FINAL DRAFT UGANDA 
STANDARD  
  FDUS ISO 
         11601
First Edition
2009-mm-dd
 
Reference numbe r
FDUS ISO 11601:2008
 © UNBS 2009
  
Fire fighting — Wheeled fire extinguishers — Performance and 
construction 
 FDUS ISO 11601:2008 
 
© UNBS  2009 – All rights reserved ii Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations 
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. Users are 
responsible for its correct application  
© UNBS 2009 
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, in cluding photocopying and microfilm, without prior written 
permission from UNBS. 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to 
The Executive Director 
Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
P.O. Box 6329 
Kampala  
Uganda 
Tel: 256 41 505 995 
Fax: 256 41 286 123 
E-mail: unbs@infocom.co.ug
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  
 FDUS ISO 11601:2008  
© UNBS  2009 - All rights rese rved                iii National foreword 
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry  of Tourism, Trade and 
Industry established under Cap 327, of the Laws of U ganda. UNBS is mandated to co-ordinate the elaboration 
of standards and is  
(a) a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex A limentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT/SPS Agr eements of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). 
The work of preparing Uganda Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a gi ven field or area and consists of representatives of 
consumers, traders, academician s, manufacturers, governme nt and other stakeholders. 
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committ ee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council. 
This Final Draft Uganda Standard, FDUS ISO 11601, Fire fighting — Wheeled fire extinguishers — 
Performance and construction,  is identical with and has been reproduced from an International Standard, ISO 
11601:2008, Fire fighting — Wheeled fire extinguishers — Performance and construction, and is being 
proposed for adoption as a Uganda Standard.  
This standard was developed by the Mechanical engi neering and Metallurgy Standards Technical Committee 
(UNBS/TC 4). 
Wherever the words, "International Standard" a ppear, they should be replaced by "Uganda Standard." 
    
 Reference number
ISO 11601:2008(E)
© ISO 2008
  
 INTERNATIONAL 
STANDARD  ISO
11601
Second edition
2008-12-15
Fire fighting — Wheeled fire 
extinguishers — Performance and construction 
Lutte contre l'incendie — Extincteurs sur roues — Performances et 
construction 
 ISO 11601:2008(E) 
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ii  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
  ISO 11601:2008(E) 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   iiiContents Page 
Foreword....................................................................................................................... ..................................... iv  
1 Scope .......................................................................................................................... ........................... 1  
2 Normative references ........................................................................................................... ................ 1  
3 Terms and de finiti ons.......................................................................................................... ................. 1  
4 Types of wheeled fi re extinguishers............................................................................................ ....... 3  
5 Extinguishing media, propella nts and fill de nsities.......................................................................... 4  
6 Performance .................................................................................................................... ...................... 5  
7 Fire performa nce tests ......................................................................................................... .............. 10  
8 Construction re quireme nts...................................................................................................... .......... 11  
9 Colour and marking............................................................................................................. ............... 21  
10 Manuals........................................................................................................................ ........................ 24  
Bibliography ................................................................................................................... .................................. 26  
 ISO 11601:2008(E) 
iv  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
 Foreword 
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies 
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO 
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been 
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization. 
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2. The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards 
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an 
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote. 
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent 
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. 
ISO 11601 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 21, Equipment for fire protection and fire fighting , 
Subcommittee SC 2, Manually transportable fire extinguishers . 
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 11601:1999), which has been technically 
revised. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 11601:2008(E)
 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   1Fire fighting — Wheeled fire extinguishers — Performance and 
construction 
1 Scope 
This International Standard specifies the principal requirements intended to ensure the safety, reliability and 
performance of wheeled fire extinguishers. 
2 Normative references 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. 
ISO 37, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of tensile stress-strain properties  
ISO 3768, Metallic coatings — Neutral salt spray test (NSS test)  
ISO 5923, Fire protection — Fire extinguishing media — Carbon dioxide  
ISO 7165, Fire fighting — Portable fire extinguishers — Performance and construction  
ISO 7201-1, Fire protection — Fire extinguishing media — Halogenated hydrocarbons — Part 1: 
Specifications for halon 1211 and halon 1301 
ISO 7202, Fire protection – Fire extinguishing media — Powder 
ISO 7203-1, Fire extinguishing media — Foam concentrates — Part 1: Specification for low expansion foam 
concentrates for top application to water-immiscible liquids 
ISO 7203-2, Fire extinguishing media — Foam concentrates — Part 2: Specification for medium and high 
expansion foam concentrates for top application to water-immiscible liquids  
ISO 14520-1, Gaseous fire-extinguishing systems — Physical properties and system design — Part 1: 
General requirements 
3 Terms and definitions 
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. 
3.1 
batch 
group of the same products made on the same production line using the same lot of materials during one 
production shift 
3.2 
body  
metal shell of an extinguisher designed to contain the extinguishing media including any skirt ISO 11601:2008(E) 
2  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
 3.3 
bulk range  
discharge range of an extinguisher when 50 % of its extinguishing medium has been expelled with the discharge valve fully open 
3.4 
burst pressure  
P
b 
pressure at which the extinguisher cylinder ruptures 
3.5 
charge of extinguisher  
mass or volume of extinguishing medium contained in the extinguisher expressed in volume (litres) for water-based extinguishers and in mass (kilograms) for other extinguishers 
3.6 
classification of fires
 
Class A fires involving solid materials, usually of an organic nature, in which combustion normally takes 
place with the formation of glowing embers 
Class B  fires involving liquids or liquefiable solids 
Class C  fires involving gases 
Class D fires involving metals 
3.7 
clean agent 
electrically non-conductive gaseous or vaporizing liquid fire-extinguishing medium that does not leave a 
residue upon evaporation 
3.8 
closure 
component, other than a safety device or pressure indicator, subject to internal pressure and used to close off 
and seal the body 
3.9 
complete discharge 
point in the discharge of an extinguisher when the internal pressure has equalized with the external pressure 
with the control valve being kept fully open 
3.10 
effective discharge time 
time from the commencement of discharge of the extinguishing medium at the nozzle to the gas point of the 
discharge stream with the control valve fully open 
3.11 
extinguisher 
appliance containing an extinguishing medium which may be discharged and directed onto a fire by the action 
of internal pressure 
NOTE Discharge may be achieved by 
a) stored pressure (constant pressurization of the extinguishing media container), or  
b) cartridge or cylinder operated device (pressurization at the ti me of use by the release of a pressurizing gas stored in 
a separate high-pressure cartridge or container) ISO 11601:2008(E) 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   33.12 
extinguishing medium 
substance contained in the extinguisher which causes extinction 
3.13 
fill density 
mass in kilograms of extinguishing medium per litre of container volume as fitted for use, complete with valve 
and internal fittings 
3.14 
gas point 
point where the medium discharge changes from predominately medium to predominately expellant gas 
3.15 
lowest observable adverse effect level 
l.o.a.e.l. 
the lowest concentration at which an adverse physiological or toxicological effect has been observed 
3.16 
maximum service pressure P
ms 
equilibrium pressure developed in a normally charged and pressurized extinguisher which is conditioned at 
60 °C for at least 18 h 
3.17 
propellant 
non-flammable compressed gas used to expel the extinguishing medium 
3.18 
rechargeable extinguisher extinguisher designed and intended to be recharged after use 
3.19 
service pressure P
s 
equilibrium pressure developed in a normally charged and pressurized extinguisher conditioned at 20 °C 
for at least 18 h 
3.20 
test pressure 
Pt 
for low-pressure wheeled extinguishers, Pt is the higher of 1,43 × Pms, 2,5 × Ps or 2,0 MPa 
3.21 
wheeled fire extinguisher  
appliance on wheels having a total mass more than 20 kg but not greater than 450 kg, which is designed to be 
operated and transported to the fire by one person 
4 Types of wheeled fire extinguishers 
4.1 General 
4.1.1 Wheeled fire extinguishers are described by the type of extinguishing medium which they contain. At 
present, the types of wheeled fire extinguishers are: 
⎯ water-based; 
⎯ powder; ISO 11601:2008(E) 
4  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
 ⎯ carbon dioxide; 
⎯ clean agent. 
