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IS 4621 : 1975Specification for indicating bolts for use in public baths and lavatories

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BS EN 16337 · ANSI/BHMA A156.2 · BS EN 12209
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationArchitectural · Builder Hardware
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Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
OverviewValues3InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 4621:1975 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for indicating bolts for use in public baths and lavatories. This standard lays down the requirements regarding materials, dimensions, manufacture, and finish for indicating bolts (showing 'VACANT' or 'ENGAGED') meant for use on the doors of public baths and lavatories.

Specification for indicating bolts for use in public baths and lavatories

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Architectural — Builder Hardware
Type
Specification
International equivalents
BS EN 16337:2013 · BSI - British Standards Institution (UK) / CEN - European Committee for StandardizationANSI/BHMA A156.2-2017 · ANSI/BHMA - American National Standards Institute / Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (USA)BS EN 12209:2016 · BSI - British Standards Institution (UK) / CEN - European Committee for Standardization
Typically used with
IS 319IS 733IS 1079
Also on InfraLens for IS 4621
3Key values1Tables3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Ensure the hardware finish specified is highly resistant to moisture, as public baths and lavatories are damp, corrosive environments.
! Verify the door thickness prior to installation to ensure the spindle of the indicating mechanism can engage fully without binding.
! Avoid mixing incompatible metals (e.g., steel screws on aluminum plates) in damp environments to prevent galvanic corrosion.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3MaterialsCl. 4DimensionsCl. 5Manufacture and WorkmanshipCl. 6Finish
Pulled from IS 4621:1975. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
brassaluminummild steelbronze

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
BS EN 16337:2013BSI - British Standards Institution (UK) / CEN - European Committee for Standardization
HighCurrent
Building hardware. Hardware for cubicles. Requirements and test methods.
Covers all hardware for toilet/shower cubicles, including indicator latches, focusing on performance.
BS 6451:1984BSI - British Standards Institution (UK)
HighWithdrawn
Specification for indicating bolts, principally for use in toilets
A direct historical equivalent with a nearly identical prescriptive scope for indicating bolts.
ANSI/BHMA A156.2-2017ANSI/BHMA - American National Standards Institute / Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (USA)
MediumCurrent
American National Standard for Bored and Preassembled Locks and Latches
Covers latching mechanisms but focuses on different lock types (cylindrical/mortise) and is performance-based.
BS EN 12209:2016BSI - British Standards Institution (UK) / CEN - European Committee for Standardization
MediumCurrent
Building hardware. Locks and latches. Mechanically operated locks and locking plates. Requirements and test methods.
A general standard for mechanical locks and latches, whose principles apply but is not specific to indicator bolts.
Key Differences
≠IS 4621 is a prescriptive standard, defining exact dimensions, materials, and composition. Modern international standards like BS EN 16337 are performance-based, specifying test outcomes (e.g., durability cycles, corrosion resistance) rather than how the product is made.
≠IS 4621 has no cyclic durability requirement, whereas EN standards classify hardware with durability grades, often requiring 50,000 to 200,000 cycles of testing.
≠Corrosion resistance in IS 4621 is specified by plating type and thickness (e.g., Service Grade No. 2 of IS 1068). BS EN 16337 uses a class system (1-5) based on performance in a neutral salt spray test (per EN 1670).
≠International standards like BS EN 12209 and BS EN 16337 use a detailed multi-digit classification code to define the product's performance across various categories (use, durability, corrosion, etc.), which is absent in IS 4621.
Key Similarities
≈All standards address the core function of a manually operated latching device intended for securing a door in a public lavatory.
≈Both the IS code and the application intent of international standards recognize the need for a clear external occupancy indicator (e.g., 'VACANT'/'ENGAGED').
≈Both the design in IS 4621 (showing a coin slot) and specific clauses in modern standards like BS EN 16337 acknowledge the requirement for an emergency release mechanism on the exterior.
≈Both IS 4621 and international counterparts are concerned with material suitability for humid environments, though they specify it differently (prescriptive alloy vs. performance-based corrosion testing).
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Primary Material (Brass)Specifies brass conforming to IS 319 (e.g., Cu 56-60%, Pb 2-3.5%, Zn Remainder).No specific composition; material must pass performance tests for strength and corrosion.BS EN 16337:2013
Durability (Cyclic Test)Not specified. Compliance is based on material and dimensional checks.Required. Classified by grades, e.g., Grade 3 = 50,000 cycles, Grade 4 = 100,000 cycles.BS EN 16337:2013
Corrosion ResistanceSpecified by plating finish, e.g., Chromium plating to Service Grade No. 2 of IS 1068.Performance-based. Classified by grades (1-5) based on hours in salt spray test (e.g., Grade 3 = 96 hours).BS EN 16337:2013 (ref. EN 1670)
Bolt Throw (Projection)Minimum 12 mm.Minimum 10 mm (for a single throw latch/bolt).BS EN 12209:2016
Indicator Letter HeightMinimum 6 mm for 'VACANT' and 'ENGAGED'.Not typically specified in modern performance standards; this is left to manufacturer design within the product's function.BS EN 16337:2013
Emergency ReleaseDesign includes a slot for emergency opening, but no performance is specified.Performance is specified, e.g., max operating force for emergency release device ≤ 80 N.BS EN 16337:2013
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values3

Quick Reference Values
indicating text optionsVACANT and ENGAGED
base plate thickness steelMin 1.25 mm
base plate thickness non ferrousMin 1.6 mm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Indicating Bolts
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Materials
Clause 4 - Dimensions
Clause 5 - Manufacture and Workmanship
Clause 6 - Finish

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 319:2019Free Cutting Brass Bars, Rods and Sections
→
IS 733:1983Wrought Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Plate, ...
→
IS 1079:2017Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Sheets and Strips
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What text must be displayed by the indicating bolt?+
The mechanism must clearly display 'VACANT' when unlocked and 'ENGAGED' when locked.
What materials are acceptable for these bolts according to the code?+
Typical acceptable materials include brass, aluminum alloys, and mild steel, provided they have appropriate anti-corrosive finishes.
Are there specific dimensional tolerances?+
Yes, the standard specifies dimensions for the base plate, bolt slide, and indicator dial, typically found in Table 1 of the code.

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