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Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining to Fire Extinguishers(Ordinance of the Ministry of Home Affairs No. 27 of September 17, 1964)
Latest update: Ordinance of the Ministry of Home Affairs No. 26 of March 27, 2013
In accordance with the provision of Article 21-2(2) of the Fire Service Act (Act No. 186 of 1948),
the Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining to Fire Extinguishers shall consist of thefollowing parts.
Chapter 1 General Provisions (Articles 1 and 1-2)
Chapter 2 Fire Extinguishers other than Residential Fire Extinguishers (Articles 2 to 38)
Chapter 3 Residential Fire Extinguishers (Articles 39 to 45)
Chapter 4 Replaceable Fire Extinguishers (Articles 46 to 52)
Chapter 5 Miscellaneous Provisions (Article 53)
Supplementary Provisions
Chapter 1 General Provisions
PurportArticle 1

This Ordinance covers the technical specifications applicable to fire extinguishers.

Definitions
Article 1-2

In this Ordinance, the meanings of the terms listed in the following items shall be asprescribed respectively in those items.
(i) Fire extinguisher: The equipment that discharges water or any other fire extinguishing agent(hereinafter referred to as “fire extinguishing agent”) under pressure to extinguish a fire and will be
operated by a person. (Fire extinguishers shall include those appliances that may be operated by aperson after the connection of the storage container (refers to the container that has nozzle, hose, andsafety relief device, and other components and houses the extinguisher cylinder containing fire
extinguishing agent, as well as cap, valve, pressure gauge installed to the cylinder, and the like; thesame shall apply hereinafter); but shall exclude the appliances used in stationary state or the aerosol
type convenient fire extinguishers specified by the Commissioner of the Fire and Disaster
Management Agency.)

(ii) Residential fire extinguisher: The fire extinguisher that has the structure and performance
designed only for residential applications.
(iii) Replaceable fire extinguisher: The fire extinguisher that may be replaced with new one
composed of extinguisher cylinder, cap, valve, pressure gauge, and other components as one unit
and, when connected to the storage container, will extinguish a fire under the operation by a person.
(iv) Water fire extinguisher: The fire extinguisher that discharges the water (including the water towhich the infiltration agent or the like prescribed in Article 8 of the Ordinance for Technical
Specifications pertaining to Fire Extinguishing Agents for Fire Extinguishers (Ordinance of the
Ministry of Home Affairs No. 28 of 1964; hereinafter referred to as “Fire Extinguishing Agents
Technical Specifications Ordinance”) (hereinafter referred to as “infiltration agent, etc.”) is mixed or
added) under pressure to extinguish a fire.
(v) Acid-alkali fire extinguisher: The fire extinguisher that discharges the acid-alkali fire
extinguishing agent prescribed in Article 2 of the Fire Extinguishing Agents Technical
Specifications Ordinance (including the fire extinguishing agent to which the infiltration agent, etc.
is mixed or added) under pressure to extinguish a fire.
(vi) Loaded stream fire extinguisher: The fire extinguisher that discharges the loaded stream fire
extinguisher agent

prescribed in Article 3 of the Fire Extinguishing Agents Technical

Specifications Ordinance (including the fire extinguishing agent to which the infiltration agent, etc.
is mixed or added) under pressure to extinguish a fire.
(vii) Foam fire extinguisher: The fire extinguisher that discharges the foam concentrate prescribed in
Article 4 of the Fire Extinguishing Agents Technical Specifications Ordinance (including the fire
extinguishing agent to which the infiltration agent, etc. is mixed or added) under pressure to
extinguish a fire.
(viii) Halogenated fire extinguisher: The fire extinguisher that discharges the halogenated fire
extinguishing agent prescribed in Article 6 of the Fire Extinguishing Agents Technical
Specifications Ordinance under pressure to extinguish a fire.
(ix) Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher: The fire extinguisher that discharges the liquefied carbon
dioxide under pressure to extinguish a fire.
(x) Powder fire extinguisher: The fire extinguisher that discharges the dry chemical agent prescribedin Article 7 of the Fire Extinguishing Agents Technical Specifications Ordinance (including the fire
extinguishing agent to which the infiltration agent, etc. is mixed or added) under pressure to
extinguish a fire.
(xi) Gas cartridge operated fire extinguisher: The fire extinguisher that discharges the fire
extinguishing agent by utilizing the operation of the expellant gas cylinder, the action of thechemical reaction, or the operation of the hand pump.
(xii) Stored-pressure extinguisher: The fire extinguisher that discharges the fire extinguishing agent

with the help of the pressure of the gas compressed in the extinguisher cylinder, such as air or
nitrogen, (hereinafter referred to as “compressed gas”) or the pressure of the fire extinguishing agent
changed in the fire extinguisher.
(xiii) Class A fire: The fire other than the Class B fire specified in the next item.
(xiv) Class B fire: The fire caused by the class 4 dangerous objects listed in the appended table of theFire Service Act (Act No. 186 of 1948) and the combustible solids and liquids listed in Appended
Table 4 of the Cabinet Ordinance concerning Control of Dangerous Objects (Cabinet Order No. 306
of 1959).
Chapter 2 Fire Extinguishers other than Residential Fire Extinguishers
RatingArticle 2Fire extinguishers (refer to the fire extinguishers other than residential fire extinguishers(except for replaceable fire extinguishers); hereinafter the same shall apply in this Chapter) shallhave the rating of not less than 1 when it is measured in accordance with the provisions in Article 3
or 4. However, this rating shall be 10 or more in case of wheeled extinguisher designed for the ClassA fire and 20 or more in case of those designed for the Class B fire.
Measurement of rating
Article 3 The rating of the fire extinguisher against the Class A fire shall be measured in the first
fire test.
(2) The first fire test prescribed in the preceding paragraph shall be implemented as specified in
Items (i) to (vi) below, and the judgment on test results shall be provided as specified in Item (vii)
below.
(i) The following type 1 or type 2 model shall be used. However, two or more type 2 models shallnot be used in the test.
(ii) The models shall be arranged as illustrated below depending on the following items.
(a) When using S pieces of type 1 models (“S” takes any value; hereinafter the same shall apply inthis Article)(b) When using S pieces of type 1 models and one type 2 model(iii) In combustion pans, pour 3.0 L of automotive gasoline, which conforms to JIS (refers to theJapanese Industrial Standards prescribed in Article 17(1) of the Industrial Standardization Law (ActNo. 185 of 1949); the same shall apply hereinafter) K 2202 for the type 1 model and 1.5 L for thetype 2 model. Ignite the gasoline in pans one after another. In case of Item (ii)(b), start igniting thetype 1 model pans.
(iv) Commence the fire extinguishing 3 min after the ignition of first model. Execute the fire

