Specification for portable fire extinguisher dry powder type (constant pressure)
1993 Edition

Overview of IS 13849: Scope and Essential Specifications

This standard specifies requirements for portable stored pressure dry powder fire extinguishers, covering aspects of design, construction, testing, and performance.

Performance Criteria (Clause 10.5.1)

• Jet range measurement is from nozzle to the center of the discharge pattern.
• These criteria ensure effective operational performance during firefighting.

Additional Notes:

• Stainless steel sheets as per IS 6911 are specified for specific parts.
• Quality control sampling sizes are defined based on batch quantities (Clause 1.2.2).

This section establishes minimum performance and reliability benchmarks for portable dry powder extinguishers.

Material Requirements Under IS 13849 (Clause 5.1 and related sections)

Important Details:

• Cylinder bodies are cylindrical with filler openings not less than 20 mm in diameter.
• Rubber washers and O-rings must resist corrosion after immersion in 20% sulfuric acid and 5% sodium hydroxide for 10 minutes.
• Hoses must withstand burst pressures of at least 50 kgf/cm².
• K-coefficients for burst pressure testing vary with hose diameter as per Clause 7.1.1.

Construction Guidelines According to IS 13849

General Requirements (Clauses 11.1 & 11.2)

• Extinguishers must be fabricated to ensure mechanical strength, safety, and adherence to material standards such as using stainless steel sheets per IS 6911.
• Components are subject to physical and mechanical tests including burst pressure and specific gravity evaluations.

Performance Requirements (Clause 10.5.1)

Physical Properties of Caps (Clause 1.1, Table C-1)

Summary

• Stainless steel (IS 6911) is mandated for certain parts for durability.
• Fire extinguisher operational times and jet ranges are standardized.
• Caps undergo stringent physical property tests.

flowchart TD
    A[Material Selection] --> B[Physical Testing]
    B --> C[Specific Gravity]
    B --> D[Melting Point]
    B --> E[Ash Content]
    A --> F[Construction]
    F --> G[Performance Evaluation]
    G --> H[Jet Duration]
    G --> I[Discharge Time]
    G --> J[Jet Range]

This framework guarantees safe and reliable extinguisher construction.

Anti-Corrosive Measures as per IS 13849

1. Coating Specifications (Clause 8.1):

   • Application of lead-tin alloy coating containing at least 10% tin.
   • Coating methods include hot dipping or electrolytic deposition.
   • Minimum thickness is set at 0.012 mm, measured following IS 3203:1982.
   • Alternatively, epoxy powder coatings with a minimum thickness of 0.050 mm are permitted.

2. Alternative Surface Treatment (Clause 8.2):

   • Phosphating treatment can be applied on external surfaces as per IS 3618:1966 instead of lead-tin coating.

3. Acid Resistance Evaluation (Clause 3.2):

   • Samples must withstand immersion in 10% hydrochloric acid at 27 ± 3°C for 72 hours without discoloration or deterioration.

Summary Table for Corrosion Treatments

Measurement Standards

• Coating thickness is determined using methods such as micrometer or magnetic measurement as outlined in IS 3203:1982.

flowchart LR
    A[Surface Preparation] --> B{Select Coating}
    B -->|Lead-Tin Alloy| C[Hot Dipping or Electrolytic]
    B -->|Epoxy Powder| D[Powder Coating]
    B -->|Phosphating| E[Phosphating per IS 3618]
    C --> F[Thickness ≥ 0.012 mm]
    D --> G[Thickness ≥ 0.050 mm]
    E --> H[Apply According to Standard]
    F & G & H --> I[Acid Resistance Testing]
    I --> J{No Damage After 72h in 10% HCl}

These measures ensure the extinguisher’s structural longevity against corrosion as mandated by the standard.

Design and Dimension Guidelines in IS 13849

1. Minimum Wall Thickness Formulas (Clause 7.1.1)

• For cylindrical sections:

  [ t = \frac{200 \times 0.8 \times J \times R_e + p_h \times h - p_h \times h}{p_h \times h \times D_o \times k_z} ]

• For torispherical ends:

  [ t = \frac{200 \times 0.8 \times J \times R_e + 4 p_h \times h}{p_h \times h \times D_o \times k} ]

• For semi-ellipsoidal ends:

  [ t = \frac{p_h \times h \times D_o \times k (0.65 + 0.1 k)}{200 \times 0.8 \times J \times R_e + 4 p_h \times h} ]

Where:

2. Materials for Key Components (Clause 5.1, Table 1)

These specifications ensure the extinguisher's mechanical robustness and durability.

Valve and Discharge Fittings Specifications (IS 13849)

1. Discharge Nozzle (Clause 7.5.1)

• Nozzles must be securely attached by threading or integrated with the valve body or hose.
• Orifice size and nozzle design must comply with performance criteria outlined in Clause 10.5.

2. Valve Design (Clause 7.4)

• Valve dimensions and design must conform to Fig I' within the standard.

