This standard details the specifications for 50-litre capacity, wheel-mounted water fire extinguishers activated by gas cartridges. It addresses the materials, manufacturing, corrosion protection, performance criteria, testing protocols, labeling, and compliance measures to guarantee safety and reliability. It is vital for manufacturers, inspectors, and safety professionals handling these extinguishers.
Overview
This standard details the specifications for 50-litre capacity, wheel-mounted water fire extinguishers activated by gas cartridges. It addresses the materials, manufacturing, corrosion protection, performance criteria, testing protocols, labeling, and compliance measures to guarantee safety and reliability. It is vital for manufacturers, inspectors, and safety professionals handling these extinguishers.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Overview of 50-Litre Wheel-Mounted Water Fire Extinguisher (Gas Cartridge Type)
Material Sample from Table 1:
| Component | Material Description |
|---|---|
| Nozzle | Leaded Tin Bronze Gr LTB2 (IS 318), Type 1 (IS 319), or Grade 1 (IS 291) |
flowchart TD
A[Gas Cartridge] -->|Activated by plunger| B[Gas Released]
B --> C[Pressurizes Water]
C --> D[Water Ejected via Nozzle]
D --> E[Extinguishes Fire]
For comprehensive design, materials, and test details, consult the full IS 13385 document and annexes.
IS 13385 incorporates multiple Indian Standards critical for the materials and components of these extinguishers, including:
| IS Number | Title |
|---|---|
| IS 5 : 1978 | Colors for ready mixed paints and enamels |
| IS 2643 (Part 1):1975 | Dimensions for pipe threads used in fastening |
| IS 318 : 1981 | Leaded Tin Bronze ingots and castings |
| IS 3203 : 1982 | Procedures for testing thickness of electroplated coatings |
| IS 3601 : 1984 | Steel tubes for mechanical and general engineering use |
| IS 3618 : 1966 | Phosphating treatment for corrosion protection of iron and steel |
| IS 4454 (Part 1):1981 | Cold-formed steel wires for springs |
| IS 4947 : 1985 | Gas cartridges specifications for fire extinguishers |
| IS 4984 : 1987 | High-density polyethylene pipes for potable water supply |
| IS 4989 (Part 2):1984 | Foam concentrates for mechanical foam: Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) |
| IS 5382 : 1985 | Rubber sealing rings for gas, water mains, and sewers |
| IS 6528 : 1972 | Stainless steel wire |
| IS 6603 : 1972 | Stainless steel bars and flats |
| IS 7328 : 1992 | High-density polyethylene materials for molding and extrusion |
| IS 9595 : 1980 | Metal arc welding recommendations for carbon and manganese steels |
(Refer to annex documentation for visual guidance)
| Component | Material Type | Applicable IS Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Mild steel sheet | IS 1079 : 1978 |
| Neck ring | a) Leaded tin bronze (LTB 2) | IS 318 : 1981 |
| b) Mild steel pipe | IS 1239 (Part 1) : 1979 | |
| Cap | Leaded tin bronze | IS 318 : 1981 |
| Cap washer | Acid and alkali resistant rubber | IS 5382 : 1985 (Type 3) |
| Safety valve | Brass (Type I) | IS 319 : 1974 |
| Spring | Spring steel (Grade I) | IS 4454 (Part 1) : 1981 |
| Siphon tube | Mild steel / Brass / HDPE / Copper | IS 3601 : 1984 / IS 407 : 1981 / IS 4984 : 1987 / IS 1545 : 1982 |
| Discharge fittings | Leaded tin bronze / Brass | IS 318 : 1981 / IS 291 : 1989 / IS 319 : 1974 |
| Nozzle | Leaded tin bronze / Brass | IS 318 : 1981 / IS 319 : 1974 / IS 291 : 1977 |
| Gas cartridges | Seamless or welded steel tubes | IS 4947 : 1985 |
| Hose | Braided rubber/plastic (burst pressure ≥ 50 kg/cm²) | IS 7328 : 1992 |
| Snifter valve | Brass or stainless steel | IS 319 : 1974 / IS 6603 : 1972 (Grade 04 Cr 18 Ni 10) |
| Strainer | Brass (CuZn 37) | IS 410 : 1977 |
| Piercer | Steel | IS 6528 : 1972 |
(Refer to IS 13385 for detailed formulas and tables)
Construction Requirements as per IS 13385
| Aspect | IS Reference | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Welding | IS 819:1957 | For fittings only |
| Metal Arc Welding | IS 9595:1980 | For main weld joints |
| Paint Coating | IS 2932:1974 | Protective paint specification |
| Bursting Pressure | Clause 10.2 | One type test, compliance mandatory |
[ P_b = \frac{2 t \sigma_y}{D} ]
Where:
flowchart TD
A[Start Construction] --> B{Welding Method?}
B -->|Spot Welding| C[Follow IS 819:1957]
B -->|Metal Arc Welding| D[Follow IS 9595:1980]
C & D --> E[Apply Paint]
E --> F[IS 2932:1974 Compliance]
F --> G[Conduct Burst Test]
G --> H{Pass Burst Test?}
H -->|Yes| I[Complete Construction]
H -->|No| J[Rework or Reject]
Ensure all welding, painting, and testing adhere strictly to IS 13385 for safety and compliance.
