Portable Fire Extinguisher Mechanical Foam Type (Stored Pressure) -Specification

IS 15397: Scope & Key Specifications for Mechanical Foam Type Fire Extinguishers

Scope:

• Covers portable mechanical foam type (stored pressure) fire extinguishers.
• Suitable for Class A & B fires (water non-miscible liquids, hydrocarbons).
• Specifies requirements on principle, capacity, materials, design, construction, anti-corrosive treatment, and tests.

Key Specifications

1. Capacity (Clause 9.0)

• Total liquid capacity: 9.0 ± 0.5 litres

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

Additional Notes

• Clause 7.1.2: In formulas, substitute 600 for 300 (specific to pressure or dimension calculations).
• Use of Standard Mark governed by BIS Act 1986 (Clause 12.2.1).
• Annex A lists referenced IS standards for materials and testing.
• Annex B details physical test requirements for plastic parts (e.g., specific gravity 1.25 ± 0.02, melting point 215-225°C).

Summary Diagram: Material-Component Relationship

graph TD
  Body -->|Mild steel / Stainless steel

IS 15397 references several key Indian Standards (IS) essential for materials, testing, and components used in mechanical foam type fire extinguishers. Below is a concise summary of important referenced standards from Annex A and related specifications:

Key Physical Test Requirements for Plastic Components (Annex B, Table 1):

Notes:

• The Standard Mark use is governed by the BIS Act 1986.
• Refer to the latest editions of the standards for updated requirements.
• Testing cycles include UV exposure and hydrostatic pressure per clause B-3.5.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 15397] --> B[Materials Standards]
    A --> C[Testing Standards]
    B --> IS5[IS 5:1994 Paint Colors]
    B --> IS291[IS 291:1989 Brass Rods]
    C --> IS8543[IS 8543 Specific Gravity]
   

IS 15397: Principle and Design of Mechanical Foam Type Portable Fire Extinguishers

Key Specifications:

• Capacity: Total liquid capacity = 9.0 ± 0.5 litres (Clause 9.0)
• Material Requirements: (Table 1)

  Component	Material	Relevant IS No.
  Body	Mild steel sheet / Stainless steel	IS 513 / IS 6911
  Neck ring	Mild steel	IS 2062 or IS 1875
  Valve body	Forged brass / Leaded tin bronze / Plastic / Stainless steel	IS 6912 / IS 318 / Annex B / IS 6529
  Washer & O-rings	Rubber (acid/alkali resistant)	IS 5382
  Spindle	Brass / Stainless steel	IS 291 / IS 319 / IS 6528
  Spring	Spring steel (plated)	IS 4454 (Part 1)
  Syphon tube sheet	Brass / Copper / Plastic	IS 407 / IS 1545 / Annex B
  Nozzle	Plastic / Brass	Annex B / IS 291 / IS 319
  Hose	Braided rubber or braided PVC	IS 14933

Design Principle:

• Foam is generated by expelling foam solution under pressure and mechanical aeration at the nozzle.
• Suitable for Class A & B fires (water non-miscible liquids like hydrocarbons).
• Body must have a good finish, free of burrs and sharp edges (Clause 9.1).

Important Formula Update:

• Clause 7.1.2: Substitute '600' for '300' in the design formula (details in full standard).

Summary Diagram of Key Components

graph LR
A[Body] --> B[Neck Ring]
B --> C[Valve Body]
C --> D[Spindle]
C --> E[Washer & O-rings]
D --> F[Spring]
C --> G[Syphon Tube Sheet]
G --> H[Nozzle]
H --> I[Hose]

Additional Notes:

• Plastic parts must meet physical tests (Annex B

IS 15397 - Key Materials Specifications for Fire Extinguishers

Table 1: Materials of Construction

Thickness Formula for Austenitic Steel Bodies (Clause 7.1.2)

[ S = \frac{K \times D}{300} ]

• S = Minimum thickness (mm)
• D = External diameter (mm)
• K = 0.030 for ( D \geq 100 , mm )
• Minimum thickness ≥ 0.64 mm (including tolerances)

Plastic Components (Annex B)

Notes

• Materials must comply with corrosion resistance and mechanical properties as per respective

IS 15397: Construction Requirements for Fire Extinguishers

1. Total Liquid Capacity

• Capacity: 9.0 + 0.5 litres (no negative tolerance)
• Filled to the specified level marked on the extinguisher body.

