BS EN 15182-1:2019

What is BS EN 15182-1-Hand-held branchpipes for fire service use about?  

BS EN 15182 is a European Standard that discusses fire & rescue service equipment. It mainly covers portable equipment for projecting extinguishing agents supplied by firefighting pumps. The main objective of the BS EN 15182 series is to ensure that firefighting equipment impart the necessary level of protection and performance, thereby playing a positive role during a fire emergency.  

BS EN 15182-1 is the first part in the series that applies to hand-held branch pipes. It deals with: 

• Safety requirements 
• Performance requirements 
• Test methods 
• Classification and designation 
• Instructions for use and maintenance 
• Marking 

BS EN 15182-1 does not apply to branch pipes covered by EN 671 series, foam branch pipes covered by EN 16712-3, powder branch pipes, or branch pipes with a maximum working pressure above 40 bar. 

NOTE 1: The Working Group has thoroughly addressed and discussed the issue of electrical safety in relation to using water branch pipes. However, an electrical test is not incorporated into this document as international experience, as well as research or “laboratory-style” testing will not take into account poor visibility and other conditions present on any fire ground, nor the problem of estimating distances under these conditions. 

NOTE 2: It is essential to take into account reaction forces before choosing and operating branch pipes. 

Who is BS EN 15182-1- Hand-held branch pipes for fire service use for? 

BS EN 15182-1 on portable equipment for projecting extinguishing agents is relevant to: 

• Manufacturers of firefighting equipment 
• Manufacturers of hand-held branchpipes 
• Manufacturers and suppliers of branchpipe components 
• Fire safety departments 
• Quality control and testing agencies 
• Regulatory authorities 

Why should you use BS EN 15182-1-Hand-held branch pipes for fire service use?  

Branch pipe is a fire-fighting nozzle that is used most commonly by most fire brigades. They create a jet pattern which is a jet pattern of water flow with farthest and maximum reach.  

BS EN 15182-1 has been created to provide a minimum level of safety and performance criteria. 

BS EN 15182-1 walks you through the requirements of mechanical and hydraulic characteristics, materials, dimension and mass, and also provides three drop tests to verify conformity to the best industry guidelines.  

While BS EN 15182-1 does not intend to define a specific branchpipe design, it can help you understand and choose the correct equipment as per your fire-protection needs. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 15182-1:2019 supersedes BS EN 15182‑1:2007+A1:2009, which is withdrawn. Compared to EN 15182-1:2007+A1:2009 the following changes have been made: 

• The definitions have been updated and three new definitions have been added (“closed branch pipe” Main shut off valve”, “open branch pipe” 
• Each verification has been placed under the corresponding requirement 
• The values of rated discharge at PR (see Table 1) have been updated 
• The classification (see Annex A) has been updated in accordance with EN 15182-2:2019 
• Improvement of the wording/editorial changes