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Fire Extinguisher - 135 Litres Capacity Mechanical Foam Type

IS 14951:2001 specifies the requirements for 135 litres capacity mechanical foam fire extinguishers mounted on wheeled trolleys, designed for fighting fires involving non-polar flammable liquids. It covers materials, construction, anti-corrosion treatments, charging, performance, and testing to ensure reliability and safety. This standard is essential for manufacturers, quality controllers, and fire safety engineers involved in producing or specifying large-capacity mechanical foam extinguishers in India.

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68Clauses Indexed
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2001Edition
Fire FightingCategory
Alternative search terms: IS 14951 PDF, IS 14951 pdf free download, IS 14951 free download pdf, IS14951 PDF, IS-14951 PDF, IS 14951 2001 PDF, IS 14951:2001 PDF, IS 14951-2001 PDF, IS 14951 (2001) PDF, IS 14951 2001 edition PDF, IS 14951 edition 2001 PDF

What This Standard Covers

IS 14951:2001 specifies the requirements for 135 litres capacity mechanical foam fire extinguishers mounted on wheeled trolleys, designed for fighting fires involving non-polar flammable liquids. It covers materials, construction, anti-corrosion treatments, charging, performance, and testing to ensure reliability and safety. This standard is essential for manufacturers, quality controllers, and fire safety engineers involved in producing or specifying large-capacity mechanical foam extinguishers in India.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Fire extinguisher manufacturers
  • Quality assurance engineers
  • Fire safety consultants
  • Civil and mechanical engineers
  • Procurement specialists for safety equipment
  • Regulatory compliance officers
  • Maintenance personnel for fire protection systems

Key Topics Covered

Material specifications for extinguisher components
Construction and design requirements
Mechanical foam generation and discharge mechanism
Anti-corrosion treatment of extinguisher body and parts
Pressure and hydraulic testing procedures
Marking, labeling, and operational instructions
Safety features including pressure release valves
Sampling and conformity criteria for quality control
Dimensions and capacity requirements
Wheeled carriage design and specifications
Foam concentrate composition and standards
Coating and lining requirements for internal surfaces

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 14951: Scope & Key Specifications for 135 L Mechanical Foam Fire Extinguisher

Scope:

  • Specifies requirements for 135 litres capacity mechanical foam fire extinguisher.
  • Suitable for fighting non-polar flammable liquid fires.
  • Mounted vertically on trolley wheels.
  • Expulsion of foam by pressure from compressed/liquified gas cylinder.

Key Specifications:

ParameterDetails
Capacity135 litres (total liquid capacity)
Body ShapeCylindrical
Minimum Sheet Thickness( t = \frac{D}{100} ) (where D = diameter in mm)
MaterialAs per Table 1 in the standard (includes steel, brass, aluminium alloys)
FinishGood finish, free from burrs and sharp edges
Foam Expulsion MethodPressure from compressed or liquified gas cylinder attached to extinguisher body

Sampling & Conformity:

  • Refer Annex B for sampling procedures and conformity criteria.
  • High reliability is emphasized due to critical safety function.

Referenced IS Codes (Annex A Highlights):

  • IS 1239 (Mild steel tubes)
  • IS 7285 (Fire extinguisher specification)
  • IS 3618 (Phosphate treatment for corrosion protection)
  • IS 319, 291 (Brass and bronze materials)

Thickness Formula:

[ \boxed{ t = \frac{D}{100} } ]

  • (t) = minimum thickness of the extinguisher body sheet (mm)
  • (D) = diameter of the extinguisher body (mm)

flowchart TD
    A[Fire Extinguisher Body] --> B[Material: Steel/Brass/Aluminium]
    B --> C[Shape: Cylindrical]
    C --> D[Thickness: D/100]
    A --> E[Foam Expulsion]
    E --> F[Compressed/Liquified Gas Cylinder]
    F --> G[Pressure-driven Foam Discharge]

For detailed material specs and tests, consult full IS 14951 text and referenced IS codes.

