IS 943:1979 specifies the functional requirements for a 680 liters per minute trailer-mounted pump designed for fire brigade use in India. It covers the design, performance, and equipment standards for a compact, towable fire pump unit driven by an internal combustion engine, ensuring reliability, stability, and operational efficiency during firefighting. This standard is essential for manufacturers, fire service engineers, and procurement officials involved in fire safety equipment.
Overview
IS 943:1979 specifies the functional requirements for a 680 liters per minute trailer-mounted pump designed for fire brigade use in India. It covers the design, performance, and equipment standards for a compact, towable fire pump unit driven by an internal combustion engine, ensuring reliability, stability, and operational efficiency during firefighting. This standard is essential for manufacturers, fire service engineers, and procurement officials involved in fire safety equipment.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 943 - Scope & Key Specifications Summary
The standard covers fire fighting appliances and their recommended equipment for operation and maintenance.
| Equipment | Quantity | Reference IS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sledge hammer (6.5 kg) | 1 No. | - |
| Jack screw (lifting 6 tonne) | 1 No. | - |
| Oil can (2 litres) | 1 No. | - |
| Petrol can (9 litres) | 1 No. | - |
| Oil filling funnel | 1 No. | - |
| Petrol filling funnel | 1 No. | - |
| Foam compound (20 litres drum) | 5 Nos. | IS: 4989-1974 |
| Foam making branch pipe FB-2 | 1 No. | IS: 2097-1969 |
| Head collecting two ways | 1 No. | IS: 904-1965 |
| Branch pipe universal | 1 No. | IS: 2871-1974 |
| Hose clamps | 6 Nos. | IS: 5612 (Part I)-1973 |
| Key hydrant | 2 Nos. | IS: 910-1972 |
| Various ropes (long, guy, lowering, short) | As per list | - |
graph TD
A[Fire Fighting Appliance] --> B[Mechanical Equipment]
A --> C[Chemical Agents]
A --> D[Tools & Accessories]
B --> B1[Sledge Hammer, Jack Screw]
C --> C1[Foam Compound, Branch Pipes]
D --> D1[Oil/Petrol Cans, Funnels, Ropes, Hose Clamps]
This scope ensures the appliance is equipped with
IS 943 General Requirements Summary
graph LR
A[Fire Brigade Trailer Pump] --> B[Essential Equipment]
B --> C[Sledge Hammer 6.5 kg]
B --> D[Jack Screw 6 tonne]
B --> E[Oil & Petrol Cans + Funnels]
B --> F[Foam Compound & Branch Pipes]
B --> G[Hydrant Keys & Ropes]
B --> H[Hose Clamps]
This structure ensures compliance with IS 943 general requirements for fire brigade pumps.
IS 943: Pump Performance and Testing Key Points
| Output (l/min) | Pressure (MN/m²) | Pressure (kgf/cm²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 | 0.42 | 4.2 |
| 865 | 0.56 | 5.6 |
| 680 | 0.70 | 7.0 |
| 590 | 0.84 | 8.4 |
[ Q_{corrected} = Q_{rated} \times \left(1 - 0.01 \times \frac{T_{actual} - 27}{2.5} - 0.04 \times \frac{h}{300} \right) ]
Where:
IS 943 Key Points for Trailer Frame and Suspension
[ \sigma = \frac{6WL}{bt^2} ]
Where:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Springs | Semi-elliptic, IS:1135-1973 |
| Tyres | 6:00x16 size, 6 ply rating |
| Draw Pull | 11 kN (1100 kgf) |
| Frame Design | Low CG, compact unit |
flowchart LR
A[Trailer Frame] --> B[Semi-Elliptic Springs (IS:1135)]
A --> C[Heavy Duty Tyres (6:00x16, 6 ply)]
A --> D[Draw Bar & Eye (withstand 11 kN)]
B --> E[Load Support & Shock Absorption]
D --> F[Secure Fixing to Frame]
This ensures a durable, stable trailer frame with reliable suspension and towing capacity.
