Code of practice for installation and maintenance of internal fire hydrants and hose reels on premises

Scope of IS 3844: Fire Fighting Installations — Key Points

• Applicability: Covers design, installation, and maintenance of fire fighting installations in buildings.
• Building Types: Residential, institutional, industrial, and commercial buildings with specific requirements based on height and occupancy.
• Water Supply & Pumping: Specifies capacities for underground/static tanks, terrace tanks, and fire pumps.
• Typical Requirements Table (Clause 5.4.1, Table 5.5):

• Referenced Standards: Includes IS 636 (fire hoses), IS 1641 (fire safety of buildings), IS 1239 (steel tubes), IS 2871 (branch pipes), etc. (Annex A).

Summary

IS 3844 defines fire fighting installation requirements based on building occupancy and height, specifying water storage volumes and pump capacities to ensure adequate fire suppression. Refer to Clause 5.4.1 Table 5.5 for detailed installation types and capacities.

flowchart TD
    A[Building Height] --> B{Height Range}
    B --> |Up to 15m| C[Nil Installation]
    B --> |15-24m| D[Down-comer Installation]
    B --> |24-45m| E[Wet-riser cum Down-comer]
    B --> |45-60m| F[Wet-riser Installation]
    C --> G[20

IS 3844:1989 - Referenced Indian Standards (Clause 2.1 & Annex A)

This standard references several essential Indian Standards as adjuncts for fire fighting installations:

Key Points:

• These standards cover materials, components, and safety principles related to fire fighting systems.
• IS 2190:1979 (selection & maintenance of portable extinguishers) complements IS 3844.
• Compliance ensures quality and safety under BIS supervision.
• Regular updates and amendments are issued by BIS; always use the latest edition.

BIS Contact & Regional Offices

• Head Office: Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110002
• Regional offices in Delhi, Calcutta, Chandigarh, Madras, Bombay, and branches nationwide.

Summary Diagram of Fire Fighting System Components Referenced in IS 3844

graph TD
  A[Fire Fighting System] --> B[Internal Fire Hydrants (IS 1239)]
  A --> C[Hose Reels (IS 884)]
  A --> D[Fire Hoses (IS 636)]
  A --> E[Portable Extinguishers (IS 2190)]
  A --> F[Water Pipes (IS 1536)]
  A --> G[Valves & Fittings (IS 2871, IS 5290)]
``

IS 3844 - Definitions & Key Specifications Summary

Clause 3.0: Definitions

• Defines terms related to fire fighting installations in buildings.
• Essential for understanding requirements of tanks, pumps, risers, and down-comers.

Key Table: Fire Fighting Installations for Residential Buildings (Clause 5.4.1 & 7.12)

Important Specifications:

• Pump pressure: Minimum 300 kPa (3 kgf/cm²) at topmost hydrant.
• Pump capacity: Varies with building height and floor area.
• Water tanks: Underground and terrace tanks sized per building height and occupancy.
• Wet risers & down-comers: Installed per 1000 m² floor area for fire water distribution.

Notes:

• Buildings with shopping areas >750 m² require sprinkler systems.
• Stand-by diesel pump or alternate power source is mandatory for high-rise buildings.
• For basements sprinklered, terrace tank volume should be increased (usually doubled).

flowchart TD
   

IS 3844 — Water Supplies & Pumping Arrangements: Key Specifications

1. Water Supply Requirements for Residential Buildings (Clause 5.4.1, Table 5.5)

2. Pump Suction and Delivery Pipe Sizes (Clause 4.2.3)

Note: Manifold size ≥ sum of pump suction inlets.

3. General Pumping Arrangement Guidelines

• Wet-riser or wet-riser-cum-down-comer: One per 1000 m² floor area.
• Pressure at topmost hydrant: Minimum 300 kPa (3 kgf/cm²).
• Fire pumps: Multi-stage, multi-outlet preferred for buildings above 45 m.

IS 3844 - Internal Hydrant Systems: Key Specifications & Tables

1. Types of Internal Hydrant Systems (Clause 5.0)

• Dry-riser system
• Wet-riser system
• Wet-riser-cum-down-comer system
• Down-comer system

2. Components of Internal Hydrant Installation (Clause 4.0)

• Water storage tanks: Static (underground) or terrace tanks.
• Mains: Riser mains, down-comer mains.
• Fire pumps: With control panel, housed in pump house.
• Hydrants and accessories: Internal hydrants (landing valves), hose reels, hoses, branch pipes.

3. Fire Service Inlet (Clause 3.20)

• 4-way collecting breeching with blank caps.
• Connected to 150 mm dia pipe linked to fire tank.
• No non-return valve.

4. Water Storage & Pump Capacity (Table 5.5 Summary)

5. Pump Details

• Multi-stage, multi-outlet pumps preferred.

IS 3844: Key Specifications for Hose Reels

• Location & Installation (Clauses 6.2, 6.5):

  • Hose reels must be installed on each floor, staircase, lobby, or mid-landing near exits.
  • Hose nozzle must reach every room within 6 m.
  • Doors for hose reel recesses should open to ~180°.
  • For open areas, hose reel inlet valve and nozzle retainer height: ~900 mm above floor.
  • Hose length must ensure no point on the floor is more than 6 m from the nozzle when fully extended.

