Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 14851:2000 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for maintenance of fire hose - code of practice. This standard provides a code of practice for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire fighting delivery hoses. It ensures that hoses are kept in a serviceable condition and are ready for use in fire emergencies.
Standard for the Care, Use, Inspection, Service Testing, and Replacement of Fire Hose, Couplings, Nozzles, and Fire Hose Appliances
Covers all aspects of fire hose maintenance, inspection, and testing, with a broader scope including couplings and nozzles.
BS EN 671-3:2009BSI (UK) / CEN (EU)
MediumCurrent
Fixed firefighting systems. Hose systems. Maintenance of hose reels with semi-rigid hose and hose systems with lay-flat hose
Focuses on maintenance of hose systems as fixed installations, including both semi-rigid and lay-flat types.
AS 1851:2012Standards Australia (AU)
MediumCurrent
Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
A broad standard for servicing all fire equipment; Section 4 specifically covers fire hose reels.
Key Differences
≠IS 14851 specifies a service test pressure of 14 kgf/cm² (~200 psi) for lined hoses, whereas NFPA 1962 requires testing at the pressure marked on the hose, or a default of 300 psi for attack hose, which is significantly higher.
≠The scope of NFPA 1962 is broader, explicitly including detailed inspection and testing procedures for couplings, nozzles, and other fire hose appliances, which are not covered in detail by IS 14851.
≠NFPA 1962 provides highly detailed safety protocols for service testing, such as requiring a specialized hose test gate valve and prohibiting the use of the fire apparatus pump for testing. IS 14851's guidance on test setup safety is more general.
≠IS 14851 specifies a pressure hold time of 5 minutes during hydrostatic testing, while NFPA 1962 requires a shorter duration of 3 minutes.
Key Similarities
≈Both standards mandate the annual hydrostatic service testing of all fire hoses in service to ensure their integrity.
≈Both IS 14851 and its international counterparts require a thorough visual inspection of hoses after each use to check for cuts, abrasions, chemical damage, or other defects.
≈The requirement to maintain a comprehensive life record for each length of hose, including its unique identifier, date of manufacture, and a history of inspections and tests, is a fundamental principle in both IS 14851 and NFPA 1962.
≈Both codes provide similar guidance on the proper care of hoses, emphasizing the need to thoroughly clean, drain, and dry them before storage to prevent damage from mildew, rot, and chemicals.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Frequency of Hydrostatic Test
At least once a year
Annually, and after any repair or when condition is questionable
NFPA 1962-2018
Service Test Pressure (Lined Hose)
14 kgf/cm² (approx. 13.7 bar / 200 psi)
Pressure marked on hose; if unmarked, 300 psi (20.7 bar) for attack hose
NFPA 1962-2018
Test Pressure Hold Duration
5 minutes
3 minutes
NFPA 1962-2018
Scope of Maintenance
Primarily focuses on fire hose (delivery hose)
Covers hose, couplings, nozzles, and fire hose appliances
NFPA 1962-2018
Record Keeping
Mandatory record for each hose with ID, date of tests, etc.
Mandatory record for each hose with ID, test pressures, dates, etc.
NFPA 1962-2018
Hose Drying Procedure
Recommends using drying towers or cabinets
Recommends mechanical ventilation or drying towers/racks
NFPA 1962-2018
Maintenance of Hose Reels
Not covered (addressed in IS 3844)
Covered; requires annual inspection, testing, and maintenance
BS EN 671-3:2009
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Minimum visual inspection frequencyAt least quarterly
Service test (hydrostatic) intervalAnnually
Service test pressure for Type A and B hoses7 kgf/cm² (0.7 MPa)
Service test pressure for Type C hoses10 kgf/cm² (1.0 MPa)
How often should a fire hose be hydrostatically tested?+
Annually, and after each use in a fire or for training (Clause 5.2).
What is the correct service test pressure for a standard Type A fire hose?+
7 kgf/cm² (0.7 MPa) as per Table 1.
How should a fire hose be stored after use?+
It must be cleaned, drained, and thoroughly dried before being rolled and stored in a clean, dry, and ventilated location away from direct heat or sunlight (Clause 6.3).
When should a fire hose be condemned or removed from service?+
If it fails the service pressure test, shows signs of cracking, has worn-out fabric, damaged couplings, or evidence of mildew (Clause 4.2).