Design Rules🔥 Fire Safety

Fire Hose Reel — Coverage Radius

Maximum reach of a wall-mounted fire hose reel
See also📖 NBC 2016🔗 NBC 2016🔗 IS 884🧮 RCC Design📒 Handbook Topic
30
m
30mmax coverage radius from each reelHOSE REEL
Primary value30 m
Applies toFirst-aid fire fighting in commercial / institutional / residential common areas
ExceptionsHose length30 m typical (max 36 m per IS 884)
Discharge9 L/min @ 2.5 kg/cm² nozzle pressure
Jet ThrowA minimum 6 m horizontal throw from the nozzle is required, which extends the effective reach beyond the hose length (NBC Part 4, E-2.1.2).
Minimum Inlet PressureA minimum pressure of 300 kPa (approx. 3 kg/cm²) must be maintained at the inlet of the hose reel as per NBC 2016 Part 4, E-2.1.3.
Measured asReel mounted within reach of any point on the floor — max 30 m hose length means max coverage radius of 30 m.
SourceNBC 2016NBC 2016 Part 4, Annex E, Clause E-2.1
✓ Verified
Why this matters

Hose reels provide a continuous water supply for initial fire attack, crucial for controlling Class A fires (involving combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth) before they escalate. Unlike extinguishers with limited capacity, they can be operated by trained occupants to suppress a fire in its early stages, buying valuable time for evacuation and the arrival of the Fire Brigade.

Typical practice

Hose reels are strategically placed in fire-protected shafts, lobbies, or corridors, often within recessed cabinets near staircases. Their placement must ensure the nozzle can reach every part of the floor, accounting for partitions and obstructions, and they are typically installed alongside a suitable portable fire extinguisher.

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