IS 950:2012 specifies the functional requirements for Water Tender Type B fire appliances used by fire brigades in urban and industrial areas requiring high water discharge rates and maneuverability. It covers design, materials, construction, pump performance, accessories, and safety features to ensure reliable firefighting operations. This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and fire service professionals involved in the specification, procurement, and maintenance of water tenders.
Overview
IS 950:2012 specifies the functional requirements for Water Tender Type B fire appliances used by fire brigades in urban and industrial areas requiring high water discharge rates and maneuverability. It covers design, materials, construction, pump performance, accessories, and safety features to ensure reliable firefighting operations. This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and fire service professionals involved in the specification, procurement, and maintenance of water tenders.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 950: Scope & Key Specifications for Water Tender Fire Appliance
| Accessory | Specification/Qty |
|---|---|
| Fire Bell | 250 mm diameter, hand-operated from inside cab |
| Head Lamps | 2 |
| Fog Lamps | 2 |
| Reversing Light | Positioned to assist reversing |
| Amber Blinker Lights | On driving compartment head |
| Trafficators | Illuminated indicators on instrument panel |
| Wind Screen Wipers | Present |
| Tools | For routine maintenance (beyond chassis kit) |
| Siren | Battery operated |
| Search Light | Adjustable flood/beam, detachable with tripod, ≥30 m cable |
| Spot Light | Adjustable, near side of driving compartment |
| Inspection Lamp | Protected, plug socket in control panel |
| Tail Lamps | 2 combined stop and tail lamps |
| Rear Reflectors | Present |
| Cab/Instrument Panel/Locker Light | Present |
| Public Address System | Present |
IS 950: Referenced Indian Standards Summary
The standard references several IS codes relevant to fire fighting equipment accessories and materials. Key points:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 5:2007 | Colours for ready mixed paints and enamels |
| 273:1990 | Picks and beaters |
| 318:1981 | Leaded tin bronze ingots and castings |
| 513:2008 | Cold-rolled low carbon steel sheets and strips |
| 617:1994 | Aluminium and aluminium alloy ingots and castings |
| 636:1988 | Non-percolating flexible fire fighting delivery hose |
| 703:1966 | Axes |
| 704:1984 | Crow-bars and claw-bars |
| 841:1983 | Steel hammers |
| 901 to 907 series | Couplings, hose reels, nozzles, strainers, branch pipes |
| 910:1980 | Combined key for hydrant and valves |
| 4927, 4928 | Flax canvas hose, delivery valve for centrifugal pump |
| 952:1986 | Fog nozzle |
| 1084:2005 | Manila ropes |
| 1931:2000 | Engineer's files |
| 2171:1999 | Portable fire extinguishers, dry powder cartridge type |
| 2871:1983 | Branch pipe universal |
| 3582:1984 | Basket strainers cylindrical type |
| 4571:1977 | Aluminium extension ladders |
| 5612, 5714 | Hose clamps and bandages |
| 6149:1984 | Hydrant stand |
IS 950 - General Requirements Summary (Clause 3)
Key Specifications for Water Tender Fabrication:
| Parameter | Limit |
|---|---|
| Wheel base | ≤ 4500 mm |
| Turning circle | ≤ 20 m |
| Road clearance | ≥ 230 mm |
| Overall width | ≤ 2.50 m |
Accessories (Clause 7.2.1):
Marking Requirements:
Rounding Off:
Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical values to match significant figures of specified values.
flowchart TD
A[Water Tender Fabrication] --> B[Weight ≥ 16,000 kg]
A --> C[Speed 72 km/h max]
A --> D[Start on 1 in 4 gradient]
A --> E[Braking: 15 m stop @48 km/h]
A --> F[Dimensions]
F --> F
| Component | Material Specification |
|---|---|
| Pump casing & low-pressure impeller | Lead tin bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318) |
| High-pressure impeller | Phosphor-bronze / Stainless steel / Aluminum-bronze (IS 617) |
| Impeller ring & neck ring | Lead tin bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318) |
| Pump shaft | Stainless steel (Grade 04Cr18Ni10, IS 6603) |
| Pump panel | Aluminium sheets/chequered plates (IS 737) or Mild steel sheets (IS 513) |
| Member Type | Section Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| Under frame cross members | 100 × 50 × 5 |
| Floor longitudinal members | 50 × 50 × 6 |
| Vertical members | 45 × 45 × 20 (Top Hat section) |
| Skirt, Waist, Top deck longitudinal | 45 × 45 × 20 (Top Hat section) |
flowchart TD
A[Pump Components] --> B[Pump casing & low-pressure impeller]
B -->|Material| C[Lead tin bronze (IS 318)]
A
| Component | Material Specification |
|---|---|
| Pump casing & low-pressure impeller | Lead tin bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318) |
| High-pressure impeller | Phosphor-bronze / Stainless steel / Aluminum-bronze (IS 617) |
| Impeller ring & neck ring | Lead tin bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318) |
