IS 9695:1980 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for provision and maintenance of water supplies and firefighting. This code of practice provides guidelines for the provision and maintenance of water supplies for firefighting purposes. It covers sources of water, pumping arrangements, water storage requirements, and the layout and maintenance of water mains and hydrants. The standard aims to ensure a reliable and adequate water supply is available for combating fires in various premises.
Code of practice for provision and maintenance of water supplies and firefighting
| Parameter | IS Value | International | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum pipe size for hydrant main | 150 mm | 6 inches (152 mm) | NFPA 24 |
| Static Water Tank Minimum Capacity (Example: large mercantile building) | 100,000 Litres | Calculated based on system demand for a set duration (e.g., 60-90 min). A typical value might be 115,000 - 170,000 Litres (30,000-45,000 gallons). | NFPA 22 |
| Hydrant Color Code | Fire Red (Shade No. 536 of IS 5) | Barrel is typically red or yellow for visibility. Tops and caps are color-coded by flow rate (e.g., Light Blue for >1500 GPM, Red for <500 GPM). | NFPA 291 (Referenced by NFPA 24) |
| Hydrant Outlet Connection Height | Normally 0.75 m to 1 m above ground level. | Center of the lowest outlet shall be no less than 18 in. (457 mm) above the finished grade. | NFPA 24 |
| Maintenance Frequency (General) | Annual examination recommended. | Tiered system: Annual flow tests, quarterly operational inspections, and more frequent visual checks. | NFPA 25 (for NFPA 24 systems) |
| Underground Main Depth of Cover | Minimum 1 m cover. | Sufficient to be below the frost line, but not less than 2.5 ft (0.76 m). | NFPA 24 |