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IS 884:1985 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for first-aid hose-reel for fire fighting. This standard lays down the specification for materials, construction, dimensions, and testing of first-aid hose-reels used for firefighting installations in buildings. Engineers and fire safety professionals use this code to ensure wall-mounted hose reels provide immediate, reliable water access with adequate flow and throw range during the early stages of a fire.
Specification for First-Aid Hose-Reel For Fire Fighting
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! While IS 884 covers the manufacturing spec of the hose reel, its installation requirements (like mounting height, typically 0.8m to 1.5m) are governed by IS 3844.
! Thermoplastic hoses (IS 12585) are often specified over traditional rubber hoses (IS 444) due to superior aging resistance and flexibility.
! Always verify that the swinging wall-mounting bracket allows for at least a 180-degree swing so the hose can unspool freely in any direction without kinking.
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
EN 671-1:2012CEN (Europe)
HighCurrent
Fixed firefighting systems - Hose systems - Part 1: Hose reels with semi-rigid hose
Specifies requirements and test methods for manually operated first-aid fire hose reels.
AS/NZS 1221:1997Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (Australia/New Zealand)
HighCurrent
Fire hose reels
Defines requirements for the design, construction, and performance of fire hose reels for building installation.
BS EN 671-1:2012BSI (UK)
HighCurrent
Fixed firefighting systems. Hose systems. Hose reels with semi-rigid hose
The UK implementation of the European standard EN 671-1, serving the same function.
NFPA 14NFPA (US)
LowCurrent
Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems
Covers standpipe systems; Class II systems for occupant use are conceptually similar but use different hose types and have different design criteria.
Key Differences
≠IS 884 specifies a significantly lower minimum flow rate (24 L/min) compared to modern standards like EN 671-1, which uses a K-factor system resulting in higher flows (e.g., over 40 L/min for a 19mm hose at 2 bar).
≠The specified working pressure in IS 884 is lower (7 bar) than in EN 671-1 (12 bar) and AS/NZS 1221 (13.5 bar), reflecting older system pressure assumptions.
≠IS 884 mandates a hydrostatic proof pressure of 3 times the working pressure (21 bar), whereas EN 671-1 requires 1.5 times the maximum working pressure (18 bar), indicating a different safety factor philosophy.
≠The Indian standard allows for a longer maximum hose length (36 m) compared to the European standard EN 671-1, which limits the length to 30 m to manage pressure loss and handling.
Key Similarities
≈All standards (IS, EN, AS/NZS) are for 'first-aid' appliances intended for use by building occupants for initial fire attack prior to the arrival of the fire service.
≈The fundamental design of a swinging or fixed reel assembly, including a main stop valve, semi-rigid hose, and a nozzle, is consistent across the standards.
≈All standards require a shut-off nozzle capable of producing both a jet and a spray pattern, providing the user with control over the water stream.
≈Common nominal hose diameters, specifically 19 mm and 25 mm, are specified in both IS 884 and its international counterparts like EN 671-1.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Minimum Flow Rate
24 L/min at 0.2 N/mm² (2 bar)
≥0.45 L/s (27 L/min) at 220 kPa
AS/NZS 1221:1997
Flow Rate Performance (19mm hose)
Performance specified by fixed flow/pressure (24 L/min at 2 bar)
Performance specified by minimum K-factor of 28 (delivers ~39.6 L/min at 2 bar)
EN 671-1:2012
Maximum Hose Length
36 metres
30 metres
EN 671-1:2012
Specified Working Pressure
0.7 N/mm² (7 bar)
1.2 MPa (12 bar)
EN 671-1:2012
Hydrostatic Proof Pressure (Assembly)
2.1 N/mm² (21 bar)
1.8 MPa (18 bar)
EN 671-1:2012
Hose Internal Diameters
19 mm or 25 mm
19 mm, 25 mm, or 33 mm
EN 671-1:2012
Nozzle Jet Orifice
6.4 mm
Performance-based (K-factor), not a specified dimension. Typically 6 mm for K-28.
EN 671-1:2012
Hose Specification
Conforming to IS 3651 (Rubber Hose)
Conforming to EN 694 (Semi-rigid Hose)
EN 671-1:2012
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use