| Pump shaft | Stainless steel (Grade 04Cr18Ni10, IS 6603) |
| Pump panel | Aluminium sheets/chequered plates (IS 737) or Mild steel sheets (IS 513) |
| Structural Member | Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| Under frame cross members | 100 × 50 × 5 |
| Floor longitudinal members | 50 × 50 × 6 |
| Vertical members (even side) | 45 × 45 × 20 (Top Hat section) |
| Skirt member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Waist member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Top deck longitudinal | 45 × 45 × 20 |
Each appliance must be permanently marked with:
Clause 6.1: Workmanship
Stability (Clause 5.19)
Markings (Clause 7.2)
Rounding Off (IS 2:1960)
| Aspect | Specification |
|---|---|
| Surface finish | Streamlined, smooth |
| Stability tilt angle | ≥ 30° without overturning |
| Markings | Manufacturer, serial, capacities, speed, pressure |
| Rounding off | As per IS 2:1960 rules |
graph LR
A[Appliance at rest] --> B[Tilt to side]
B --> C{Tilt angle < 30°?}
C -- Yes --> D[Stable, no overturn]
C -- No --> E[Overturning occurs]
References:
IS 950: Instruction Book, Accessories, and Equipment
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Instruction Book | Operating & maintenance guide + spare parts list |
| Paint | Fire red, Shade No. 536 (IS 5), per IS 2932 |
| Accessories | Listed in Annex B, user aids, not integral parts |
flowchart LR
A[Instruction Book] --> B[Operating Procedures]
A --> C[Maintenance Procedures]
A --> D[Spare Parts List]
E[Accessories] --> F[Hoses]
E --> G[Nozzles]
E --> H[Spanners]
For detailed accessory lists, refer to Annex B of IS 950.
Marking Requirements (Clause 7.2.1 & 22.5):
Each fire appliance shall be clearly and permanently marked with:
| Item | Quantity | IS Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery hose (15 m or 22.5 m) with 63 mm couplings | As per need | IS 4927 |
| 3-way suction collecting head (100 mm) | 1 | IS 904 |
| Suction wrenches (100 mm coupling) | 2 | IS 4643 |
| Basket strainer (cylindrical) | 1 | IS 3582 |
| Hand lamp (torch - 4 cells) | 2 | - |
| Self-contained breathing apparatus (compressed air) | 1 set | IS 10245 (Part 2) |
| Portable fire extinguisher (dry powder, 2 kg) | 1 | IS 2171 |
| Foam making branch FB-4 with pickup tube | 1 | IS 2097 |
| Hydrant standpipe (two-way) | 1 | IS 5714 |
| Combined key for hydrant, cover, valve | 2 | IS 910 |
| Fire hook | 1 | IS 927 |
| Axe (large) | 1 | IS 703 |
graph TD
A[Fire Appliance] --> B[Marking]
B --> B1[Manufacturer Name]
B
IS 950: Testing and Performance Requirements Summary
| Parameter | Limit |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | ≤ 4,500 mm |
| Turning Circle | ≤ 20 m |
| Road Clearance | ≥ 230 mm |
| Overall Width | ≤ 2.50 m |
[ d = \frac{v^2}{2 \mu g} ]
Where:
IS 950: Electrical System Key Points
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fuse Type | Cartridge or blade fuse |
| Fuse Rating | As per circuit load |
| Fuse Box Location | Driver's cab, accessible |
| Spare Fuse Holder | Included |
| Wiring | Single pole, insulated |
| Protection | Conduits where exposed |
graph LR
A[Electrical Circuits] --> B[Fuse Box]
B --> C[Separate Fuses]
B --> D[Spare Fuse Holder]
A --> E[Single Pole Wiring]
E --> F[Conduits Protection]
For detailed electrical component dimensions and ratings, refer to respective IS codes mentioned for accessories and fittings.
IS 950: Pump and Pipeline Specifications Summary
| Output (L/min) | Pressure (MPa) | Lift (m) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,000 / 3,000 / 4,000 | 0.7 / 3.5 | As per design | See Clause 5.5.4 |
[ Q = A \times v ]
Where:
flowchart LR
Pump -->|Normal Pressure| HoseReel
Pump -->|High Pressure| HoseReel
Pump --> TRV
TRV -->|
IS 950: Crew Cabin and Seating Key Specifications
| Component | Section Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| Under frame cross members | 100 × 50 × 5 |
| Floor longitudinal members | 50 × 50 × 6 |
| Vertical members (even side) | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Skirt member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Waist member | 45 × 45 × 20 |
| Top deck longitudinal | 45 × 45 × 20 |
graph LR
Driver -->|Adjustable Seat| DriverSeat
Officer -->|Independent Seat| OfficerSeat
Crew -->|Removable Full-width Seat| CrewSeat
Floor -->|3mm Aluminium Plate| FloorCovering
Superstructure -->|Steel Sections| Frame
Doors -->|4 Doors| CabinAccess
This ensures ergonomic, safe, and durable
IS 950: Storage Lockers and Equipment Stowage - Key Specifications
Locker Dimensions (Clause 5.11.4.7):
Locker Location & Purpose (Clauses 5.11.2.2 & 5.11.2.4):
Lighting (Clause 5.11.4.7):
flowchart TB
A[Crew Seat] --> B[Battery Locker]
A --> C[Accessories Locker]
B --> D[Two 12V, 13 Plates Batteries]
B --> E[Extra Battery Cable Length]
B & C --> F[Internal Automatic Lighting]
F --> G[Master Switch in Cab]
This ensures secure, accessible, and safe storage per IS 950.