2References

IS 14951: Key References, Materials & Specifications

1. Referenced Indian Standards (Annex A)

  • IS 1079: Hot rolled carbon steel sheets & strips
  • IS 318: Leaded tin bronze ingots & castings
  • IS 1239 (Part 1): Mild steel tubes and fittings
  • IS 4984: HDPE pipes for water supply
  • IS 2878: CO2 cylinders (1 kg capacity)
  • IS 7328: Plastic materials for discharge fittings
  • IS 4454 (Part 1): Spring steel wires for springs
  • Others include IS 538 (Rubber), IS 319 (Brass), IS 6603 (Stainless steel), IS 6912 (Brass forgings)

2. Materials for Construction (Table 1)

ComponentMaterialRelevant IS
BodyMild steel sheetIS 1079
Neck ringLeaded tin bronze / Mild steel pipeIS 318 / IS 1239 (Pt 1)
CapLeaded tin bronze / Brass forgingIS 318 / IS 6912
Safety valveBrass / Leaded tin bronzeIS 319 / IS 318
SpringSpring steelIS 4454 (Part 1)
Siphon tubeBrass / HDPE / Copper / Mild steelIS 407 / IS 4984 / IS 1545 / IS 3601
Foam making pipeAluminium alloy / Leaded tin bronze / PlasticIS 617 / IS 318 / IS 7328
CO2 Cylinder (1 kg)As per IS 2878 (no discharge horn)IS 2878
HoseBraided rubber / Nylon braided PVC (burst pressure ≥ 50 kg/cm²)-

3. Thickness Formula for Body Sheet

[ \text{Minimum thickness} = \frac{D}{100} ]

  • Where D = Diameter of the cylindrical body in mm.

4. Sampling & Conformity

  • Refer to Annex B for sampling procedures ensuring reliability.
3Terminology

IS 14951: Terminology & Key Specifications for 135 Litre Mechanical Foam Fire Extinguisher

Terminology & Key Points:

  • Capacity: Total liquid capacity = 135 litres (filled to specified level).

  • Body Shape: Cylindrical.

  • Minimum Sheet Thickness:
    [ t = \frac{D}{100} ] where,
    ( t ) = minimum thickness (mm)
    ( D ) = diameter of the extinguisher body (mm)

  • Expulsion Method: Foam expelled by pressure from compressed or liquified gas cylinder attached to extinguisher.

  • Material Specifications: Refer Table 1 (materials per IS 7285 for construction).

  • Finish: Body must be free from burrs and sharp edges.

  • Marking: As per Clause 12.1.2, licensing and marking follow BIS regulations.

  • Sampling & Conformity: Annex B details criteria ensuring reliability.


Summary Table: Key Formula & Specification

ParameterSpecification/Formula
Capacity135 litres
Body ShapeCylindrical
Minimum Thickness (t)( t = \frac{D}{100} ) mm
Expulsion MediumCompressed/liquified gas pressure
Material StandardIS 7285 (for construction materials)
FinishSmooth, burr-free

flowchart LR
    A[135 Litre Capacity] --> B[Body: Cylindrical]
    B --> C[Thickness t = D/100 mm]
    B --> D[Material per IS 7285]
    A --> E[Foam Expelled by Gas Pressure]
    E --> F[Compressed or Liquified Gas Cylinder]

For detailed materials, marking, and testing refer to IS 14951 clauses and annexures.

4Material Requirements

IS 14951: Material Requirements Summary

Key Materials & Relevant IS Codes (Table 1, Clause 5)

ComponentMaterialIS Code / Grade
BodyMild steel sheetIS 1079 (any grade)
Neck ringLeaded tin bronzeGrade LTB 2, IS 318
Mild steel pipeIS 1239 (Part 1)
CapLeaded tin-bronzeGrade LTB 2, IS 318
Brass forgingGrade FLB, IS 6912
Cap washerRubber (acid/alkali resistant)IS 538
Safety valveBrassType I, IS 319
Leaded tin-bronzeGrade LTB 2, IS 318
SpringSpring steelGrade 1, IS 4454 (Part 1)
Siphon tubeBrass / HDPE / Copper / Mild steelIS 407 / IS 4984 / IS 1545 / IS 3601
Discharge fittingsLeaded tin-bronze / BrassGrade LTB 2, IS 318 / Grade 2 IS 291, Type 1 IS 319
Foam making branch pipeAluminium alloy / Leaded tin-bronze / PlasticGrade 4450 or 4425 IS 617 / Grade LTB 2 IS 318 / IS 7328
CO2 cylinder (1 kg)Seamless steel cylinderIS 2878 (without discharge horn)
HoseBraided rubber / Plastic / Nylon braided PVCBursting pressure ≥ 50 kg/cm²
Snifter valveBrass / Stainless steel / Leaded tin-bronze / PlasticType 1 IS 319 / Grade 04Cr18Ni10 IS 6603 / Grade LTB 2 IS 318 / IS 7328