2. Materials of Construction (Table 1)

3. Plastic Components (Annex B)

4. Additional Notes

• Clause 7.1.2: Substitute '600' for '300' in the formula (context-specific).
• Clause 10.3: Fire extinguisher must retain pressure and resist vibrations.
• Markings and Standard Mark use governed by BIS rules (Clause 12.2.1).

Summary Diagram: Material Flow in Fire Extinguis

IS 15397: Anti-Corrosive Treatment Key Points

1. Foam Concentrate for Anti-Corrosion (Clause 1.5):

   • Foam concentrate per IS 4989 (Part 2).
   • Quantity:
     • ≥ 3 litre for 6% concentrate.
     • ≥ 1.5 litre for 3% concentrate.
   • Balance quantity is water.

2. Phosphating (Clause 8.3):

   • External surface phosphating per IS 3618 is an alternate anti-corrosive treatment.

3. Acid Resistance Test (Clause 3.2):

   • Submerge sample in 10% dilute HCl for 72 hours at 27 ± 3°C.
   • No discoloration, distortion, or deterioration allowed.

4. UV Exposure Test (Clause 3.4):

   • Expose sample to xenon arc UV radiation at 27 ± 3°C for 100 min.
   • Then 60 ± 5% RH and 62 ± 5°C for 20 min.
   • Repeat cycle 60 times.
   • Sample must pass internal hydrostatic pressure test afterward.

Summary Table: Foam Concentrate Quantity

This ensures effective corrosion resistance and durability of components treated under IS 15397.

IS 15397: Dimensions and Tolerances Key Points

1. Minimum Thickness for Austenitic Steel Bodies (Clause 7.1.2)

• Formula:

[ S = K \times D ]

Where:

• ( S ) = minimum thickness (mm)
• ( D ) = external diameter or largest external measurement normal to longitudinal axis (mm)
• ( K = 0.030 ) for ( D \geq 100 , \text{mm} )
• Absolute minimum thickness = 0.64 mm (including tolerances)

Note: For some cases, substitute 600 for 300 in formula (context-specific).

2. Materials & Dimensions (Table 1, Clause 5)

3. Plastic Components Physical Tests (Annex B)

IS 15397: Capacity and Foam Concentrate Key Specifications

1. Capacity

• Total liquid capacity: 9.0 ± 0.5 litres (Clause 9.0)
• Filled with 8.450 litres of clean water + 550 ml of 6% AFFF foam concentrate (Clause 10.5.1)
• Foam concentrate quantity:
  • Minimum 3 litres for 6% concentrate
  • Minimum 1.5 litres for 3% concentrate (Clause 1.5)

2. Pressure and Discharge

• Pressurized to 10 ± 0.5 kgf/cm²
• Foam jet throw (projection range) ≥ 6 m for at least 25 seconds
• At least 90% of contents discharged within 60 seconds (Clause 10.5.1)

3. Foam Expansion and Collection

• Foam collected in a 1 m² leak-proof tray with 15 cm sides
• Foam layer thickness ≥ 50 mm immediately after discharge
• Minimum foam expansion ratio = 6 (as per IS 4989 Part 2)

Summary Table: Foam Concentrate and Capacity

Foam Concentrate Mix Formula (for 6% concentrate)

[ \text{Foam Concentrate Volume} = 6% \times \text{Total Liquid Volume} ]

Example:
For 9 litres total volume,
[ 0.06 \times 9 = 0.54 \text{ litres} \approx 550 \text{ ml} ]

flowchart LR
    A[Extinguisher Body] --> B[Fill 8.