NOTE In some countries, the manufacture and use of clean agents is regulated by the Montreal Protocol or by 
national regulations. 
4.1.2  Water-based wheeled fire extinguishers may contain plain water, or water with additives such as 
wetting agents, viscosity-increasing agents, or flame-retardant or foaming agents. 
NOTE Currently there are no ISO International Standards covering additives added to water to produce antifreeze, 
wetting or other special characteristics.  
4.1.3  Powders may be of the “BC” or “ABC” types, or may be specially prepared for Class D fires. 
4.1.4  Wheeled fire extinguishers may have two extinguisher bodies per axle. Each extinguisher body may 
contain the same or a different extinguishing medium provided they are compatible with each other. 
5 Extinguishing media, propellants and fill densities 
5.1 Extinguishing media 
5.1.1 Carbon dioxide 
Carbon dioxide used in wheeled fire extinguishers shall comply with ISO 5923. 
5.1.2 Clean agents 
Clean agents used in wheeled fire extinguishers shall comply with ISO 7201-1 (alternatively, ISO 14520-1). 
NOTE In some countries, the manufacture and use of clean agents is regulated by the Montreal Protocol or by 
national regulations. 
5.1.3 Powder 
Powder used in wheeled fire extinguishers shall comply with ISO 7202. 
IMPORTANT — Exception: powders for use on Class D fires. 
5.1.4 Foam concentrates 
Foam concentrates used in wheeled fire extinguishers shall comply with ISO 7203-1 (alternatively, 
ISO 7203-2). 
5.2 Propellants 
The propellant for stored pressure and cartridge-operated wheeled fire extinguishers shall be air, argon, 
carbon dioxide, helium, nitrogen or mixtures of these gases having a maximum dewpoint of − 60 °C. 
IMPORTANT — Exception: propellant for stored pressu re water-based wheeled fire extinguishers need 
not meet the dewpoint requirement. 
5.3 Fill density 
The fill density for carbon dioxide wheeled fire extinguishers shall not exceed 0,75 kg/l. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   5The fill density for clean agent wheeled fire extinguishers shall not exceed the values given in ISO 7201-1 
(alternatively, ISO 14520-1). 
NOTE These fill densities may be modified subject to national pressure vessel regulations.  
5.4 Filling tolerance 
The actual charge of a wheeled fire extinguisher shall be the nominal charge within the following limits: 
a) water-based extinguishers: +0, −5 % by volume; 
b) powder-based extinguishers: ± 2 % by mass; 
c) carbon dioxide and clean agent extinguishers: +0, −5 % by mass. 
5.5 Charges 
5.5.1 Nominal charge 
The following are the recommended charges for wheeled fire extinguishers: 
a) water-based extinguishers: 20 l, 45 l, 60 l and 125 l; 
b) powder-based extinguishers: 20 kg, 50 kg, 100 kg and 150 kg; 
c) carbon dioxide and clean agent extinguishers: 10 kg, 20 kg, 30 kg and 50 kg. 
NOTE Other nominal capacities are allowed. 
5.5.2 Gross weight The gross weight of a wheeled fire extinguisher shall not exceed 450 kg. 
6 Performance 
6.1 Operating temperatures 
Wheeled fire extinguishers shall be capable of operating reliably within one of the following temperature 
ranges: 
+5 °C to +60 °C 
−5 °C to +60 °C 
−10 °C to +60 °C 
−20 °C to +60 °C 
−30 °C to +60 °C 
−40 °C to +60 °C 
−55 °C to +60 °C 
NOTE The temperature range selected from the above ranges shall be marked on the extinguisher (see 9.2.5). ISO 11601:2008(E) 
6  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
 6.2 Effective discharge time and bulk range of discharge 
6.2.1 Effective discharge time 
6.2.1.1  The effective discharge time of water-based type wheeled fire extinguishers shall be not less than 
40 s or more than 210 s. 
6.2.1.2  The effective discharge time of wheeled fire extinguishers with a Class A rating, except water-
based types, shall be not less than 30 s. 
6.2.1.3  The effective discharge time of wheeled fire extinguishers other than water-based types shall be 
not less than 20 s. 
6.2.2 Bulk range 
6.2.2.1  The bulk range of wheeled fire extinguishers with a Class A rating shall be not less than 6 m 
when tested in accordance with 6.2.2.2. 
IMPORTANT — Exception: for water-based type wheel ed fire extinguishers fitted with a spray nozzle, 
the bulk range maybe reduced to 3 m. 
6.2.2.2  Condition the extinguisher for not less than 18 h at a temperature of (20 ± 3) °C and place it in its 
normal operating position with the discharge nozzle held horizontally at a height of 1 m. 
Fully discharge the extinguisher with the control valve fully open within 5 min of conditioning. 
Record the bulk range at the time corresponding to 50 % of the effective discharge time. 
NOTE If the range of effective discharge is difficult to determine visually, supplementary means, such as collection 
boxes for water, foam or powder extinguishers or condensing plates for carbon dioxide and clean agent extinguishers may 
be used. 
6.3 Resistance to temperature changes 
6.3.1 Requirements 
Wheeled fire extinguishers shall be able to operate at temperatures between the minimum marked on the 
extinguisher (see 6.1) and +60 °C. After the test described in 6.3.2, they shall satisfy the following 
requirements: 
a) the extinguisher shall operate as intended; 
b) the extinguisher shall commence discharge within 5 s of the control valve being opened; c) not more than 10 % of the initial charge of media shall remain within the extinguisher after complete 
discharge. 
6.3.2 Test procedure 
Subject four extinguishers to the temperature cycles defined in Table 1, two extinguishers to each cycle. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   7Table 1 — Temperature cycles 
Duration 
h Cycle No. 1 Cycle No. 2a 
24 ± 1 Store at minimum storagea   and use 
temperature 
(+0, −2) °C Store at (60 ± 2) °C 
24 ± 1 Store at (20 ± 5) °C Store at (20 ± 5) °C 
24 ± 1 Store at (60 ± 2) °C Store at minimum storage and use 
temperature 
(+0, −2) °C 
a The storage temperatures refer to the ambient temperature within the conditioning chamber. 
 
Operate the extinguisher with the control valve fully open within 5 min of its removal from the conditioning 
chamber. 
NOTE If it is not possible to operate the extinguisher within 5 min after its removal from the conditioning chamber, 
suitable means, such as insulation shall be used to maintain the extinguisher at the conditioning temperature until 
discharge. 
6.4 Retention of charge 
6.4.1 Checking 
6.4.1.1 Wheeled fire extinguishers and gas cartridges or cylinders shall be designed so as to permit their 
charge to be checked at regular intervals when they are installed. 
6.4.1.2  The charge of the following types of wheeled fire extinguishers shall be measured by weighing: 
a) all types of gas cartridges for wheeled fire extinguishers; 
b) carbon dioxide wheeled fire extinguishers; 
c) stored pressure wheeled fire extinguishers of various types including some clean agents in which a loss 
of 1 % of total charged extinguisher mass is accompanied by a pressure loss of not more than 10 % of the service pressure at (20 ± 2) °C. 
6.4.1.3  The charge of stored pressure wheeled fire extinguishers of types not covered by 6.4.1.2 b) and 
6.4.1.2 c) and non-liquefied gas containers fitted with a gauge shall be checked by direct measurement of 
internal pressure at (20 ± 2) °C. For this purpose, the extinguisher shall be fitted with a pressure gauge ported 
into the extinguisher body.  
