 4947 for gas cartridges) provide complementary specs.

flowchart TD
    A[Lot of Fire Extinguishers] --> B[Select 1 Sample]
    B --> C{Performance Test}
    C -->|Pass| D[Lot Conforms]
    C -->|Fail| E[Lot Rejected]
    D --> F[Marking & Certification]

For detailed procedures, consult IS 13386 Annex B and IS 2:1960 for rounding rules.

IS 13386 – Additional and Optional Requirements Summary

1. General & Specific Requirements (Clauses 12.1 & 12.2)

• Clause 12.1 (General): Covers mandatory baseline requirements for compliance.
• Clause 12.2 (Specific): Details additional criteria depending on product/application specifics.

2. Optional Requirements for ECO Mark (Clause 12)

• These are voluntary enhanced standards for eco-friendly certification.
• Compliance is assessed by tests or analysis results rounded per IS 2:1960.

3. Rounding Off Rules (IS 2:1960)

• Final test values must be rounded to the same number of significant figures as the specified standard value.
• Example: If a specified value is 12.0 (3 significant figures), a measured 12.034 rounds to 12.0.

Key Takeaways:

flowchart TD
    A[Test/Analysis Result] --> B{Round off per IS 2:1960}
    B --> C[Match significant figures of specified value]
    C --> D[Compliance Decision]

For detailed formulas or test methods, refer to respective clauses in IS 13386 and IS 2:1960.

IS 13386: Sampling and Criteria for Conformity (Annex B)

• Sampling Plan:

  • From each lot, select the number of samples as per Table 2 (not provided here, typically based on lot size).
  • Samples must be chosen at random to ensure representativeness.

• Criteria for Conformity:

  • All tested samples must pass the specified tests.
  • If any sample fails, the entire lot is rejected.

• Rationale:

  • Fire extinguishers require high reliability due to the critical nature of their use.
  • Ensures quality control at all manufacturing and assembly stages.

Summary Table (Conceptual)

(Refer to actual Table 2 in IS 13386 Annex B for exact values)

Key Points:

• Random sampling is mandatory.
• Zero tolerance for failure in tested samples.
• Ensures high safety and reliability of fire extinguishers.

flowchart TD
    A[Lot of Fire Extinguishers] --> B[Random Sampling]
    B --> C{Number of Samples as per Table 2}
    C --> D[Test Samples]
    D --> E{All Samples Pass?}
    E -- Yes --> F[Lot Accepted]
    E -- No --> G[Lot Rejected]

For detailed sample sizes and test procedures, refer to Annex B of IS 13386.

IS 13386: List of Referenced Indian Standards & Key Specifications

1. Sampling Table for Lots under Quality Control (Clause 1.2.2)

2. Important Referenced IS Codes (Annex B)

3. Key Notes on Standard Mark (Clause 12.1.1)

• Use of Standard Mark ensures compliance with IS under BIS supervision.
• Licensing and conditions for Standard Mark use are governed by the BIS Act, 1986.

4. Sampling & Conformity (Annex B)

• Fire extinguishers must have high reliability.
• Sampling and conformity criteria ensure quality control at all manufacturing stages.

Summary Diagram: Sampling Process for Lots

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Lot Size Determined] --> B{Lot Size?}
    B -->|<= 25| C[Sample 3 Items]
    B -->|26 to 50| D[Sample 5 Items]
    B -->|51 to 100| E[Sample 8 Items]
    B -->|101 to 200| F[Sample 8% of Lot]
    C --> G[Testing & Inspection]
    D --> G
    E --> G
    F --> G
    G --> H{Pass Criteria

IS 13386: Sampling and Conformity Details Summary

Key Points from Annex B (Clause 13):

• Sampling:
  Samples are taken randomly from each lot. The number of samples depends on lot size (see Table 2, Clause 2.2).
• Conformity Criteria:
  Tests on samples determine if the lot meets the standard requirements.
• Rounding Off:
  Test results are rounded per IS 2:1960 rules, maintaining the same significant digits as specified.

Typical Sampling Table (Example Format):

(Exact values to be confirmed from Table 2 in IS 13386 Annex B)

Additional Notes:

• Fire extinguishers require high reliability; hence stringent sampling and testing.
• Refer to Bureau of Indian Standards for Standard Mark usage (Clause 12.1.1).
• Use referenced IS codes (e.g., IS 2 for rounding, IS 2190 for maintenance) for detailed procedures.

flowchart TD
    A[Lot of Fire Extinguishers] --> B[Random Sampling as per Table 2]
    B --> C[Test Samples for Compliance]
    C -->|Pass| D[Lot Accepted]
    C -->|Fail| E[Lot Rejected or Reworked]

This ensures quality control and reliability per IS 13386 requirements.