3. Syphon Tube (Clause 7.5.4)

• Installation methods include press fitting, soldering, brazing, or threading per IS 2643 (Part 2):1975.
• The syphon tube must not be fully removable during use and should be notched or otherwise secured to prevent obstruction.

4. Corrosion Protection (Clause 8)

• All valve and discharge fittings require appropriate anti-corrosive coatings to ensure longevity.

Typical Valve Nozzle Orifice Parameters (Clause 10.5)

flowchart LR
  ValveBody -->|Screwed or Integrated| DischargeNozzle
  DischargeNozzle -->|Connected to| SyphonTube
  SyphonTube -.->|Secured to prevent blockage| Prevention
  ValveBody -->|Anti-Corrosive Coating| Durability

Refer to Fig I' and Clause 10.5 for detailed dimensional and performance requirements.

Performance Testing for Dry Powder Extinguishers (IS 13849, Clause 10.5)

Essential Test Conditions

• Discharge at an angle of 45° above horizontal.
• Ambient temperature maintained at 27 ± 5°C.
• Still air environment with continuous jet discharge.
• Discharge capacity must be at least 85% of the rated powder mass.

Performance Criteria Table (Clause 10.5.1)

• Jet range measured from nozzle to center of discharge pattern.

Sampling (Clause 1.2.4)

• One sample per batch is tested.
• Batch acceptance depends on meeting performance standards.

Additional Physical Tests on Caps (Clause 1.1)

Performance Test Setup Diagram

flowchart LR
    A[Extinguisher] --> B[Nozzle at 45° Angle]
    B --> C[Continuous Jet Discharge]
    C --> D[Measure Jet Range and Duration]
    D --> E{Discharge ≥ 85% of Rated Mass?}
    E -- Yes --> F[Test Passed]
    E -- No --> G[Test Failed]

These tests confirm extinguisher functionality under operational conditions.

Hydrostatic Pressure Test Details (IS 13849, Clause 10.1)

• Test pressure: 30 MN/m² (equivalent to 30 kgf/cm²).
• Duration of pressure application: 2 minutes.
• Acceptance criteria: No rupture, leakage, or permanent deformation.
• Test conducted prior to applying anti-corrosion coatings and paint.

Thickness Calculation Formulas (Clause 7.1.1)

Additional Parameters

• Weld joint factor (J) fixed at 0.9.
• Yield strength to conform to relevant IS standards.
• Hydrostatic test pressure set at 30 kgf/cm².

Hydrostatic Test Process Flow

graph TD
A[Extinguisher Body] --> B[Apply 30 kgf/cm² Hydrostatic Pressure]
B --> C[Maintain for 2 Minutes]
C --> D[Inspect for Leaks or Deformation]

This test validates the structural strength of extinguisher cylinders.

Leakage and Pressure Retention Testing per IS 13849

Leakage Test (Clause 10.3)

• Cover the extinguisher valve with an inverted transparent glass jar.
• Immerse the extinguisher completely in a water tank for 24 hours.
• No air bubbles should appear inside the jar after the initial 6 hours.

Pressure Retention Test (Clause 10.3.1)

• Discharge the extinguisher for 2 seconds and record initial pressure drop (ΔP₁).
• After 15 minutes, record pressure drop again (ΔP₂).
• The difference between ΔP₁ and ΔP₂ must not exceed 5%.
• Repeat the discharge test twice and calculate the average pressure drop.
• After two discharge cycles, rest the extinguisher for 24 hours; pressure drop must remain within 5% to pass.

Summary Table

flowchart TD
    A[Begin Leakage Test] --> B[Place Glass Jar Inverted Over Valve]
    B --> C[Immerse in Water Tank]
    C --> D[Wait 24 Hours]
    D --> E{Bubbles Present After 6 Hours?}
    E -- No --> F[Test Passed]
    E -- Yes --> G[Test Failed]

    H[Begin Pressure Retention Test] --> I[Discharge 2 Seconds, Record ΔP₁]
    I --> J[Wait 15 Minutes]
    J --> K[Record ΔP₂]
    K --> L{Pressure Variation ≤ 5%?}
    L -- Yes --> M[Repeat Test]
    M --> N[Calculate Mean ΔP]
    N --> O[Rest 24 Hours]
    O --> P{Pressure Drop ≤ 5%?}
    P -- Yes --> Q[Test Passed]
    P -- No --> R[Test Failed]

These tests confirm the integrity and leak-tightness of extinguishers.

Drop Test Specifications (IS 13849, Clause 10.4)

• Test conditions:

  • Ambient temperature: 27 ± 5°C.
  • Extinguisher filled to 90% with water or 80% with dry powder.
  • Pressurized to rated operating pressure.

• Drop sequence:

  1. Drop from 3 meters onto concrete with cylinder axis horizontal.
  2. Second drop from 3 meters with cylinder axis vertical (head upwards).
  3. Pressure gauge removed during the test.

• Post-drop inspection:

  • Extinguisher submerged in water to check for leaks; no leakage allowed.

