IS 9081975AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

Specification for Fire Hydrant, Stand Post Type

IS 908:1975 specifies the requirements for stand post type fire hydrants used to draw water from underground pipelines for firefighting. It covers materials, construction, dimensions, testing, and marking of hydrants with one or two outlets, ensuring compatibility with Indian standards for components like sluice valves, couplings, and paint. This standard is essential for manufacturers, fire services, and engineers involved in fire protection infrastructure design and maintenance.

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What This Standard Covers

IS 908:1975 specifies the requirements for stand post type fire hydrants used to draw water from underground pipelines for firefighting. It covers materials, construction, dimensions, testing, and marking of hydrants with one or two outlets, ensuring compatibility with Indian standards for components like sluice valves, couplings, and paint. This standard is essential for manufacturers, fire services, and engineers involved in fire protection infrastructure design and maintenance.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Fire Protection Engineers
  • Municipal Water Supply Authorities
  • Fire Brigade Personnel
  • Hydrant Manufacturers
  • Civil Engineers
  • Safety Inspectors
  • Public Infrastructure Planners

Key Topics Covered

Materials and construction requirements
Dimensions and shape of hydrant components
Sluice valve specifications
Duck foot bend and flange riser details
Road surface box design and marking
Male coupling thread standards
Painting and finishing requirements
Hydrostatic testing procedures
Marking and identification of hydrants
Workmanship and quality control
Acceptance criteria for hydrants
Compatibility with related IS standards

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 908: Scope & Key Specifications Summary

  • Scope:
    IS 908 specifies requirements for fire hydrants, including stand post types with one or two outlets, ensuring water-tightness and compatibility with related fittings.

  • Hydrostatic Test (Clause 5.1):
    Each hydrant must withstand a hydraulic pressure equivalent to 200 meters head without leakage.

  • Rounding Off (Clause 0.4):
    Test or calculated values should be rounded per IS 2-1960, retaining the same significant figures as the specified values.

  • Key Dimensions (Refer to Figures 1 & 2):

    • Stand post columns, road surface boxes, duckfoot bends, tail pieces, sluice valves (60 mm for single outlet, 100 mm for double outlet)
    • All dimensions are in millimeters.
  • Related IS Specifications:

    • Landing valves (internal hydrants)
    • Sluice valves (50–300 mm size)
    • Surface boxes for sluice valves
    • Cast iron fittings and pipes for water/gas/sewage
    • Fire hose delivery couplings, nozzles, spanners
    • Pipe thread dimensions for fastening

Hydrostatic Test Pressure Formula

[ P = \rho g h ]

Where:

  • (P) = pressure (Pa)
  • (\rho) = density of water (~1000 kg/m³)
  • (g) = acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
  • (h) = head = 200 m

[ P = 1000 \times 9.81 \times 200 = 1.962 \times 10^6 , \text{Pa} = 19.62 , \text{bar} ]


flowchart TD
    A[Fire Hydrant] --> B[Hydrostatic Test]
    B --> C{Pressure}
    C -->|200 m head| D[Water-tightness]
    A --> E[Dimensions]
    E --> F[Stand Post Column]
    E --> G[Sluice Valves]
    E --> H[Road Surface Boxes]

Summary: IS 908 covers fire hydrant design, testing at 200 m head pressure (~19.6

2General Requirements

IS 908: General Requirements for Stand Post Fire Hydrants

Key Specifications:

  • Hydrostatic Test Pressure: Each hydrant must withstand 200 m head (approx. 2 MPa) without leakage (Clause 5.1).
  • Materials & Construction: Must comply with relevant IS standards for cast iron fittings, valves, and couplings (e.g., IS 5200 for landing valves, IS 2 for rounding off).
  • Dimensions: Standardized dimensions for components like sluice valves (60 mm for single outlet, 100 mm for double outlet), road surface boxes, duckfoot bends, tail pieces, and stand post columns are specified (all in mm).

Rounding Off Rules:

  • Follow IS 2-1960 for rounding test results.
  • Retain the same number of significant digits as the specified value.