IS 943: Engine and Cooling System Key Points
| Parameter | Value/Specification |
|---|---|
| Cooling System Type | Indirect open circuit |
| Water Discharge Rate | ≤ 30 l/min |
| Pump Head | 3 m lift |
| Pump Pressure | 0.7 MN/m² (7 kgf/cm²) |
| Test Duration | 4 hours continuous |
| Oil Temperature | Within manufacturer's limits |
flowchart LR
Pump --> HeaderTank[Header Tank with Copper Coils]
HeaderTank --> Waste[Water to Waste ≤ 30 l/min]
HeaderTank --> Filter[Cleanable Filter]
HeaderTank --> Engine[Engine Cooling]
This ensures effective engine temperature control and pump reliability per IS 943.
IS 943: Accessories and Equipment Key Points
| Equipment | Quantity | Relevant IS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Fire extinguisher, CO2 type, 4.5 kg | 1 No. | IS: 2878-1976 |
| Fire buckets (galvanized mild steel) | - | IS: 2546-1974 |
| First aid box for 10 persons | 1 No. | - |
| Rubber gloves (electrical purpose) | - | IS: 4770-1968 |
| Fireman axe | 1 No. | IS: 926-1970 |
| Shovels (general purpose) | - | IS: 274 (Part I)-1966 |
| Pick axe, 1 kg | 1 No. | IS: 273-1973 |
| Crow bar with chisel and claws, 1 m length | 1 No. | IS: 704-1968 |
| Spanner adjustable, 30 cm | 1 No. | IS: 6169-1971 |
| Foam compound, 20 litres drum | 5 No. | IS: 4989-1974 |
| Foam making branch pipe FB-2 | 1 No. | IS: 2097-1969 |
| Equipment | Quantity | Relevant IS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Suction wrenches for 100 mm hose couplings | 2 No. | IS: 4643-1968 |
| Suction strainer for 100 mm suction hose | 1 No. | IS: 907-1975 |
| Rope manila, 15 m length | 1 No. |
IS 943 – Towing Eye and Drawbar Key Specifications
Design Load Requirements:
Shock Absorption:
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Diameter | 75 mm | As per IS 943 |
| Ultimate Tensile Stress | ≥ 630 MN/m² (63 kgf/cm²) | Forged steel or equivalent |
| Design Draw Pull | 11 kN (1100 kgf) | Max shock load capacity |
| Mounting Requirement | Shock absorbing in both directions | Smooth towing & braking control |
flowchart LR
A[Towing Eye] --> B[Shank with Radii]
B --> C[Mounted in Housing]
C --> D{Absorbs Shock?}
D -->|Forward| E[Tow Load Cushioning]
D -->|Backward| F[Brake Application Regulation]
E & F --> G[Smooth Tow at Reasonable Speeds]
This ensures durability, safety, and comfort in towing operations as per IS 943.
IS 943: Stability and Safety Key Points
[ \text{Overturning condition: } \tan \theta \leq \frac{B}{2h} ]
Where:
Ensure:
[ \frac{B}{2h} \geq \tan 25^\circ \approx 0.466 ]
| Parameter | Value/Requirement |
|---|---|
| Max tilt angle ((\theta)) | 25° |
| Max towing speed | 20 km/h |
| Cross-country distance | 2 km |
| Tar road distance | 10 km |
| Sledge hammer weight | 6.5 kg |
| Jack screw capacity | 6 tonnes |
flowchart LR
A[Trailer Stability] --> B{Tilt Angle ≤ 25°?}
B -- Yes --> C[No Overturning]
B -- No --> D[Overturning Risk]
C --> E[Safe for Towing]
D --> F[Unsafe - Redesign Needed]
**Note
IS 943: Key Dimensions and Weight Specifications
Overall Dimensions (Clause 2.2):
Mass (Clause 4.10):
Equipment Weights (Clause 6.5):
Additional Specifications:
| Parameter | Limit/Value |
|---|---|
| Max Length | 3.3 m |
| Max Height (with light) | 1.6 m |
| Max Wheel Track | 1.4 m |
| Max Unit Mass | 750 kg |
| Sledge Hammer Weight | 6.5 kg |
| Jack Screw Capacity | 6 tonnes |
| Oil Can Capacity | 2 litres |
| Petrol Can Capacity | 9 litres |
graph TD
A[Trailer Unit] --> B[Dimensions]
B --> C[Length ≤ 3.3m]
B --> D[Height ≤ 1.6m]
B --> E[Wheel track ≤ 1.4m]
A --> F[Mass ≤ 750kg]
A --> G[Equipment]
G --> H[Sledge hammer 6.5kg]
G --> I[Jack screw 6 tonnes]
G --> J[Oil can 2L]
G --> K[Petrol can 9L]
This concise summary aligns with IS 943 clauses for design and equipment specifications.