Anti-Corrosion Treatments as Specified in IS 13385
Internal Coating (Clause 8.1):
External Surface Treatment (Clauses 8.1.1 & 8.2):
| Surface | Treatment Type | Material/Process | Minimum Thickness | Reference Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Body | Lead-Tin Alloy Coating | Electrolytic / Hot Dip | 0.012 mm | IS 3203:1982 |
| External Body | Lead-Tin Alloy Coating | Electrolytic / Hot Dip | 0.012 mm | IS 3203:1982 |
| External Body | Phosphating Treatment | Chemical Phosphating | As per IS 3618 | IS 3618:1966 |
flowchart LR
A[Extinguisher Body] --> B[Internal Surface]
A --> C[External Surface]
B --> D[Lead-Tin Alloy Coating]
D --> E[Thickness ≥ 0.012 mm]
D --> F[Measured as per IS 3203]
C --> G{Treatment Options}
G --> H[Lead-Tin Alloy Coating]
G --> I[Phosphating per IS 3618]
H --> J[Thickness ≥ 0.012 mm]
I --> K[Phosphate Layer as per IS 3618]
This treatment regimen ensures the extinguisher’s durability and resistance to corrosion.
Performance Specifications According to IS 13385
Clause 7.8.4:
Clauses 10.3.1 to 10.3.2:
Clause 1.2.4:
Clause 11.1:
| Parameter | Typical Expression/Range |
|---|---|
| Orifice Area (A) | ( A = \frac{Q}{C_d \sqrt{2gH}} ) |
| - Q | Discharge volumetric flow rate (m³/s) |
| - C_d | Discharge coefficient (approx. 0.6 to 0.8) |
| - g | Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²) |
| - H | Pressure head (m) |
| Discharge Rate (Q) | Determined by internal pressure and nozzle size |
| Spray Angle | Typically ranges between 30° and 60° for effective coverage |
| Minimum Discharge Time | Based on capacity and testing standards |
flowchart LR
A[Design Nozzle & Orifice] --> B[Calculate Orifice Area]
B --> C[Verify Discharge Rate & Spray]
C --> D[Conduct Performance Tests (Clause 10.3)]
D --> E{Test Passed?}
E -- Yes --> F[Batch Approved]
E -- No --> G[Batch Rejected]
Summary: Proper nozzle design combined with performance testing ensures compliance and effective firefighting capability.
