Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 13039:1991 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for external hydrant systems - provision and maintenance - code of practice. This code of practice provides guidelines for the design, provision, installation, and maintenance of external fire hydrant systems. It covers hazard classification, water supply capacity, pump requirements, pipeline network design, and the placement of hydrants to ensure effective initial-stage firefighting for external risks at buildings and industrial sites.
External hydrant systems - provision and maintenance - Code of practice
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Always use this code in conjunction with the National Building Code (NBC) of India, Part 4, as the NBC often provides more comprehensive or updated requirements.
! The classification of hazard (Light, Ordinary, High) as per Table 1 is the most critical first step as it dictates all subsequent design parameters like water capacity, pressure, and hydrant spacing.
! Pay close attention to the pump configuration (Jockey, Main, Standby) and ensure a reliable alternate power source (like a diesel engine for the main or standby pump) is provided for system reliability.
NFPA 24: 2022National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
HighCurrent
Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances
Covers design and installation of underground water mains, hydrants, and valves for fire protection.
BS 9990:2015British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
HighCurrent
Non-automatic fire-fighting systems in buildings. Code of practice
Provides recommendations for the design, installation, and maintenance of fire hydrants and fire mains.
NFPA 25: 2023National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
HighCurrent
Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
Specifically covers the inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) aspect of IS 13039.
NFPA 14: 2024National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
MediumCurrent
Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems
Covers standpipe systems which are often supplied by external hydrants and shares pressure/flow requirements.
Key Differences
≠IS 13039 specifies a minimum running pressure of 3.5 kg/cm² (~50 psi) at the topmost hydrant, whereas NFPA standards often require higher pressures, such as 100 psi (6.9 bar) at the hydraulically remote hose connection for a Class I system (NFPA 14).
≠The hydrostatic test pressure in IS 13039 is held for 24 hours, while in NFPA 24 it is held for only 2 hours. This represents a significant difference in testing methodology and duration.
≠IS 13039 specifies a relatively prescriptive hydrant spacing of 45 meters. In contrast, NFPA 24 is more performance-based, focusing on ensuring complete coverage of the building exterior, with typical spacing not exceeding 250 ft (~76 m).
≠IS 13039 recommends hydrants be located between 6 m and 15 m from a building, whereas NFPA 24 requires a minimum distance of 40 ft (12.2 m) to protect firefighters and equipment from structural collapse or heat.
≠Component and material specifications in IS 13039 refer to Indian Standards (IS), while international codes refer to their respective national or regional standards like ASTM, AWWA (for NFPA) or EN, BS (for British Standards).
Key Similarities
≈All standards share the fundamental objective of providing a reliable and accessible water supply for manual firefighting operations by the fire brigade.
≈The core system components are consistent across all standards, including a dedicated water source, fire pumps (main and jockey), a piping network, isolation valves, and hydrant outlets.
≈All codes recommend or prefer a ring main (looped) piping configuration to enhance reliability and hydraulic performance by allowing water to flow from two directions.
≈All standards mandate that the system be hydraulically calculated to ensure specified minimum flow rates and pressures are achieved at the most demanding points of the system.
≈There is a shared emphasis on the critical importance of regular inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) to ensure the system remains operational and effective, with IS 13039 including a section on maintenance and NFPA having a dedicated code (NFPA 25).
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Hydrant spacing
Maximum 45 meters between hydrants
Not to exceed 250 ft (~76 m), focused on complete building coverage
NFPA 24
Minimum distance of hydrant from building
Recommended 6 m to 15 m; minimum 2 m
Not less than 40 ft (12.2 m)
NFPA 24
Minimum running pressure at remote hydrant
3.5 kg/cm² (approx. 3.5 bar / 50 psi)
100 psi (6.9 bar) at remote hose connection (Class I)
NFPA 14
Minimum pipe size for main
150 mm nominal bore
6 inches (~150 mm) for mains supplying hydrants
NFPA 24
Minimum water supply duration (High Hazard)
120 minutes
90-120 minutes (based on combined sprinkler and hose stream demand)
NFPA 13/14
Hydrostatic test pressure
15 kg/cm² (~14.7 bar) or 1.5 x working pressure, for 24 hours
200 psi (13.8 bar) or working pressure + 50 psi, for 2 hours
NFPA 24
Flow rate per hydrant outlet
900 LPM
250 GPM (~946 LPM) per hose connection
NFPA 14
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values7
Quick Reference Values
Minimum pressure at most remote hydrant3.5 kg/cm² (350 kPa)
Maximum hydrant spacing for Ordinary/High Hazard30 m
Maximum hydrant spacing for Light Hazard45 m
Minimum hydrant main pipe diameter150 mm
Minimum water supply duration for Ordinary Hazard120 minutes
Minimum water supply duration for High Hazard180 minutes
Distance of hydrant from buildingMinimum 2m and Maximum 15m
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Classification of Hazard
Table 2 - Water Supply Requirement for Hydrant Systems
Table 3 - Minimum Pressure Requirements for External Hydrant System