IS 943: Marking and Identification - Key Specifications
The code specifies standard equipment and their quantities for fire fighting appliances, ensuring uniformity and ease of identification:
| Equipment | Quantity | IS Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Sledge hammer (6.5 kg) | 1 No. | - |
| Jack screw, lifting (6 tonne) | 1 No. | - |
| Oil can (2 litres) | 1 No. | - |
| Petrol can (9 litres) | 1 No. | - |
| Oil filling funnel | 1 No. | - |
| Petrol filling funnel | 1 No. | - |
| Foam compound (20 litres drum) | 5 Nos. | IS: 4989-1974 |
| Foam making branch pipe FB-2 | 1 No. | IS: 2097-1969 |
| Head collecting two ways | 1 No. | IS: 904-1965 |
| Branch pipe universal | 1 No. | IS: 2871-1974 |
| Hose clamp | 6 Nos. | IS: 5612 (Part I)-1973 |
flowchart TD
A[Fire Appliance] --> B[Equipment List]
B --> C[Sledge Hammer - 6.5 kg]
B --> D[Jack Screw - 6 tonne]
B --> E[Oil Can - 2 litres]
B --> F[Petrol Can - 9 litres]
B --> G[Instruction Book]
G --> H[Operating Procedure]
G --> I[Spare Parts List]
B --> J[Marking & Paint Colors]
Note: For detailed marking dimensions or label
IS 943: Maintenance & Operation - Key Specifications
| Equipment | Quantity | Reference IS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sledge hammer (6.5 kg) | 1 No. | - |
| Jack screw (lifting 6 tonne) | 1 No. | - |
| Oil can (2 litres) | 1 No. | - |
| Petrol can (9 litres) | 1 No. | - |
| Oil filling funnel | 1 No. | - |
| Petrol filling funnel | 1 No. | - |
| Foam compound (20 litres drum) | 5 Nos. | IS: 4989-1974 |
| Foam making branch pipe FB-2 | 1 No. | IS: 2097-1969 |
| Head collecting two ways | 1 No. | IS: 904-1965 |
| Branch pipe universal | 1 No. | IS: 2871-1974 |
| Hose clamp | 6 Nos. | IS: 5612 (Part I)-1973 |
| Key hydrant | 2 Nos. | IS: 910-1972 |
graph LR
A[Fire Appliance] --> B[Oil Can (2L)]
A --> C[Petrol Can (9L)]
A --> D[Sledge Hammer (6.5kg)]
A --> E[Jack Screw (6 tonne)]
A --> F[Foam Compound (20L drums
IS 943: List of Recommended Equipment for Trailer Pump
| Equipment | Quantity | Reference IS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Suction wrenches for 100 mm suction hose couplings | 2 Nos | IS: 4643-1968 |
| Suction strainer for 100 mm suction hose | 1 No | IS: 907-1975 |
| Manila rope, 15 m length | 1 No | IS: 1084-1969 |
| Suction adopter 100 mm RH thread female × 63 mm male | 1 No | - |
| Branch pipe 63 mm | 2 Nos | IS: 903-1975 |
| Equipment | Quantity | Reference IS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Foam compound, 20 litres drum | 5 Nos | IS: 4989-1974 |
| Foam making branch pipe FB-2 | 1 No | IS: 2097-1969 |
| Head collecting two ways | 1 No | IS: 904-1965 |
IS 943: Equipment to be Provided in Trailer Pump
| SI No. | Equipment Description | Quantity | Reference IS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Suction wrenches for 100 mm suction hose couplings | 2 Nos. | IS 4643-1968 |
| 3 | Suction strainer for 100 mm suction hose | 1 No. | IS 907-1975 |
| 5 | Manila rope, 15 m length | 1 No. | IS 1084-1969 |
| 6 | Suction adopter 100 mm RH thread female × 63 mm instantaneous male | 1 No. | - |
| 7 | Branch pipe 63 mm | 2 Nos. | IS 903-1975 |
graph LR
A[Internal Combustion Engine] --> B[Pump (≥680 l/min @ 7 kgf/cm²)]
B --> C[Suction Hose (100 mm)]
C --> D[Suction Strainer & Wrenches]
B --> E[Branch Pipes (63 mm)]
A --> F[Trailer Frame with Tail-light & Headlight]
F --> G[Tow Hitch for Vehicle]
This ensures compliance with IS 943 for trailer pumps used in firefighting or related applications.
