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IS 14609:1999 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for dry chemical powder for fighting a, b, c, class fires -specification. This standard specifies the requirements for dry chemical powder, based on monoammonium phosphate, used for extinguishing Class A, B, and C fires. It covers the material's chemical composition, physical properties like particle size and moisture content, performance in fire tests, packing, and marking.
Dry Chemical Powder for Fighting A, B, C, Class Fires -Specification
! The primary active ingredient is Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), which smothers the fire and melts to coat Class A materials, preventing re-ignition.
! Ensure the powder is stored in sealed containers as moisture absorption is the primary cause of caking and extinguisher failure.
! This powder is mildly corrosive, especially in the presence of moisture. Post-discharge cleanup is important to prevent damage to metals and electronics.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
dry chemical powdermonoammonium phosphateammonium sulphatefire extinguishing agent
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
EN 615:2009CEN (European Committee for Standardization)
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Fire protection - Fire extinguishing media - Specifications for powders (other than class D powders)
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ISO 7202:2018ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
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Fire protection — Fire extinguishing media — Powder
Specifies requirements for chemical/physical properties and minimum performance for BC and ABC fire extinguishing powders.
GB 4066.2-2017SAC (Standardization Administration of China)
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Fire extinguishing agent - Part 2: Dry powder
Defines the specification, test methods, and rules for ABC and BC dry powder fire extinguishing agents in China.
AS 1841.6:2007Standards Australia (Australia)
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Portable fire extinguishers - Part 6: Specific requirements for extinguishers with powder
Specifies requirements for powder-type extinguishers, including requirements for the extinguishing agent within.
Key Differences
≠The specification of the primary active ingredient differs. IS 14609 defines specific grades based on minimum Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP) content (e.g., MAP-90, MAP-50). In contrast, EN 615:2009 specifies a minimum P₂O₅ content (15% for ABC powders), which is an indirect measure of MAP, without defining explicit grades by percentage.
≠There is a difference in the requirement for apparent (tamped) density. IS 14609 is prescriptive, requiring a minimum value of 0.85 g/ml. EN 615:2009 uses a declarative approach, where the manufacturer declares a nominal value, and production batches must remain within a tolerance of ±15% of that value.
≠Particle size distribution is defined differently. IS 14609 specifies prescriptive limits for residue on specific sieve sizes (e.g., <1% on 125µm, 20-50% on 63µm). EN 615 requires the manufacturer to declare the particle size distribution, which then becomes the reference for quality control, rather than mandating fixed percentages for all powders.
≠The thermal stability test conditions vary. IS 14609 requires the powder to show no caking after being held at 60±2°C for 48 hours. EN 615 specifies a shorter duration for its heat resistance test, requiring no caking after 24 hours at 60°C.
Key Similarities
≈Both standards recognize Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP) as the primary chemical agent for conferring Class A, B, and C extinguishing capabilities on the powder.
≈Both IS 14609 and EN 615:2009 specify an identical maximum moisture content of 0.25% by mass, recognizing its critical role in preventing caking and ensuring powder flowability.
≈Both standards mandate that the powder must be hydrophobic (water repellent) to resist moisture absorption from the atmosphere. While the test methods and specific acceptance criteria differ slightly, the fundamental requirement is the same.
≈Both standards require the powder to pass performance tests on standardized fires (Class A, B, C) as part of the overall qualification, though the specific fire test protocols (e.g., IS 15683 vs. EN 3) differ in detail.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Minimum Active Ingredient (for ABC Powder)
Defined by grade, e.g., '90% MAP' for MAP-90 grade
Minimum 15% P₂O₅ content
EN 615:2009
Moisture Content (Maximum)
0.25% by mass
0.25% by mass
EN 615:2009
Apparent Density (Tamped)
≥ 0.85 g/ml
Manufacturer's declared value ± 15%
EN 615:2009
Hydrophobicity (Water Repellency)
≥ 90% floats after 20 minutes
≥ 80% non-wetted powder
EN 615:2009
Thermal Stability Test (Heat Resistance)
48 hours at 60 ± 2°C
24 hours at 60°C
EN 615:2009
Particle Size (Residue on 125µm Sieve)
< 1.0 % (for MAP-50 & MAP-90)
Manufacturer to declare; value used for conformity check
EN 615:2009
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Monoammonium Phosphate Content50 percent by mass
Maximum Moisture Content0.25 percent by mass
Minimum Particle Retention on 150 micron IS Sieve0 percent
Minimum Particle Passing 45 micron IS Sieve35 percent by mass