Foam Concentrate & Solution (Clause 7.14)

  • Foam concentrate conforming to IS 4989 (Part 2)
  • Quantity:
    • ≥ 8 L for 6% concentrate
5Construction

IS 14951: Construction Key Points for 135 L Mechanical Foam Fire Extinguisher

Welding:

  • Spot welding (for fittings): per IS 819
  • Metal arc welding: per IS 9595

Material Specifications (Table 1):

ComponentMaterial & IS Code
BodyMild steel sheet, any grade of IS 1079
Neck ringLeaded tin bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318) or Mild steel pipe (IS 1239 Part 1)
CapLeaded tin bronze (LTB 2, IS 318) or Brass forging (FLB, IS 6912)
Cap washerRubber, acid/alkali resistant (IS 538)
Safety valveBrass (Type I, IS 319) or Leaded tin bronze (LTB 2, IS 318)
SpringSpring steel (Grade 1, IS 4454 Part 1)
Siphon tubeBrass (Alloy No. 2, IS 407), HDPE (IS 4984), Copper (IS 1545), or Mild steel (IS 3601)
Discharge fittingsLeaded tin bronze (LTB 2, IS 318) or Brass (Grade 2, IS 291; Type 1, IS 319)
Foam making pipeAluminium alloy (Grade 4450/4425, IS 617), Leaded tin bronze (LTB 2, IS 318), or Plastic (IS 7328)
CO2 Cylinder (1 kg)As per IS 2878 (without discharge horn)
HoseBraided rubber, plastic, or nylon braided PVC (burst pressure ≥ 50 kg/cm²)
Snifter valveBrass (Type 1, IS 319), Stainless steel (Grade 04Cr18Ni10, IS 6603), Leaded tin bronze (LTB 2, IS 318), or Plastic (IS 7328)

Thickness of Body Sheet:

  • Minimum thickness, t = D / 100 (D = diameter in mm)

Charge:

  • Foam concentrate per **IS
6Dimensions and Capacity

IS 14951: Dimensions and Capacity for 135 Litre Mechanical Foam Fire Extinguisher

1. Capacity:

  • Total liquid capacity = 135 litres (filled to specified level)
  • Foam concentrate quantity:
    • 8 litres for 6% concentrate
    • 4 litres for 3% concentrate
  • Balance quantity is water to make up 135 litres foam solution.

2. Dimensions & Thickness:

  • Body shape: Cylindrical
  • Minimum sheet thickness, ( t = \frac{D}{100} )
    where ( D ) = diameter of the body in mm.

3. Materials (Table 1 Highlights):

ComponentMaterialIS Reference
BodyMild steel sheetIS 1079
Neck ringLeaded tin bronze / Mild steel pipeIS 318 / IS 1239 (Pt 1)
CapLeaded tin-bronze / Brass forgingIS 318 / IS 6912
CO2 Cylinder (1 kg)As per IS 7285IS 7285
Foam branch pipeAluminium alloy / Bronze / PlasticIS 617 / IS 318 / IS 7328

4. Expulsion Method:

  • Pressure from compressed or liquified gas (CO2 cylinder of 1 kg capacity as per IS 7285).

Summary Formula:

[ \boxed{ t = \frac{D}{100} } ]

where:

  • ( t ) = minimum thickness of cylindrical body (mm)
  • ( D ) = diameter of the body (mm)

flowchart TD
    A[135 Litre Capacity] --> B[Foam Concentrate: 3% or 6%]
    B --> C[Water to make 135 Litre Solution]
    A --> D[Cylindrical Body]
    D --> E[Thickness t = D/100]
    A --> F[CO2 Cylinder (1 kg) as Pressure Source]
    A --> G[Materials as per Table 1]

This ensures compliance with IS 14951 for mechanical foam extinguishers.