Typical Component Dimensions (mm):

ComponentDimension (mm)
Sluice Valve (Single)60
Sluice Valve (Double)100
Duckfoot Bend100
Tail Piece80/100
Stand Post ColumnAs per Fig. 2

Hydrostatic Test Formula:

[ P = \rho g h ]

  • (P) = Pressure (Pa)
  • (\rho) = Density of water (~1000 kg/m³)
  • (g) = Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
  • (h) = Head (200 m)

flowchart TB
    A[Water Supply] --> B[Underground Pipeline]
    B --> C[Fire Hydrant Stand Post]
    C --> D[Landing Valve]
    C --> E[Sluice Valve]
    C --> F[Hose Coupling Outlet]

This ensures reliable water access for firefighting with tested leak-proof hydrants conforming to IS 908.

3Materials and Components

IS 908: Materials and Components Key Specifications

  • Hydrostatic Test: Each hydrant must withstand 200 m head pressure, proving water tightness (Clause 5.1).

  • Landing Valves (Internal Hydrant): Dimensions and flange details per IS: 5200.

  • Sluice Valves: Sizes 50 to 300 mm as per the 4th revision of water-works sluice valve specs.

  • Cast Iron Fittings: For pressure pipes (water, gas, sewage) per first revision.

  • Pipe Threads: Dimensions follow IS: 4218 Part I (basic profile).

  • Fire Hose Delivery Components: Couplings, branch pipes, nozzles, and spanners per second revision.

  • Typical Dimensions (mm):

    • Stand Post Column & Road Surface Boxes
    • Duckfoot Bend: 100 mm
    • Tail Piece: 80/100 mm
    • Sluice Valve: 60 mm (single outlet), 100 mm (double outlet)
  • Marking: Products may carry the Standard Mark per Clause 9.2.1.


Hydrostatic Test Formula

[ P = \rho g h ]

Where:

  • (P) = pressure (Pa)
  • (\rho) = density of water (~1000 kg/m³)
  • (g) = acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
  • (h) = head (200 m)

Example Calculation:

[ P = 1000 \times 9.81 \times 200 = 1,962,000 \text{ Pa} = 1.96 \text{ MPa} ]


Diagram: Fire Hydrant Stand Post Type (simplified)

graph TB
    A[Stand Post Column]
    B[Opening for Coupling]
    C[Strainer with N holes]
    D[Flange to suit Landing Valve]
    A --> B --> C --> D

For detailed dimensions and specifications, refer to IS 908 figures and related IS codes cited.

4Workmanship and Finish

IS 908: Workmanship and Finish (Clause 4)

  • General Requirements:

    • All parts must have a good finish, free from burrs, blow holes, and sharp edges.
    • Castings must be clean and sound, with no plugging, welding, or repairs of defects allowed.
  • Surface Quality:

    • Surfaces should be smooth to ensure proper fit and function.
    • Edges must be deburred to prevent injury and ensure assembly ease.
  • Marking (Clause 9.1):

    • Each hydrant must be clearly and permanently marked with:
      • Manufacturer's name or trademark
      • Year of manufacture
  • Painting and Coating:

    • Use ready mixed paint as per relevant IS specifications:
      • Bituminous, black, lead-free, acid, alkali, water, and heat resisting.
    • Paint colors and enamel types must comply with IS standards for durability and protection.

Summary Table: Workmanship Checks

AspectRequirement
Burrs & Sharp EdgesMust be removed
Blow HolesNot permitted in castings
Welding/RepairsNot allowed on castings
Surface FinishSmooth, clean, sound
MarkingManufacturer & year, permanent
Paint/CoatingIS specified paints & enamels

flowchart TD
    A[Raw Casting] --> B[Inspection for Defects]
    B -->|No defects| C[Deburring & Finishing]
    B -->|Defects found| D[Reject or Recast]
    C --> E[Marking Manufacturer & Year]
    E --> F[Painting as per IS]
    F --> G[Final Inspection & Dispatch]

Note: Follow IS 2-1960 for rounding off test values related to workmanship.

5Hydrostatic Test Requirement

Hydrostatic Test Requirement (IS 908)

Clause 5.1:

  • Each fire hydrant must undergo a hydrostatic test.
  • Test pressure: Equivalent to 200 meters head of water.
  • Purpose: Ensure the hydrant is perfectly watertight under this pressure.