extinguishing in the order of ignition. If the afterflame is observed on the extinguished model, do notcommence the fire extinguishing for the next model.
(v) The operator of the fire extinguisher shall not wear fire preventive clothing.
(vi) The test shall be implemented in no-wind condition (refers to the condition where the windvelocity is 0.5 m/s or less; the same shall apply hereinafter).
(vii) When the afterflame is not observed after the complete discharge of the fire extinguishing agent
and the models are not reignited within 2 min from the completion of discharge, such a judgment
shall be provided that the fire of those models is completely extinguished.
(3) The rating of the fire extinguisher against the Class A fire after the first fire test implemented inaccordance with the provisions in the preceding paragraph shall be determined as follows: S
multiplied by 2 for the fire extinguisher that has completely extinguished S pieces of burning type 1
models; and S multiplied by 2 plus 1 for the fire extinguisher that has completely extinguished S
pieces of burning type 1 models and one type 2 model.
Article 4

The rating of the fire extinguisher against the Class B fire shall be measured in thesecond and third fire tests.
(2) The second fire test prescribed in the preceding paragraph shall be implemented as specified in
Items (i) to (iv) below and the judgment on test results shall be provided as specified in Item (v)below.
(i) Models shall have geometries specified in (a) below. Models whose number is 1 or larger among
those listed in (b) below shall be used. For each model to be tested, the quantity shall be 1(a) Geometry of model
Figure (Omitted)(b) Variation of model
Model number

Burned surface area, m2

L, cm

0.5

0.1

31.6

1

0.2

44.7

2

0.4

63.3

3

0.6

77.5

4

0.8

89.4

5

1.0

100.0

6

1.2

109.5

7

1.4

118.3

8

1.6

126.5

9

1.8

134.1

10

2.0

141.3

12

2.4

155.0

14

2.8

167.4

16

3.2

178.9

18

3.6

189.7

20

4.0

200.0

(ii) Commence the fire extinguishing 1 min after the ignition of the model.
(iii) The operator of the fire extinguisher shall not wear fire preventive clothing.
(iv) The test shall be implemented in no-wind condition.
(v) When the models are not reignited within 1 min from the complete discharge of the fire
extinguishing agent, such a judgment shall be provided that the fire of those models is completely
extinguished.
(3) The third fire test prescribed in Paragraph (1) shall be implemented as specified in Items (i) to(vi) below and the judgment on test results shall be provided as specified in Item (vii) below.
(i) The models specified in Items (i)(a) and (i)(b) of the preceding paragraph shall be used. Thesemodels shall be of such models that their model numbers are equal to or smaller than 1/2 of thenumbers of the models whose fire was completely extinguished by the fire extinguisher used in thesecond fire test. Moreover, the number of models to be tested shall range from 2 to 5.
(ii) Arrange the models in the descending order of the model number, starting from the model withthe largest number, in a line on a plane. The interval between the adjacent two models shall be notless than the length of the edge of the model with larger number.
(iii) Ignite the models starting from the model with the larger number one after another without any
pause.
(iv) Commence the fire extinguishing 1 min after the ignition of first model. Execute the fire
extinguishing in the order of ignition.
(v) The operator of the fire extinguisher shall not wear fire preventive clothing.
(vi) The test shall be implemented in no-wind condition.
(vii) When the models are not reignited within 1 min from the complete discharge of the fire
extinguishing agent, such a judgment shall be provided that the fire of those models is completely
extinguished.
(4) For the fire extinguisher against the Class B fire after the second and third fire tests implemented
in accordance with the provisions in Paragraphs (2) and (3), the rating shall be determined as anarithmetic average of the sum of the model numbers with successful extinguishing in the second fire
test and those in the third fire test. In this case, if the subject arithmetic average has a fraction ofdecimal number, the fraction shall be discarded.

Operation mechanism
Article 5Fire extinguishers shall be capable of commencing the discharge easily and certainly in asingle action (not more than two actions for chemical foam fire extinguishers (those foam fire
extinguishers in which foams are generated by the chemical reaction of the fire extinguishing agent;
the same shall apply hereinafter), stationary fire extinguishers (those fire extinguishers that are
stationarily installed on the floor and allow the operator to grasp the nozzle and deploy the hose
(except for the wheeled devices); the same shall apply hereinafter), and back-carrying fire
extinguishers (those fire extinguishers the operator carries on his/her back by using back straps or
the like; the same shall apply hereinafter); or not more than three actions for wheeled extinguishers(those fire extinguishers equipped with wheels for transportation); the same shall apply hereinafter).
In this case, those actions necessary to remove the fire extinguisher from its holder, carry theextinguisher on operator’s back, remove the safety relief device, and deploy the hose shall be
excluded.
(2) Fire extinguishers shall be capable of commencing the discharge by using any of the operating
methods identified by a circle in the following table in accordance with the device classification
specified in that table. However, this shall not apply to stationary, back-carrying, and wheeled
extinguishers.
Classification of fire extinguisher

Operating method
Grasp
lever

the

Strike the

Place

the

push piecefirecover andand down

extinguishplace

the handle

er

fire

upside

down

Open

the

the

Move

extinguisherupsidedown
Water fire extinguisher

Extinguisher○

operated withhand pump
OthersAcid-alkali fire extinguisher○○

Loaded stream fire

Extinguisher

extinguisher

whose rating forClass A or B
fire exceeds 1

○

○

up

Others
Foam fire extinguisher

○

○

○

Halogenated fire

Extinguisher

extinguisher (except for

whose rating forcarbon tetrachloride fire

Class B fire

extinguisher; the same

exceeds 1

shall apply hereinafter),

Extinguisher

carbon dioxide fire

whose rating for

extinguisher

Class B fire is 1

Powder fire extinguisher

Extinguisher

○

○

○

○

whose mass offire
extinguishing
agent exceed 1
kg
Others○○(3) For controls of the fire extinguisher, such as safety relief device, handle, lever, and pushbutton,
their operating methods shall be indicated at easily observable place in such a manner that the
subject information may not be readily erased.
Corrosion resistance and rust prevention
Article 6