7Components and Parts

IS 14951: Key Specifications for Components and Parts of 135 L Mechanical Foam Fire Extinguisher


1. Materials for Construction (Table 1, Clause 5)

ComponentMaterial & IS Specification
BodyMild steel sheet (Any grade IS 1079)
Neck ringLeaded tin bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318) or Mild steel pipe (IS 1239 Part 1)
CapLeaded tin-bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318) or Brass forging (Grade FLB, IS 6912)
Cap washerRubber (IS 538), acid/alkali resistant
Safety valveBrass (Type I, IS 319) or Leaded tin-bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318)
SpringSpring steel (Grade 1, IS 4454 Part 1)
Siphon tubeBrass (Alloy No. 2, IS 407), HDPE (IS 4984), Copper (IS 1545), or Mild steel (IS 3601)
Discharge fittingsLeaded tin-bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318) or Brass (Grade 2, IS 291, Type 1 IS 319)
Foam making branch pipeAluminium alloy (Grade 4450/4425, IS 617), Leaded tin-bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318), or Plastic (IS 7328)
CO2 cylinder (1 kg)IS 7285 (Seamless steel cylinders for liquefiable gases)
HoseBraided rubber, Plastic (bursting pressure ≥ 50 kg/cm²), or Nylon braided PVC
Snifter valveBrass (Type 1, IS 319), Stainless steel (Grade 04Cr18Ni10, IS 6603), Leaded tin-bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318), or Plastic (IS 7328)

2. Body Thickness Formula

[ \text{Minimum thickness} = \frac{D}{100} \quad \text{(D = diameter in mm)}

8Anti-Corrosive Treatment

IS 14951 - Anti-Corrosive Treatment Key Points

1. Corrosion Resistance Test (Clause 2.5)

  • Sample: 2.5 cm piece dipped in solution.
  • Solution: 20% sulphuric acid + 5% sodium hydroxide.
  • Duration: 10 minutes.
  • Requirement: No corrosion or damage visible.

2. Anti-Corrosive Coating Specifications (Clause 9.1)

SurfaceCoating TypeMinimum ThicknessNotes
Internal surfacesLead-tin alloy (≥10% tin)≥ 0.012 mmApplied electrolytically or hot dipped.
External surfacesLead-tin alloy or Phosphating (IS 3618)≥ 0.012 mm (lead-tin) or per IS 3618No visible uncoated areas.
Internal & External (Updated)Epoxy powder coating≥ 0.050 mmThickness per IS 3203 measurement methods.
Internal surfaces (Alternative)Plastic/rubber lining≥ 0.5 mmAlternative to epoxy powder coating.

3. Measurement Standard

  • Thickness measured as per IS 3203 (Non-destructive coating thickness measurement).

Summary Diagram of Surface Treatment Options

graph LR
A[Body Surface] --> B[Internal Surface]
A --> C[External Surface]

B --> D[Lead-tin alloy ≥0.012mm]
B --> E[Epoxy powder coating ≥0.050mm]
B --> F[Plastic/rubber lining ≥0.5mm]

C --> G[Lead-tin alloy ≥0.012mm]
C --> H[Phosphating (IS 3618)]
C --> I[Epoxy powder coating ≥0.050mm]

Note: All coatings must be continuous with no visible uncoated areas to ensure effective corrosion protection.

9Marking and Labeling

IS 14951 - Key Marking and Labeling Specifications

  • Marking for Class Suitability (Clause 10.3):

    • Letters A and B indicating suitability for fire classes A & B.
    • Letter size: 2.5 cm, printed in black.
    • Letters centrally contained in a 4 cm square.
    • Square background: cream (lemon yellow), IS 5 shade No. 355.
  • Standard Mark (Clause 12.1.1):

    • Extinguisher may bear the BIS Standard Mark as per Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
  • Pressure Testing Declaration (Clause 3.0 f):

    • Marking must include a declaration that the extinguisher body is tested to 3.0 MN/m² (30 kgf/cm²).
  • Year of Manufacture (Clause 3.0 g):

    • The year of manufacture must be clearly marked.

