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IS 940:2003 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for portable fire extinguisher, water type (gas cartridge). This standard specifies the requirements for materials, construction, anti-corrosive treatment, and performance testing of 9-litre portable water-type fire extinguishers operated by a gas cartridge. It is primarily used by safety engineers and manufacturers, though it has been largely superseded by IS 15683 for newer equipment.
Specification for Portable Fire Extinguisher, Water Type (Gas Cartridge)
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Portable fire extinguishers - Part 7: Characteristics, performance requirements and test methods
Specifies requirements for portable water-based fire extinguishers, including gas cartridge types.
ISO 7165:2017ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighCurrent
Fire fighting — Portable fire extinguishers — Performance and construction
Provides general requirements for performance and construction of portable extinguishers, applicable to water types.
BS EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007BSI (British Standards Institution), United Kingdom
HighCurrent
Portable fire extinguishers. Characteristics, performance requirements and test methods
UK national implementation of EN 3-7, covering requirements for portable water-based extinguishers.
AS/NZS 1841.2:2007Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
MediumCurrent
Portable fire extinguishers, Part 2: Specific requirements for water type extinguishers
Specifically covers requirements for water-type extinguishers, including materials, construction, and performance.
Key Differences
≠The fire rating system in IS 940 (e.g., 2A for a 9-litre model) is based on a different test fire size and methodology compared to the EN 3 system (e.g., 13A), which uses a longer wood crib fire test.
≠IS 940 specifies a much longer minimum discharge time (60 seconds for a 9L model) compared to EN 3-7, which prioritizes a faster, more aggressive discharge (typically 9-15 seconds for a similar capacity).
≠EN 3 mandates that the entire extinguisher body be painted a specific red (RAL 3000), with a content-identifying panel, whereas IS 940 has historically allowed for a red body with a specific colour band, though harmonization with EN 3 is increasing.
≠The upper limit for the operating temperature range in IS 940 is +55°C, while for EN 3-7 it is slightly higher at +60°C for standard water extinguishers.
Key Similarities
≈Both standards cover the same fundamental principle of operation: a non-pressurized water-filled cylinder that is pressurized upon activation by puncturing a sealed gas cartridge.
≈The primary intended application is identical: extinguishing Class A fires involving solid carbonaceous materials like wood, paper, and textiles.
≈Both IS 940 and equivalent international standards mandate a hydrostatic pressure test on the extinguisher body to ensure its integrity and safety, testing it at a pressure significantly higher than its working pressure.
≈General construction principles are similar, requiring a cylindrical body, a valve assembly with safety mechanisms, a carrying handle, and a discharge hose and nozzle, all made from corrosion-resistant materials.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Hydrostatic Test Pressure (Body)
35 kgf/cm² (approx 3.5 MPa)
1.43 x Max Working Pressure (PT), but not less than 2.7 MPa
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Minimum Discharge Time (9L Capacity)
60 seconds
~9 seconds (for a 13A rating)
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Effective Discharge Throw (Min)
6 metres
Not explicitly defined; performance is based on extinguishing a rated fire, not on throw distance.
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Operating Temperature Range
+5°C to +55°C
+5°C to +60°C
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Typical Fire Rating (9L model)
2A
13A
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Body Colour Specification
Fire Red or Post Office Red (IS 5 No. 536 or 538)
RAL 3000 (Flame Red)
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
Cap/Valve Material
Brass, gun metal, or stainless steel
Must be corrosion-resistant and compatible with the extinguishing medium; specific alloys are tested (e.g., brass must resist stress corrosion cracking)
EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Nominal capacity9 Litres
Minimum effective range of throw6 meters
Discharge time limits60 to 120 seconds
Hydraulic test pressure for body3.5 MPa (35 kgf/cm2)