• Inspection & Testing (Clauses 9.5, 9.7):

  • Regular inspection for leaks in inlet valve, automatic on/off valve, glands, tubing, and nozzle.
  • Annually run out hose fully, test at operational water pressure.
  • Ensure coupling joints are watertight.
  • Flow test minimum discharge: 0.5 l/s (30 l/min).
  • If all reels can’t be tested, test at least the highest reel on each rising main.

Summary Table

flowchart TD
    A[Hose Reel Location] --> B[Each floor, staircase, lobby]
    B --> C[Near exits, corridors]
    C --> D[Nozzle reach ≤ 6m]
    D --> E[Hose length ensures 6m max distance]
    F[Inspection] --> G[Check valves, glands, tubing, nozzle]
    G --> H[Annual full runout & flow test]
    H --> I[Flow ≥ 0.5 l/s]

This ensures compliance with IS 3844 for hose reel safety and functionality.

IS 3844: Fire Pumps and Pump House Key Specifications

1. Fire Pump Capacities & Water Storage (Clause 4.2, Table 5.5)

• Note: Sprinklered basements require larger terrace tanks (20,000 L).
• Fire pumps are preferably multi-stage with suction/delivery pipes ≥ 150 mm diameter for flows ≥ 2,280 l/min.

2. Suction & Delivery Pipe Sizes (Clause 4.2.3)

3. Installation Notes:

• One wet-riser or down-comer per 1,000 m² floor area per floor.
• Pumps should maintain minimum 300 kPa pressure at the topmost hydrant.
• Stand-by diesel pump of equal capacity recommended for buildings > 45 m.
• Entire building sprinklered if height > 45 m or shopping area > 750 m².

IS 3844 - Initial Testing of Fire Fighting System

Key Specifications (Clause 8.1)

• Test Pressure: 700 kPa (7 kgf/cm²) at system inlet.
• Test Duration: Minimum 30 minutes.
• Acceptance Criteria:
  • No leakage at joints or valves.
  • Pressure drop ≤ 50 kPa (0.5 kgf/cm²).

Testing Procedure Summary

1. Fill system with water.
2. Charge to 700 kPa at inlet.
3. Maintain pressure for 30 minutes.
4. Inspect all joints, landing valves for leaks.
5. Monitor pressure; ensure drop ≤ 50 kPa.

Relevant Pump & Capacity Requirements (Clause 7.12 & Table 5.5 Extract)

• Wet-riser pump capacity: ≥ 2850 l/min for partial sprinkler systems in basements < 500 m².
• Standby pump: Equal capacity, diesel or generator-driven.
• Pressure at topmost hydrant: ≥ 300 kPa (3 kgf/cm²).

Summary Table: Typical Pump Capacity & Pressure for Residential Buildings (Example)

flowchart TD
    A[Fill system with water] --> B[Charge to 700 kPa]
    B --> C[Maintain pressure for 30 mins]
    C --> D{Pressure drop ≤ 50 kPa?}
    D -- Yes --> E[No leaks, system passes]
    D -- No --> F[Check joints/valves & repair]

Note: Always refer to IS 3844 full text for detailed installation and testing requirements.

IS 3844: Maintenance and Inspection Key Points

Inspection Frequency (Clause 9.3)

• Inspect inlets, landing valves, drain valves, door hinges, locking arrangements every 6 months.
• Check valves, spindles, glands, washers for readiness.
• Additional checks:
  • Cleanliness of storage tanks.
  • Thorough inspection of jockey pumps and associated mechanical/electrical equipment.

Periodic Checks (Clause 9.2)

• Ensure isolating valves are locked open.
• Check flow and pressure to confirm no deterioration or leakage.
• Confirm overall system condition is satisfactory.

Related IS Standards (Annex A)

• IS 5290: Landing valves.
• IS 636: Fire fighting delivery hose.
• IS 1239 (Parts 1 & 2): Mild steel tubes and fittings.
• IS 1641: Fire safety of buildings (general principles).

Summary Table: Maintenance Checklist

flowchart TD
    A[Start] --> B[Inspect valves, hinges, locking every 6 months]
    B --> C[Check storage tank cleanliness]
    C --> D[Inspect jockey pumps & equipment]
    D --> E[Periodic check isolating valves locked open]
    E --> F[Check system flow & pressure]
    F --> G[Confirm system readiness]

Note: Maintain records of inspections and repairs for compliance and reliability.

IS 3844: List of Referred Indian Standards (Annex A, Clause 2.1)

This standard references essential Indian Standards related to fire fighting and building safety:

Key Points:

• These standards cover materials, components, and safety practices for fire fighting installations.
• IS 2190 (not listed but referenced) covers portable fire extinguishers.
• The standards ensure quality, compatibility, and safety in fire fighting systems.
• BIS governs the use of Standard Marks ensuring compliance and quality control.

For detailed design, installation, and maintenance, refer to each IS code as per their scope.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 3844] --> B[Fire Fighting Hose & Hydrants]
    A --> C[Materials & Pipes (IS 1239, IS 1536)]
    A --> D[Fire Safety Code (IS 1641)]
    A --> E[Fire Fighting Accessories (IS 2871, IS 5290)]
    B --> F[IS 636, IS 884]

This diagram shows the interrelation of referred IS codes within IS 3844.