Summary Table for Marking Dimensions

Marking ElementSizeColorBackground
Letter A or B2.5 cmBlackCream (lemon yellow, IS 5 shade No. 355)
Containing Square4 cm x 4 cmN/ACream (lemon yellow)

flowchart LR
    A[Extinguisher Body] --> B[Mark Letters A & B]
    B --> C[2.5 cm black letters]
    B --> D[Contained in 4x4 cm cream square]
    A --> E[Standard Mark (optional)]
    A --> F[Pressure Test Declaration: 3.0 MN/m²]
    A --> G[Year of Manufacture]

This ensures clear identification of extinguisher class, compliance, and manufacturing details per IS 14951.

10Performance Requirements

IS 14951: Performance Requirements Summary

1. Performance Test (Clause 1.2.4 & 11.1)

  • Sampling: One sample per lot.
  • Acceptance: Sample must pass the test for lot conformity.

2. Materials for Construction (Table 1, Clause 5)

ComponentMaterialRelevant IS
BodyMild steel sheetIS 1079
Neck ringLeaded tin bronze / Mild steel pipeIS 318 / IS 1239 (Pt 1)
CapLeaded tin bronze / Brass forgingIS 318 / IS 6912
Safety valveBrass / Leaded tin-bronzeIS 319 / IS 318
Siphon tubeBrass / HDPE / Copper / Mild steelIS 407 / IS 4984 / IS 1545 / IS 3601
Foam making branch pipeAluminium alloy / Leaded tin-bronze / PlasticIS 617 / IS 318 / IS 7328
CO2 Cylinder (1 kg)As per IS 2878 (no discharge horn)IS 2878
HoseBraided rubber / Plastic / Nylon braided PVCBursting pressure ≥ 50 kg/cm²

3. Sampling & Conformity (Annex B)

  • High reliability required due to risk.
  • Adequate design and manufacturing control emphasized.
  • Sampling details and acceptance criteria per Annex B.

4. Paint Requirements (Clause 10.4)

  • Paint must conform to IS 2932.

Key Notes:

  • Performance test ensures reliability.
  • Material standards ensure durability and compatibility.
  • Sampling criteria ensure lot conformity.
flowchart TD
    A[Start: Sample from Lot] --> B{Performance Test}
    B -- Pass --> C[Lot Accepted]
    B -- Fail --> D[Lot Rejected]
    C --> E[Marking per Clause 12]
    D --> F[Rework or Reject Lot]

This concise summary covers the essential performance requirements, materials, and conformity criteria from IS 14951.

11Testing

IS 14951 - Testing: Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications

Sampling & Criteria for Conformity (Annex B)

  • Performance Test (Clause 11.1):

    • One sample tested per lot.
    • Sample must pass for lot acceptance.
  • Bursting Pressure Test (Clause 11.4):

    • One type test required.
    • Must meet specified bursting pressure values.
  • Sample Size (Clause B-1.2.1):

    • Number of samples depends on lot size (refer Annex B for detailed sampling plan).

Testing Guidelines:

  • Fire extinguishers require high reliability; testing ensures safety and performance.
  • Tests include bursting pressure, performance, and material compliance.
  • Referenced IS standards (e.g., IS 3203 for coating thickness, IS 3601 for steel tubes) guide material testing.

Summary Table: Testing Samples & Tests

Test TypeSample SizeFrequencyAcceptance Criteria
Performance Test1 per lotEach lotMust pass test
Bursting Pressure1 type testOnce per designMust meet specified pressure
Material PropertiesAs per ISAs requiredConform to referenced IS specs

For detailed sampling plans and conformity criteria, consult Annex B of IS 14951.

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Manufacturing] --> B[Sampling as per Annex B]
    B --> C{Test Type}
    C -->|Performance| D[Test 1 sample per lot]
    C -->|Bursting Pressure| E[1 type test]
    D --> F{Pass?}
    E --> F
    F -->|Yes| G[Lot Accepted]
    F -->|No| H[Lot Rejected]

Note: Always refer to the latest IS 14951 and relevant referenced IS codes for precise test methods and acceptance limits.

12Sampling and Criteria for Conformity

IS 14951: Sampling and Criteria for Conformity

Key Points from Clause 13 and Annex B:

  • Sampling: Samples are selected at random from each lot.
  • Number of Samples: As per Column 2 of Table 2 (not fully provided here), the number of samples depends on the lot size.
  • Criteria for Conformity:
    • All tested samples must pass the specified tests for the lot to be accepted.
    • This ensures high reliability of fire extinguishers.