Fire extinguishers shall be made of high-quality materials. The portions that contact thefire extinguishing agent charged shall be made of the material unsusceptible to the agent (hereinafterreferred to as “corrosion-resistant material”). Otherwise, corrosion-resistant treatment shall bearranged to the subject portions. The portions exposed to the external atmosphere shall be made ofrust-preventive material. Otherwise, rust-preventive treatment shall be arranged to the subject
portions.
(2) When fire extinguishers are subjected to the corrosion test, where the portions that contact thefire extinguishing agent charged is immersed in 3-% sodium chloride aqueous solution for 14 days,
and the corrosion tests prescribed in the following table in accordance with the device classification
specified in that table, the subject agent-contacting portions shall be free from rust and any othertroubles. However, the corrosion test may be omitted for the fire extinguishers whose
agent-contacting portions are made of corrosion-resistant material.
Classification of fire extinguisher

Corrosion test

Fire

extinguisher

containing

alkaline

fire

extinguishing agent
Fireextinguisher

Immerse the target portions in 3-% sodium hydroxide aqueous
solution for 14 days.

containing

alkaline

fire

Immerse the target portions in 3-% sulfuric acid for 14 days.

extinguishing agent(3) Fire extinguishers where the corrosion-resistant coating has been executed for the portions that
contact the fire extinguishing agent charged shall meet the performance requirements prescribed in
the following table when test pieces identical to the coated portions are subjected to the tests
specified in that table.
Classification

Performanceof testBending test

When a flat test piece is bent over a 10-mm diameter bar through 180° in a second with the coatedsurface facing outward, the coating shall not be cracked or flaked on the bent test piece expect for
the area within 10 mm of each edge of the material.

Impact test

When a flat test piece is fixed to a steel bench with the coated surface facing upward, a 25-mm
diameter steel ball is mounted to the end of the 300-g weight, the ball and weight assembly ispositioned at a level 50 cm above the coated surface with the steel ball facing downward, and theassembly is dropped onto the coated surface, the coating shall not be cracked or flaked. The materialof the steel ball used in this test shall conform to JIS B 1501.

Corrosion

When the corrosion test prescribed in the preceding paragraph is implemented, the coating shall be

test

free from flaking, swelling, rusting, dissolution, discoloration, or extreme change in luster expect for
the area within 10 mm of each edge of the test piece.

Fire extinguishing agents
Article 7

Fire extinguishing agents charged in fire extinguishers (except for water and carbon

dioxide fire extinguishers) shall meet the requirements prescribed in Articles 1-2 to 8 of the Fire
Extinguishing Agents Technical Specifications Ordinance.
(2) The water charged in water fire extinguishers shall be of purified substance that does not havecorrosiveness or toxicity and does not generate corrosive or toxic gasses.
(3) The fire extinguishing agents charged in carbon dioxide fire extinguishers shall be of class 2 or 3liquefied carbon dioxide conforming to JIS K 1106.
Automotive fire extinguishers
Article 8Fire extinguishers installed in motor vehicles (hereinafter referred to as “automotive fire

extinguishers”) shall be of loaded stream fire extinguishers (limited to those that spray the loadedstream agent), mechanical foam fire extinguishers (refer to other foam fire extinguishers thanchemical foam fire extinguishers; the same shall apply hereinafter), halogenated fire extinguishers,
carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, or powder fire extinguishers.
Fire extinguishing agents for wheeled extinguishers
Article 9

The volume/mass of the fire extinguishing agent charge in wheeled extinguishers shall be

80 L or more for water and chemical foam fire extinguishers, 20 L or more for mechanical foam fire
extinguishers, 60 L or more for loaded stream fire extinguishers, 30 kg or more for halogenated fire
extinguishers, 50 kg or more for carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, and 20 kg or more for powder fire
extinguishers.
Discharge performance
Article 10

Fire extinguishers shall meet the following items when the fire extinguishing agent isdischarged by using the normal operating method.
(i) As soon as the pre-discharge sequence is completed, the agent shall be discharged effectively.
(ii) The discharge time shall be not less than 10 s at 20°C.
(iii) The fire extinguisher shall offer effective discharge distance necessary to extinguish a fire.
(iv) The fire extinguisher shall be capable of discharging not less than 90% of the charged agent
volume or mass (not less than 85% for chemical foam fire extinguishing agent).
Service temperature range
Article 10-2

When fire extinguishers are operated in either of the following temperature ranges

determined by the device classification (for the fire extinguishers that may be still operated without
trouble and discharge the fire extinguishing agent effectively even when the temperature range is
extended by every 10°C, such extended temperature ranges are applied; hereinafter referred to as“service temperature range”), the operator shall be able to normally operating the subject fire
extinguishers and effectively discharging the fire extinguishing agent.
(i) Chemical foam fire extinguisher: 5°C to 40°C(ii) Other fire extinguishers: 0°C to 40°C
Wall thickness of extinguisher cylinder
Article 11 The extinguisher cylinders of the fire extinguishers prescribed in the following tableshall be of rugged devices with wall thickness equal to or larger than the values specified in thattable.
Classification of fire extinguisherWallthickness,mm
Extinguisher cylinder of gas cartridge

