IS 15811:2008 specifies requirements for long-range water-cum-foam monitors equipped with self-inducting, aspirating, and non-aspirating jet and spray/fog nozzles used in fire fighting. Applicable to stand post or trolley/trailer mounted monitors with nominal sizes from 63 mm to 150 mm, this standard covers construction, materials, performance, and testing to ensure effective foam and water discharge for Class B flammable liquid fire protection. It is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and safety professionals involved in fire suppression system design and maintenance.
Overview
IS 15811:2008 specifies requirements for long-range water-cum-foam monitors equipped with self-inducting, aspirating, and non-aspirating jet and spray/fog nozzles used in fire fighting. Applicable to stand post or trolley/trailer mounted monitors with nominal sizes from 63 mm to 150 mm, this standard covers construction, materials, performance, and testing to ensure effective foam and water discharge for Class B flammable liquid fire protection. It is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and safety professionals involved in fire suppression system design and maintenance.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Scope: Covers performance, construction, and testing of water foam monitors used in firefighting.
| Monitor Size (mm) | Water Discharge (LPM) at 0.7 N/mm² | Min Effective Water Reach (m) | Min Effective Foam Reach (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 1750 | 53 | 45 |
| 100 | 3500 | 64 | 56 |
| 150 | 10000 | 82 | 74 |
Note: For aspirating types, reduce reach by 10%.
| Component | Carbon Steel | Stainless Steel | Copper Alloy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlet flange | IS 2002 Gr. I | IS 6911 | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II |
| Nozzle | IS 617 Gr 4450/4225 | IS 3444 | IS 318 LTB-II |
| Worm shaft | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
flowchart LR
A[Water Foam Monitor] --> B[Test at 0.7 N/mm²]
B --> C{Parameters}
C --> D[Flow & Induction Rate]
C -->
IS 15811 - Referenced Indian Standards: Key Points
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| IS 5:2004 | Colours for ready mixed paints and enamels |
| IS 28:1985 | Phosphor bronze ingots and castings |
| IS 210:1993 | Gray iron castings - Specification |
| IS 291:1989 | Naval brass rods and sections for machining purposes |
| IS 2002:1992 | Steel plates for pressure vessels (intermediate & high temp) |
| IS 2643:2005 | Pipe threads where pressure-tight joints are not made |
| IS 617:1994 | Aluminium and aluminium alloy ingots and castings |
| IS 3444:1999 | Corrosion resistant high alloy steel and nickel base castings |
| IS 778:1984 | Copper alloy gate, globe and check valves for water works |
| IS 1239:1990 | Steel tubes and fittings specification |
| IS 4989:2006 | Foam concentrate for mechanical foam for fire fighting |
| IS 6911:1992 | Stainless steel plate, sheet and strip |
| IS 1732:1989 | Dimensions for round and square steel bars |
Rounding Off: As per IS 2:1960, numerical values must be rounded off maintaining the same significant figures as specified.
graph LR
A[IS 15811] --> B[Material Specs]
A --> C[Dimensions & Tolerances]
A --> D[Marking & Certification]
B --> IS5[IS 5:2004 Paint Colors]
B --> IS28[IS 28:1985 Bronze]
C --> IS1732[IS 1732:1989 Steel Bars]
D --> BISAct[BIS Act 1986]
For detailed specifications, consult each referenced IS document via BIS website or offices.
IS 15811: Terminology and Definitions - Key Points
Rounding Off (IS 2:1960): Final test or calculation values must be rounded to the same significant figures as the specified values in the standard.
Leakage Test (Clause 8.2): Jet ratio controller (if present) is hydraulically tested at 2.3 N/mm² for 5 minutes with no leakage allowed.
Performance Requirements (Clause 9):
Minimum Horizontal Reach & Flow Capacity (Table 2):
| Monitor Size (mm) | Water Discharge (LPM) | Effective Water Reach (m) | Effective Foam Reach (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 1750 | 53 | 45 |
| 75 | 2580 - 3000 | 60 - 62 | 52 - 54 |
| 100 | 3500 - 4150 | 64 - 68 | 56 - 60 |
| 150 | 4750 - 12500 | 69 - 90 | 61 - 80 |
Note: Aspirating type reach is 10% less than values above.
