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IS 8423:1994 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for the controlled percolating hose for firefighting. This Indian Standard lays down the requirements for materials, construction, dimensions, and performance of controlled percolating hoses used for firefighting. These hoses are designed to allow a small, uniform amount of water to seep through the jacket, which protects the hose from damage when used near embers or radiant heat, making it ideal for forestry and wildland firefighting.
Specification for the controlled percolating hose for firefighting
! The 'weeping' or 'percolating' of water from the hose jacket is an intentional design feature to protect the hose from heat and fire, not a manufacturing defect.
! This type of hose is generally not suitable for internal firefighting in buildings due to the intentional water leakage along its length causing potential water damage.
! Ensure that the couplings purchased are compatible with the hose size and type as per IS 902 or IS 5290.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
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International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
BS 6391:2009British Standards Institution (BSI), United Kingdom
HighCurrent
Specification for layflat fire-fighting hoses
Specifies requirements for Type 1 percolating hoses, which directly corresponds to the scope of IS 8423.
NFPA 1961, 2020 EditionNational Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
MediumCurrent
Standard on Fire Hose
Covers general fire hose construction and testing but focuses on modern non-percolating, lined hoses.
AS 2792-2016Standards Australia, Australia
LowCurrent
Fire hose - Layflat
Specifies layflat fire hoses but primarily for non-percolating types, reflecting a different operational philosophy.
Key Differences
≠IS 8423 specifies a hose designed for controlled water percolation through the jacket to protect it from heat, a feature absent in modern standards like NFPA 1961 which mandate a waterproof lining for zero leakage.
≠The required burst pressure in IS 8423 (35 kgf/cm² or ~34.3 bar) is significantly lower than that required by NFPA 1961, which mandates a burst pressure of at least three times the service test pressure (e.g., >62 bar for a typical attack hose).
≠IS 8423 allows for natural fibres like flax for the jacket, whereas modern international standards like BS 6391 and NFPA 1961 exclusively specify high-tenacity synthetic yarns (e.g., polyester, polyamide).
≠NFPA 1961 includes specific tests not found in IS 8423, such as the kinking pressure test, which evaluates hose performance when folded under pressure.
Key Similarities
≈All standards define the primary purpose of the hose as conveying water under pressure for firefighting operations.
≈IS 8423, BS 6391, and NFPA 1961 all mandate fundamental performance tests, including a hydrostatic proof pressure test and a burst pressure test, to ensure hose integrity.
≈The core construction involves a woven tubular jacket made from high-strength yarns to withstand internal pressure, a common design principle across all standards.
≈All standards specify requirements for standard hose diameters (e.g., 63mm / 2.5 inches) and lengths to ensure interoperability with couplings and equipment.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Proof Pressure
21 kgf/cm² (~20.6 bar)
22.5 bar
BS 6391:2009
Minimum Burst Pressure
35 kgf/cm² (~34.3 bar)
≥ 900 psi (~62 bar) for a 300 psi service pressure hose
NFPA 1961, 2020 Ed.
Percolation Requirement
5 to 30 L/min per 15m @ 7 kgf/cm² (for 63mm hose)
Not permitted; must be waterproof.
NFPA 1961, 2020 Ed.
Lining
Unlined (to allow percolation)
Mandatory elastomeric (rubber) lining
NFPA 1961, 2020 Ed.
Jacket Material
Flax, cotton, or synthetic fibres (or a blend)
High-tenacity synthetic filament yarns
BS 6391:2009
Mass per unit length (63mm/64mm hose)
Shall not exceed 0.5 kg/m
Shall not exceed 0.53 kg/m (for Type 1)
BS 6391:2009
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
What is the primary use of a percolating fire hose?+
It is used in firefighting applications where the hose may be exposed to radiant heat or burning embers, such as forestry, wildland, and external industrial firefighting.
What is the required hydrostatic proof pressure for this hose?+
The hose must withstand a proof pressure of 2.1 MN/m² (21.4 kgf/cm²) for one minute without leakage, other than the controlled percolation (Clause 6.2).
What is the specified percolation rate?+
The rate of percolation must be between 2.5 and 7.5 litres per minute per metre of hose when tested at a pressure of 0.7 MN/m² (7 kgf/cm²) (Clause 6.5).
What standard sizes are specified for this hose?+
The standard specifies hoses with nominal bore sizes of 63 mm and 70 mm (Clause 5.1).