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IS 941 : 1985Specification for Blower and Exhauster for Fire Fighting

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DIN 14963 · ANSI/AMCA 240 · NFPA 1901 (Chapter 5)
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationFire Safety · Fire Fighting
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OverviewValues4InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 941:1985 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for blower and exhauster for fire fighting. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, dimensions, workmanship, and performance tests for portable blowers and exhausters used in firefighting. It is primarily used by fire safety engineers and equipment manufacturers to ensure reliable smoke extraction and ventilation during emergency fire conditions.

Specification for Blower and Exhauster for Fire Fighting

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Fire Safety — Fire Fighting
Type
Specification
International equivalents
DIN 14963:2018 · Deutsches Institut für Normung, GermanyANSI/AMCA 240-22 · Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International, USANFPA 1901 (Chapter 5) · National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
Typically used with
IS 903IS 617IS 318IS 210
Also on InfraLens for IS 941
4Key values3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Ensure that the water inlet and outlet couplings for water-turbine driven exhausters exactly match standard 63mm fire hoses (IS 903) to prevent deployment delays during emergencies.
! Since these units are portable and may sit idle for long periods, regular operational checks of the prime mover (especially engine-driven variants) are highly recommended.
! Casings and impellers should ideally be cast from lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials like aluminum alloy to ensure the equipment remains portable for quick manual handling by fire crews.
aluminum alloygunmetalcast ironsteel

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
DIN 14963:2018Deutsches Institut für Normung, Germany
HighCurrent
Fire-fighting equipment - Mobile ventilators and accessories
Specifies requirements, testing, and marking for portable ventilators used by fire services.
ANSI/AMCA 240-22Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International, USA
MediumCurrent
Laboratory Methods of Testing Positive Pressure Ventilators for Aerodynamic Performance Rating
Focuses solely on the standardized testing methodology for fan performance, not the complete product specification.
NFPA 1901 (Chapter 5)National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
LowCurrent
Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus
Specifies the minimum equipment to be carried on a fire truck, which often includes PPV fans, but does not detail fan construction.
Key Differences
≠IS 941 is highly prescriptive, specifying exact materials (e.g., cast aluminum alloy casing) and engine types (petrol). Modern standards are performance-based, allowing any material or power source that meets safety and performance criteria.
≠The Indian standard specifies performance as 'free air displacement,' an outdated metric. International practice, guided by AMCA 240, measures airflow in a standardized test setup that more accurately reflects real-world effectiveness in pressurizing a structure.
≠IS 941:1985 only considers petrol engines. International standards like DIN 14963 explicitly include provisions for electric motors (mains and battery-powered), water turbines, and diesel engines, reflecting technological advancements.
≠Modern international standards include specific, detailed requirements for noise levels, stability on an incline, and exhaust emissions, which are not addressed in IS 941:1985.
Key Similarities
≈All standards share the same fundamental purpose: to specify a portable device for ventilating enclosed spaces during firefighting and emergency operations.
≈The core components—a prime mover, impeller, protective shroud, and a portable frame—are common elements across IS 941 and its international counterparts.
≈A mandatory requirement across all standards is the inclusion of robust safety guards to prevent accidental contact with the moving fan blades.
≈Both the IS code and international standards require the unit to be easily transportable and deployable by firefighters, emphasizing portability in their design considerations.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Airflow Performance MetricMinimum 280 m³/min free air displacement.Performance rated using AMCA 240 test method, measuring airflow against a structure (e.g., >20,000 m³/h).DIN 14963:2018
Prime Mover OptionsTwo-stroke or four-stroke petrol engine.Internal combustion engine (petrol/diesel), electric motor, or other drive types.DIN 14963:2018
Operating EnduranceFuel tank sufficient for 30 minutes run at full speed.Minimum operating time of 60 minutes at nominal power.DIN 14963:2018
Noise Level SpecificationNot specified.Specifies maximum sound pressure level (e.g., ≤ 90 dB(A) at 3m) and sound power level.DIN 14963:2018
Casing MaterialPrescribed as Cast Aluminium Alloy conforming to IS 617.Not prescribed; material must be corrosion-resistant and pass safety/durability tests.DIN 14963:2018
Weight ClassificationNot specified, implied as 'portable'.Defines weight classes for portability (e.g., Class 1: ≤ 50 kg).DIN 14963:2018
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values4

Quick Reference Values
Standard hose connection size63 mm (conforming to IS 903)
Hydrostatic test pressure for water-driven turbine casing1.5 MPa (15 kgf/cm2)
Hydrostatic test duration5 minutes without leakage
Continuous operational test durationNot less than 1 hour

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
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Key Clauses
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Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 903:1993Specification for Fire Hose Delivery Coupling...
→
IS 617:1994Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Ingots for Reme...
→
IS 318:2003Leaded Tin Bronze Ingots and Castings
→
IS 210:2009Grey Iron Castings
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the primary application of blowers and exhausters in firefighting?+
They are used for extracting dense smoke from basements, ship holds, tunnels, and confined spaces, or for blowing fresh air into these areas to assist rescue operations.
What type of couplings are required for water-driven exhausters?+
They must be equipped with standard instantaneous delivery hose couplings (63 mm) conforming to IS 903.
What are the preferred materials for the impeller and casing?+
Lightweight alloys such as aluminum alloy (conforming to IS 617) are preferred to maintain portability, while ensuring sufficient mechanical strength.

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