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IS 5131:2002 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for dividing breeching with control for fire brigade use -specification. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, dimensions, construction, and performance of a dividing breeching with control. This device is used by fire brigades to split a single 63 mm water supply line into two individually controllable 63 mm outlets.
Dividing Breeching with Control for Fire Brigade Use -Specification
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Ensure the internal rubber sealing washers are in good condition and correctly seated to prevent leakage under high pressure.
! The control cocks (valves) should operate smoothly by hand from fully open to fully closed positions without excessive force.
! Always specify and procure breechings with the ISI mark to ensure they meet the mandatory performance and safety tests required for firefighting operations.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
gunmetalaluminium alloystainless steelrubber
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
BS 336:2010BSI, United Kingdom
HighCurrent
Fire hose couplings and ancillary equipment
Specifies requirements for various fire hose fittings including collecting and dividing breechings used by UK fire services.
DIN 14355:2015-08DIN, Germany
HighCurrent
Firefighting equipment - Dividing breeches PN 16
Directly specifies the design, performance, and testing of dividing breechings with stop valves for firefighting.
NFPA 1963:2019NFPA, United States
MediumCurrent
Standard for Fire Hose Connections
Covers design of threads and gaskets for connections (wyes/breechings), but not the complete appliance performance as a single unit.
Key Differences
≠IS 5131 specifies a 63 mm male round thread inlet (per IS 902) and two 63 mm female instantaneous outlets (per IS 903). In contrast, DIN 14355 specifies Storz-type connections (e.g., Storz B inlet, Storz C outlets), and BS 336 specifies its own standard of instantaneous and round thread connections, which are not interchangeable with Indian or German types.
≠The control mechanism in IS 5131 is explicitly defined as a 'worm and worm wheel' operated valve. German standards like DIN 14355 typically specify ball valves operated by a simple lever, offering a different speed and method of operation.
≠IS 5131:2002 sets a maximum mass limit of 4.75 kg for the complete assembly. Other standards, such as DIN 14355, do not typically specify a strict maximum mass, focusing instead on performance and material requirements, which indirectly influence weight.
≠The hydrostatic body test pressure in IS 5131 is 2.1 MPa (21 bar), whereas DIN 14355 requires a higher test pressure of 2.4 MPa (24 bar) for a PN 16 rated device.
Key Similarities
≈All standards define a device with the same fundamental purpose: to take a single fire hose inlet and divide it into two individually controlled outlets for distributing water at a fire scene.
≈All equivalent standards mandate rigorous hydrostatic pressure testing for both the body casing and the valve seats to ensure no leakage or structural failure under operational pressures.
≈The standards universally require the use of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials, such as specific grades of aluminium alloy or copper alloys (like gunmetal/leaded-tin bronze), to ensure durability in harsh firefighting environments.
≈All standards require permanent markings on the breeching body, which must include the manufacturer's name or trademark and the year of manufacture, ensuring traceability and quality control.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Hydrostatic Body Test Pressure
2.1 MPa (21 bar) for 2.5 minutes
2.4 MPa (24 bar)
DIN 14355:2015-08
Hydrostatic Seat (Valve) Test Pressure
1.4 MPa (14 bar) for 1 minute
1.76 MPa (17.6 bar)
DIN 14355:2015-08
Maximum Mass
4.75 kg
Not explicitly specified as a maximum limit (typically ~4.9 kg for a B-CBC type)
DIN 14355:2015-08
Inlet Connection Standard
63 mm Male Round Thread as per IS 902
Storz B (75 mm) coupling
DIN 14355:2015-08
Outlet Connection Standard
63 mm Female Instantaneous as per IS 903
Storz C (52 mm) coupling
DIN 14355:2015-08
Primary Body Material (Aluminium Alloy)
Alloy '4600' or '4225' of IS 617
Aluminium alloy LM25 or LM6 to BS EN 1706
BS 336:2010
Primary Body Material (Copper Alloy)
Leaded-Tin Bronze, Grade LTB 2 of IS 318
Copper alloy LG2 to BS EN 1982
BS 336:2010
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Nominal size of inlet and outlets63 mm
Hydrostatic test pressure (body)2.1 MPa (21 kgf/cm²)
Seat water tightness test pressure1.4 MPa (14 kgf/cm²)
Working pressure0.7 MPa (7 kgf/cm²)
Maximum mass (Aluminium alloy version)4.5 kg
Maximum mass (Gunmetal version)9.0 kg
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Chemical Composition of Leaded-Tin Bronze Ingots and Castings (Gunmetal)
Table 2 - Chemical Composition of Aluminium Alloy Ingots and Castings for General Engineering Purposes
Table 3 - Leading Dimensions of Dividing Breeching
What is the standard connection size for this dividing breeching?+
The inlet is a 63 mm female instantaneous coupling, and the two outlets are 63 mm male instantaneous couplings (Clause 6.1 and IS 903).
What pressure must the body of the breeching withstand?+
The body must withstand a hydrostatic pressure of 2.1 MPa (or 21 kgf/cm²) for 2.5 minutes without leakage or sweating (Clause 8.1).
What are the approved materials for a dividing breeching?+
The primary materials specified are Leaded-Tin Bronze (Gunmetal) conforming to Grade LTB 2 of IS 318, or specific Aluminium Alloys conforming to Designation 4450 or 4225 of IS 617 (Clause 3).
How is the breeching tested for valve leakage?+
With one outlet blanked off and the corresponding valve closed, a hydraulic pressure of 1.4 MPa is applied to the inlet for 1 minute; there should be no leakage through the closed valve seat (Clause 8.2).