flowchart LR
A[Water Foam Monitor] --> B[Inlet Pressure: 0.7 N/mm²]
B --> C[Flow Rate: Specified LPM]
C --> D[Induction Rate: 3-
IS 15811: Materials of Construction for Water Foam Monitors
| Component | Carbon Steel Waterway | Stainless Steel Waterway | Copper Alloy Waterway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlet flange | IS 2002 Gr. I / IS 2004 | IS 6911 | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II / IS 28 Gr. II |
| Reducer | IS 1239 (Part 2), IS 11428 | Stainless Steel | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II / IS 28 Gr. II |
| Elbow/Bend | IS 4310 | Stainless Steel | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II / IS 28 Gr. II |
| Swivel joint & worm wheel | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II | Stainless Steel | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II / IS 28 Gr. II |
| Worm shaft | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Manual lock | IS 291 | Stainless Steel | IS 291 |
| Waterway/Barrel/Pipe | Seamless Tube IS 1239 (Part 2), IS 11428 | Cast Stainless Steel | IS 318 LTB-II / IS 28 Gr. II |
| Handle hand wheel | IS 1732, IS 210 | IS 1732, IS 210 | IS 1732, IS 210 |
| Nozzle | IS 617 Gr 4450/4225, IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II | IS 3444 | IS 318 LTB-II / IS 28 Gr. II |
| Jet ratio controller | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II | Stainless Steel | IS 318 LTB-II / IS 28 Gr. II |
| Drain valve | IS 2004 | Stainless Steel | IS 778 |
IS 15811: Construction & Design Requirements for Water Foam Monitors
| Component | Carbon Steel Waterway | Stainless Steel Waterway | Copper Alloy Waterway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlet flange | IS 2002 Gr. I, IS 2004 | IS 6911 | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Reducer | IS 1239 (Part 2), IS 11428 | Stainless Steel | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Elbow/Bend | IS 4310 | Stainless Steel | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Swivel joint & worm wheel | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Worm shaft | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Manual lock | IS 291 | Stainless Steel | IS 291 |
| Waterway/Barrel/Pipe | Seamless Tube, IS 1239 (Pt 2) | Seamless SS, Cast Stainless Steel | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Handle hand wheel | IS 1732, IS 210 | IS 1732, IS 210 | IS 1732, IS 210 |
| Nozzle | IS 617 Gr 4450/4225, IS 318 LTB-II | IS 3444 | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Jet ratio controller | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II | Stainless Steel | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Drain valve | IS 2004 | Stainless Steel | IS 778 |
IS 15811: Workmanship and Finish (Clause 6) Key Points
| Monitor Size (mm) | Water Discharge (LPM) | Effective Water Reach (m) | Effective Foam Reach (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 1750 | 53 | 45 |
| 100 | 3500 | 64 | 56 |
| 150 | 10000 | 82 | 74 |
flowchart TD
A[Assembly Fabrication] --> B[Check for Burns & Sharp Edges]
B --> C[Smooth Finish on Waterway]
C --> D[Apply Anti-Corrosive Treatment]
D --> E[Hot Dip Galvanizing / Hard Anodizing]
E --> F[Leakage Testing at 2.3 N/mm²]
F --> G[Performance Testing at 0.7 N/mm²]
G --> H[Verify Induction & Expansion Ratios
IS 15811: Anti-Corrosive Treatment (Clause 7) Summary
Steel components in direct water contact:
Aluminium parts in direct water contact:
Sea water use restriction:
| Material | Anti-Corrosive Treatment | Minimum Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel (water contact) | Hot dip galvanizing | 0.03 mm |
| Aluminium (water contact) | Hard anodizing | 0.015 mm |
flowchart TD
A[Steel Components] -->|Hot dip galvanize| B[Zinc Coating 0.03 mm]
C[Aluminium Parts] -->|Hard anodize| D[Anodize Coating 0.015 mm]
E[Sea Water Use] -->|No| F[Aluminium & Carbon Steel parts]
For detailed corrosion protection, always verify coating thickness with calibrated meters and ensure compliance with IS 15811 Clause 7.
IS 15811: Leakage Testing & Performance of Water Foam Monitors
| Monitor Size (mm) | Water Discharge (LPM) | Min Water Reach (m) | Min Foam Reach (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 1750 | 53 | 45 |
| 75 | 2580 - 3000 | 60 - 62 | 52 - 54 |
| 100 | 3500 - 4150 | 64 - 68 | 56 - 60 |
| 150 | 4750 - 12500 | 69 - 90 | 61 - 80 |
Note: For aspirating types, reduce reach by 10%.
flowchart LR
A[Start Hydraulic Test] --> B[Apply 2.3 N/mm² pressure for 5 min]
B --> C[Rotate Horizontally 5x CW & 5x CCW]
C --> D[Rotate Vert
IS 15811: Performance Requirements for Water Foam Monitors
| Monitor Size (mm) | Water Discharge (LPM) | Effective Water Reach (m) | Effective Foam Reach (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 1750 | 53 | 45 |
| 75 | 2580 | 60 | 52 |
| 75 | 3000 | 62 | 54 |
| 100 | 3500 | 64 | 56 |
| 100 | 3800 | 66 | 58 |
| 100 | 4150 | 68 | 60 |
| 150 | 4750 | 69 | 61 |
| 150 | 5680 | 72 | 64 |
| 150 | 7500 | 74 | 64 |
| 150 | 8000 | 76 | 66 |
| 150 | 10000 | 82 | 74 |
| 150 | 12500 | 90 | 80 |
Note: Aspirating types have 10% less reach than above.