Key Specifications for Hydrostatic Test:

ParameterValue
Test Pressure Head200 meters water column
Test MediumWater
Acceptance CriteriaNo leakage, no deformation

Additional Relevant Details:

  • Material & Finish: All parts must be free from burrs, blow holes, and sharp edges (Clause 4.1).
  • Test Scope: Applies to all hydrants, including stand post type with one or two outlets.
  • Dimensions & Construction: Refer to figures for stand post columns, sluice valves, and pipe fittings.
  • Related IS Codes: IS 5200 (Landing valves), IS 1538 (Sluice valves), IS 277 (Cast iron fittings).

Hydrostatic Pressure Calculation (for reference):

[ P = \rho \times g \times h ]

Where:

  • (P) = pressure (Pa)
  • (\rho) = density of water (~1000 kg/m³)
  • (g) = acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
  • (h) = height of water column (200 m)

[ P = 1000 \times 9.81 \times 200 = 1,962,000 , \text{Pa} \approx 1.96 , \text{MPa} ]


flowchart TD
    A[Hydrant Assembly] --> B[Apply Water Pressure]
    B --> C{Pressure = 200m Head}
    C --> D[Check for Leakage]
    D -->|No Leakage| E[Pass Test]
    D -->|Leakage| F[Fail Test - Repair]

Summary: Hydrostatic test at 200 m water head (~1.96 MPa) ensures fire hydrants are leak-proof and structurally sound per IS 908.

6Painting

IS 908 Painting Specifications Summary

  • Stand Post Painting (Clause 7.1):

    • Two coats of fire red paint (Shade No. 536, IS:5-1961) on the hydrant stand post.
    • Two coats of canary yellow paint (Shade No. 309, IS:5-1961) on the top of the post column above the outlet.
    • Paint must conform to IS:2932-1964.
  • Cast Iron Parts Coating (Clause 6.1):

    • Immediately after casting and cleaning, coat parts by dipping in a bituminous base bath (IS:158-1968).
    • Bath temperature: 143°C to 166°C.
    • Composition adjusted to meet coating properties (see Clauses 6.2 & 6.3).
  • Paint Types & Colours:

    • Ready mixed paints: lead-free, acid/alkali/water/heat resistant (second revision).
    • Enamel exterior, Type 2 for undercoating and finishing as required.
  • Marking (Clause 9.1):

    • Manufacturer's name/trade-mark and year of manufacture must be clearly and permanently marked.

Key References for Paint Shades & Types

Paint TypeIS CodeColour/Specification
Fire Red PaintIS:5-1961 (Shade 536)Stand post base coat
Canary Yellow PaintIS:5-1961 (Shade 309)Top of post column
Bituminous CoatingIS:158-1968Cast iron parts coating bath
Ready Mixed PaintsIS:2932-1964General purpose paints

flowchart LR
    A[Cast Iron Parts] -->|Clean & before rusting| B[Bituminous Bath (143-166°C)]
    B --> C[Coated Cast Iron Parts]
    D[Stand Post] -->|2 Coats Fire Red (IS:5-536)| E[Painted Stand Post]
    E -->|Top 2 Coats Canary Yellow (IS:5-309)| F[Finished Hydrant Post]

Note: Always round off

7Marking

IS 908 - Marking Specifications for Hydrants

  • Clause 9.1: Each hydrant must be permanently and clearly marked with:

    • Manufacturer's name or trademark
    • Year of manufacture
  • Clause 9.2.1: Optionally, the product may carry the Standard Mark as per BIS regulations.

  • Paint Specifications:

    • Use ready mixed paint (bituminous, black, lead-free, acid/alkali/water/heat resistant) for marking.
    • Follow IS paint color standards (second revision).
    • Enamel specifications for exterior undercoating and finishing as required.
  • Standard Mark Usage:

    • Governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
    • Licensing conditions available from BIS offices nationwide.

Summary Table for Marking Information

Marking ItemRequirement
Manufacturer's NameMandatory, permanent
Year of ManufactureMandatory, permanent
Standard MarkOptional, per BIS license
Paint TypeReady mixed, lead-free, heat/acid resistant

Contact for BIS Licensing & Standards

  • Headquarters: Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002
  • Email: bis@vsnl.com
  • Website: bis.org.in

This ensures traceability and quality assurance per IS 908 requirements.