Frequently Asked
According to IS 943, the trailer pump must have:
Additional key points:
This ensures reliable fire brigade operation with adequate flow and pressure for firefighting needs.
Specifications for Trailer Frame and Suspension System (IS 943):
Trailer Frame:
Suspension System:
Additional Provisions:
Loading diagram...
This ensures a robust, stable trailer suitable for towing and equipment carriage.
According to IS 943, the trailer pump must include the following accessories and equipment:
| Equipment | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Suction wrenches for 100 mm hose couplings (IS:4643-1968) | 2 Nos. |
| Suction strainer for 100 mm suction hose (IS:907-1975) | 1 No. |
| Manila rope, 15 m length (IS:1084-1969) | 1 No. |
| Suction adopter 100 mm RH thread female × 63 mm instantaneous male | 1 No. |
| Branch pipe 63 mm (IS:903-1975) | 2 Nos. |
This ensures the trailer pump is fully equipped for firefighting or water pumping operations.
The stability of the trailer pump during operation as per IS 943 is ensured by:
Low Center of Gravity: The pump is mounted on the trailer to keep the center of gravity as low as possible (Clause 4.7.1).
Robust Suspension and Tyres: The trailer frame uses two semi-elliptic springs (IS 1135) and heavy-duty 6:00x16, 6-ply rated tyres for stability during towing and operation (Clause 4.7.1).
Stability Against Tilting: The unit must remain stable without overturning when tilted up to 25° on either side in the normal towing position (Clause 4.8.1).
Support Jack Legs: Three jack legs (two rear, one front) with 200 mm mild steel base plates prevent sinking and provide a stable base when stationary and pumping (Clause 4.7.7). These legs lock securely in both lowered and housed positions.
Loading diagram...
This combination ensures safe, stable operation on various terrains.
IS 943 Engine Cooling and Exhaust Requirements Summary:
Exhaust Arrangement (Clause 4.1.4):
Engine exhaust must discharge away from the pump operating position to ensure operator safety and prevent interference.
Cooling System (Clause 4.1.2):
Performance Test (Clause 4.3.5):
Loading diagram...
This ensures effective heat dissipation while maintaining engine temperature control.
IS 943 Pump Performance Testing Procedures
| Output (l/min) | Pressure (MN/m²) | Pressure (kgf/cm²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 | 0.42 | 4.2 |
| 865 | 0.56 | 5.6 |
| 680 | 0.70 | 7.0 |
| 590 | 0.84 | 8.4 |
Allowances for Test Conditions (Clause 4.3.3):
Endurance Test (Clause 4.3.5):
Mechanical Tests (Clause 4.3.2):
Loading diagram...
Design of Towing Eye and Drawbar for Shock Absorption (IS 943: Clause 4.9)
Towing Eye Material & Size
Shock Absorption Mechanism (Clause 4.9.3)
Housing & Fixing (Clause 4.9.2)
Loading diagram...
This ensures shock loads are cushioned and braking forces smoothly applied, improving durability and safety.
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