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IS 6234 : 2003Portable Fire Extinguishers Water Type (Stored Pressure) -Specification

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EN 3-7 · ISO 7165 · AS/NZS 1841.2
CurrentFrequently UsedSpecificationBIMFire Safety · Fire Fighting
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OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ5Related

IS 6234:2003 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for portable fire extinguishers water type (stored pressure) -specification. This Indian Standard specifies the requirements for material, design, construction, performance, and testing of portable, 9-litre water-type fire extinguishers of the stored pressure type. It ensures these essential safety devices are reliable and effective for combating Class A fires involving solid combustible materials.

Portable Fire Extinguishers Water Type (Stored Pressure) -Specification

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Fire Safety — Fire Fighting
Type
Specification
Amendments
Amendment 1 (August 2005); Amendment 2 (October 2006)
International equivalents
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007 · CEN (European Committee for Standardization), EuropeISO 7165:2017 · ISO (International Organization for Standardization), InternationalAS/NZS 1841.2:2007 · Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
Typically used with
IS 15683IS 2190IS 2878IS 3224
Also on InfraLens for IS 6234
6Key values2Tables5FAQs

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

Practical Notes
! These extinguishers are only suitable for Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles) and are dangerous to use on electrical, oil, or gas fires.
! The pressure gauge must be checked regularly to ensure it is in the green operable zone.
! Annual maintenance and periodic hydrostatic testing as per IS 2190 are mandatory to ensure the extinguisher's integrity and performance.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4CapacityCl. 5Principal MaterialsCl. 6ConstructionCl. 8Performance RequirementsCl. 9TestsCl. 11Marking
Pulled from IS 6234:2003. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
Updates & Amendments2 amendments
Amendment 1 (August 2005)
Amendment 2 (October 2006)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
steelwaterbrass

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Portable fire extinguishers - Part 7: Characteristics, performance requirements and test methods
Covers performance, construction, and testing for portable extinguishers, including water types.
ISO 7165:2017ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighCurrent
Fire fighting — Portable fire extinguishers — Performance and construction
Provides global requirements for the performance and construction of portable fire extinguishers.
AS/NZS 1841.2:2007Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
HighCurrent
Portable fire extinguishers, Part 2: Specific requirements for water type extinguishers
Specifies detailed requirements solely for water-type portable fire extinguishers.
UL 626Underwriters Laboratories, USA
MediumWithdrawn
Standard for Safety for Water Fire Extinguishers
Previously specified construction and performance requirements for water extinguishers in the US market.
Key Differences
≠The fire rating system and test fire construction differ significantly. IS 6234 uses ratings like 2A, 3A, etc., with a specific wood crib design, while EN 3-7 uses ratings like 13A, 21A, with a different wood crib size and stacking method.
≠IS 6234 specifies a very long minimum discharge time (e.g., 60 seconds for a 9L extinguisher), prioritizing duration. In contrast, EN 3-7 requires much shorter minimum discharge times (e.g., 9-15 seconds) for a similar capacity, prioritizing a higher discharge rate.
≠The hydrostatic test pressure in IS 6234 is a fixed high value of 3.5 MPa (35 kgf/cm²), regardless of the service pressure. European standards typically calculate the test pressure based on the maximum service pressure (e.g., PT = 1.43 x PS), which often results in a lower, but more tailored, test pressure.
≠IS 6234 specifies a standard operating temperature range of +5°C to +55°C, reflecting Indian climatic conditions. EN 3-7 typically specifies a standard range of +5°C to +60°C for water-based extinguishers.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are based on the 'stored pressure' principle, where the water and a pressurizing agent (like Nitrogen or dry air) are stored in the same cylinder.
≈The primary application is for Class A fires (carbonaceous materials like wood, paper, textiles), and the extinguishing agent is fundamentally water, sometimes with additives.
≈All standards mandate the inclusion of a pressure gauge to allow for a quick visual check of the extinguisher's operational readiness.
≈Construction requirements are broadly similar, specifying a corrosion-resistant cylinder, a valve assembly with a safety release mechanism, a siphon tube, and a nozzle or hose with nozzle.
≈All standards require the main body of the extinguisher to be colored a specific shade of red for immediate identification as a fire fighting device.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Hydrostatic Test Pressure3.5 MPa (35 kgf/cm²)Calculated based on Service Pressure, e.g., PT ≥ 2.7 x PS (for PS < 0.6 MPa)EN 3-8:2021
Minimum Discharge Time (9L Extinguisher)Not less than 60 secondsDepends on rating, typically >9 seconds for a comparable size.EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Operating Temperature Range+5°C to +55°C+5°C to +60°C (Standard range)EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Body ColorSignal Red (IS 5, Shade No. 537)Traffic Red (RAL 3000)EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Propellant GasDry Air or NitrogenNitrogen, argon, helium, or clean, dry airISO 7165:2017
Hose Length (9L Extinguisher)Not to exceed 750 mmNot less than 400 mm (no specified maximum)EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Anti-Corrosive TreatmentMandatory internal and external anti-corrosive treatment or lining (e.g., plastic).Mandatory internal and external protection against corrosion.ISO 7165:2017
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
Standard Capacity9 litres
Minimum Effective Discharge Time60 seconds
Minimum Throw (Jet Length)6 metres
Minimum Discharge Percentage95%
Hydrostatic Test Pressure3.5 MPa (35 kgf/cm²)
Body Material Thickness (Mild Steel)1.60 mm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Materials
Table 2 - Performance Requirements
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Capacity
Clause 5 - Principal Materials
Clause 6 - Construction
Clause 8 - Performance Requirements
Clause 9 - Tests
Clause 11 - Marking

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 15683:2006Fixed Fire Fighting Systems - General Require...
→
IS 2190:2010Selection, Installation and maintenance of fi...
→
IS 2878:2004Fire Extinguisher, Carbon Dioxide Type (Porta...
→
IS 3224:2002Specification for Corrugated Fibre Cement She...
→

Frequently Asked Questions5

What is the standard capacity of a water-type stored pressure extinguisher?+
9 litres (Clause 4.1).
What is the minimum required discharge time?+
60 seconds (Table 2).
What is the minimum required length of throw (jet)?+
6 metres (Table 2).
What is the hydrostatic test pressure for the cylinder body?+
3.5 MPa or 35 kgf/cm² (Clause 9.5.1).
What class of fire is this extinguisher used for?+
It is intended for use on Class A fires (Clause 11.2.1).

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