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IS 908:1975 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for fire hydrant, stand post type. This standard covers the requirements for materials, dimensions, construction, and testing of stand post type fire hydrants used for outdoor fire fighting. It is utilized by MEP and fire safety engineers to ensure reliable water access points for fire brigade hoses in exterior water networks.
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 EN 14384:2005BSI (UK) / CEN (Europe)
HighCurrent
Pillar fire hydrants
Specifies requirements, test methods, and marking for pillar (stand-post) fire hydrants.
AWWA C503-18AWWA (US)
HighCurrent
Wet-Barrel Fire Hydrants
Covers iron-body, bronze-mounted, wet-barrel fire hydrants for water supply service.
AS 2419.2-2009Standards Australia (AU)
LowCurrent
Fire hydrant installations - Fire hydrant valves
Specifies the hydrant valve component, but not the complete pillar hydrant assembly which is covered by water authority rules.
Key Differences
≠IS 908 specifies Grey Cast Iron (Grade FG 200) for the body, whereas modern standards like BS EN 14384 and AWWA C503 predominantly specify stronger, more impact-resistant Ductile Iron.
≠Test pressures in the Indian standard are significantly lower. IS 908 mandates a body test at 2.1 MPa, while AWWA C503 requires a test at twice the rated pressure (e.g., 3.45 MPa for a 250 psi hydrant).
≠Outlet connections are nationally specific and incompatible. IS 908 specifies a 63 mm female instantaneous (snap-on) coupling, while AWWA C503 uses threaded (NST) outlets and BS EN 14384 refers to various European types (e.g., Storz, BS 336).
≠IS 908:1975 is a standard for wet-barrel hydrants only, suitable for non-freezing climates. Standards like BS EN 14384 and the AWWA suite (C502/C503) cover both wet-barrel and dry-barrel designs for different climatic conditions.
Key Similarities
≈All standards define the fundamental purpose of a stand-post or pillar hydrant: to provide an above-ground connection point to a pressurized water main for firefighting.
≈The basic construction is analogous, comprising a main body/barrel, a base flange for connection to the water main, an internal valve mechanism, and one or more outlets with protective caps.
≈All standards mandate a similar testing philosophy, including a hydrostatic body test to ensure casting integrity and a seat test to verify the main valve's sealing performance when closed.
≈They all require the hydrant to be marked with essential information, including the manufacturer's identification, year of manufacture, and nominal size.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Primary Body Material
Grey Cast Iron (IS 210 Grade FG 200)
Ductile Iron (e.g., EN-GJS-400-15)
BS EN 14384:2005
Body Hydrostatic Test Pressure
2.1 MPa for 5 minutes
~3.45 MPa (500 psi) for a 250 psi rated hydrant
AWWA C503-18
Main Valve Seat Test Pressure
1.4 MPa for 5 minutes
1.76 MPa (as 1.1 x PFA of 16 bar)
BS EN 14384:2005
Outlet Connection Type
63 mm Instantaneous 'snap-on' coupling (per IS 903)
Threaded Nozzles (e.g., NST thread)
AWWA C503-18
Standard Inlet Size
DN 80 (80 mm)
DN 100, DN 150 (4 in, 6 in)
AWWA C503-18
Inlet Flange Standard
IS 1538 (Part IV)
EN 1092-2 (PN 10/16)
BS EN 14384:2005
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Standard Outlet Size63 mm instantaneous pattern
Hydrostatic Test Pressure (Body)2.1 MN/m² (21 kgf/cm²) for 2.5 minutes
Hydrostatic Test Pressure (Seat)1.4 MN/m² (14 kgf/cm²) for 2.5 minutes
Body Material StandardCast Iron Grade FG 200 of IS 210
Waterway minimum diameter80 mm or 100 mm based on type