NOTE If a connection is provided to which an independent pressure measuring appliance can be attached for 
checking the pressure gauge, the connection is equipped with a pressure retaining cap. 
6.5 Intermittent discharge test 
6.5.1  A wheeled fire extinguisher conditioned at (20 ± 5) °C and at (60 ± 2) °C shall operate in such a 
manner that not more than 1 s elapses from the time the control valve is operated until the extinguishing medium starts to discharge and shall cease the discharge of medium within 1 s after closing the control valve. Not more than 10 % of the initial charge remains within the extinguisher after complete discharge.  ISO 11601:2008(E) 
8  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
 6.5.2  The test shall be conducted following conditioning at each of the temperatures specified in 6.5.1 for at 
least 18 h. The extinguisher shall be operated intermittently by opening and closing the control valve in cycles of 5 s open and 5 s closed until the end of discharge.  
6.6 Resistance to corrosion 
6.6.1 External corrosion test 
Wheeled fire extinguishers shall be subjected to a salt spray test as defined in ISO 3768 for a period of 480 h 
and then shall be washed carefully to remove any salt deposits. Two samples shall be tested, either two of the same size or one sample each of two different sizes from the same family.  
The operating forces, or energy if applicable, shall comply with the method of operation specified in 8.14.  
The pressure gauge on stored pressure extinguishers shall remain watertight and functional. See 8.16.7. There shall be no corrosion of the metal of the extinguisher likely to impair its operation or safety. 
Discolouration or superficial corrosion of non-ferrous materials is acceptable but galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals is not permitted. 
Test samples employing smaller extinguisher bodies are permitted to be used for this test provided they are 
fabricated using the same material and processes and have the same protective coatings or corrosion 
protection system.  
The length of the discharge hose assembly is permitted to be reduced to 1,4 m for this test.  
6.6.2 Internal corrosion test for water and foam extinguishers 
Wheeled fire extinguishers, charged in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, shall be subjected 
eight times to the temperature cycle defined in Table 2. 
Table 2 — Temperature cycles 
Stage Duration  
h Conditioning chamber temperature  
°C 
1 (24 ± 1) a 
2 (W 24) (20 ± 5) 
3 (24 ± 1) (60 ± 5) 
4 (W 24) (20 ± 5) 
a Lowest temperature marked on extinguisher, ( ± 5) °C. See 6.1. 
Test samples employing smaller extinguisher bodies are permitted to be used for this test provided they are 
fabricated using the same material and processes and have the same protective coatings or corrosion protection system. 
A liquid bath shall not be used. 
The duration of any one complete cycle shall not exceed 120 h. 
On completion of the eight temperature cycles, the body shall be cut into two sections in a manner sufficient to 
permit internal examination. Detachment of any protective coating local to the plane of section shall be disregarded. There shall be no visible signs of corrosion of the metal or detachment, cracking, or bubbling of any protective coating. There shall be no visible change in the colour of the extinguishing media other than that resulting from the thermal cycling. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   9NOTE In order to establish reference samples for a change of colour that occurs naturally due to the temperature 
changes, two samples of the extinguishing medium shall be stored in closed glass containers and subjected to the same 
cycles as the extinguishers.  
6.7 Durability test 
6.7.1  After being subjected to the series of tests described in 6.7.2 through 6.7.4, a fully charged wheeled 
fire extinguisher shall comply with the following: 
⎯ not less than 85 % (by weight) of the rated capacity of the extinguishing medium shall be discharged as 
intended; 
⎯ the wheels, axles, and carriage assembly shall not be damaged to the extent of impairing mobility by one 
person; 
⎯ no weld shall be broken; 
⎯ the dip tube shall not become dislodged. 
6.7.2  Durability shall be evaluated by: 
⎯ being pushed or pulled for 8 km at the rate of 8 km/h to 13 km/h over a rough surface; 
NOTE A surface of crushed stone, nominal size of 18 mm or equivalent, is considered a rough surface. 
⎯ being dropped three times onto a concrete surface from a 300 mm high platform so as to land on the 
wheels;  
⎯ being pulled at a speed of 8 km/h and allowing one wheel to strike a vertical wall of concrete, steel, or 
brick; and  
⎯ being pushed over so as to land on the bumper or towing handle. 
6.7.3  Drop the nozzle of a wheeled extinguisher, as attached to the hose, three times onto a concrete 
surface from a height of 900 mm. The assembly is to be dropped in a random manner so that no effort is 
made to cause any part of the nozzle, such as the tip or handle, to initially strike the concrete surface. 
6.7.4  A wheeled fire extinguisher, when placed in its intended storage position on a flat concrete surface, 
shall be self-supporting, stable, able to return to the storage position when displaced from its vertical position 
by 10° and operable. 
6.8 Electrical conductivity of extinguisher discharge 
6.8.1 Requirement 
Water-based wheeled fire extinguishers that are marked as being suitable for use on fires involving energized 
electrical equipment shall not pass a current of more than 0,5 mA when tested as described in 6.8.2. 
6.8.2 Procedure used to test for electrical conductivity 
Hang a metal plate, of dimensions (1 m × 1 m) ± 25 mm, vertically from insulating supports. Connect the plate 
to a transformer so that an alternating voltage of (36 ± 3.6) kV is established between the plate and earth. The 
impedance of the circuit should be such that when a voltage equal to 10 % of the normal primary voltage is 
applied to the primary, and the secondary is short circuited, the current in the secondary is not less than 0,1 mA. 
Mount the extinguisher on an insulating support with the nozzle fixed 1 m from the centre of the plate, at right 
angles to it and directed towards it. Connect the extinguisher to earth. In the case of an extinguisher with a ISO 11601:2008(E) 
10  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
 hose, connect it to earth by connection at the nozzle or in the case of an extinguisher not fitted with a hose, by 
connection at the handle. 
Measure any current flowing between the extinguisher and earth when the plate is live and the extinguisher 
discharging. 
7 Fire performance tests 
7.1 Suitability for the various classes of fire 
7.1.1 Class A . The rating of wheeled fire extinguishers recommended as suitable for Class A fires shall be 
determined using the method of 7.2. The rating shall be that of the maximum fire size extinguished under the 
conditions of the test.  
7.1.2 Class B . The rating of extinguishers recommended as suitable for Class B fires shall be determined 
using the method of 7.3. The rating shall be that of the maximum fire size extinguished under the conditions of 
the test. 
7.1.3 Class C . There are no test requirements for the performance of extinguishers against Class C fires 
included in this International Standard. Suitability for use against Class C fires may be claimed for Class AB or 
B powder-based extinguishers only. 
7.1.4 Class D . Wheeled extinguishers recommended as suitable for Class D fires shall comply with 7.4. 
NOTE Extinguishers suitable for Class D fires are not usually also suitable for use on fires of other classes. 
Specialized media and applicators are typically used.  
7.2 Class A fire tests 
Wheeled fire extinguisher intended for use on Class A fires s hall be tested for a minimum Class A fire rating of 4-A 
using the Class A rating system specified in ISO 7165. 
7.3 Class B fire tests 
Wheeled fire extinguishers intended for use on Class B fires shall be tested for a Class B fire rating using the Class B rating system specified in ISO 7165.  
NOTE A method of rating wheeled extinguishers for Class B ratings greater than 144B based upon discharge 
characteristics and fire tests not exceeding 144B is under development. 
7.4 Class D fire tests 
The extinguishment of fires should be carried out using a portable extinguisher in accordance with ISO 7165. 
