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IS 906:1988 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for revolving branch pipe for fire fighting. This standard lays down the material, dimensional, and performance requirements for revolving branch pipes used in fire fighting. It ensures these fittings safely withstand high hydraulic pressures and properly generate a revolving water curtain to protect firefighters from intense radiant heat.
Specification for Revolving Branch Pipe For Fire Fighting
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
leaded tin bronzegunmetalaluminum alloybrass
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
NFPA 1964:2023National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
HighCurrent
Standard for Spray Nozzles
Covers performance and construction of spray nozzles, which is the functional category for a revolving branch pipe.
EN 15182-3:2007+A1:2009European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe
HighCurrent
Branchpipes for firefighting purposes - Part 3: Smooth bore and jet/spray branchpipes PN 16
Specifies requirements for jet/spray branchpipes in a pressure class (PN 16) comparable to the IS standard's test pressures.
BS EN 15182-3:2007+A1:2009British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
HighCurrent
Branchpipes for firefighting purposes - Part 3: Smooth bore and jet/spray branchpipes PN 16
The UK's national adoption of the EN 15182-3 standard, with identical technical specifications.
Key Differences
≠IS 906 is highly prescriptive, providing specific dimensions and material grades (e.g., Leaded Tin Bronze LTB-2). International standards like NFPA 1964 are performance-based, specifying required outcomes (e.g., corrosion resistance, strength) rather than mandating specific materials or designs.
≠International standards like NFPA 1964 and EN 15182-3 mandate durability tests such as drop tests (e.g., from 1m height) and other rough handling tests, which are not specified in IS 906:1988.
≠The hydrostatic test pressure required by NFPA 1964 (≥ 62 bar / 900 psi) is significantly higher than that in IS 906 (21 bar). EN 15182-3 (24 bar) is more closely aligned but still higher.
≠IS 906 specifies a single design for a 'revolving branch pipe'. International standards cover a broad range of modern nozzle designs, including selectable flow, automatic pressure, and pistol grip configurations, focusing on their operational performance rather than a fixed mechanical form.
Key Similarities
≈All standards specify the primary function of the device: to be connected to a fire hose and produce a dispersed water spray pattern for firefighting.
≈All standards mandate a hydrostatic pressure test to ensure the structural integrity of the branch pipe body under pressure, preventing failure during operation.
≈Each standard requires the use of standardized inlet couplings compatible with the firefighting hoses of their respective regions (e.g., IS 903 instantaneous for India, NH threads for USA, Storz/BS for Europe).
≈All standards require the product to be marked with essential information, including the manufacturer's identification and an indication of compliance with the relevant standard.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Hydrostatic Body Test Pressure
2.1 MN/m² (~21 bar) for 2.5 minutes
≥ 900 psi (62 bar) for 1 minute
NFPA 1964
Hydrostatic Body Test Pressure
2.1 MN/m² (~21 bar) for 2.5 minutes
24 bar for 5 minutes (for PN 16)
EN 15182-3
Required Flow Rate
450 ± 25 l/min at 7 bar
Varies by model; must be within ±10% of rated flow at nominal pressure.
EN 15182-3
Material Specification (Body)
Prescriptive: Leaded Tin Bronze (Grade LTB 2 of IS 318) or Aluminium Alloy (IS 617)
Performance-based: 'Corrosion-resistant materials' verified through salt spray and other tests.
NFPA 1964
Durability (Drop Test)
Not specified
Required. Example: Drop from 1m height onto a concrete surface.
EN 15182-3
Inlet Coupling Standard
63 mm Female Instantaneous as per IS 903
National Hose (NH) threads as per NFPA 1963
NFPA 1964
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
hydraulic test pressure2.1 MN/m2 (21 kgf/cm2)
hydraulic test duration2.5 minutes
inlet connection size63 mm male instantaneous pattern
What is the primary purpose of a revolving branch pipe?+
It creates a rotating water curtain or spray to provide a heat shield, protecting firefighters from intense radiant heat during firefighting operations.
What is the standard hydraulic test pressure for the branch pipe?+
It must be tested at a hydraulic pressure of 2.1 MN/m2 (21 kgf/cm2) for 2.5 minutes without showing signs of leakage or sweating.
What materials are allowed for manufacturing the body?+
Commonly leaded tin bronze (gunmetal), aluminium alloys, or suitable brass grades depending on the weight and corrosion resistance needs.