Summary Table (Typical Sampling Plan)

Lot Size (Units)Number of Samples to be Tested
Up to 503
51 to 1505
151 to 5008
Above 50013

(Note: Refer IS 14951 Table 2 for exact values)

Conformity Criteria:

  • All samples tested must pass the tests (Clause B-1.2.3.1).
  • Failure in any sample means the entire lot is rejected.

Visual: Sampling Process Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Lot Received] --> B[Select Random Samples]
    B --> C[Test Samples as per IS 14951]
    C --> D{All Samples Passed?}
    D -- Yes --> E[Lot Accepted]
    D -- No --> F[Lot Rejected]

Note: For exact sample sizes and test details, refer to Annex B and Table 2 of IS 14951.

13Safety Features

IS 14951: Safety Features for 135 L Mechanical Foam Fire Extinguisher

Key Specifications & Formulas

  • Safety Pressure Release Valve (Clause 7.7):

    • Activates automatically if internal pressure > 25 kg/cm² to prevent rupture.
  • Body Thickness Formula (Clause 7):
    [ t = \frac{D}{100} ] where:

    • ( t ) = minimum thickness of mild steel sheet (mm)
    • ( D ) = diameter of the cylindrical body (mm)
  • CO₂ Gas Cylinder (Clause 7.14):

    • Capacity: 1 kg, conforming to IS 7285
    • Charge: Foam concentrate per IS 4989 (Part 2)
    • Foam solution volume: 135 litres
    • Foam concentrate quantity:
      • 6% concentrate: ≥ 8 litres
      • 3% concentrate: ≥ 4 litres
    • Balance made up with water

Materials for Safety-Critical Components (Table 1 Highlights)

ComponentMaterialRelevant IS
BodyMild steel sheetIS 1079
Safety ValveBrass / Leaded tin bronzeIS 319 / IS 318
CO₂ CylinderSeamless steel cylinderIS 2878
Siphon TubeBrass / HDPE / Copper / Mild steelIS 407 / IS 4984 / IS 1545 / IS 3601
Foam Branch PipeAluminium alloy / Bronze / PlasticIS 617 / IS 318 / IS 7328

Summary Diagram: Safety Pressure Release Valve Operation

flowchart LR
    A[Internal Pressure Increases] --> B{Pressure > 25 kg/cm²?}
    B -- No --> C[Normal Operation]
    B -- Yes --> D[Release Valve Opens]
    D --> E[Pressure Released Safely]
    E --> C

Note: All materials and components must conform to the respective IS standards listed in Annex A for reliability and safety.

14Wheeled Carriage Specifications

Wheeled Carriage Specifications (IS 14951: Clauses 7.13 & 7.14)

  • Wheel Size:

    • Diameter: 405 mm
    • Width: 50 mm
    • Thickness: 25 mm
    • Type: Rubber-tyred wheels
  • Axle:

    • Material: Mild steel rod
    • Minimum diameter: 25 mm

Material Specifications for Fire Extinguisher Components (Table 1, Clause 7.14)

ComponentMaterialRelevant IS Code
BodyMild steel sheetIS 1079
Neck ringLeaded tin bronze / Mild steel pipeIS 318 (LTB 2) / IS 1239 Pt 1
CapLeaded tin-bronze / Brass forgingIS 318 / IS 6912
Cap washerRubber (acid/alkali resistant)IS 538
Safety valveBrass / Leaded tin-bronzeIS 319 / IS 318
SpringSpring steelIS 4454 (Part 1)
Siphon tubeBrass / HDPE / Copper / Mild steelIS 407 / IS 4984 / IS 1545 / IS 3601
Discharge fittingsLeaded tin-bronze / BrassIS 318 / IS 291 / IS 319
Foam making branch pipeAluminium alloy / Leaded tin-bronze / PlasticIS 617 / IS 318 / IS 7328
CO2 Cylinder (1 kg)IS 2878
HoseBraided rubber / Plastic / Nylon braided PVC— / — / —
Snifter valveBrass / Stainless steel / Leaded tin-bronze / PlasticIS 319 / IS 6603 / IS 318 / IS 7328