There are no numerical components for Class D ratings. The type of combustible metal for which the 
extinguisher is applicable and the area, depth and other characteristics of the fire which may be controlled and extinguished are to be summarized on the extinguisher nameplate and described in the manufacturer’s 
installation instructions. 
Since wheeled fire extinguishers have a greater charge, they may be classified for use on a proportionally 
larger quantity and/or surface area of Class D combustible metals without repeating the Class D fire tests. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   118 Construction requirements 
8.1 General requirements 
8.1.1  The test shall be carried out on a minimum of three extinguisher bodies. For stored pressure 
extinguishers, the pressure shall be determined immediately after conditioning each extinguisher at (60 ± 3) °C for 18 h. The highest of the pressures is designated P
ms. For cartridge or cylinder operated type 
extinguishers, after conditioning at (60 ± 3) °C for 18 h, the cartridge or cylinder shall be immediately activated, 
and the highest pressure recorded as Pms. 
8.1.2  It shall be verified that, during the temperature conditioning specified in 8.1.1, there is no leakage from 
the extinguisher, gas cartridge or cylinder. 
8.1.3  The manufacturer shall take the necessary steps to ensure that welds show continuous penetration 
with no deviation in the weld. Welds and brazed joints shall be free from defects which are prejudicial to the safe use of the cylinder or cartridge. The manufacturer shall use welders, welding operators and welding 
procedures which can be demonstrated to be suitable for the purpose.  
NOTE Users of this International Standard should consider the use of conformity assessment methods relevant to 
the needs of this International Standard. Certification by an independent third party can provide a higher level of 
confidence in the conformity of products, people and processes. 
8.1.4  Parts attached to the body of the cylinder shall be manufactured and fitted in a way that minimizes 
concentrations of stress and corrosion risks. In the case of welded and brazed parts, the metal shall be 
compatible with the cylinder material. 
8.1.5 The cylinder manufacturer shall obtain the works certificate for the cast analysis of material supplied 
and shall keep this available for inspection. 
8.1.6  Consideration shall be given to avoid the possibility of cross threading plastic components in contact 
with metallic parts. Such consideration shall include the use of coarse threads, etc. 
8.2 High-pressure cylinders 
Wheeled fire extinguishers or propellant gas cartridges and cylinders having Ps greater than 2,5 MPa shall be 
fitted with cylinders, valves and pressure gauges which are designed, tested and marked in accordance with 
national regulations.  
8.3 Low-pressure cylinders 
8.3.1 General 
The following requirements apply to wheeled fire extinguisher bodies having Ps not exceeding 2,5 MPa at 
(20 ± 3) °C. 
8.3.1.1 Burst test 
8.3.1.1.1 The cylinder is to be filled with a suitable liquid and the pressure shall be increased at a rate not 
exceeding (2,0 ± 0,2) MPa/min until bursting occurs. The minimum Pb shall be 2,7 × Pms, or 5 × Ps, whichever 
produces the highest Pt, but in no case less than 5,5 MPa.  
8.3.1.1.2  The bursting test shall not cause the cylinder to fragment. 
8.3.1.1.3  The break shall not show any sign of brittleness, that is the edges of the break shall not be radial 
but shall be slanting in respect of a diametrical plane and shall exhibit a reduction in area over their entire thickness. 
8.3.1.1.4  The break shall not show any characterized defect in the metal. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
12  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
 8.3.1.1.5  The break shall not occur in a weld at a pressure less than 5,4 × Pms or 8 MPa, whichever is 
greater. 
8.3.1.1.6  During the burst test, no parts shall be ejected from the extinguisher. 
8.3.1.2 Deformation test 
There shall be no permanent expansion in excess of 10 % of the total expansion when a previously untested 
cylinder is subjected to Pt, applied for 30 s. For cylinders which have been subjected to Pt, Pt shall be 
increased by 10 %. 
NOTE An acceptable test apparatus is the water jacket test as described in the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) 
pamphlet C-1. Other appropriate test methods are also acceptable.  
8.4 Steel cylinders 
8.4.1 Welded low-carbon steel 
8.4.1.1 The cylinder material shall be capable of being welded and shall contain a maximum of 0,25 % 
carbon, 0,05 % sulfur and 0,05 % phosphorous. 
8.4.1.2  Filler material shall be compatible with the steel to give welds with properties equivalent to those 
specified for the base sheet. 
8.4.2 Stainless steel cylinders 
8.4.2.1  Stainless steel domes and bottoms shall be drawn from fully annealed stock. 
8.4.2.2  Only austenitic stainless steel having a maximum carbon content of 0,03 % shall be used. 
8.5 Aluminium cylinders 
Aluminium cylinders shall be of a seamless construction. 
8.6 Minimum wall thickness 
Cylinders shall have a minimum measured wall thickness, t, in millimetres, greater than the minimum wall 
thickness given by Equation (1), but in no case less than 2,0 mm: 
t()
2DPtS=  (1) 
where 
D is the external diameter of the cylinder or, for non-cylindrical bodies, the greatest external diagonal of 
the extinguisher body, in millimetres; 
Pt is the cylinder test pressure, MPa; 
S is 80 % of the minimum yield strength of the material specified by the manufacturer, N/mm2. 
8.7 Caps, valves and closures 
8.7.1  Wheeled fire extinguisher cylinder caps, valves and closures shall be designed to provide release of 
pressure before complete disengagement. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   138.7.2  All threaded connections shall have at least four full threads of engagement and be required to relieve 
pressure with at least two full threads of engagement. 
8.7.3  The inside diameter of a fill opening for a wheeled extinguisher shall be not less than 50 mm for 
powder types and 19 mm for other types. 
IMPORTANT — Exception: the size of the f ill opening can be reduced to 25 mm for powder 
extinguishers having a charge not exceeding 50 kg. 
8.7.4  A wheeled extinguisher collar with external threads shall have sufficient height so that the cap or valve 
does not come into contact with the dome or bottom with the gasket removed. 
8.7.5  A cap, valve or closure shall withstand the burst test pressure of the cylinder for 1 min without rupture. 
For this test, remove or plug pressure relief devices. 
8.7.6  The edges and surfaces of a wheeled fire extinguisher shall not be sufficiently sharp to constitute a 
risk of injury to persons during intended use or while performing maintenance. 
NOTE One method of evaluating the sharpness of edges is described in ANSI/UL 1439. Other equivalent methods 
are acceptable. 
8.8 Safety and anti-overfill devices 
8.8.1 Safety devices 
8.8.1.1  High-pressure cylinders and cartridges shall be provided with a safety device in accordance with 
national regulations. 
8.8.1.2  There are no compulsory safety devices required on low-pressure cylinders. However, if such a 
device is used, it must be appropriately sized and positioned. The operating pressure of the device shall not 
exceed Pt nor be less than Pms. 
8.8.2 Anti-overfill devices 
A water-based wheeled fire extinguisher shall be provided with a device to insure that the extinguisher can not 
be overfilled. As an alternative, the extinguisher body may be marked with the words “FILL MARK” or “FULL” to indicate the maximum liquid level. 
8.9 Manufacturing tests 
8.9.1 Low-pressure cylinders 
8.9.1.1  At least one cylinder from each batch of 500 or less shall be subjected to the deformation and 
burst tests. At the option of the manufacturer, the deformation and burst test may be conducted on the same 
cylinder. If the test results are not acceptable, five additional cylinders are to be randomly selected from the same batch and repeated. If one of the cylinders does not pass the test, the batch is rejected and made unserviceable. 
As an alternative, non-destructive tests such as X-ray or ultrasonic devices are permitted to be substituted for 
the burst test if it can be demonstrated that they provide an equivalent level of assurance that the cylinders 
comply with the burst test requirements. 