Stability Requirement (Clause 5.19):
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Gross Vehicle Weight | ≥ 16,000 kg (including water & equipment) |
| Max Speed (fully laden) | 72 km/h (level road) |
| Acceleration | 0 to 64 km/h in 55 s |
| Start on Gradient | 1 in 4 (25%) |
| Foot Brake Stopping Distance | ≤ 15 m at 48 km/h |
| Hand Brake Holding Gradient | 1 in 4 (25%) |
| Wheel Base | ≤ 4,500 mm |
| Turning Circle | ≤ 20 m |
| Road Clearance | ≥ 230 mm |
| Overall Width | ≤ 2.50 m |
To ensure stability against overturning:
[ \tan \theta_{critical} = \frac{b/2}{h_{cg}} ]
Design must ensure:
[ \theta_{critical} \geq 30^\circ ]
graph LR
A[Base Width (b)] --> B[Center of Gravity Height (h_cg)]
B --> C{Calculate Critical Tilt Angle}
C --> D[Ensure \theta_{critical} ≥ 30°]
Additional Notes:
This ensures the fire tender is stable, safe, and compliant with IS 950.
IS 950: Installation and Assembly Instructions - Key Points
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Risk Assessment | Mandatory before installation |
| Space Requirements | For operation and maintenance |
| Base/Foundation Details | Must be specified |
| Pump Assembly | Correct installation mandatory |
| Safety Devices | Proper installation + enclosures |
| Pressure Relief Valves | Installed as per pump specs |
| Instruction Book | Includes diagrams, specs, parts |
| Markings on Pump | Serial no., capacity, pressure, etc. |
flowchart TD
A[Start: Risk Assessment] --> B[Site Inspection]
B --> C[Prepare Base/Foundation]
C --> D[Install Pump Assembly]
D --> E[Install Safety Devices]
E --> F[Install Pressure Relief Valves]
F --> G[Check Controls & Accessories]
G --> H[Final Inspection & Testing]
H --> I[Operation & Maintenance Instructions]
Note: For detailed specifications and
Frequently Asked
Water Tender Type B Requirements (IS 950):
Pump Discharge Rates (Clause 3.5):
Choose one of the following combinations:
Water Tank Capacity:
Additional Features:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Water Tank Capacity | 4,500 – 7,000 litres |
| Pump Discharge Rate 1 | 2,000 / 3,000 / 4,000 L/min @ 0.7 MPa |
| Pump Discharge Rate 2 | 300 L/min @ 3.5 MPa |
This ensures high discharge rates for effective firefighting combined with maneuverability and operational flexibility per IS 950.
According to IS 950 for corrosion resistance in pipelines and valves:
| Component | Material |
|---|---|
| Pipelines | Stainless steel |
| Valves ≤ 5 mm | 3-piece stainless steel ball valves |
| Valves > 5 mm | Standard butterfly valves |
| Parts in contact with water | Stainless steel |
| Pump shaft | Stainless steel (Grade 04Cr18Ni10, IS 6603) |
| Pump casing & impellers | Lead tin bronze, phosphor-bronze, aluminum bronze |
This ensures durability and corrosion resistance in water handling systems.
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Stability Requirements for Water Tender Under Loaded Conditions (IS 950):
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In essence: Stability is ensured by proper tank mounting, internal baffling to reduce fluid surge, controlled overall dimensions, and braking performance under loaded conditions.
As per IS 950:2012, a water tender must be equipped with the following accessories and equipment:
Pump Performance Testing & Efficiency Standards (IS 950)
Efficiency Tolerance: ±5% deviation from manufacturer’s specified efficiency; minimum efficiency not less than 60% (Clause 3.5).
Test Conditions:
Hydraulic Pressure Test: Pump casing and impeller subjected to 2.1 MPa to check for leakage or damage.
Performance Capacities (Clause 3.5):
Additional Features:
| Parameter | Value/Requirement |
|---|---|
| Efficiency deviation | ±5% from manufacturer’s rating |
| Minimum efficiency | 60% |
| Continuous run | 3h @ 0.7 MPa; 1h @ 3.5 MPa |
| Hydraulic pressure test | 2.1 MPa |
| Max engine oil temp | 115°C or manufacturer rating |
| Max cooling water temp | 85°C |
| Max PTO sump oil temp | Manufacturer recommended |
| Pump capacities | 2000/3000/4000 L/min @ 0.7 MPa + 300 L/min @ 3.5 MPa |
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