IS 13385: Testing Protocols & Sampling Procedures
| Lot Size (Units) | Number of Samples for Testing |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 | 3 |
| 26 to 50 | 5 |
| 51 to 100 | 8 |
| 101 to 200 | 8% of lot size |
flowchart TD
A[Batch Produced] --> B[Random Sampling]
B --> C{Sample Size per Table 2}
C --> D[Visual Inspection]
C --> E[Hydraulic Test]
C --> F[Corrosion Test]
A --> G[Bursting Pressure Test (1 Type Test)]
A --> H[Performance Test (1 Sample)]
D & E & F & G & H --> I{Pass All?}
I -->|Yes| J[Batch Accepted]
I -->|No| K[Batch Rejected]
Labeling Specifications per IS 13385
Each unit must be permanently and clearly marked with:
| Marking Element | Description/Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Name/Trademark | Permanent identification |
| Operating Instructions | Clear, bold text |
| Type | "WATER TYPE (GAS CARTRIDGE)" |
| Nominal Charge | Expressed in litres |
| Liquid Level | Specified charging level |
| Hydraulic Test Pressure | 3.0 MN/m² (30 kgf/cm²) |
| Year of Manufacture | Four-digit year mark |
| Gas Cartridge Size | Specified size |
| Class Suitability | Letter "A" indicating Class A fires (per IS 2190:1992) |
flowchart TD
A[Fire Extinguisher] --> B[Markings]
B --> C[Manufacturer Name]
B --> D[Operating Instructions]
B --> E[Type: WATER TYPE (GAS CARTRIDGE)]
B --> F[Nominal Charge (litres)]
B --> G[Liquid Fill Level]
B --> H[Hydraulic Test Pressure: 3.0 MN/m²]
B --> I[Year of Manufacture]
B --> J[Gas Cartridge Size]
B --> K[Class 'A' Fire Suitability]
B --> L[Standard Mark (optional)]
These markings guarantee traceability, safety, and compliance with operational standards.
Sampling and Acceptance Criteria as per IS 13385 Annex B
| Lot Size | Sample Quantity |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 units | 3 samples |
| 26 to 50 units | 5 samples |
| 51 to 100 units | 8 samples |
| 101 to 200 units | 8% of the lot size |
flowchart TD
A[Received Batch] --> B[Random Sample Selection per Table 2]
B --> C[Visual Inspection]
C --> D{Pass Visual?}
D -- Yes --> E[Hydraulic Pressure Test]
D -- No --> F[Reject Batch]
E --> G{Pass Hydraulic Test?}
G -- Yes --> H[Corrosion Test]
G -- No --> F
H --> I{Pass Corrosion Test?}
I -- Yes --> J[Accept Batch]
I -- No --> F
This sampling strategy ensures statistical confidence while maintaining strict safety standards.
Wheeled Carriage Details for 50-Litre Water Type Fire Extinguisher as per IS 13385
| Component | Material |
|---|---|
| Extinguisher Body | Mild steel sheet |
| Axle | Mild steel rod |
| Wheels | Rubber-tyred |
flowchart TB
A[Extinguisher Body] -->|Mounted On| B[Wheeled Carriage]
B --> C[Rubber Tyred Wheels (250x50x25 mm)]
B --> D[Axle: Mild Steel Rod, Ø 25 mm]
A --> E[Minimum Ground Clearance: 10 cm]
These specifications ensure the extinguisher’s mobility and safe handling in operational environments.
ECO Mark Optional Criteria as per IS 13385 Clause 11
The ECO Mark scheme encourages environmentally sustainable products alongside ISI certification.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| BIS Standard Mark | Required before ECO Mark eligibility |
| Environmental Consents | Required under Water and Air Pollution Acts |
| Environment Protection Act | Authorization required if applicable |
| Marking | Combined ISI + ECO Mark symbol |
| Manufacturer Option | ECO Mark usage is voluntary |
This initiative promotes both quality assurance and environmental responsibility.
flowchart LR
A[ISI Marked Product] --> B{Meets Environmental Criteria?}
B -- Yes --> C[Apply for ECO Mark]
B -- No --> D[Use ISI Mark Only]
C --> E[Submit Pollution Clearances]
E --> F[Receive Combined ISI + ECO Mark]
Annex A of IS 13385: Reference Indian Standards
This annex enumerates Indian Standards crucial for materials, dimensions, testing, and components associated with 50-litre water type fire extinguishers (gas cartridge operated). Selected key IS numbers and titles include:
| IS Number | Title |
|---|---|
| 5:1978 | Colours for ready mixed paints and enamels (3rd revision) |
| 2643 (Part 1):1975 | Dimensions for pipe threads used in fastening |
| 318:1981 | Leaded tin bronze ingots and castings (2nd revision) |
| 1239 (Part 1):1979 | Mild steel tubes and fittings (4th revision) |
| 2190:1992 | Code of practice for selection, installation, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers (3rd revision) |
| 4984:1987 | Specification for gas cartridges for fire extinguishers (2nd rev) |
| 5382:1985 | Rubber sealing rings for gas mains, water mains, and sewers |
| 7328:1992 | High density polyethylene materials for molding and extrusion |
| 9595:1980 | Recommendations for metal arc welding of carbon steels |
graph TD
A[IS 13385 Fire Extinguisher Spec] --> B[Material Specs (IS 318, 1239)]
A --> C[Component Specs (IS 4984, 5382)]
A --> D[Testing & Maintenance (IS 2190, 9595)]
A --> E[Manufacturing Dimensions (IS 2643)]
A --> F[Material Properties (IS 5, 7328)]
For detailed tables and clauses, refer to Annex A and Annex B of IS 13385:1992.