8.9.1.2  Each cylinder shall be subjected to P
t, for at least 30 s, without leakage, failure or visible 
deformation. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
14  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
 8.9.2 Leakage tests 
8.9.2.1 Each stored pressure and carbon dioxide wheeled fire extinguisher and gas cartridge and cylinder 
shall be subjected to a leakage test and comply with the following requirements. 
a) For stored pressure wheeled fire extinguishers and cylinders fitted with a pressure gauge as specified in 
6.4.1.2, the rate of leakage shall not exceed a rate of loss of pressurizing content equivalent to 5 % per annum of the service pressure. 
b) For gas cartridges and cylinders, carbon dioxide and stored pressure type wheeled extinguishers 
specified in 6.4.1.1, the rate of leakage shall not exceed a rate equivalent to a 5 % loss of content per annum. 
8.9.2.2  When put under pressure with the control valve closed, wheeled fire extinguishers shall not show 
a loss of pressure greater than 10 % of the service pressure within 15 min. This requirement also applies to 
hoses fitted with a control valve which are put under pressure only when used. 
8.10 Requirements for plastic components 
8.10.1 General requirements  
8.10.1.1  Plastic components of wheeled fire extinguishers shall comply with the following requirements. 
The test and conformity checks s hall be carried out on components which correspond to the mass produced 
components in respect of the material used, the form and the method of manufacture. 
8.10.1.2 It is recommended that the plastic used shall be identifiable at all times. Any change in the 
material, the form, or the method of manufacture requires a new test. 
8.10.1.3  It is necessary to have access to data supplied by the manufacturer relating both to the material 
itself and the manufacturing procedures. 
8.10.1.4  To verify the attachment of plastic parts following the air oven aging, ultraviolet light exposure and 
impact resistance tests, the plastic part(s) is/are to be attached to an extinguisher and the assembly then 
subjected to the appropriate test(s). 
8.10.2 Requirements for normally pressurized components 
8.10.2.1 Burst strength 
8.10.2.1.1  Burst tests at three temperatures shall be conducted as described below: 
At least three components shall be burst tested using an appropriate liquid at temperatures of (20 ± 3) °C, the 
minimum temperature marked on the extinguisher ± 5 °C and at (60 ± 5) °C (see 6.1). The rate of increase in 
pressure shall be (2,0 ± 0,2) MPa/min. 
8.10.2.1.2  The bursting pressure before and after the aging and ultraviolet light exposure test shall be at 
least equal to the minimum Pb. 
8.10.2.2 Air oven aging 
8.10.2.2.1  At least three components shall be subjected at an accelerated aging in an oven at (100 ± 3) °C 
for 180 d (4 320 h). 
8.10.2.2.2  Following the exposure, the components shall then be conditioned for 5 h at (20 + 3) °C and 
subsequently inspected for cracking. No cracking shall be permitted.  
8.10.2.2.3  The components shall then be burst tested at (20 ± 3) °C using a suitable liquid at a rate of 
pressure increase of (2,0  ± 0,2) MPa/min. Pb shall be at least equal to that specified for the extinguisher. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   158.10.3 Ultraviolet light exposure  
8.10.3.1  For external components, at least six samples shall be subjected for 500 h to an artificial 
weathering test in accordance with 8.10.3.3 and then conditioned for 5 h at (20 ± 3) °C. The samples shall then 
be inspected for cracking. No cracking shall be permitted.  
8.10.3.2  The components shall then be burst tested at (20 ± 3) °C using a suitable liquid at a rate of 
pressure increase of (2,0 ± 0,2) MPa/min. Pb shall be at least equal to that specified for the extinguisher. 
8.10.3.3  The ultraviolet light is to be obtained from two stationary enclosed carbon-arc lamps. The arc of 
each lamp is to be formed between two vertical carbon electrodes, 12,7 mm in diameter, located at the centre of a revolvable vertical metal cylinder, 787 mm in diameter and 450 mm in height. Each arc is to be enclosed with a clear borosilicate glass globe. The samples are to be mounted vertically on the inside of the revolvable cylinder continuously revolved around the stationary lamps at one revolution per minute. A system of nozzles is to be provided so that each sample, in turn, is sprayed with water as the cylinder revolves. During each 
operating cycle (total of 20 min) each sample is to be exposed to the light and water spray for 3 min and to the 
light only for 17 min. The air temperature within the revolving cylinder of the apparatus during operation is to be (63 ± 5) °C.  
8.10.4 Normally non-pressurized components 
8.10.4.1 Plastic wheeled fire extinguisher components which are only subject to pressure upon 
extinguisher operation shall be subjected to the burst, air oven aging and impact resistance tests. The air oven 
exposure is either (100 ± 3) °C for 70 d (1 680 h) or (87 ± 3) °C for 180 d (4 320 h) at the manufacturer’s 
choice. 
8.10.4.2  External plastic components shall comply with the ultraviolet light test specified in 8.10.3. 
8.10.5 Exposure to extinguishing agent test  
8.10.5.1  There shall be no damage to polymeric siphon tubes, which have been conditioned in accordance 
with 8.10.5.2 when installed in test extinguishers and subjected to the mechanical resistance test described 
in 6.7. Following conditioning in accordance with 8.10.5.2 ring samples cut from polymeric siphon tubes shall 
not exhibit degradation in excess of 40 % of the original tensile or ring crushing strength values. 
8.10.5.2  Place complete siphon tubes in contact with the media with which they are to be used. Totally 
cover or immerse ring samples, 12,7 mm wide, cut from unaged siphon tubes in the media. Ensure the samples do not touch each other or the container holding the media and samples. Place the container of media, with the samples in place, in a preheated oven at (90 ± 3) °C for 210 d (5 040 h). After the test 
exposure, cool the samples in air at (23 ± 2) °C for at least 24 h before any tests or dimensional 
measurements are conducted. Subject the ring samples to a crush test between two parallel flat plates using a testing machine capable of applying a compressive load at a uniform rate of 5 mm per minute and recording the load versus the deflection. If the nature of the material is such that meaningful test results cannot be obtained, other tests, such as tensile tests, may be conducted. 
8.11 Discharge assembly 
8.11.1  Wheeled fire extinguishers shall be equipped with a hose at least 4,0 m long and a shutoff nozzle at 
the end of the hose to permit intermittent operation. 
However, the minimum length of the discharge hose may be reduced to 1,5 m for wheeled extinguishers 
having a charge of extinguishing medium not exceeding 25 kg or 25 l. 
8.11.2  The hose and coupling system shall function throughout the operating temperature range, and 
coupling systems shall be designed and fitted in such a way that they cannot damage the hose. 
8.11.3  The burst pressure of the hose assembly shall be equal to or greater than the appropriate value below. 
Pt shall be established by increasing the pressure to the minimum allowable burst pressure in a time not less ISO 11601:2008(E) 
16  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
 than 30 s, maintaining that pressure for a further 30 s during which time failure must not occur and then 
increasing the pressure until the point of failure. 
a) For all types except carbon dioxide wheeled extinguishers the burst pressure shall be equal to or greater 
than: 
⎯ three times the pressure developed in the extinguisher at 60 °C, the test being carried out at 
(20 ± 5) °C; 
⎯ twice the pressure developed in the extinguisher at 60 °C, the test being carried out at (60 ± 5) °C. 
b) For carbon dioxide extinguishers the burst pressure shall be equal to or greater than: 
⎯ 1,5 times the pressure developed in the extinguisher at 60 °C, the test being carried out at 
(20 ± 5) °C; 
⎯ 1,25 times the pressure developed in the extinguisher at 60 °C, the test being carried out at 
(60 ± 5) °C. 
8.12 Control valve 
8.12.1 Wheeled fire extinguishers shall be fitted with a controllable valve at the discharge end of the hose 
assembly to permit discontinuance of the discharge of the extinguishing medium at any given time. Furthermore, the valve must be satisfactorily resistant to leakage following cessation of the discharge. This requirement shall be verified by the following test. 