IS 15397: Painting and Marking Key Points

1. Marking Specifications (Clause 9.3)

• Class A fire: Letter "A" in black, size 25 mm, inside an equilateral triangle of side 50 mm.
• Triangle color: Golden yellow (IS 5 shade 356).
• Class B fire: Letter "B" in black, size 25 mm, inside a square of side 40 mm minimum.
• Square color: Cream (lemon yellow, IS 5 shade 355).
• Paint must conform to IS 2932.

2. Painting & Surface Treatment

• Phosphating per IS 3618 can be applied on external surfaces for corrosion protection (Clause 8.3).

3. Plastic Nozzle & Valve Body Requirements (Annex B)

4. Important Note (Clause 7.1.2)

• In formulas, substitute 600 instead of 300 for relevant calculations.

flowchart TD
    A[Fire Class] -->|A| B[Black "A" 25mm]
    B --> C[Triangle 50mm side]
    C --> D[Golden Yellow (IS 5:356)]
    A -->|B| E[Black "B" 25mm]
    E --> F[Square 40mm min]
    F --> G[Cream Yellow (IS 5:355)]

This summarizes the painting and marking requirements per IS 15397.

IS 15397: Test Requirements Summary

1. Discharge Performance Test (Clause 10.5)

• Ensures the nozzle/valve meets specified flow and pressure characteristics.
• Test involves measuring flow rate and pressure drop to verify performance.

2. Physical Tests for Plastic Nozzle and Valve Body (Annex B, Table 1)

3. Fire Test (Clause 10.6)

• Type test to verify material and assembly withstand fire exposure as per specified conditions.

4. Marking (Clause 12.2.1)

• Use of Standard Mark governed by BIS Act, 1986.
• License conditions available from BIS.

Additional Notes:

• Clause 7.1.2: Use substitution in formula, replace '300' with '600'.
• Refer to related IS standards for detailed test procedures (e.g., IS 8543 for specific gravity).

flowchart TD
    A[Test Sample] --> B[Physical Tests]
    B -->|Specific Gravity| C[IS 8543]
    B -->|Melting Point| D[IS 5762]
    B -->|Ash Content| E[IS 7188]
    A --> F[Discharge Performance Test]
    A --> G[Fire Test]
    F & G --> H[Compliance Verification]

This concise overview helps ensure compliance with IS 15397 test requirements for fire-fighting nozzles and valves.

Workmanship and Finish - IS 15397 Key Points

Clause 11: Workmanship and Finish

• All extinguisher components must have a smooth finish, free from:

  • Burrs
  • Sharp or jagged edges
  • Visual defects harmful or injurious to users

• The body of the extinguisher shall be of good finish, clear of burrs and sharp edges (Clause 9.1).

• Phosphating treatment (IS 3618) may be applied on the external surface as anti-corrosion protection (Clause 8.3).

Relevant Specifications and Tests

(For plastic nozzle and valve body caps - Annex B)

Summary Diagram: Workmanship Quality Control

flowchart TD
    A[Raw Components] --> B[Smooth Finishing]
    B --> C{Check for Burrs/Edges}
    C -->|No Defects| D[Phosphating Treatment (Optional)]
    C -->|Defects Found| E[Rework/Reject]
    D --> F[Final Inspection]
    F --> G[Ready for Assembly]

Note: Ensure compliance with IS 15397's visual and physical finish requirements to guarantee safety and durability of mechanical foam type fire extinguishers.

IS 15397: Marking and Labeling Key Specifications

1. Marking Requirements (Clause 12.1 & 12.2)

Each fire extinguisher shall be clearly and permanently marked with:

• Manufacturer's name/trademark
• Method of operation (prominent letters)
• "Mechanical foam (stored pressure)"
• Capacity in litres
• "Recharge after use"
• Tested pressure declaration: 30 kgf/cm²
• "Keep this end up"
• Fire class suitability letters (A, B)
• Year of manufacture and serial number

2. Fire Class Marking (Clause 9.3)

• Class A: Letter A, 25 mm black, inside an equilateral triangle (50 mm side), golden yellow (IS 5 shade 356)
• Class B: Letter B, 25 mm black, inside a square (40 mm minimum), cream (lemon yellow, IS 5 shade 355)
• Paint: Conforming to IS 2932