Material conforming to JIS G 3131

Insideoperated fire extinguisher (except for wateror any of other materials having

diameter: 120

fire extinguisher operated with hand pump) or

equivalent or higher corrosion

mm or more

stored-pressure extinguisher

resistance

Inside1.2

1.0

diameter: Less
than 120 mm
Material conforming to JIS H 3100

Insideor G 4304 or any of other materials

diameter: 100

having equivalent or higher

mm or morecorrosion resistance

Inside1.0

0.8

diameter: Less
than 100 mm
Extinguisher cylinder of water fire

0.6

extinguisher operated with hand pumpPressure bearing performance of extinguisher cylinder
Article 12 The pressure bearing performance of the extinguisher cylinder (pump for the water fire
extinguisher operated with hand pump; hereinafter the same shall apply in this Article) shall meetthe following items.
(i) When hydraulic pressures prescribed in the following table are applied to respective extinguisher
cylinders for 5 min in accordance with the classification specified in that table, the cylinders shallnot generate water leak and permanent strain harmful to its mechanical strength (or the permanentstrain equal to or larger than 0.5% of the circumference for the cylindrical area).
Classification of extinguisher cylinder

Pressure

Extinguisher

Extinguisher cylinder with shut-off

Extinguisher cylinder made ofExtinguisher

cylindernozzle (including the mechanism

corrosion-sensitive material

cylindergasthrough which the fire extinguishing(refers to other material than

without

cartridge

agent is delivered to the nozzle is ofcorrosion-resistant material; thesafety valve

operated fireshut-off type; the same shall apply

same shall apply hereinafter)

Extinguisher

extinguisher

hereinafter)ofP × 2.0

P × 1.6cylinderwith safety
valveExtinguisher cylinder made ofExtinguisher

P × 1.6

corrosion-resistant material

cylinderwithout
safety valve
Extinguisher

P × 1.3cylinderwith safety
valveExtinguisher cylinder with other

Extinguisher cylinder made ofExtinguisher

nozzle than shut-off nozzle

corrosion-sensitive material

cylinderP × 1.5

without
safety valve
Extinguisher

P × 1.2cylinderwith safety
valveExtinguisher cylinder made ofExtinguisher

corrosion-resistant material

cylinderP × 1.2

without
safety valve
Extinguisher

P × 1.0cylinderwith safety
valveExtinguisher cylinder of stored-pressure extinguisher

Extinguisher cylinder made ofExtinguisher

corrosion-sensitive material

cylinderQ × 2.0

without
safety valve
Extinguisher

Q × 1.6cylinderwith safety
valveExtinguisher cylinder made ofExtinguisher

corrosion-resistant material

cylinderQ × 1.6

without
safety valve
Extinguisher

Q × 1.3

cylinder
with safetyvalve(ii) Extinguisher cylinders without safety valve shall meet the requirements in the preceding item. In
addition, when hydraulic pressures prescribed in the following table are applied to these extinguisher
cylinders for 5 min in accordance with the classification specified in that table, the cylinders shallnot generate cracking or rupture.
Classification of extinguisher

PressurecylinderExtinguisher cylinder of gas

Extinguisher cylinder with

Extinguisher cylinder made ofcartridge operated fireshut-off nozzle

corrosion-sensitive material

extinguisher

Extinguisher cylinder made of

P × 2.7

P × 2.1

corrosion-resistant material
Extinguisher cylinder with

Extinguisher cylinder made ofother nozzle than shut-off

corrosion-sensitive material

nozzleExtinguisher cylinder made of

P × 2.0

P × 1.6

corrosion-resistant material
Extinguisher cylinder ofExtinguisher cylinder made ofstored-pressure extinguisher

corrosion-sensitive material
Extinguisher cylinder made ofQ × 3.0

Q × 2.4

corrosion-resistant material(2) In tables shown in the items of the preceding paragraph, P and Q represent the followingpressures (unit is megapascal).
(i) P(a) Extinguisher cylinders of gas cartridge operated fire extinguishers and fire extinguishers withpressure regulator: Maximum regulated pressure(b) Other extinguisher cylinders than those specified in (a): Maximum choke pressure under theassumption that the temperature inside the extinguisher cylinder is 40°C (maximum temperature forthe fire extinguishers whose service temperature range exceeds 40°C). In this case, for the water fire
extinguisher operated with hand pump, the maximum choke pressure shall be measured by applying
the force of 700 N to the extinguisher.
(ii) Q: For extinguisher cylinders of stored-pressure extinguishers, this quantity shall be the upper
limit of the green-marked service pressure zone on the pressure gauge prescribed in Article 28 underthe assumption that the temperature inside the cylinder is 40°C (maximum temperature for the fire
extinguishers whose service temperature range exceeds 40°C).
Air-tightness of stored-pressure extinguishers
Article 12-2

When the stored-pressure extinguisher is tested with fire extinguishing agent charged,

the compressed gas and agent shall not leak. The test sequence is as follows: leave the fire
extinguisher at the upper limit of the service temperature range for 24 h and leave it at the lower
limit of the range for 24 h; repeat this cycle 3 times; and leave it in the air of 20°C for 24 h.
Caps, plugs, mouthpieces, and packings
Article 13 Caps, plugs, mouthpieces, and packings of fire extinguishers shall meet the following
items.
(i) A packing shall be engaged to the cap or plug and mouthpiece so that these components will notcome off during the operation of the fire extinguisher.
(ii) When the cap or plug is tested as prescribed in Article 12(1)(i), the component shall not generateleak and extreme deformation.
(iii) The connection of the cap or plug with the packing installed shall provide certain engagement.
Also, the cap or plug shall engage with their mouthpieces in such a manner that the connection of thecomponent sufficiently bears the pressures prescribed in the table of Article 12(1)(i) in accordancewith the extinguisher cylinder classification specified in that table.
(iv) The cap, plug, or mouthpiece shall be equipped with effective pressure reduction hole or groove
capable of completely decreasing the pressure in the extinguisher cylinder while the cap or plug is
being removed in order to, for example, charge the fire extinguishing agent. In this case, the cap orplug shall be capable of bearing the pressure in the extinguisher cylinder until the pressure reduction
process is completed.
(v) The packing shall endure the attack of the fire extinguishing agent charged and, when the fire
extinguisher is used within the service temperature range, shall not affect the functions of the subject
extinguisher.
Valves
Article 14 Valves of fire extinguishers shall meet the following items.
(i) When valves, except for those specified in the following paragraph, are tested as prescribed in
Article 12(1)(i), they shall not generate leak and extreme deformation.
(ii) Valves operated with handwheel shall be fully opened after not more than 1¼ rotations ofhandwheel.
(iii) When the valve is opened, it shall not be disassembled or separated.