Operate the wheeled fire extinguisher for a period equal to half the time for total discharge and then close the 
valve. 
In the case of a wheeled fire extinguisher with a gas cartridge, two situations may arise: a) if the extinguisher is fitted with a pressurization device independent of the device which opens the 
controllable valve, the pressurization of the extinguisher is to take place 3 min before the controllable valve is opened; 
b) if a single action pressurizes the extinguisher and releases the first emission of gas, the extinguisher is 
initially to be pressurized. After 3 min, the controllable valve is to be opened.  
The internal pressure or, in certain cases, the weight, shall be measured within 10 s of the controllable valve 
having been closed and again after a duration of 5 min, the controllable valve having remained closed for that 
period. 
The second value of pressure or weight shall not be less than 75 % of the first measured value. The test shall 
be carried out at (20 ± 3) °C. 
8.13 Horn for carbon dioxide extinguisher 
8.13.1  The horn of a carbon dioxide wheeled fire extinguisher shall be fitted with a handle to protect the hand 
of the operator against cooling during use. 
8.13.2  The horn, after being subjected to a static load of 25 kg using a circular contact of 50 mm in diameter 
for 5 min, applied to the end of the horn, shall show no damage or deformation after 48 h. 
8.13.3  The horn connection shall be made in such a manner as to prevent loosening or detachment. 
8.13.4 If the connection is a screw thread, then it shall be secured against loosening by either mechanical 
means or a suitable adhesive. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   178.13.5 When security is provided by mechanical means such as locknuts, lock washers, spring washers, etc., 
the torque to loosen the assembly shall be equal to or greater than 20 N ⋅m. When adhesives are used the 
torque to loosen the assembly shall be equal to or greater than 10 N ⋅m. 
8.13.6  The discharge horn shall be subjected to the following test: 
a) condition the horn at a temperature of (60 ± 5) °C for 18 h; 
b) attach the horn to a fully charged extinguisher; 
c) discharge the extinguisher with the control valve fully opened; 
d) subject the horn to a static load of 25 kg using a circular contact surface of 50 mm in diameter for 5 mm 
applied to the extremity of the horn; 
e) check that the horn does not show any defect. 
8.14 Method of operation 
8.14.1  Operate the wheeled extinguisher by piercing, opening and/or breaking a sealing device, and release 
its content. It shall not be necessary for any movement of the actuating mechanism to be repeated or to invert the extinguisher to initiate discharge of the extinguisher. The force or energy necessary to operate the extinguisher shall not exceed the values specified in Table 3 for temperatures up to 60 °C. 
Table 3 — Operating force or energy 
Maximum required for operation Type of device 
Force 
N Energy 
J 
Operating lever 300 — 
Squeeze grip lever 300 — 
Strike knob — 3 
Valve wheel 120 — 
8.14.2 The force, which is to be measured using a dynamometer, shall be applied statically and 
perpendicularly at the normal location where force is applied to operate the extinguisher. 
8.14.3 The energy of 3 J is obtained with a cylindrical steel weight with flat faces measuring 75 mm in 
diameter and weighing 4 kg. It shall be placed inside of a structure which will allow it to free fall vertically from a height of 75 mm. The impact must be applied in the normal direction used to operate the extinguisher. 
8.15 Safety locking devices  
The operating mechanism of a wheeled fire extinguisher shall be provided with a safety locking device to 
prevent inadvertent operation. The release of the safety device shall involve an operation distinct from that of 
the operation mechanism and shall require a force not less than 20 N or more than 100 N. It shall be possible to visually determine whether the extinguisher may have been operated. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
18  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
 8.16 Pressure gauges for low-pressure extinguishers 
8.16.1 General 
8.16.1.1  A wheeled fire extinguisher of the stored pressure type (except carbon dioxide) employing a 
single chamber for both the extinguishing media and the expellant gas shall be equipped with a pressure gauge to show the amount of pressure in the chamber whether the valve is opened or closed. 
8.16.1.2  The operable pressure range of the gauge shall reflect the operating temperature-pressure 
relationship of the wheeled fire extinguisher (see 6.1). 
8.16.1.3  The pressure gauge face shall indicate the appropriate units for which the gauge is calibrated, 
such as kPa, or any combination of pressure units. 
8.16.1.4  The maximum indicated gauge pressure shall be between 150 % and 250 % of P
s but not less 
than 120 % of Pms. The gauge dial shall indicate, in green, the operable pressure range of the extinguisher. 
The zero, charging, and maximum indicated gauge pressures shall be shown in numerals and with marks. The background of the gauge face above a horizontal line through the lowest required markings shall be red. The arc of the dial from the zero pressure point to the lower end of the operable range shall read “Recharge”. 
The arc of the dial from the higher end of the operable range to the maximum indicated pressure shall read 
“Overcharged”. All numerals, letters, and characters in the recharge, operable and overcharge portions of the dial shall be white. Pointers shall be yellow, and the tip of the pointer shall end in the arc of the pressure indicating dots, and shall have a maximum tip radius of 0,25 mm. 
The length of the pointer from the point of rotation of the pointer to the tip, measured at the zero pressure 
point, shall be at least 9 mm. The length of the arc from zero pressure to the indicated P
s shall be at least 
12 mm. 
8.16.1.5  The mark used to indicate Ps shall be not less than 0,6 mm and not more than 1,0 mm wide. 
8.16.1.6  The pressure gauge face shall be marked to indicate the appropriate extinguishing media with 
which it can be used. 
Pressure gauge markings shall be subjected to ultraviolet li ght testing as specified in 8.10.3. There shall be no 
significant deterioration of the legibility, such as dark ening, fogging, or fading, upon completion of the testing. 
8.16.1.7  The pressure gauge shall be marked with the gauge manufacturer’s identifying mark. The 
pressure gauge shall also be marked according to the following, if applicable, using a line extending as wide 
as, and of the same stroke thickness as, the manufacturer’s identifying mark: 
a) to indicate galvanic compatibility with aluminium valve bodies: a horizontal line above the manufacturer's 
identifying mark; 
b) to indicate galvanic compatibility with brass valve bodies: a horizontal line below the manufacturer’s 
identifying mark; 
c) to indicate galvanic compatibility with aluminium and brass valve bodies: a line above and a line below 
the manufacturer’s identifying mark. 
8.16.2 Pressure gauge calibration test 
8.16.2.1  The error of a pressure gauge at the indicated Ps shall not exceed +4 % of Ps. The error at the 
upper and lower limits of the operable range shall not exceed ±4 % of Ps for powder and water-based 
extinguisher gauges and +8 % of the charging pressure for clean agent extinguisher gauges. At the zero 
pressure mark, the error shall not exceed plus 12 %, −0 % of Ps. At the maximum indicated pressure, the error 
shall not exceed ± 15 % of Ps. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   198.16.2.2  The pressure gauge is to be installed on a deadweight gauge tester or a piping apparatus with a 
master gauge having an accuracy of not less than 0,25 %. The pressurizing medium may be oil, water, nitrogen, or air, but all tests on a given type of gauge are to be conducted using the same medium. The pressure is to be applied to the gauge under test in uniform increments until the upper limit of the gauge is reached. The pressure then is to be reduced in the same increments until the zero point is reached. The pressure applied, the gauge or indicator reading, and net error are to be recorded for each increment in both 
the increasing and decreasing pressure conditions.  
8.16.3 Pressure gauge burst strength test  
8.16.3.1  A pressure gauge shall withstand, for 1 min, a pressure of 6 × P
s, but not less than 5,5 MPa, 
without rupture. In addition, if the bourdon tube or pressure-retaining assembly bursts at a pressure less than 8 × P
s, no parts of the gauge shall be thrown.  
