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IS 4947:2006 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for gas cartridges for use in fire extinguishers. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, construction, performance, and testing of gas cartridges used for expelling the extinguishing medium in fire extinguishers. It ensures the safety, reliability, and interchangeability of these high-pressure components.
Specification for Gas cartridges for use in fire extinguishers
! Always use cartridges certified to IS 4947 within a compatible, certified fire extinguisher. Never substitute with non-standard or improperly sized cartridges.
! The marking on the cartridge, including manufacturer, batch number, and test date, is a critical legal and safety requirement for traceability.
! These cartridges are designed for one-time use and must be replaced after the extinguisher is discharged, even partially.
Provides the mandatory regulatory specification for the manufacture of non-refillable steel gas cylinders in the United States.
BS 5045-6:1987BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighWithdrawn
Transportable gas containers. Specification for seamless containers of less than 0.5 litre water capacity for compressed gases
Covered small seamless gas containers, a scope now fully encompassed within broader international standards like ISO 11118.
Key Differences
≠IS 4947 is specific to cartridges up to 1 litre water capacity for fire extinguishers, whereas ISO 11118 covers a broader range of non-refillable cylinders up to 50 litres for general transportable use.
≠The Indian standard explicitly references Indian material standards (e.g., IS 7283 for steel), while ISO 11118 provides performance-based material requirements or references international (ISO, EN, ASTM) material standards.
≠IS 4947 specifies a minimum burst pressure of 1.66 times the proof test pressure, while ISO 11118 often requires a higher ratio (e.g., ≥2.0) based on material properties and design stress factors.
≠Marking requirements differ; IS 4947 mandates the ISI Standard Mark, which is unique to India, whereas compliant international standards may require a 'π' mark (for TPED in Europe) or UN symbols.
Key Similarities
≈All standards have the fundamental objective of ensuring the safety and structural integrity of small, pressurized gas containers through specified design, material, and testing requirements.
≈Both IS 4947 and its international counterparts like ISO 11118 recognize and provide specifications for both seamless and welded steel construction methods.
≈A core set of mandatory tests is common across all standards, including a hydrostatic pressure (proof) test, a burst test on a sample basis, and a 100% leakage test for every cartridge produced.
≈All standards require the verification of the mass of the contained gas (e.g., CO2) to ensure the fire extinguisher's propellant charge is correct and the unit will perform as designed.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Gases Covered
Specifically Carbon Dioxide (per IS 307) or Nitrogen (per IS 1747).
General purpose for compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases, without specific limitation for the cylinder itself.
ISO 11118:2015
Hydrostatic Proof Pressure Test
Each cartridge tested to a proof pressure (Ph), e.g., typically 250 kgf/cm² (~24.5 MPa) for CO2 cartridges.
Each cylinder tested to a test pressure (Ph) specified in the design and approved by the inspection body.
ISO 11118:2015
Burst Pressure to Test Pressure Ratio
Burst pressure must be ≥ 1.66 x Proof Pressure (Ph).
Calculated based on material tensile strength, but typically ≥ 2.0 x Test Pressure (Ph) for steel.
ISO 11118:2015
Leakage Test Requirement
Each cartridge shall be tested for leakage by water immersion or an equivalent method.
100% of cylinders shall be tested for leakage using a suitable method (e.g., water bath, pressure drop, mass spectrometer).
ISO 11118:2015
Wall Thickness Calculation
Calculated using a formula based on Barlow's theory, with minimum thickness also specified by diameter.
Calculated using a formula considering test pressure (Ph), diameter, and a stress factor (R) based on material yield and tensile strength.
ISO 11118:2015
Seal Puncture Performance
Requires a puncture test where a standard piercer creates a clear opening without fragmentation.
This specific performance test is typically part of the fire extinguisher standard (EN 3-7), not the gas cylinder standard.
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
External Corrosion Protection
Specifies options like Zinc plating to IS 1573, phosphating, or painting.
Requires a protective finish compatible with the cylinder material and service, with examples like paint or galvanizing.
ISO 11118:2015
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
Hydrostatic Proof Pressure Test25 MPa for 2.5 min
Minimum Burst Pressure42.5 MPa
Minimum Purity of CO299.5% v/v
Maximum Moisture Content in CO20.05% by mass
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions, Volume and Mass of Gas Cartridges
Table 2 - Performance Requirements for Gas Cartridges