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IS 2871 : 1983Branch Pipe, Universal For Fire fighting Purpose- Specification

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EN 15182-2 · NFPA 1964 · BS 336
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationBIMFire Safety · Fire Fighting
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Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
OverviewValues3InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 2871:1983 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for branch pipe, universal for fire fighting purpose- specification. This standard prescribes the requirements for materials, dimensions, workmanship, and testing of universal branch pipes used for fire fighting purposes. It specifically covers dual-purpose nozzles that allow operators to switch between a solid jet and a water spray or curtain.

Branch Pipe, Universal For Fire fighting Purpose- Specification

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Fire Safety — Fire Fighting
Type
Specification
Earlier editions
IS 2871:2012
International equivalents
EN 15182-2:2019 · CEN (European Committee for Standardization), EuropeNFPA 1964:2018 · NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), USABS 336:2010 · BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
Typically used with
IS 903IS 318IS 617IS 319IS 320
Also on InfraLens for IS 2871
3Key values1Tables3FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Universal branch pipes are critical for fire control as they allow the operator to adjust the flow pattern (jet or spray) based on the fire type and required heat shielding.
! Ensure the branch pipe inlet coupling strictly conforms to the standard 63 mm instantaneous type for compatibility with standard fire hoses.
! During maintenance, regularly inspect moving components and sealing washers to prevent seizing and leakage during an emergency.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3MaterialsCl. 4Shape and DimensionsCl. 5Workmanship and FinishCl. 6Hydraulic TestCl. 8Marking
Pulled from IS 2871:1983. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
aluminum alloyleaded tin bronzebrass

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
EN 15182-2:2019CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Hoses with couplings and branchpipes - Part 2: Branchpipes PN 16
Specifies requirements for hand-held, manually operated jet/spray branchpipes for firefighting with a nominal pressure of 16 bar.
NFPA 1964:2018NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), USA
HighCurrent
Standard for Spray Nozzles
Covers the design, performance, and testing of adjustable-pattern spray nozzles intended for general firefighting use.
BS 336:2010BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
MediumCurrent
Fire hose couplings and ancillary equipment
Covers couplings, branchpipes, and nozzles; less detailed on nozzle performance than EN 15182-2 but specifies the complete assembly.
Key Differences
≠IS 2871 is based on a lower nominal working pressure of 7 kgf/cm² (~7 bar), whereas modern standards like EN 15182-2 are rated for PN 16 (16 bar).
≠International standards like NFPA 1964 mandate rigorous durability tests, such as a 1.8m (6 ft) drop test onto concrete, which is not specified in IS 2871:1983.
≠IS 2871 prescriptively defines materials (e.g., Leaded-Tin Bronze LTB-2). NFPA and EN standards are performance-based, allowing a wider range of materials like hard-coat anodized aluminum alloys, provided they pass strength and corrosion tests.
≠Modern nozzles under NFPA/EN standards often feature selectable flow rate settings and advanced ergonomic designs (e.g., pistol grips with ball valves), whereas the IS 2871 'universal' branchpipe has a simpler, single-flow rotational barrel design.
≠The required inlet connection is fixed in the Indian Standard (63 mm Instantaneous to IS 903), while international standards accommodate various regional coupling types (e.g., Storz, NST, etc.).
Key Similarities
≈All standards specify the core functionality of a manually operated nozzle that can produce a variable stream from a solid jet to a wide-angle spray/fog, including a complete shut-off function.
≈All standards mandate hydrostatic pressure testing of the branchpipe body to ensure it can withstand pressures significantly higher than its rated working pressure without leakage or failure.
≈The fundamental design principle of a body with an inlet, a valve, and an adjustable outer sleeve or tip to control the stream pattern is common across all the standards.
≈All standards require the branchpipe to be permanently marked with essential information, typically including the manufacturer's name or trademark and the year of manufacture.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Hydrostatic Body Test Pressure2.1 MPa (21.4 kgf/cm²) for 2.5 minutes2.4 MPa (PN 16 x 1.5) for 5 minutesEN 15182-2:2019
Nominal Working Pressure0.7 MPa (7 kgf/cm²)1.6 MPa (16 bar)EN 15182-2:2019
Standard Inlet Connection63 mm Female Instantaneous (to IS 903)Specified by purchaser (e.g., NST thread, Storz, etc.)NFPA 1964:2018
Durability Drop TestNot specifiedRequired from 1.8 m (6 ft) height onto concreteNFPA 1964:2018
Primary Body Material SpecificationPrescriptive: Leaded-Tin Bronze (IS 318) or specific Aluminium Alloy (IS 617)Performance-based: Any material meeting specified strength, corrosion resistance, and aging tests.EN 15182-2:2019
Control MechanismRotational sleeve for jet/spray/shutoffMay be rotational sleeve or separate lever-operated ball valveNFPA 1964:2018
Flush Setting RequirementNot specifiedRequired; nozzle must be capable of flushing debris without shutting down.NFPA 1964:2018
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values3

Quick Reference Values
standard inlet size63 mm instantaneous male
hydraulic test pressure2.1 MN/m2 (21 kgf/cm2)
hydraulic test duration2.5 minutes

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Materials for Universal Branch Pipe
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Materials
Clause 4 - Shape and Dimensions
Clause 5 - Workmanship and Finish
Clause 6 - Hydraulic Test
Clause 8 - Marking

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 903:1993Specification for Fire Hose Delivery Coupling...
→
IS 318:2003Leaded Tin Bronze Ingots and Castings
→
IS 617:1994Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Ingots for Reme...
→
IS 319:2019Free Cutting Brass Bars, Rods and Sections
→
IS 320:2019Brass Rods and Bars
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the standard inlet connection for this branch pipe?+
It features a 63 mm male instantaneous coupling to match standard fire hoses.
What is the hydraulic test requirement?+
The completely assembled branch pipe must withstand an internal hydraulic pressure of 2.1 MN/m2 for 2.5 minutes without sweating or leaking.
What materials are allowed for the body of the branch pipe?+
It is typically made from leaded tin bronze, aluminum alloys, or high tensile brass conforming to specific IS material standards.

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