(2) Stored-pressure extinguishers and extinguishers’ expellant gas cylinders (except for the cylinders
equipped with pressure isolation disc) controlled by the High Pressure Gas Safety Act (Act No. 204
of 1951) shall be equipped with the valve controlled by the Act (hereinafter referred to as “cylinder
valve”). This cylinder valve shall meet the following items.
(i) The valve box shall be made of the material conforming to JIS H 3250 or any of other materials
having equivalent or higher mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.
(ii) Valve boxes installed to carbon dioxide fire extinguishers or expellant gas cylinders containing
carbon dioxide: When the valve box is tested by applying the hydraulic pressures of 24.5 MPa to thevalve box for 5 min, it shall not generate water leak and extreme deformation.
Valve boxes installed to other devices: When the valve box is tested by applying the hydraulicpressure, which is equal to the pressure bearing test pressure (refers to the pressure specified in
Article 2(xv) of the Vessel Security Rules (Ordinance of the Ministry of International Trade andIndustry No. 50 of 1966; the same shall apply hereinafter)) of the cylinder to which the cylinder
valve is installed, to the valve box for 5 min, it shall not generate water leak and extreme
deformation.
(iii) When the cylinder valve is tested by applying the gaseous pressure, which is equal to theinternal pressure generated when the temperature of the gas inside the cylinder equipped with thisvalve is 40°C, to the cylinder valve for 5 min, it shall not generate leak and extreme deformation.
(iv) A safety valve shall be installed.
Hoses
Article 15

Hoses shall be installed to fire extinguishers. However, this shall not apply tohalogenated fire extinguishers whose mass of fire extinguishing agent is less than 4 kg or powder
fire extinguishers whose mass of fire extinguishing agent is less than 1 kg.
(2) Fire extinguisher hoses shall meet the following items.
(i) When hoses are tested as prescribed in Article 12(1)(i), they shall not generate water leak andextreme deformation.
(ii) The length of the hose shall be enough to effectively discharge the fire extinguishing agent (forstationary fire extinguishers, the effective length (the effective length refers to the one achieved
when the hose is deployed to the limit while maintaining the effective use of the hose; the same shallapply hereinafter) shall be not less than 10 m).
(iii) The hose shall be durable within the service temperature range and designed for smooth
operation.
(iv) The hose that will be deployed to extinguish a fire shall be free from deformation, cracking, andother troubles as a result of deployment.

NozzlesArticle 16

Neither shut-off unit nor selector shall be installed to the nozzles of the fire

extinguishers (except for wheeled extinguishers). However, the shut-off unit may be installed to thenozzles of the stationary and back-carrying fire extinguishers.
(2) Fire extinguisher nozzles shall meet the following items.
(i) When the nozzle is tested as prescribed in Article 12(1)(i), it shall not generate water leak andextreme deformation.
(ii) The inside surface shall be finished smoothly.
(iii) The shut-off or selectable nozzle shall provide smooth shut-off or selection sequence and be freefrom leak of fire extinguishing agent or other troubles during the discharge task.
(iv) When the shut-off nozzle is tested by applying the pressure of 0.3 MPa, it shall not generate
leak.
(v) The plugged open nozzle shall not generate leak within the service temperature range and, when
the fire extinguishers is operated, shall be capable of discharging the fire extinguishing agent without
fail.
Filtration screens
Article 17

For water fire extinguishers operated with hand pump, acid-alkali or loaded stream fire

extinguishers with glass bottle, or chemical foam fire extinguishers, the filtration screen that meetsthe following items shall be installed to the agent lead-out tube (or the nozzle for the fire
extinguishers without this agent lead-out tube), which is going to the nozzle or hose, at the opening
in the extinguisher cylinder.
(i) The maximum mesh size of the filtration screen shall be not more than 3/4 of the minimum
nozzle diameter.
(ii) The total area of the screen mesh shall be at least 30 times the minimum cross section of thenozzle opening.
Filling indication
Article 18 For water fire extinguishers operated with hand pump, acid-alkali fire extinguishers, andchemical foam fire extinguishers, a simple and clear mark showing the level of the fire extinguishing
agent charged shall be indicated on the inside surface of each extinguisher cylinder.
Impact strength, etc.
Article 19 Fire extinguishers shall be made of high-quality and durable materials that sufficiently
endure the force generated by unexpected dropping, impact, and other events during thetransportation and operation.

Prevention of leak of fire extinguishing agent
Article 20

Fire extinguishers shall be equipped with leak protection device so that the fire

extinguishing agent charged will not leak as a result of temperature elevation, vibration, and otherevents. However, this shall not apply to those fire extinguishers having leak-free structural design.
Safety relief device
Article 21

Fire extinguishers shall be equipped with safety relief device to prevent unexpected

operation. However, this shall not apply to water fire extinguishers operated with hand pump andextinguishers operated by a single action of turnover.
(2) The safety relief device shall be readily pulled out by a single action. In addition, it shall beprotected by the seal that will not disturb the pull-out.
(3) For handheld fire extinguishers (those extinguishers operated by holding in hand; the same shallapply hereinafter), except for the extinguishers that will be operated by a single action of striking thepush piece and be operated by opening the cover and executing the turnover action, and stationary
fire extinguishers, the safety relief device shall meet the following items in addition to those
provided in the preceding paragraph.
(i) The safety relief device shall consist of a ring with inside diameter of not less than 2 cm, a rod,and a bearing.
(ii) After the safety relief device is installed to the fire extinguisher, the ring shall lie on the line
along which the rod is pulled out from the through-hole of the upper lever.
(iii) The ring shall be painted in yellow.
(iv) The safety relief device shall be made of SUS304 stainless steel specified in JIS G 4309 or anyof other materials having equivalent or higher corrosion resistance and durability.
(v) The safety relief device shall be installed in such a manner that it will be pulled out in the upward
direction (refers to the range within 30° from the vertical axis when the fire extinguisher is placed ona horizontal surface).
(vi) Even when impact force is applied to the safety relief device or the lever is grasped strongly, thedevice shall be certainly pulled out.
(vii) The safety relief device shall be pulled out only by the specified pull-out action.
Indication of used fire extinguisher
Article 21-2

Handheld fire extinguishers (except for stored-pressure extinguishers with pressuregauge, fire extinguishers without valve, and water fire extinguishers operated with hand pump) shallbe equipped with the device that will automatically work upon operation of the fire extinguisher andnotify that the subject extinguisher has been already used.