Summary of Sampling and Conformity Protocols (Annex B of IS 13385)
| Lot Quantity | Number of Samples (Random) |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 | 3 |
| 26 to 50 | 5 |
| 51 to 100 | 8 |
| 101 to 200 | 8% of total lot |
flowchart TD
A[Batch of Fire Extinguishers] --> B[Random Sampling per Table 2]
B --> C{Visual Inspection}
C -->|Pass| D[Hydraulic Pressure Test]
C -->|Fail| E[Batch Rejected]
D -->|Pass| F[Corrosion Test]
D -->|Fail| E
F -->|Pass| G[Batch Accepted]
F -->|Fail| E
This procedure guarantees stringent quality assurance and product reliability in line with IS 13385 Annex B.
Frequently Asked
The extinguisher body is made from mild steel sheet complying with IS 1079:1978. The neck ring can be either leaded tin bronze (Grade LTB 2, IS 318) or mild steel pipe (IS 1239 Part 1:1979). The cap is leaded tin bronze per IS 318:1981. Acid and alkali resistant rubber type 3 (IS 5382:1985) is used for the cap washer. Safety valves are brass conforming to IS 319:1974 Type I; springs are spring steel (IS 4454 Part 1:1981 Grade I). Siphon tubes may be mild steel, brass, HDPE, or copper (various IS standards). Discharge fittings and nozzles are leaded tin bronze or brass as per IS 318, IS 319, and IS 291. Gas cartridges are seamless or welded steel tubes (IS 4947:1985). Hoses are braided rubber/plastic with burst pressure ≥ 50 kg/cm² (IS 7328:1992). Snifter valves are brass or stainless steel (IS 319, IS 6603). Strainers are brass of CuZn 37 grade (IS 410:1977). Piercers are made of steel per IS 6528:1972.
The extinguisher must discharge at least 95% of its liquid content at a temperature of 27 ± 5°C in the upright position. It should maintain a continuous jet length of at least 10 meters for a minimum of 60 seconds, with total discharge time not exceeding 180 seconds. Additionally, it must withstand an internal hydraulic pressure of 3.0 MN/m² (30 kgf/cm²) for 5 minutes without leaks or deformation. Nozzle and orifice area must be designed to meet these performance criteria.
The piercing mechanism is spring-loaded and integrated into the extinguisher cap, aligned centrally with the cartridge holder to ensure precise puncturing. A safety clip prevents accidental activation. To operate, the gas cartridge (maximum 300 ± 10 g) is placed inside the holder. When the cap is secured, the spring-loaded piercer pushes against and punctures the cartridge seal, releasing gas to pressurize the extinguisher.
Internal surfaces must be coated with a lead-tin alloy containing at least 10% tin, applied electrolytically or by hot dipping, with a minimum thickness of 0.012 mm measured per IS 3203:1982. Alternatively, internal lining of plastic or rubber with a minimum thickness of 0.5 mm and epoxy powder coating of at least 0.050 mm is allowed. External surfaces, including siphon tube, require the same lead-tin alloy coating or phosphating treatment according to IS 3618:1966, plus an epoxy powder coating of minimum 0.050 mm thickness. No uncoated areas are permitted.
Each extinguisher must be permanently marked with the manufacturer's name or trade-mark, clear and bold operating instructions, the phrase "WATER TYPE (GAS CARTRIDGE)" prominently displayed, nominal liquid charge in litres, specified liquid fill level, declaration of hydraulic pressure test at 3.0 MN/m² (30 kgf/cm²), year of manufacture, size of the gas cartridge used, and the letter "A" indicating suitability for Class A fires as per IS 2190:1992. The Standard Mark may also be applied to indicate compliance.
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