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IS 10204:2001 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for portable fire extinguisher mechanical foam type. This standard lays down the requirements for material, construction, performance, and testing of portable mechanical foam type fire extinguishers, primarily of 9-litre capacity. It covers the specifications for the extinguisher body, foam concentrate, performance on Class A and B fires, and marking.
Specification for portable fire extinguisher mechanical foam type
! Mechanical foam extinguishers are effective on Class A (solids) and Class B (flammable liquids) fires, but are not suitable for use on live electrical equipment due to their water content.
! The foam concentrate must comply with IS 4989, and it is crucial to use the correct type (e.g., AFFF) as specified by the manufacturer.
! Regular maintenance as per IS 2190 is essential, including checking for corrosion, blockages in the nozzle, and ensuring the charge is correct.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
mechanical foamsteelAFFFstainless steel
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Portable fire extinguishers - Part 7: Characteristics, performance requirements and test methods
Covers performance requirements, test methods, and rating systems for portable foam extinguishers.
ISO 7165:2017ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighCurrent
Fire fighting — Portable fire extinguishers — Performance and construction
Specifies principal requirements for construction and performance of portable fire extinguishers, including foam types.
UL 8:2023Underwriters Laboratories (UL), USA
MediumCurrent
Standard for Foam Fire Extinguishers
Provides safety, construction, and performance requirements specific to foam extinguishers for the US market.
AS/NZS 1841.4:2007Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
HighCurrent
Portable fire extinguishers, Part 4: Specific requirements for foam type extinguishers
Details specific requirements for materials, construction, and performance of foam extinguishers.
Key Differences
≠Fire rating systems vary significantly. IS 10204 specifies a rating like '2A, 21B' for a 9L extinguisher, whereas EN 3-7 would assign a much higher performance rating, such as '27A, 183B', based on more demanding fire tests.
≠IS 10204 specifies body color as Fire Red with a Cream color band (as per older IS 2190 conventions). EN 3 standards mandate the entire cylinder be Signal Red (RAL 3000) for European harmonization, with content identified by a text panel.
≠The Indian standard mandates the use of foam concentrate conforming to IS 4989 (AFFF). International standards like EN 3-7 are performance-based, allowing any foam agent (AFFF, AR-AFFF, FFFP) as long as the extinguisher passes the required fire tests.
≠Operating temperature ranges differ. IS 10204 specifies a standard range of +5°C to +55°C, while EN 3-7 includes classifications for standard use (+5°C to +60°C) and low-temperature use (e.g., -20°C or -30°C).
Key Similarities
≈All standards are intended for portable extinguishers designed to combat Class A (solid combustibles) and Class B (flammable liquids) fires using a mechanical foam solution.
≈All standards mandate rigorous performance testing on standardized Class A (wood crib) and Class B (flammable liquid pan) fires to assign a fire rating, ensuring a baseline level of effectiveness.
≈All codes specify critical safety and construction requirements, including specifications for the extinguisher body, valve assembly, and mandatory pressure tests (hydrostatic, burst) to ensure user safety.
≈The fundamental components and operating principle (stored pressure or cartridge, mixing of concentrate/water, aeration at the nozzle) are consistent across all standards.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Fire Rating (Typical 9L Foam)
2A, 21B
27A, 183B (a common rating)
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Minimum Effective Discharge Time (9L)
25 seconds
> 15 seconds (for 183B rating)
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Operating Temperature Range
+5 °C to +55 °C
+5 °C to +60 °C (standard class)
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Body Color Identification
Fire Red body with a Cream band
Entire body is Signal Red (RAL 3000); contents identified by text
EN 3-10:2009
Hydrostatic Test Pressure (Welded Steel Body)
3.0 MPa (30 kgf/cm²)
Test Pressure (PT) = 1.43 x PTmax. For a 17 bar working pressure extinguisher, this is ~24.3 bar (2.43 MPa).
ISO 7165:2017
Throw Range (Minimum)
4 meters
Not explicitly defined as a minimum distance; effectiveness is determined by passing the fire test.
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Foam Concentrate
Prescriptive: Must conform to IS 4989 (AFFF)
Performance-based: Any foam agent that passes the fire tests.
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values7
Quick Reference Values
Standard Capacity9 litres
Hydrostatic Test Pressure3.5 MPa
Minimum Effective Discharge Time (9L)60 seconds
Minimum Fire Rating (9L)2A, 21B
Body Sheet Thickness (Mild Steel)1.60 mm
Body Sheet Thickness (Stainless Steel)1.25 mm
Burst Pressure5.5 MPa
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions for 9-Litre Capacity Extinguisher