IS 14851:2000 provides comprehensive guidelines for the selection, usage, handling, and maintenance of fire hoses to ensure their reliability and longevity in fire fighting operations. It covers both non-percolating and controlled percolating hose types, addressing performance parameters, pressure handling, cleaning, drying, storage, and inspection procedures. This standard is essential for fire service professionals, civil and defense personnel, and facility managers responsible for fire protection systems.
Overview
IS 14851:2000 provides comprehensive guidelines for the selection, usage, handling, and maintenance of fire hoses to ensure their reliability and longevity in fire fighting operations. It covers both non-percolating and controlled percolating hose types, addressing performance parameters, pressure handling, cleaning, drying, storage, and inspection procedures. This standard is essential for fire service professionals, civil and defense personnel, and facility managers responsible for fire protection systems.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Scope:
IS 14851 covers specifications for fire fighting hoses, referencing related IS standards for different hose types:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 636:1988 | Non-percolating flexible fire fighting delivery hose |
| 4927:1992 | Unlined flax canvas hose for fire fighting |
| 8423:1994 | Controlled percolating hose for fire fighting |
| Parameter | Type A Hose | Quality per IS 14851 |
|---|---|---|
| Proof Pressure | 21 kgf/cm² | 21 kgf/cm² |
| Abrasion Resistance | 1x | 2x |
| Heat Resistance | 1x | 1.5x |
If you need formulas or detailed test methods, these are typically found in referenced IS codes (IS 636, IS 4927, IS 8423).
flowchart LR
A[IS 14851 Scope] --> B[References IS 636, 4927, 8423]
A --> C[Performance Parameters]
C --> D[Proof Pressure: 21 kgf/cm²]
C --> E[Abrasion Resistance: 2x Type A]
C --> F[Heat Resistance: 1.5x Type A]
A --> G[Inspection & Records]
G --> H[ID Number for each hose]
G --> I[Complete usage & service history]
For detailed design or testing, refer to the specific IS standards mentioned.
Referenced Indian Standards:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 636:1988 | Non-percolating flexible fire fighting delivery hose (3rd revision) |
| 4927:1992 | Unlined flax canvas hose for fire fighting (1st revision) |
| 8423:1994 | Controlled percolating hose for fire fighting (1st revision) |
For detailed specs, refer to the respective IS codes listed above.
flowchart LR
A[Hose Delivery] --> B[Assign ID Number]
B --> C[Record Usage & Tests]
C --> D{Condition}
D -->|Good| E[Continue Service]
D -->|Fail| F[Condemn & Remove]
F --> G[Update Records]
Contact BIS Offices for latest editions and clarifications.
IS 14851: General Requirements - Key Specifications & Performance Parameters
Proof Pressure: Minimum proof pressure = 21 kgf/cm² (same as Type A quality).
Abrasion Resistance: Durability factor is 2× that of Type A quality.
Heat Resistance: Reliability factor is 1.5× (half times more) than Type A quality.
Recommended Use: Suitable for severe conditions such as:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 636 | Non-percolating flexible fire fighting delivery hose (1988) |
| 4927 | Unlined flax canvas hose for fire fighting (1992) |
| 8423 | Controlled percolating hose for fire fighting (1994) |
flowchart LR
A[Type A Quality] -->|Proof Pressure = 21 kgf/cm²| B[Specified Quality]
B -->|Abrasion Resistance = 2× Type A| C[Durability]
B -->|Heat Resistance = 1.5× Type A| D[Reliability]
B --> E[Applications]
E --> F[Refineries]
E --> G[Chemical Plants]
E --> H[High-rise Buildings]
This summary aids in quick understanding of general requirements and performance metrics for fire fighting hoses under IS 14851.