8Criteria for Acceptance

IS 908: Criteria for Acceptance - Key Points

  1. General Acceptance Criteria (Clause 4.1):

    • All parts must have a good finish free from burrs, blow holes, and sharp edges.
    • Castings must be clean and sound without plugging, welding, or repairs.
  2. Hydrostatic Test Requirement (Clause 5.1):

    • Each hydrant must be tested for water tightness under a hydraulic pressure equivalent to 200 meters head.
    • The hydrant should prove perfectly water tight.
  3. Rounding Off Values (Clause 0.4):

    • Final values from tests or analysis must be rounded off as per IS 2-1960.
    • The number of significant figures retained should match the specified value in the standard.
  4. Painting Specifications (Clause 7.1):

    • Stand post painted with two coats of fire red paint (IS 5-1961 Shade No. 536).
    • Top of post above outlet painted with two coats of canary yellow (IS 5-1961 Shade No. 309).
    • Paint to conform to IS 2932-1964.

Hydrostatic Test Pressure Calculation

[ P = \rho g h ]

Where:

  • (P) = pressure (Pa)
  • (\rho) = density of water (~1000 kg/m³)
  • (g) = acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
  • (h) = head (200 m)

[ P = 1000 \times 9.81 \times 200 = 1,962,000 \text{ Pa} = 19.62 \text{ bar} ]


Summary Table

CriteriaSpecification
FinishFree from burrs, blow holes, sharp edges
CastingsClean, sound, no repairs
Hydrostatic Test Pressure200 m head (~19.62 bar), water tightness
PaintFire red (Shade 536), Canary yellow (Shade 309)
Rounding offAs per IS 2-1960, match significant
9Testing and Inspection

IS 908 - Testing and Inspection: Key Points

1. Hydrostatic Test (Clause 5.1):

  • Each hydrant must withstand a hydrostatic pressure equivalent to 200 meters head of water.
  • It should be perfectly watertight under this pressure.

2. Rounding Off Test Results (Clause 0.4):

  • Final test values must be rounded according to IS 2-1960.
  • The number of significant digits retained should match the specified value's precision.

3. Visual and Physical Inspection (Clause 4.1):

  • All parts must be free from burrs, blowholes, sharp edges.
  • Castings must be clean, sound, and free from repairs like plugging or welding.

Hydrostatic Pressure Formula

To convert pressure head to pressure:
[ P = \rho \times g \times h ] Where:

  • (P) = Pressure (Pa)
  • (\rho) = Density of water (~1000 kg/m³)
  • (g) = 9.81 m/s²
  • (h) = Head (200 m)

[ P = 1000 \times 9.81 \times 200 = 1,962,000 \text{ Pa} = 1.96 \text{ MPa} ]


Summary Table

Test/InspectionRequirementReference Clause
Hydrostatic Test200 m water head pressure5.1
Visual InspectionNo burrs, blow holes, defects4.1
Rounding Off ResultsAs per IS 2-19600.4

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Hydrant Fabrication] --> B[Visual Inspection]
    B --> C{Defects?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Reject/Repair]
    C -- No --> E[Hydrostatic Test @ 200m head]
    E --> F{Leakage?}
    F -- Yes --> D
    F -- No --> G[Pass & Final Rounding of Test Results]

This ensures compliance with IS 908 for hydrant testing and inspection.

Popular Questions About IS 908

?What materials are specified for the stand post column and other hydrant components?

According to IS 908, the materials specified for the hydrant components are:

  • Stand Post Column: Made of cast iron, cast in one piece, conforming to Grade 20 of IS:210-1970 (Grey Cast Iron).
  • Paint:
    • Two coats of fire red paint (Shade No. 536, IS:5-1961) on the stand post.
    • Top of the post above outlet painted with two coats of canary yellow (Shade No. 309, IS:5-1961).
    • Paints must conform to IS:2932-1964.
  • Valves and Fittings:
    • Sluice valves as per relevant IS specifications (sizes 50 to 300 mm).
    • Cast iron fittings and pipes conforming to IS standards for water, gas, and sewage.
  • Testing: Hydrants undergo hydrostatic testing at 200 meters head pressure to ensure water tightness.