8.16.3.2  A sample gauge is to be attached to a hydraulic pressure pump after all air has been excluded 
from the test system. The sample is to be placed in a test cage and the pressure applied at a rate of 
approximately 2,0 MPa/min until the required Pt is reached. The pressure is to be held at this point for 1 min, 
then increased until rupture occurs or 8 × Ps, whichever occurs first.  
8.16.4 Pressure gauge overpressure test 
8.16.4.1  The difference in readings of indicated Ps before and after a pressure gauge is subjected for 3 h 
to a pressure of 110 % of the indicated gauge capacity shall not exceed ±4 % of Ps. 
8.16.4.2 Sample pressure gauges are to be subjected to the required Pt or 3 h. The pressure shall then be 
released and the gauges allowed to stand at normal atmospheric pressure for 1 h. The gauges shall then be subjected to the calibration test specified in 8.16.2. 
8.16.5 Pressure gauge impulse test 
8.16.5.1 The difference in readings of indicated P
s, before and after a pressure gauge is subjected to 
1 000 cycles of pressure impulse, shall not exceed ± 4 % of Ps. 
8.16.5.2  Sample pressure gauges shall be attached to a regulated source of pressure, either air, nitrogen, 
or water. The pressure shall then be varied from 0 % to 125 % of the indicated Ps, or from 0 % to 60 % of the 
gauge capacity, whichever is higher, and then back to 0 % at a rate of six complete cycles each minute. The samples shall then be subjected to the calibration test specified in 8.16.2. 
8.16.6 Pressure gauge relief test 
8.16.6.1  A pressure gauge shall have a pressure relief that will vent in the event of a leak of a pressurized 
component. This pressure relief shall function at a pressure of 0,345 MPa or less within 18 h. The minimum flow capacity of the pressure relief shall be 1 l/h. 
8.16.6.2  This test shall be conducted on pressure gauges with the bourdon tube or other pressurized 
component cut completely through. The gauge shall be immersed under water with the gauge inlet connected 
to a regulated source of air or nitrogen. The supply pressure shall be maintained at 0,345 MPa until the pressure relief functions, or for 18 h, whichever is shorter. The flow rate shall be measured with an inverted 
water column or other equivalent means. 
8.16.7 Pressure gauge water resistance test 
A pressure gauge shall remain watertight after being immersed in 0,3 m of water for 2 h, and after being subjected 
to the external corrosion test specified in 6.6.1. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
20  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
 8.16.8 Pressure gauge leakage test  
8.16.8.1  A pressure gauge shall not leak at a rate in excess of 1 × 10−6 cm3/s when the gauge or indicator 
(including a pin-type indicator) is exposed to a pressure equivalent to Ps, of the extinguisher at (20 ± 3) °C. 
8.16.8.2  A leak detection apparatus and leak standard shall be used to verify compliance with the 
requirements specified in 8.16.8.1. The leak detection apparatus is to be capable of signalling, and the leak standard capable of generating, a leakage rate of 1 × 10
−6 cm3/s. 
8.16.8.3  Twelve sample gauges are to be individually pressurized to a pressure equivalent to Ps, of the 
extinguisher. Each sample gauge or indicator, other than a pin-type indicator, is then to be subjected to a leak test by checking all pressurized components for leakage in order to verify compliance with the requirements in 8.16.8.1. 
8.16.9 Pressure gauge plastics components  
Plastic components of pressure gauges shall meet the requirements of 8.10. 
8.17 Siphon tubes and filters for water-based extinguishers  
8.17.1  The siphon tube of water-based extinguishers shall be of materials resistant to the extinguishing 
media. 
8.17.2  The discharge of the extinguishing agent shall be through a filter which is positioned upstream of the 
smallest section of the discharge passage. Each orifice of the filter shall have an area less than that of the 
smallest cross-section of the discharge passage. The total area of the combined filter orifices shall be at least equal to five times the smallest section of the discharge passage. 
8.18 Carriage assembly 
8.18.1 Carriage 
The carriage assembly of a wheeled fire extinguisher shall be designed to carry all structural loads, i.e., the 
agent tank and hose retaining unit shall carry no structural load. The carriage shall be designed to protect the 
tank, hose retaining units and all other components from damage should the unit be toppled from the upright position in any direction. 
IMPORTANT — Exception: low-pressure extinguisher me dium tanks are permitted to carry structural 
loads. 
8.18.2 Mobility 
The carriage assembly of a wheeled fire extinguisher shall be designed so that one man can easily push or 
pull the extinguisher over level surfaces and grades up to 2 %. If intended to be stored in the upright position, the carriage shall stand in the upright position with the tyres off the ground. The force, applied at the handle, required to tilt the extinguisher from the vertical storage position to the towing position shall not exceed 400 N. The force, applied at the handle, required to lift the extinguisher from the reclined storage position, shall not exceed 400 N. The force required to support the handle when it is (80 ± 5) cm from the ground shall not 
exceed 150 N. 
8.18.3 Hose retaining unit 
A receptacle or holding device shall be furnished to securely retain the hose assembly and nozzle. The design 
shall facilitate rapid deployment at the scene of an emergency with the fewest number of operations. The hose shall be stored in such a manner that it will release easily, without kinking, when it is pulled from the stored position when the extinguisher is in the upright or reclined position. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   218.19 Gasket and O-rings 
8.19.1 Tensile strength, elongation, maximum set and hardness 
Any elastomer (rubber facing, O-ring or “vulcanized in place” seat) used to provide a seating surface shall 
have the following properties when tested in accordance with ISO 37: 
a) as received: 
⎯ minimum tensile strength − 3,4 MPa for silicone rubber (having polyorgano-siloxane as its 
characteristic constituent); 6,9 MPa for fluorocarbons; and 8,3 MPa for other elastomers; minimum 
ultimate elongation −100 % for silicone rubber and 150 % for other elastomers; 
⎯ maximum set of 5,0 mm when 25 mm marks are stretched to 50 mm for silicone rubber and 62,5 mm 
for other elastomers, held for 2 min, and measured 2 min after release. 
b) after 96 h in oxygen at 70 °C and at 2,1 MPa: 
⎯ minimum percent of original tensile strength −70 %; 
⎯ minimum percent of original elongation −70 %. 
The size and shape of a rubber part will determine which of the tests specified can be conducted. In general, a 
part larger than 25 mm diameter shall be subjected to all tests. For a circular cross section O-ring smaller than 25 mm, but larger than 12,5 mm, the elongation test shall be omitted. For a circular cross section O-ring 
smaller than 12,5 mm, the elongation and tensile strength tests shall be omitted. For an O-ring less than 
25 mm in diameter with a generally square-shaped cross section, the tensile strength and elongation tests shall be omitted. If the size of the part precludes accurate testing, larger samples of similar parts made of the same compound shall be subjected to those tests omitted on the parts. 
8.19.2 Compression set 
A sample of a rubber or rubber-like part shall have a compression set not greater than 25 % of its original 
thickness after being compressed by one third of its original thickness. 
The compression set test is to be conducted on button samples compressed to two thirds of their original 
thickness for 24 h at the minimum storage and use temperature; at (20 ± 3) °C and at (60 ± 3) °C. 
9 Colour and marking 
9.1 Colour 
The recommended colour of wheeled fire extinguisher bodies is red. 
9.2 Marking 
9.2.1  The operating, recharging, and inspection and maintenance instructions for wheeled fire extinguishers 
shall be in the form of an etched or embossed metal nameplate, band, or a pressure-sensitive nameplate 
attached to the side of the extinguisher body. The marking shall identify the extinguisher as to the type of media, the manufacturer's name and model number and shall include the Rating and Classification of the fire extinguisher. 