IS 15811: Marking Requirements for Water Foam Monitors
Each water foam monitor must be clearly and permanently marked with:
| Marking Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer's name & mark | Identifies producer |
| Nominal size | Size in millimeters (mm) |
| Serial number | Unique ID for traceability |
| Year of manufacture | Manufacture year |
| Max working pressure | In N/mm² |
| Flow & foam induction rate | Performance parameters |
For licensing and use of BIS mark, contact BIS regional offices listed in the standard.
flowchart TD
A[Water Foam Monitor] --> B[Permanent Marking]
B --> C[Manufacturer Name & Mark]
B --> D[Nominal Size (mm)]
B --> E[Serial Number]
B --> F[Year of Manufacture]
B --> G[Max Working Pressure (N/mm²)]
B --> H[Flow & Foam Induction Rate]
B --> I[BIS Standard Mark (optional)]
Note: Refer IS 2:1960 for rounding rules when reporting test values.
IS 15811: Accessories - Key Specifications & Tables
| Component | Carbon Steel Waterway | Stainless Steel Waterway | Copper Alloy Waterway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlet flange | IS 2002 Gr. I, IS 2004 | IS 6911 | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Reducer | IS 1239 (Part 2), IS 11428 | Stainless Steel | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Elbow/Bend | IS 4310 | Stainless Steel | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Swivel joint/worm wheel | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II | Stainless Steel | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Worm shaft | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Manual lock | IS 291 | Stainless Steel | IS 291 |
| Waterway/Barrel/Pipe | Seamless Tube, IS 1239 (Part 2), IS 11428 | Cast Stainless Steel | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Handle hand wheel | IS 1732, IS 210 | IS 1732, IS 210 | IS 1732, IS 210 |
| Nozzle | IS 617 Gr 4450/4225, IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II | IS 3444 | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Jet ratio controller | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. |
IS 15811 - Certification Marking (Clause 12.2 & 12.1)
| Marking Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer's name & trade-mark | Identification of producer |
| Nominal size | Size in millimeters |
| Serial number | Unique product ID |
| Year of manufacture | Production year |
| Maximum working pressure | In N/mm² (MPa) |
| Flow & foam induction rate | Performance parameters |
For licensing and detailed conditions, contact BIS regional offices listed in the standard.
flowchart LR
A[Manufacturer] --> B[Apply for BIS License]
B --> C{License Granted?}
C -->|Yes| D[Use BIS Standard Mark]
C -->|No| E[No Marking Allowed]
D --> F[Mark product with:]
F --> G[Name & Trade-mark]
F --> H[Nominal Size (mm)]
F --> I[Serial Number]
F --> J[Year of Manufacture]
F --> K[Max Working Pressure (N/mm²)]
F --> L[Flow & Foam Induction Rate]
This ensures compliance with IS 15811 certification marking requirements.