Holder
Article 22 Handheld fire extinguishers (except for automotive fire extinguishers) shall be equippedwith a holder that keeps them stable. However, this shall not apply to those fire extinguishers that
may stand upright.
(2) The holder shall have such structural design that the fire extinguisher may be easily detachedfrom it.
Stability of stationary fire extinguishers
Article 22-2 Stationary fire extinguishers shall have such structural design that they may keep
stable condition during various scenes, including the deployment of hose.
Carrying or transportation aid
Article 23 Fire extinguishers whose mass is 28 kg or less shall be of handheld, stationary, orback-carrying type. Fire extinguishers whose mass is more than 28 kg and not less than 35 kg shallbe of stationary, wheeled, or back-carrying type. Fire extinguishers whose mass exceeds 35 kg shallbe of wheeled type. Here, the mass quoted in this Article shall be calculated by deducting the massof the holder and back strap or wheels from the mass of the fire extinguisher package.
(2) The handle, back strap, or wheels used to carry or transport the fire extinguisher shall be rugged
and have such dimensions and geometries that the extinguisher may be properly carried/transported
and operated.
Safety valves
Article 24 Safety valves of fire extinguishers shall meet the following items.
(i) The safety valve shall be capable of effectively reducing the pressure in the extinguisher cylinder.
(ii) The safety valve shall be protected from unauthorized disassembly or adjustment.
(iii) Mount screws prescribed in the following paragraph shall conform to JIS B 0202 and, after thepackings are installed, shall certainly engage with the target portions.
(iv) For the pressure isolation disc type safety valve, the discharge port shall be sealed.
(v) The indication “Safety valve” shall be provided.
(2) The safety valve installed to the extinguisher cylinder (limited to the cylinder not controlled by
the High Pressure Gas Safety Act) or other valve than the cylinder valve shall be operated within theoperating pressure range specified in the following table in accordance with the classification of thefire extinguisher needing the subject safety valve as prescribed in that table.

Classification of fire extinguisher needing safety valve

Operating pressure range of safety valve, MPa
Upper limit

Lower limit

Pressure

Pressure

Springisolation

type

disc type
Gas

cartridge

operated

Fire extinguisher with shut-off nozzle

P × 1.3

P × 1.1

P × 1.0

Fire extinguisher with other nozzle thanP × 0.9

P × 1.1

P × 1.0

Q × 1.1

Q

fire

extinguisher

shut-off nozzle
Stored-pressure

Q × 1.3

extinguisher

×1.0(3) In the table shown in the preceding paragraph, P and Q represent the pressures prescribed in
Article 12(2). P is the maximum internal pressure of the extinguisher cylinder during the dischargeof fire extinguishing agent under the assumption that the temperature inside the cylinder is 40°C
(maximum temperature for the fire extinguisher whose service temperature range exceeds 40°C).
(4) Safety valves installed to cylinder valves shall meet the following items.
(i) The safety valve that will be installed to the cylinder valves of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
and expellant gas cylinders containing carbon dioxide shall be of pressure isolation disc type. The
safety valve that will be installed to other cylinder valves shall be of pressure isolation disc, weldedplug, or pressure isolation and welded plug type.
(ii) The pressure isolation disc type safety valve shall be operated within the operating pressure
range specified in the following table in accordance with the classification of the cylinder needing
the subject cylinder valve as prescribed in the that table.

Classification of cylinder needing cylinder valve

Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher and expellant gas cylinder

Operating pressure range of safety valve, MPa
Upper limit

Upper limit

24.5

17.5

P1

P1 × 0.7 (P2, if the calculation iscontaining carbon dioxide
Other fire extinguisher than carbon dioxideAfire extinguisher and expellant gas cylinder

lower than P2)

containing nitrogen gas
Other thanP1 × 0.8

category A

P1 × 0.68 (P2, if the calculation islower than P2)(iii) The welded plug type safety valve shall be operated within the operating temperature range
specified in the following table in accordance with the classification of the cylinder needing the
subject cylinder valve as prescribed in the that table.
Classification of cylinder needing cylinder valve

Operating temperature range of safety valve, MPa
Upper limit

Upper limit

Other fire extinguisher than carbon dioxideAT1

T2 (65°C, if T2 is lower than 65°C)

fire extinguisher and expellant gas cylinder

Other than

T3

T4 (65°C, if T4 is lower than 65°C)

containing nitrogen gas

category A(iv) The pressure isolation and welded plug type safety valve shall be operated within the operatingpressure and temperature ranges specified in the tables in Items (ii) and (iii), respectively, in
accordance with the classification of the cylinder needing the subject cylinder valve as prescribed in
the these tables.
(5) In the tables shown in the preceding paragraph, the meanings of the terms listed in the following
items shall be as prescribed respectively in those items.
(i) A: The cylinder designed to endure the pressure at least 25/12 times the maximum charging
pressure (the maximum gas charging pressure attainable at 35°C for the cylinder containing
compressed gas or the maximum gas charging pressure attainable at 48°C for the cylinder containingliquefied or mixed gas; the same shall apply hereinafter).
(ii) P1: The pressure applied to the cylinder in the pressure test.
(iii) P2: The internal pressure of the cylinder at 65°C.
(iv) T1: The in-cylinder gas temperature measured at the cylinder pressure test pressure.
(v) T2: The in-cylinder gas temperature measured at the cylinder pressure test pressure multiplied by
0.7.

