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IS 2878:2004 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for fire extinguisher, carbon dioxide type (portable and trolley mounted) -specification. This standard covers the principal requirements, materials, shape, construction, and performance test criteria for portable and trolley-mounted carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. CO2 extinguishers are primarily designed for tackling Class B (flammable liquid) and Class C (electrical) fires without leaving residue.
Fire Extinguisher, Carbon Dioxide Type (Portable and Trolley Mounted) -Specification
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! CO2 extinguishers do not use pressure gauges; their operational readiness must be verified by weighing. If the loss in mass exceeds 10%, the extinguisher must be recharged.
! Users must be cautious to hold only the insulated handle or horn during discharge, as the rapid expansion of CO2 gas can cause the metallic parts to become extremely cold and cause frostbite.
! Portable CO2 fire extinguisher specifications have largely been superseded by IS 15683, but IS 2878 remains highly relevant for legacy installations and trolley-mounted units.
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007 & EN 3-9:2006CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Portable fire extinguishers - Part 7: Characteristics, performance requirements and test methods & Part 9: Additional requirements to EN 3-7 for pressure resistance of CO2 extinguishers
Covers performance, construction, and specific pressure requirements for CO2 extinguishers in Europe.
UL 154, 10th EditionUL (Underwriters Laboratories), USA
HighCurrent
Standard for Carbon-Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
Provides the primary safety, construction, and performance requirements for CO2 extinguishers in the US market.
AS/NZS 1841.6:2007Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
HighCurrent
Portable fire extinguishers, Part 6: Specific requirements for carbon dioxide type extinguishers
Specifies requirements for CO2 extinguishers, supplementing general requirements from Part 1 of the series.
ISO 7165:2017ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
MediumCurrent
Fire fighting — Portable fire extinguishers — Performance and construction
Provides a global baseline for portable fire extinguishers, including CO2, but national standards add specific details.
Key Differences
≠IS 2878 specifies a red cylinder body with a black band for CO2, whereas EN 3 mandates a fully red cylinder body with a black panel indicating the contents.
≠The fire rating system in India (e.g., 8B, 13B, as per IS 15683) uses different test fire sizes and nomenclature compared to the European system (e.g., 34B, 55B, 89B) defined in EN 3-7.
≠IS 2878 specifies cylinder construction must conform to IS 7285, while European extinguishers must comply with the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED) and standards like EN ISO 9809.
≠The marking and labeling requirements are country-specific. IS 2878 requires the BIS Standard Mark, while EN 3 requires the CE mark, and UL standards require the UL mark.
Key Similarities
≈All standards specify the use of Carbon Dioxide as the extinguishing agent with a similar minimum purity level (typically around 99.5%).
≈The fundamental principle of operation is identical: a self-pressurized liquid CO2 system discharged through a valve, hose (for larger models), and horn assembly.
≈All standards mandate the inclusion of a pressure relief device (bursting disc) to protect the cylinder from overpressure due to high temperatures.
≈The primary intended use is consistent across all standards: for extinguishing Class B (flammable liquid) and electrically energized fires.
≈All standards require periodic inspection and hydrostatic pressure testing of the cylinder throughout its service life to ensure continued safety and integrity.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Cylinder Hydraulic Test Pressure (Steel)
25 MPa (250 bar)
250 bar
EN 3-9:2006
Standard Operating Temperature Range
-30°C to +55°C
-30°C to +60°C
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
CO₂ Agent Purity (Minimum)
99.5% (as per IS 15222)
99.5%
ISO 7165:2017
Hose Requirement Threshold
Mandatory for capacities of 3 kg and above
Mandatory for charge greater than 2 kg
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Maximum Filling Ratio (Temperate)
0.667 kg/litre
0.75 kg/litre
ISO 7165:2017
Safety Disc Burst Pressure Range
18.6 to 20.1 MPa (190 to 205 kgf/cm²)
Between 18 MPa and the cylinder test pressure (Ph)
EN 3-9:2006
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use