Summary Table

ComponentMaterial/Specification
Stand Post ColumnCast Iron, Grade 20 (IS:210-1970)
PaintFire Red & Canary Yellow (IS:5-1961, IS:2932-1964)
Valves & FittingsCast Iron, per relevant IS specs
TestingHydrostatic test at 200 m head

This ensures durability, corrosion resistance, and visibility for firefighting use.

?How are the sluice valves and couplings standardized in IS 908?

Standardization of Sluice Valves and Couplings in IS 908

  • Sluice Valves (Clause 3.1):

    • Shall be Class I type.
    • Cap must conform to IS 780:1969.
    • Provided with a false spindle for protection.
  • Male Half Coupling (Clause 3.6):

    • Shall conform to IS 903:1975 for 63 mm size.
    • Tail must have parallel threads as per G-2 of IS 2643 (Part I):1975, replacing serrations.
  • Hydrant Assembly (Clause 2.1):

    • Consists of one or two sluice valves with road surface boxes.
    • Fitted with 63 mm male coupling(s).
    • Optionally, outlets can be flanged for landing valves per IS 5290:1969.
  • Testing (Clause 5.1):

    • Hydrostatic test at 200 m head pressure to ensure water tightness.
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This ensures interchangeability and reliability in hydrant systems per IS 908.

?What are the testing requirements to ensure hydrant water tightness?

IS 908: Testing Requirements for Hydrant Water Tightness

  • Hydrostatic Test Pressure: Each hydrant must withstand a hydraulic pressure equivalent to 200 metres head of water (approx. 2 MPa or 20 bar) without leakage (Clause 5.1).

  • Test Objective: To ensure the hydrant is perfectly water-tight under this pressure, confirming no leaks or structural failures (Clause 8.1).

  • Test Procedure Summary:

    • Assemble the hydrant with all parts as per specifications.
    • Apply hydrostatic pressure gradually up to 200 m head.
    • Maintain pressure for a specified duration (usually 5-10 minutes).
    • Inspect for leaks, deformation, or any failure.
  • Material and Construction: The hydrant must comply with material and finish requirements (Clause 4.1) to ensure durability and proper sealing.


Quick Reference Table: Hydrostatic Test Parameters

ParameterValue
Test Pressure Head200 metres (≈ 2 MPa)
Test Duration5-10 minutes
Acceptance CriteriaNo leakage or damage

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This ensures the hydrant's reliability in firefighting operations as per IS 908 standards.

?How should the hydrant be painted and marked for identification?

According to IS 908:

Painting of Stand Post Hydrants (Clause 7.1)

  • Two coats of fire red paint (Shade No. 536, IS:5-1961) on the stand post.
  • The top of the post column above the outlet must have two coats of canary yellow paint (Shade No. 309, IS:5-1961).
  • Paints must conform to IS:2932-1964 for quality and durability.

Marking for Identification (Clause 9.1)

Each hydrant must be clearly and permanently marked with:

  • Manufacturer’s name or trade-mark
  • Year of manufacture

This ensures easy visual identification and traceability during firefighting operations and maintenance.

?Can the hydrant have one or two outlets, and what are the dimensional requirements?

According to IS 908, a fire hydrant can have one or two outlets.

Key dimensional and construction requirements:

  • Outlets:
    • Single outlet hydrant uses a 60 mm sluice valve.
    • Double outlet hydrant uses 100 mm sluice valves.
  • Fittings:
    • Each outlet is fitted with a 63 mm male coupling for hose connection.
    • For industrial use, outlets may be flanged to receive a landing valve conforming to IS 5290-1969.
  • Components:
    • Hydrant consists of sluice valve(s), road surface box(es), duck foot bend, flange riser, and stand post column.
  • Testing:
    • Hydrants must pass a hydrostatic test at 200 m head pressure ensuring water-tightness.

Summary Table:

FeatureSingle OutletDouble Outlet
Sluice Valve Size60 mm100 mm
Coupling Size63 mm male coupling63 mm male coupling
Outlet TypeCoupling or FlangedCoupling or Flanged

This design ensures compatibility with fire hoses and landing valves for effective firefighting.

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