(vi) T3: The in-cylinder gas temperature measured at the cylinder pressure test pressure multiplied by
0.8.
(vii) T4: The in-cylinder gas temperature measured at the cylinder pressure test pressure multipliedby 0.68.
Expellant gas cylinders
Article 25

Expellant gas cylinders whose internal volume exceeds 100 cm3 shall meet thefollowing items.
(i) When the expellant gas cylinder changed with gas is immersed into the 40°C hot water for 2 h, it
shall not generate leak.
(ii) The outside surface of the expellant gas cylinder installed inside the extinguisher cylinder shallnot be sensitive to the fire extinguishing agent changed in the extinguisher cylinder. In addition, theexpellant gas cylinder shall be free from troubles such as separation of indication or paint.
(iii) The expellant gas cylinder installed to the outside of the extinguisher cylinder shall be protectedfrom external impacts.
(iv) The internal volume of the expellant gas cylinder containing carbon dioxide shall be not lessthan 1.5 cm3 per 1 g of liquefied carbon dioxide.
(v) When the hydraulic pressure ranging from 17.5 MPa to not more than 3/4 of the design cylinder
burst pressure is applied to the pressure isolation disc, the disc shall be broken in this test.
(2) Expellant gas cylinders whose internal volume is 100 cm3 or less shall meet the following items
in addition to those prescribed in Items (i) to (iv) of the preceding paragraph.
(i) When the expellant gas cylinder to which the carbon dioxide will be changed is subjected to thetest where the hydraulic pressure of 24.5 MPa is applied for 2 min, the cylinder shall not generatewater leak or abnormal expansion. When the expellant gas cylinder to which the nitrogen gas will bechanged is subjected to the test where the hydraulic pressure of 5/3 of the maximum charging
pressure is applied for 2 min, the cylinder shall not generate water leak or abnormal expansion.
(ii) When the hydraulic pressure prescribed in the preceding item is applied to the pressure isolation
disc, the disc shall not be broken in this test.
(iii) The expellant gas cylinder, when broken, shall not endanger the surrounding people and objects.
Pressure regulators
Article 26 Pressure regulators of fire extinguishers shall meet the following items.
(i) The pressure regulator shall conform to JIS B 6803 (except for the provision pertaining todischarge performance).
(ii) The pressure regulator shall be protected from unauthorized disassembly or adjustment.
(iii) On the pressure gauge of the pressure regulator, the adjustable pressure range shall be indicatedin green.
Gas lead-in tubes
Article 27 When the hydraulic pressures specified in the tables in Articles 12(1)(i) and (ii) in
accordance with the extinguisher cylinder classification for gas cartridge operated fire extinguishers(20 MPa for the gas lead-in tube arranged between the expellant gas cylinder and pressure regulator
in case of the fire extinguisher having the pressure regulator between the expellant gas cylinder andextinguisher cylinder; or the gas lead-in tube arranged between the expellant gas cylinder andshut-off valve in case of the fire extinguisher having the shut-off valve, instead of the pressure
regulator, between the expellant gas cylinder and extinguisher cylinder) are applied to the fire
extinguisher gas lead-in tubes, the tubes shall not generate water leak and extreme deformation.
Pressure gauges
Article 28

Stored-pressure extinguishers (except for carbon dioxide fire extinguishers andbromotrifluoromethane (hereinafter referred to as “halon 1301”) fire extinguishers) shall beequipped with the pressure gauge that meets the following items.
(i) The allowable error of the pressure indicated by the pressure gauge shall not device from ±10%of the service pressure range when the gauge is tested as prescribed below.
(a) Static pressure test: The pressure twice the upper limit of the service pressure is continuously
applied to the gauge for at least 30 min.
(b) Pressure cycle test: The pressure cycle is input to the gauge at the rate of 15 times per minuteuntil the total number of cycles reaches 1000. One pressure cycle consists of elevation of pressure
from 0 MPa to the upper limit of the service pressure and reduction of pressure to 0 MPa.
(c) Drop test: The gauge is placed in a 1-kg wooden box and the box is gravitationally dropped onto
the hard wooden floor from a height of 50 cm.
(d) Temperature fluctuation test: The temperature is changed between -30°C and 60°C.
(e) Vibration test conforming to the test conditions prescribed in Article 30.
(ii) Scales shall be easily identifiable.
(iii) The pointer and scale plate shall be made of corrosion-resistant metallic material.
(iv) The pressure detector and its joint shall be durable.
(v) The casing shall have such structural design that it will not generate water leak when immersed
into hot water of 60°C for 20 min and may effectively reduce the pressure entrapped in it.
(vi) The material and service operating pressure range (in MPa) of the pressure detector and thesymbol “ EXTINGUISHER” shall be indicated on the pressure gauge.
(viii) The service pressure range shall be indicated in green.
(viii) The mount screws for the pressure gauge shall conform to JIS B 0202 and certainly engage

with the target when the gauge is mounted to it.
(ix) The pressure gauge shall be protected from external impacts.
Gas, etc., sources of discharge pressure
Article 29 Gases or chemicals charged in fire extinguishers as discharge pressure source shall notaffect the performance and properties of fire extinguishing agents.
Vibration test of automotive fire extinguishers
Article 30

When an automotive fire extinguisher is installed as shown in any of figures below andthe vertical vibration characterized by double amplitude of 2 mm and 2000 cycles per minute is input
to the extinguisher for 2 h for the configuration of Fig. 1 or 2 or 4 h for the configuration of Fig. 3, it
shall not generate leak, cracking, rupture, or extreme deformation. For the fire extinguisher installed
together with the holder, the holder, instead of the mount apparatus, shall be mounted on theextinguisher. The holder, when tested, shall not generate extreme damage or other troubles.
Fig. 1 (Omitted)
Fig. 2 (Omitted)
Fig. 3 (Omitted)
Remark: The mount surface shall be parallel or orthogonal to the vibration disc.
Hand pump
Article 31 Water fire extinguishers operated with hand pump shall be in such structural design thatthe fire extinguishing agent will not be violently discharged to cause pulsation.
(2) For water fire extinguishers operated with hand pump whose pump piston uses bowl-shaped
leather, such a structural design shall be employed that the leather will be lubricated with lubricant.
Support, etc. for acid-alkali fire extinguishers
Article 32 Acid-alkali and loaded stream fire extinguishers shall use rugged supports or otherappropriate members to protect the fire extinguishing agent storage bottle from damage duringtransportation, carrying, or handling.
Operation rod, etc.
Article 33 The operation rod and gas lead-in tube used to introduce the gas, or discharge pressuresource, into the extinguisher cylinder shall meet the following items.
(i) The operation rod shall have the structure and mechanical strength suitable for opening the coverof the expellant gas cylinder easily and certainly.