3. Standard Mark (Clause 12.2.1)

• Use of Standard Mark governed by BIS Act, 1986
• License conditions available from BIS

4. Physical Test Requirements for Plastic Parts (Annex B)

Summary Diagram: Marking Layout on Extinguisher

flowchart LR
    A[Manufacturer Name] --> B[Operation Method]
    B --> C[Mechanical Foam Label]
    C --> D[Capacity (L)]
    D --> E[Recharge After Use]
    E --> F[Test Pressure 30 kgf/cm²]
    F --> G[Keep This End Up]
    G --> H[Fire Class Mark (A/B)]
    H --> I[Year & Serial No.]

Note: Refer to IS 2190 for detailed fire class definitions and IS 5 for color shades.

IS 15397: List of Referenced Indian Standards (Annex A)

This standard references multiple IS codes critical for materials, testing, and specifications related to mechanical foam type fire extinguishers:

Key Notes:

• These referenced standards cover material specifications, testing methods (e.g., specific gravity, melting point, ash content), dimensions, and performance criteria for components used in fire extinguishers.
• The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 governs the use of the Standard Mark.
• For physical tests on plastics (e.g., nozzle/val

IS 15397: Requirements for Plastic Nozzle and Valve Body

1. Material Specifications (Annex B & Table 1)

• Plastic Nozzle & Valve Body: Refer to Annex B for physical properties.
• Physical Tests (Annex B-1):

• Plastic parts must meet these to ensure durability and performance.

2. Material for Valve Body & Nozzle (Clause 5 / Table 1)

• Valve body materials include:
  • Forged brass (IS 6912)
  • Leaded tin bronze (IS 318)
  • Plastic (Annex B)
  • Stainless steel (IS 6529)
• Nozzle materials:
  • Plastic (Annex B)
  • Brass (IS 291 or IS 319)

3. Design & Thickness Formula for Austenitic Steel Bodies (Clause 7.1.2)

[ S = \frac{P \times D}{2 \times \sigma} + K \times 300 \times D ]

Where:

• S = Minimum thickness (mm)
• D = External diameter (mm)
• K = 0.030 (for D ≥ 100 mm)
• Minimum thickness ≥ 0.64 mm (including tolerances)

Summary Diagram

graph TD
A[Plastic Nozzle & Valve Body] --> B[Physical Tests]
B --> C[Specific Gravity: 1.25 ± 0.02]
B --> D[Melting Point: 215-225°C]
B --> E[Ash Content: 15 ± 1%]

A --> F[Material Options]
F --> G[Plastic (Annex B)]
F --> H[Forged Brass (IS 6912)]
F --> I[Leaded Tin Bronze (IS 318)]
F --> J[Stainless Steel (IS 6529)]

IS 15397: Test Methods and Procedures - Key Specifications & Tables

1. Physical Tests for Plastic Nozzle and Valve Body (Annex B, Table 1)

2. Ultra Violet Exposure Test (Clause 3.4)

• Expose sample at 27 ± 3 °C to xenon arc UV for 100 min.
• Followed by exposure at 60 ± 5% RH and 62 ± 5 °C for 20 min.
• Repeat cycle 60 times.
• Sample must pass internal hydrostatic pressure test afterward.

3. Discharge Performance Test (Clause 10.5)

• Evaluates flow characteristics of nozzle/valve.
• Formula adjustment: Use 600 instead of 300 in relevant calculations (Clause 7.1.2).

Summary Diagram of UV Exposure Test Cycle

sequenceDiagram
    participant Sample
    participant UV_Chamber
    participant Humidity_Chamber

    loop 60 cycles
        UV_Chamber->>Sample: UV Exposure (100 min at 27 ± 3 °C)
        Humidity_Chamber->>Sample: Humidity Exposure (20 min at 62 ± 5 °C, 60 ± 5% RH)
    end
    Sample->>Test: Hydrostatic Pressure Test

Note: Refer to the IS code for detailed procedures and additional referenced IS standards for materials and test methods.