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IS 8149:1994 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for functional requirements for twin co2 fire extinguishers (trolley mounted). This standard specifies the functional requirements for trolley-mounted twin carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers. It covers materials, construction, capacity (18 kg and 45 kg), performance criteria like discharge time and effectiveness, and testing methods to ensure reliability for fighting Class B, C, and electrically started fires.
Functional requirements for twin co2 fire extinguishers (trolley mounted)
! Ensure trolley wheels and hose are in good condition for rapid deployment in emergencies.
! CO2 displaces oxygen and can cause asphyxiation in confined spaces. Proper training on usage and evacuation is critical.
! Regularly check the weight of the extinguisher to ensure it is fully charged; a weight loss of over 10% of the CO2 mass indicates a need for refilling (as per IS 2190).
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
carbon dioxidesteel
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
BS EN 1866-1:2007+A1:2013BSI - British Standards Institution (UK) / CEN - European Committee for Standardization
HighCurrent
Mobile fire extinguishers - Part 1: Characteristics, performance and test methods
Specifies rules for design, construction, and performance of mobile (trolley) fire extinguishers, including CO2 types.
NFPA 10, 2022 EditionNational Fire Protection Association (USA)
HighCurrent
Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
Covers the selection, installation, inspection, maintenance, and testing of portable and wheeled fire extinguishers, including CO2 models.
ISO 7165:1999ISO - International Organization for Standardization
MediumWithdrawn
Fire fighting — Portable fire extinguishers — Performance and construction
Covered performance and construction of portable and wheeled extinguishers, but is now outdated.
Key Differences
≠The Indian standard is highly prescriptive about the 'twin cylinder' configuration (e.g., 2 x 22.5 kg). International standards like EN 1866-1 are performance-based and cover various capacities (e.g., 50 kg) regardless of whether they use one or multiple cylinders.
≠Fire rating methodology differs. IS 8149 specifies a single test fire size (e.g., 89B). EN 1866-1 uses a graded system (e.g., 233B, I B, II B) and NFPA 10 uses a system like '20-B:C', which represent different performance capabilities and test protocols.
≠Marking and certification are country-specific. IS 8149 requires the BIS (ISI) mark, EN 1866-1 requires the CE mark and π mark (for transportable pressure equipment), and NFPA 10 requires listing and labeling by a recognized third-party laboratory (e.g., UL, FM).
≠Requirements for hose length can vary significantly. IS 8149 mandates a minimum of 5 meters, whereas NFPA 10 for a similar capacity unit (100 lb) requires a minimum of 40 feet (approx. 12.2 meters).
Key Similarities
≈The fundamental purpose and application are identical: providing a mobile solution for tackling Class B (flammable liquid) and Class C (energized electrical) fires using Carbon Dioxide.
≈All standards mandate the use of high-pressure seamless steel cylinders for storing the liquid CO2, with specific requirements for their manufacture, testing, and certification.
≈Core safety features are consistent, such as the mandatory inclusion of a safety relief device (burst disc) on the cylinder valve to prevent over-pressurization due to high temperatures.
≈The basic construction principle is the same across all standards: one or more CO2 cylinders mounted on a wheeled trolley with a handle, connected to a high-pressure hose, control valve, and a discharge horn for application.
≈All standards require performance testing that includes measuring minimum discharge time and demonstrating the ability to extinguish a standardized test fire, ensuring a baseline level of effectiveness.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Nominal Charge
45 kg (in a 2 x 22.5 kg configuration)
100 lb (45.4 kg)
NFPA 10
Minimum Effective Discharge Time (for 45 kg unit)
40 seconds
34 seconds (for 100 lb / 45.4 kg unit)
NFPA 10
Cylinder Hydrostatic Test Pressure
250 kgf/cm² (approx. 245 bar)
250 bar
BS EN 1866-1 (as per TPED)
Minimum Hose Length
5 meters
4 meters (for extinguishers with agent mass > 20 kg)
BS EN 1866-1
Minimum Wheel Diameter
300 mm
200 mm (for extinguishers with total mass 40-200 kg)
BS EN 1866-1
Effective Throw/Range (for 45 kg unit)
4 meters minimum
10 - 15 ft (3.0 - 4.6 meters)
NFPA 10
Standard Operating Temperature Range
-5°C to +55°C
-30°C to +49°C (-22°F to 120°F)
NFPA 10
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Standard Capacities18 kg (twin 9 kg) and 45 kg (twin 22.5 kg)
Minimum Effective Discharge (45 kg model)95%
Minimum Effective Discharge Time (45 kg model)80 seconds
Cylinder Hydrostatic Test Pressure250 kgf/cm² (as per IS 7285)