Additional Notes:

  • The minimum sheet thickness of the extinguisher body = D/100 (D = diameter in mm).
  • The CO2 gas cylinder must conform to IS 7285.
  • Foam concentrate quantity for 135 L solution:

15Annexes

IS 14951 Annexes Summary: Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications


Annex A: List of Referenced Indian Standards

  • Contains IS codes related to materials, testing, and components relevant to 135 L mechanical foam fire extinguishers.
  • Examples:
    • IS 1239 (Part 1): Mild steel tubes
    • IS 7285: Fire extinguisher specifications
    • IS 3618: Phosphate treatment for corrosion protection
    • IS 3203: Testing electroplated coatings thickness

Annex B: Sampling and Criteria for Conformity

  • Emphasizes high reliability due to critical safety function.
  • Requires adequate design and manufacturing controls.
  • Sampling procedures ensure conformity with performance standards.

Key Formula for Body Thickness (Clause 7)

  • Minimum sheet thickness for cylindrical body:

[ t = \frac{D}{100} ]

Where:

  • ( t ) = minimum thickness (mm)
  • ( D ) = diameter of the extinguisher body (mm)

Important Specifications

  • Capacity: 135 litres total liquid capacity.
  • Shape: Cylindrical body.
  • Expulsion: Foam expelled by pressure from compressed or liquefied gas cylinder.
  • Finish: Smooth, free of burrs and sharp edges (Amendment 2, Clause 10.1).

Summary Diagram: Fire Extinguisher Components (Fig. 1 reference)

graph TD
    A[Gas Cylinder] --> B[Pressure]
    B --> C[Extinguisher Body (Cylindrical)]
    C --> D[Mechanical Foam Liquid]
    D --> E[Nozzle for Foam Discharge]
    C --> F[Trolley Wheels]

For detailed sampling, testing, and material specs, refer to Annex B and Table 1 of IS 14951.

Popular Questions About IS 14951

?What materials are specified for the construction of the 135 litres mechanical foam fire extinguisher?

Materials for 135 Litres Mechanical Foam Fire Extinguisher (IS 14951)

ComponentMaterial(s) & Relevant IS Code
BodyMild steel sheet (Any grade of IS 1079)
Neck ringa) Leaded tin bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318)
b) Mild steel pipe (IS 1239 Part 1)
Capa) Leaded tin-bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318)
b) Brass forging (Grade FLB, IS 6912)
Cap washerRubber (IS 538), acid/alkali resistant
Safety valvea) Brass (Type I, IS 319)
b) Leaded tin-bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318)
SpringSpring steel (Grade 1, IS 4454 Part 1)
Siphon tubeBrass (Alloy No. 2, IS 407) / HDPE (IS 4984) / Copper (IS 1545) / Mild steel (IS 3601)
Discharge fittingsLeaded tin-bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318) / Brass (Grade 2, IS 291, Type 1, IS 319)
Foam making branch pipeAluminium alloy (Grade 4450 or 4425, IS 617) / Leaded tin-bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318) / Plastic (IS 7328)
CO2 cylinder (1 kg capacity)As per IS 2878 (without discharge horn)
HoseBraided rubber / Plastic / Nylon braided PVC (burst pressure ≥ 50 kg/cm²)
Snifter valveBrass (Type 1, IS 319) / Stainless steel (Grade 04Cr18Ni10, IS 6603) / Leaded tin-bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318) / Plastic (IS 7328)

**Additional

?How is the mechanical foam generated and discharged according to IS 14951?

According to IS 14951 (2001) for a 135-litre mechanical foam fire extinguisher:

  • Mechanical foam generation is achieved by expanding foam concentrate mixed with water using pressure from a compressed or liquefied gas (typically CO₂) stored in a separate cylinder attached to the extinguisher.

  • The discharge mechanism works by releasing this gas pressure, which forces the foam solution through a siphon tube and then through a foam-making branch pipe (nozzle). The nozzle expands the foam to form a blanket that suppresses fire.

  • The foam concentrate must conform to IS 4989 (Part 2), with typical quantities:

    • 8 litres for 6% concentrate
    • 4 litres for 3% concentrate
    • The balance is water to make a total of 135 litres foam solution.
  • The CO₂ gas cylinder (1 kg capacity) must comply with IS 7285.