9.2.2  Each extinguisher shall have a serial number. 
9.2.3  The year of manufacture, or the last two digits of the calendar year, and the factory test pressure shall 
be permanently marked on the extinguisher body or a non-transferable nameplate. Extinguishers 
manufactured in the last 3 months of a calendar year may be marked with the following year as the date of ISO 11601:2008(E) 
22  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
 manufacture, and extinguishers manufactured in the first 3 months of a calendar year may be marked with the 
previous year as the date of manufacture.  
9.2.4  If a manufacturer produces wheeled fire extinguishers at more than one factory, each extinguisher 
shall have a distinctive marking to identify it as the product of a particular factory. 
9.2.5  The marking shall include a reference to the range of temperatures at which the extinguisher is usable 
such as 
“Acceptable for use at temperatures from... to... ” or the equivalent. See 6.1. 
9.2.6  The statement 
“Recharge immediately after any use.” 
or the equivalent shall be included as part of the marking. 
9.2.7  Each gas cartridge or cylinder shall be permanently marked with its empty weight, full weight and 
weight below which it must be replaced or recharged, manufacturer’s name or symbol and type of propellant. 
IMPORTANT — Exception: non-liquefied compressed  gas cartridges or cylinders may utilize a 
pressure gauge and be marked with the minimum pressure below which it must be replaced or recharged, manufacturer’s name or symbol and type of propellant. 
9.2.8  The above-mentioned information may be placed on the cartridge in the form of a decalcomania 
transfer if the cartridge is mounted on the outside of the extinguisher medium chamber. If the cartridge is mounted inside the extinguisher body, this information shall be stencilled or stamped on the cartridge. 
9.2.9  The marking on each wheeled fire extinguisher shall include its gross weight or minimum and 
maximum gross weight, which may be expressed by a tolerance. The gross weight shall include the weight of 
the charged extinguisher and discharge assembly. 
9.3 Operating instructions 
9.3.1  For the purpose of applying the requirements of this section, the “operating instructions” are defined 
as those necessary to accomplish intended discharge of the extinguishing medium.  
9.3.2  The operating instructions shall face outward and cover not more than a 120° arc on the extinguisher 
body. The marking required by 9.2.3 and 9.4.1 shall together occupy a minimum area of 100 cm2. 
9.3.3  The operating instructions shall be arranged as follows.  
a) The word “INSTRUCTIONS” shall be at the top of the nameplate. The minimum letter height shall be 
6,0 mm. The words “EXTINGUISHER” or “FIRE EXTINGUISHER” may be added to the word “INSTRUCTIONS”. 
b) The operating instructions shall be in the form of numerically sequenced pictographs. A single pictograph 
may include two instructions. 
c) A sequence of pictographs shall illustrate, with pictures, the recommended actions necessary for intended 
operation of the extinguisher. Words may be added as an option. The sequence shall be as follows: 
⎯ preparing the extinguisher by disengaging the safety locking device and removing the hose; 
⎯ aiming the extinguisher at the base of the fire, including the recommended distance from the fire at 
which to begin discharge; 
⎯ taking whatever action necessary to initiate operation of the extinguisher; 
⎯ describing the intended method of applying the extinguishing medium on the fire. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   23IMPORTANT — Exception: a wheeled fire extinguisher rated for Class D fires only need not have 
pictographic operating instructions. 
9.3.4  The height of the words when used in the pictographs shall be at least 5,0 mm. 
9.4 Warning markings 
9.4.1 Clean agent wheeled fire extinguishers shall contain the following warning or equivalent as part of the 
operating instructions: 
“WARNING — The concentrated agent when applied to the fire can produce toxic by-products. 
Avoid inhalation of these materials by evacuating and ventilating the area. Do not use in confined 
spaces of less than XXX cubic metres per extinguisher.” 
NOTE XXX is the volume in cubic metres corresponding to the clean agent’s l.o.a.e.l. value at 60 °C times the 
nominal charge of the extinguisher. 
9.5 Use-code symbols 
9.5.1  Use-code symbols shall be positioned directly below the operating instructions. A written description 
for each code symbol may be included as part of the code in letters having a minimum height of 1,0 mm. See 
Figure 1. 
9.5.2  The use-code symbols shall have dimensions that are not less than 16 × 16 mm, excluding the 
borders. 
9.5.3  Except for wheeled extinguishers classified for use on Class D hazards, code symbols shall be placed 
on the extinguisher for those types of fires for which the extinguisher is classified. Classes of fire for which the 
extinguisher is not intended for use because of potential of injury to the operator shall be identified by a red 
diagonal slash from the top left corner to the bottom right corner of the use-code symbol. 
9.5.4  The manufacturer’s name or trade name may be placed below the use-code symbols, but shall not 
contain any other information that would distract attention from the operating instructions, such as an address 
or telephone number. 
9.6 Recharging instructions 
The recharging instructions on a wheeled fire extinguisher shall state the intended weight and extinguishing medium that shall be used in recharging, the intended expellant gas pressure or the use of a correct and fully 
charged gas cartridge or cylinder. Reference shall be made to the manufacturer’s servicing instructions for the 
intended equipment and technique to be used in recharging the extinguisher. Only the manufacturer’s replacement parts shall be used for the recharging of the extinguisher. In lieu of detailed recharge instructions, the user may be instructed to return the extinguisher to the dealer or manufacturer for recharging, using the following words or the equivalent: 
“Return to an authorized recharger for recharging in accordance with Service Manual No. _______.” ISO 11601:2008(E) 
24  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
  
1  
2 
 
3  
4 
 
5 
 
6 
Key 
1 Class A: ordinary solid material fires 
2 Class B: flammable liquid fires 
3 Class C: gas and vapour fires 4 Class D: combustible metal fires 5 fire involving energized electrical conductors 6 Class F: cooking oil fires 
Figure 1 
9.7 Inspection instructions  
The inspection instructions shall state that the wheeled fire extinguisher is to be periodically checked by a 
trained person to ensure that: 
a) seals and tamper indicator are not broken or missing; 
b) it is full (by weighing or lifting); c) it is not obviously damaged, corroded, leaking or has a clogged nozzle; d) its pressure gauge or indicator is in the operable range or position.  
10 Manuals 
10.1 User manual 
A user manual shall be provided with each wheeled fire extinguisher. This manual shall contain the necessary 
instructions, warnings and cautions for the intended installation, operation and inspection of the extinguisher. The manual shall also reference the manufacturer’s service manual for maintenance and recharging of the 
extinguisher.  ISO 11601:2008(E) 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved   2510.2 Service manual 
The manufacturer shall prepare a service manual for each model extinguisher. It shall be made available upon 
request and shall: 
a) contain necessary instructions, warnings, and cautions, a description of servicing equipment, and a 
description of recommended procedures for intended servicing; 
b) provide a list of part numbers of all replaceable parts; c) indicate that the pressure gauge attached to the extinguisher shall not be used to determine when the 
intended charging pressure has been reached, and a pressure regulator shall be used if the pressure 
source is a tank of high-pressure gas. ISO 11601:2008(E) 
26  © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved
 Bibliography 
[1] ISO 3941, Classification of fires  
[2] ISO 7201-2, Fire extinguishing media — Halogenated hydrocarbons — Part 2: Code of practice for 
safe handling and transfer procedure of halon 1211 and halon 1301  
[3] ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres — Salt spray tests  
[4] ANSI/UL 1439, Determination of sharpness of edges on equipment  
[5] Compressed Gas Association, Inc. Methods for hydrostatic testing of compressed gas cylinders . 
Pamphlet C-1 ISO 11601:2008(E) 
ICS  13.220.10 
Price based on 26 pages 
© ISO 2008 – All rights reserved