Related Performance Table (Clause 10.5.1)

Summary

• The 3-meter drop test simulates mechanical shocks endured during handling.
• Extinguishers must maintain pressure integrity with no leakage after impact.

flowchart LR
    A[Fill Extinguisher] --> B[Pressurize to Rated Level]
    B --> C[Drop from 3m (Horizontal Axis)]
    C --> D[Drop from 3m (Vertical Axis, Head Up)]
    D --> E[Check for Leaks in Water]
    E --> F{Leak Detected?}
    F -- No --> G[Test Passed]
    F -- Yes --> H[Test Failed]

Marking and Labeling Specifications Under IS 13849

Clause 11.1: Mandatory Markings

• Manufacturer's name or trademark must be clearly and permanently displayed.
• Instructions for operation in prominent lettering.
• The phrase "Dry Powder Extinguisher" of the stored pressure type.
• Capacity specified in kilograms.
• Notice "Recharge After Use".
• Declaration that the body has been tested to 30 kgf/cm² pressure.
• Instruction to "Keep This End Up" during handling.
• Letter symbols indicating suitability for fire classes (e.g., BC, ABC).
• Year of manufacture and serial/identification number.

Clause 9.3: Fire Class Markings

• Letters ‘BC’ or ‘ABC’ must comply with IS 2190:1992.
• Size and color of markings shall conform to IS 2171:1985.

Summary Table of Required Markings

These markings provide essential information for safe use, maintenance, and traceability.

flowchart LR
    A[Extinguisher Body] --> B[Markings]
    B --> C[Manufacturer Name]
    B --> D[Operating Instructions]
    B --> E[Type and Capacity]
    B --> F[Recharge Notice]
    B --> G[Pressure Test Details]
    B --> H[Handling Instructions]
    B --> I[Fire Class Letters]
    B --> J[Manufacture Date & Serial]

Sampling and Acceptance Criteria per IS 13849

Sampling Plan (Clause 1.2.2 / Table B-1.1)

• Sample size for quality control depends on batch size:

Acceptance Standards (Clause 1.2.3.1)

• All tested samples must pass to accept the entire batch.

Rationale (Clause B-0.1)

• High reliability is imperative due to safety risks; hence stringent sampling and zero tolerance for failures.

Summary

• Sampling is done randomly based on batch size.
• No failures are tolerated in tested units.
• This ensures high product reliability and safety.

flowchart TD
    A[Batch of Fire Extinguishers] --> B[Random Sampling per Batch Size]
    B --> C{All Samples Pass?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Batch Accepted]
    C -- No --> E[Batch Rejected]

This rigorous process guarantees trustworthy fire extinguishing equipment.

Optional ECO-Mark Certification Requirements (IS 13849, Clause 11)

• Any fire extinguisher bearing the BIS Standard Mark qualifies for ECO-Mark consideration.
• Manufacturers must provide environmental clearances such as:
  • Consent under Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
  • Consent under Water Cess Act, 1977.
  • Consent under Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
  • Authorization under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, if applicable.
• Products may display ECO-Mark award criteria.

Summary of Required Environmental Documents

No specific technical formulas appear here; focus is on compliance documentation for ECO-Mark eligibility.

List of Indian Standards Referenced in IS 13849

IS 13849 cites various Indian Standards essential for materials, dimensions, testing, and performance criteria for portable dry powder fire extinguishers:

Important Points

• These standards cover critical aspects including materials (steel, copper alloys), threading dimensions, powder formulation, and testing methods.
• Annexes A and D of IS 13849 provide detailed listings of referenced standards.
• Users should verify applicable latest editions for compliance.

Example: Discharge Performance (Clause 10.5.1)

flowchart LR
    A[IS 13849 Standard] --> B[Material Specifications (IS 513, 6912)]
    A --> C[Thread Dimensions (IS 2643, 4218)]

Key Safety and Usage Instructions in IS 13849 for Portable Fire Extinguishers

1. Performance Requirements (Clause 10.5.1)

• Jet throw duration indicates the minimum time the discharge jet must be maintained.
• Discharge time is the duration to expel at least 85% of the contents.
• Range is measured from the nozzle to the center of the discharge pattern.

2. Environmental Considerations (Clauses 11.2.1 & 11.2.3)

• Lists ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and global warming potential (GWP) figures for agents such as:
  • Halon 1301 (ODP=10.0, GWP=5600)
  • FM 200 (GWP=3300)
• Encourages use of agents with low ODS and GWP values.

3. Marking and Sampling (Clauses 11.1.1 & 12)

• Fire extinguishers must carry the BIS Standard Mark.
• Sampling and conformity criteria are described in Annex B.

Diagram: Fire Extinguisher Jet Performance

flowchart LR
    A[Extinguisher Capacity] --> B[Jet Duration]
    B --> C[Discharge Time for 85% Content]
    C --> D[Jet Range]
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style D fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

This ensures compliance and safe operation of portable dry powder fire extinguishers as per IS 13849.