IS 15811: List of Referenced Indian Standards
The standard references multiple Indian Standards critical for materials and components used in firefighting and related engineering fields. Key referenced IS include:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| IS 5:2004 | Colours for ready mixed paints and enamels (5th revision) |
| IS 28:1985 | Phosphor bronze ingots and castings (4th revision) |
| IS 210:1993 | Gray iron castings - Specification (4th revision) |
| IS 291:1989 | Naval brass rods and sections for machining purposes (3rd revision) |
| IS 2002:1992 | Steel plates for pressure vessels for intermediate and high temperature service including boilers (2nd revision) |
| IS 2643:2005 | Pipe threads where pressure-tight joints are not made on the threads |
| IS 617:1994 | Aluminium and aluminium alloy ingots and castings for general engineering purposes (3rd revision) |
| IS 3444:1999 | Corrosion resistant high alloy steel and nickel base castings for general applications (3rd revision) |
| IS 778:1984 | Copper alloy gate, globe and check valves for water works purposes (4th revision) |
| IS 1239:1990 (Part 1 & 2) | Steel tubes, tubular and other wrought steel fittings - Specification |
| IS 4989:2006 | Foam concentrate for producing mechanical foam for fire fighting - Specification |
| IS 6911:1992 | Stainless steel plate, sheet and strip (1st revision) |
| IS 11428 (Parts 1 to 3) | Specification for wrought carbon steel butt-welding pipe fittings |
| IS 1732:1989 | Dimension for round and square steel bars for structural and general engineering purposes (2nd revision) |
graph TD
Frequently Asked
Under IS 15811, the materials for water-cum-foam monitors depend on the waterway material type: Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, or Copper Alloy. Table 1 (Clause 4.1) specifies:
| Component | Carbon Steel Waterway | Stainless Steel Waterway | Copper Alloy Waterway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlet flange | IS 2002 Gr. I, IS 2004 | IS 6911 | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Reducer | IS 1239 (Part 2), IS 11428 | Stainless Steel | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Elbow/Bend | IS 4310 | Stainless Steel | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Swivel joint & worm wheel | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II | IS 318 LTB-II, Stainless Steel | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Worm shaft | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Manual lock | IS 291 | Stainless Steel | IS 291 |
| Waterway/Barrel/Pipe | Seamless tube, IS 1239 (Part 2), IS 11428 | Seamless Stainless Steel, Cast SS | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Handle hand wheel | IS 1732, IS 210 | IS 1732, IS 210 | IS 1732, IS 210 |
| Nozzle | IS 617 Gr 4450/4225, IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II | IS 3444 | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Jet ratio controller | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II | Stainless Steel | IS 318 LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Drain valve | IS 2004 | Stainless Steel | IS 778 |
Note: Material selection should be agreed upon between purchaser and manufacturer considering compatibility
IS 15811 Performance Requirements for Foam Induction and Water Reach:
| Monitor Size (mm) | Water Discharge (LPM) | Effective Water Reach (m) | Effective Foam Reach (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 1750 | 53 | 45 |
| 75 | 2580 - 3000 | 60 - 62 | 52 - 54 |
| 100 | 3500 - 4150 | 64 - 68 | 56 - 60 |
| 150 | 4750 - 12500 | 69 - 90 | 61 - 80 |
Note: For aspirating types, reduce reach by 10%.
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This ensures reliable foam induction and effective water/
Types of Nozzles Covered in IS 15811:
Aspirating (Foam) Nozzle:
Non-Aspirating Nozzle:
Additional Features:
| Feature | Aspirating Nozzle | Non-Aspirating Nozzle |
|---|---|---|
| Foam Mixing | Air is aspirated with foam mix | Foam concentrate mixed directly |
| Spray Type | Jet and spray/fog via barrel | Jet and spray/fog with quick changeover |
| Construction | Body + barrel | Single body with threaded/flanged inlet |
| Application | Produces expanded foam | Produces foam/water spray or jet |
Summary: Aspirating nozzles mix air to expand foam, ideal for thick foam blankets. Non-aspirating nozzles inject foam concentrate directly, offering flexibility between jet and fog spray patterns.
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This diagram shows the flow paths for aspirating and non-aspirating nozzles.
IS 15811 Leakage and Hydraulic Pressure Testing Procedure:
Post Leakage Test:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Hydraulic Pressure | 2.3 N/mm² |
| Test Duration | 5 minutes |
| Horizontal Rotation | 5 cycles CW & CCW |
| Vertical Movement | 5 cycles up/down |
| Leakage | None allowed |
This ensures hydraulic integrity and no leakage under operational stresses.
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Corrosion Resistance for Monitors Used with Sea Water (IS 15811)
Summary Table Extract (Material for Sea Water Monitors):
| Component | Stainless Steel | Copper Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Waterway/Barrel/Pipe | Cast Stainless | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Nozzle | IS 3444 | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II, IS 28 Gr. II |
| Worm Shaft | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Swivel Joint | Stainless Steel | IS 318 Gr. LTB-II |
Key: Avoid carbon steel/aluminium; use stainless steel or copper alloys for durability in sea water.
According to IS 15811, the requirements for horizontal and vertical traversing mechanisms of water foam monitors are:
| Monitor Size (NB) | Traversing Mechanism Type |
|---|---|
| 63 & 80 NB | Manual lock or worm and worm wheel (vertical & horizontal) |
| 100 to 150 NB | Worm and worm wheel type (vertical & horizontal) |
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This ensures reliable, smooth, and locked positioning for firefighting operations.
According to IS 15811 Clause 12.1, each water-cum-foam monitor must be clearly and permanently marked with the following minimum details:
This marking ensures compliance, operational safety, and ease of identification during maintenance or inspection.
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