19/06/2025
Annex E from IS 2190:2024 (Selection, Installation & Maintenance of Portable & Mobile Fire Extinguishers):
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📌 Annex E – Hydraulic (Pressure) Test Schedule
🧰 Purpose:
Annex E provides the required intervals, test pressures, and duration for hydrostatic (pressure) testing of different types of fire extinguishers. This helps ensure cylinders remain safe under pressure over time. The tests must be applied consistently across all installed extinguishers in a premise .
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1. Test Coverage
At least 1/3 of all extinguishers in a facility must undergo hydraulic testing each year, according to Annex E.
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2. Test Procedure
1. Remove all valves and internal components.
2. Clean out any extinguishing media (e.g., powder or foam).
3. Plug openings if applicable (e.g., gas cartridge slots).
4. Fill with water; bleed air.
5. Raise pressure gradually to Annex E specified level within 1 minute.
6. Hold test pressure for 2.5 minutes, observing for leaks or distortion.
7. Drain, dry thoroughly (cylinder temperature must stay ≤ 65 °C).
Failures must be repaired and retested; if still failing, extinguisher is condemned and destroyed, with records updated.
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3. Test Intervals, Pressures & Durations
While Annex E’s full matrix covers various extinguisher types (stored-pressure water/foam, dry powder, CO₂, clean agent), here are the typical requirements :
Extinguisher Type Test Interval (Years) Test Pressure (Typically) Duration Held
Stored-pressure foam ~5 yrs ~35 kg/cm² 2.5 min
Stored-pressure dry powder ~5 yrs ~35 kg/cm² 2.5 min
CO₂ type ~5 yrs ~225 kg/cm² 30 s
Clean agent type ~5 yrs ~35 kg/cm² 2.5 min
⚠️ Note: Exact values per type are given in Annex E itself; the above reflects the standard ranges.