IS 14851 references key standards for fire hose types and specifications:
| IS No. | Hose Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IS 636 | Non-percolating flexible hose | Durable, non-porous, suitable for high-pressure delivery |
| IS 4927 | Unlined flax canvas hose | Traditional, flexible, for general firefighting |
| IS 8423 | Controlled percolating hose | Allows controlled water seepage to cool hose surface |
[ P = \frac{4Q^2}{\pi^2 d^4 C_d^2} ] Where:
flowchart LR
WaterSupply --> FireHose[Fire Hose]
FireHose --> Nozzle[Nozzle]
Nozzle --> Fire[Fire Stream]
FireHose -.-> Maintenance[Maintenance & Inspection]
FireHose -.-> Handling[Proper Handling]
Summary: Use IS 636, 4927, and 8423 for selecting hose type based on application, ensure pressure compatibility, and maintain hoses per IS guidelines for reliability and safety.
IS 14851: Handling of Fire Hose - Key Points
Though Clause 5 on "Handling of Hose at Fire" lacks detailed formulas, the code emphasizes:
| IS No. | Title | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| IS 636 : 1988 | Non-percolating flexible fire fighting hose | Hose construction & performance |
| IS 4927 : 1992 | Unlined flax canvas hose for fire fighting | Material & durability |
| IS 8423 : 1994 | Controlled percolating hose for fire fighting | Hose design & controlled leakage |
| Maintenance Code | Maintenance of Fire Hose - Code of Practice | Handling, storage, and maintenance |
flowchart LR
A[Fire Hose] --> B{Pressure Applied}
B -->|< 21 kgf/cm²| C[No Percolation]
B -->|≥ 21 kgf/cm²| D[Controlled Percolation via Inner Coating Holes]
D --> E[Prevents Hose Bursting]
For detailed handling and maintenance, refer to IS 636, IS 4927, IS 8423, and the Fire Hose Maintenance Code of Practice.
IS 14851: Maintenance of Fire Hose After Fires – Key Points
[ P_{test} = 1.5 \times P_{working} ]
| Maintenance Step | Frequency | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | After every use | Remove dirt, chemicals, and residues |
| Drying | After cleaning | Air dry fully before storage |
| Inspection | Monthly/After use | Check for cuts, abrasions, leaks |
| Pressure Testing | Annually | Test at 1.5 × working pressure |
| Storage | Always | Store in cool, dry, ventilated place |
flowchart TD
A[Fire Hose Used in Fire] --> B[Cleaning]
B --> C[Drying]
C --> D[Inspection]
D --> E{Damage Found?}
E -- Yes --> F[Repair or Replace]
E -- No --> G[Pressure Testing]
G --> H[Storage]
**Ensure adherence to IS 14851 for reliable hose performance and safety during
Key Points:
| Data Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Hose ID Number | Unique identifier for each hose length |
| Date of Delivery | When hose was received |
| Location | Hose rack, reel, or enclosure |
| Usage History | Firefighting operations hose was used in |
| Service Tests | Dates and results of pressure and leakage tests |
| Repairs | Details of any maintenance or repairs done |
| Condemnation Reason | Reason and date when hose was removed |
| Warranty Status | Indicate if failure occurred within guarantee |
flowchart TD
A[Hose Delivery & Acceptance] --> B[Assign Hose ID Number]
B --> C[Record Location & Usage]
C --> D[Service Tests & Repairs]
D --> E{Hose Condition}
E -- Good --> C
E -- Failed --> F[Record Reason & Remove]
F --> G[Analyze Data for Cost & Performance]
For detailed inspection procedures, refer also to IS 636, IS 4927, and IS 8423 as cited in IS 14851.
IS 14851: Service Testing and Repairs of Fire Hose — Key Points
| Hose Diameter (mm) | Test Pressure (MPa) |
|---|---|
| 25 - 38 | 1.5 |
| 40 - 65 | 1.2 |
Note: Confirm exact pressures from manufacturer or IS guidelines.
flowchart TD
A[Hose Delivery] --> B[Assign ID]
B --> C[Record Inventory]
C --> D[Service Testing (Annual/After Repair)]
D --> E{Pass Test?}
E -- Yes --> F[Return to Service]
E -- No --> G[Repair Hose]
G --> D
Summary: Maintain accurate records, conduct annual or post-repair pressure tests, and ensure repairs are validated by testing to keep fire hoses reliable and safe.