Summary:

StepDescription
1Gas pressure from CO₂ cylinder is released
2Pressure forces foam solution up the siphon tube
3Foam solution passes through the foam-making nozzle
4Foam expands and discharges to extinguish fire
Loading diagram...

This method ensures rapid and effective foam generation and discharge for fire suppression on non-polar flammable liquid fires.

?What anti-corrosion treatments are required for the extinguisher body and components?

According to IS 14951, the anti-corrosion treatments for fire extinguisher bodies and components are:

Internal Surfaces:

  • Coating with lead-tin alloy (tin ≥ 10%) by electrolytic or hot dipping process.
  • Minimum thickness: 0.012 mm.
  • Alternatively, epoxy powder coating with thickness ≥ 0.050 mm.
  • No visible uncoated areas allowed internally.

External Surfaces:

  • Same anti-corrosive treatment as internal (lead-tin alloy or epoxy powder coating).
  • Alternatively, phosphating treatment per IS 3618 can be applied externally.

Siphon Tube:

  • Both surfaces must receive the same anti-corrosive treatment.

Corrosion Resistance Test:

  • A 2.5 cm cut piece dipped in 20% sulphuric acid / 5% sodium hydroxide for 10 minutes should show no corrosion or damage.

Summary Table:

SurfaceTreatmentMinimum Thickness
Internal bodyLead-tin alloy or epoxy powder0.012 mm (lead-tin) / 0.050 mm (epoxy)
External bodyLead-tin alloy, epoxy, or phosphating (IS 3618)Same as internal or per IS 3618
Siphon tubeSame as body surfacesSame as body

This ensures long-term corrosion resistance and durability of extinguisher components.

?What are the pressure testing requirements to ensure extinguisher safety and reliability?

Pressure Testing Requirements per IS 14951 for Extinguisher Safety:

  • Hydraulic Pressure Test (Clause 11.3):

    • Test extinguisher body and cap (without safety valve) separately.
    • Apply internal hydraulic pressure of 3.0 MN/m² (30 kgf/cm²) for 2 minutes.
    • No leakage or deformation allowed during the test.
  • Adhesion Test of Plastic Lining (Clause 9.1.1 / 9.2):

    • Subject unfilled extinguisher to 15 kgf/cm² pressure.
    • Store for 120 ± 4 hours at 27 ± 5°C.
    • After releasing pressure, inspect internally for cracks, lining separation, lifting, or bubbles.
  • Hydraulic Burst Failure Test (Clause 11.4):

    • Extinguisher body must withstand a minimum pressure of 4.5 MN/m² (45 kgf/cm²) without mechanical failure.

Summary Table:

Test TypePressure AppliedDuration/ConditionAcceptance Criteria
Hydraulic Pressure Test3.0 MN/m² (30 kgf/cm²)2 minutesNo leakage or deformation
Adhesion of Plastic Lining15 kgf/cm²120 ± 4 h at 27 ± 5°CNo cracking, lifting, or bubbles
Hydraulic Burst Failure Test≥ 4.5 MN/m² (45 kgf/cm²)Until failure (burst test)Failure pressure ≥ 45 kgf/cm²

This ensures extinguisher integrity and reliability under operational stresses.

?How should the extinguisher be marked and labeled for compliance and user guidance?

According to IS 14951, fire extinguishers must be marked and labeled as follows for compliance and user guidance:

  • Class Identification: Letters A and B (2.5 cm high, black) inside a 4 cm cream (lemon yellow, IS 5 shade No. 355) square at the center, indicating suitability for Class A & B fires (Clause 10.3).

  • Standard Mark: May include the Standard Mark (Clause 12.1.1).

  • Permanent Markings (Clause 10.3 & 11.4):

    • Manufacturer's identification.
    • Operation instructions in prominent letters.
    • The phrase "MECHANICAL FOAM FIRE EXTINGUISHERS".
    • Capacity in litres.
    • Warning: "After discharge the extinguisher must be washed out carefully with fresh water using at least two changes".
    • Declaration of body pressure test: tested to 3.0 MN/m² (30 kgf/cm²).
    • Year of manufacture.

This ensures clear user guidance and regulatory compliance.

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