IS 14851: Storage and Drying of Fire Hose - Key Points
| Step | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Remove dirt and contaminants | Essential before drying |
| Drying Method | Hose towers, racks, drying cabinets | Ensure complete drying to avoid mildew |
| Post-Drying Storage | Roll and place on racks | Prevent kinks and damage |
| Covered Hose | No drying needed | Applies to IS 636 Type B and oil-resistant |
flowchart TD
A[Remove Grime] --> B[Dry Hose]
B -->|Hose Tower| C[Hang Vertically]
B -->|Rack| D[Lay Flat]
B -->|Drying Cabinet| E[Use Sufficient Cabinets]
C --> F[Roll Hose]
D --> F
E --> F
F --> G[Store on Racks]
H[Covered Hose (IS 636 Type B)] --> I[No Drying Required]
Note: Always follow IS 14851 and IS 636 for specific hose types and maintenance procedures.
IS 14851 focuses on the Maintenance of Fire Hose but does not explicitly provide detailed formulas or tables for Safety Precautions. However, key safety recommendations and procedural specifications can be summarized as follows:
Identification & Record Keeping:
Inspection & Maintenance:
Handling & Storage:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 636:1988 | Non-percolating flexible fire fighting delivery hose |
| 4927:1992 | Unlined flax canvas hose for fire fighting |
| 8423:1994 | Controlled percolating hose for fire fighting |
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Identification Number | Unique ID for each hose length |
| Location | Storage place (rack, reel, enclosure) |
| Usage | Fire unit and frequency of use |
| Service Tests | Dates and results of pressure tests |
| Repairs | Details of repairs and replacements |
| Reason for Removal | Cause for condemnation or discard |
flowchart LR
A[Hose Delivery] --> B[Assign ID Number]
B --> C[Record Location & Usage]
C --> D[Regular Inspection]
D --> E{Pass Inspection?}
E -- Yes --> F[Continue Use]
E -- No --> G[Repair or Remove]
G --> H[Update Records
Frequently Asked
Key Differences Between Non-Percolating and Controlled Percolating Fire Hoses (IS 14851):
| Aspect | Non-Percolating Hose | Controlled Percolating Hose |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Coating | Impermeable, no water leakage | Inner coating as per IS 8423, designed to develop holes under pressure |
| Water Leakage | No percolation; water fully contained | Controlled water leakage through holes (controlled percolation) |
| Proof Pressure | Typically less than or equal to controlled percolating hose | Minimum proof pressure: 21 kgf/cm² |
| Purpose | Deliver water without loss | Allow controlled seepage to cool hose externally, preventing damage |
| Service Testing | Regular inspection recommended | Mandatory regular service testing to check controlled percolation |
| Durability | Serviceable minimum 3 years with care | Same, but must maintain controlled percolation feature |
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This distinction ensures proper hose selection based on firefighting needs and operating conditions.
According to IS 14851, the minimum proof pressure that fire hoses must meet is:
| Hose Type | Minimum Proof Pressure |
|---|---|
| Unlined flax fibre hose | 21 kg/cm² |
| Controlled percolating hose | 21 kg/cm² |
This ensures durability and reliability in firefighting operations.
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According to IS 14851, fire hoses should be cleaned and dried as follows to ensure longevity:
Proper cleaning and drying prevent damage, maintain flexibility, and extend hose life.
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Regular service tests (Clause 7.1) ensure ongoing reliability.
To prevent pressure surges during fire hose operation as per IS 14851:
| Action | Purpose | Reference Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Slow nozzle operation | Prevent shock waves | 5.2 |
| Use pressure relief devices | Control sudden pressure spikes | 5.2 |
| Reduce pump pressure first | Avoid surges on nozzle closure | 5.2 |
| Relay relief valve on pump inlet | Protect pump & hose in relay | 5.3 |
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This ensures hose longevity and pump safety during firefighting.
According to IS 14851:
| Activity | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Routine service testing | At least once every year |
| After repairs or hard usage | Immediately after the event |
| Hose replacement consideration | Minimum 3 years, if in poor condition |
This ensures hoses remain reliable and safe for firefighting operations.
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