(ii) The gas lead-in tube shall have the structure and mechanical strength suitable for effectively
introducing the gas, or discharge pressure source, into the extinguisher cylinder.
Inner cylinders of chemical foam fire extinguishers
Article 34 Inner cylinders of chemical foam fire extinguishers shall meet the following items.
(i) The inner cylinder shall have the structure and mechanical strength that will not impair thefunctions of the fire extinguisher.
(ii) A simplified and clear mark showing the liquid level of the fire extinguishing agent charged shallbe indicated on the inner cylinder.
(2) The unsealed inner cylinder of the chemical foam fire extinguisher shall meet the following items
in addition to those specified in the preceding paragraph.
(i) Even when the fire extinguisher is tilted by 30°, the chemical shall not leak from it.
(ii) For the turnover type fire extinguisher, the inner cylinder equipped with automatic cover
fall-down mechanism shall meet the following items.
(a) The distance from the indication prescribed in Paragraph (1)(ii) to the cover seat shall be at least
0.6 times the inside diameter of the inner cylinder.
(b) The cover shall certainly fall and, when gravitationally dropped onto the hard wooden floor froma height of 0.8 m, shall not generate extreme deformation and other troubles.
(iii) Covers for other inner cylinders than the cylinders prescribed in the preceding item shall not bedamaged during the transportation, carrying, and handling of the fire extinguisher and shall bereadily opened when the fire extinguisher is operated.
Charge ratio, etc. of carbon dioxide and other fire extinguishers
Article 35

For carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, bromochlorodifluoromethane (hereinafter referred

to as “halon 1211”) fire extinguishers, and halon 1301 fire extinguishers, the internal volumes of
their extinguisher cylinders shall be not less than 1500 cm3 per 1 kg of liquefied carbon dioxidecharged, 700 cm3 per 1 kg of halon 1211 charged, and 900 cm3 per 1 kg of halon 1301 charged,
respectively.
(2) Hoses of carbon dioxide, halon 1211, and halon 1301 fire extinguishers, when subjected to thetests specified below notwithstanding the provision of Article 15(2)(i), shall not generate leak,cracking, extreme deformation, or other troubles.
(i) With hoses deployed, the hydraulic pressure of 16 MPa is applied to the carbon dioxide fire
extinguisher and the hydraulic pressure 1.2 times the internal pressure at 48°C is applied to halon
1211 and 1301 fire extinguishers. In both the tests, the test duration shall be 5 min.
(ii) With hoses bent circularly so that the radius will be 5 times the outside diameter of each hose,
the hydraulic pressure of 12 MPa is applied to the carbon dioxide fire extinguishers and thehydraulic pressure equal to the internal pressure at 48°C is applied to halon 1211 and 1301 fire
extinguishers. In both the tests, the test duration shall be 5 min.
(3) The discharge tube of the carbon dioxide fire extinguisher shall be covered with heat insulator.
(4) Discharge horns of carbon dioxide, halon 1211, and halon 1301 fire extinguishers shall be madeof hygroscopic, electrically nonconductive, and tough material.
(5) Discharge tubes and couplings of carbon dioxide, halon 1211, and halon 1301 fire extinguishers,
when subjected to the 5-min hydraulic pressure test under the pressure conditions prescribed in
Paragraph (2)(i), shall not generate leak, separation, and other troubles.
Special provision for cylinders controlled by the High Pressure Gas Safety Act
Article 36 Extinguisher cylinders, mouthpieces, and expellant gas cylinders controlled by the High
Pressure Gas Safety Act shall be in accordance with this Act and the Vessel Security Rules,
notwithstanding the provisions of Articles 12 and 13 of this Ordinance. However, the figure “19.6”
applied to the liquefied carbon dioxide in Article 2(xv) of the Vessel Security Rules shall be deemed
to be replaced with “24.5.”
Paint color
Article 37 For fire extinguishers, at least 25% of the outside surface shall be painted in red color.
Indication and sign
Article 38

The information specified in the following items shall be clearly indicated on all fire

extinguishers at easily observable place in a simplified manner.
(i) Classification of device: Water fire extinguisher, acid-alkali fire extinguisher, loaded stream fire
extinguisher, foam fire extinguisher, halogenated fire extinguisher, carbon dioxide fire extinguisher,or powder fire extinguisher(ii) Notice informing that the device is not a residential fire extinguisher(iii) Classification of device: Gas cartridge operated fire extinguisher or stored-pressure extinguisher(iv) Operating method. (Illustration shall be added for handheld and stationary fire extinguishers.)(v) Service temperature range(vi) For fire extinguishers that must not be used for Class B fire (except for the fire on transformers,
switchboards, and similar electrical equipment (hereinafter referred to as “electrical fire”)) orelectrical fire, the fact shall be indicated.
(vii) Ratings for Class A and B fires(viii) Discharge time(ix) Discharge distance(x) Manufacturing number

(xi) Year of manufacture(xii) Name of manufacturer(xiii) Model code (excluding automotive fire extinguishers)(xiv) Pressures used in the tests prescribed in Article 12(1)(i)(xv) Operating pressure of safety valve(xvi) Volume or mass of fire extinguishing agent charged(xvii) Gross mass (except for the case where the amount of the fire extinguishing agent charged isexpressed in volume)(xviii) Effective length of the hose (limited to stationary fire extinguishers)(xix) Handling precautions listed below:(a) (Omitted)(b) (Omitted)(c) Designed period or deadline determined as standard period or deadline during/until which the fire
extinguisher may be used without compromising its safety when used under standard service
conditions(d) Description about safe handling of fire extinguisher during the operation(e) Description about proper installation place from the viewpoint of maintenance and management(f) Description about inspection(g) Contact person in case of disposal and description about safe handling(h) Other handling precautions(2) (Omitted)(3) (Omitted)(4) Any of the following symbols shall be indicated on each fire extinguisher at easily observable
place in accordance with the provisions in the following items.
(i) For fire extinguishers that may address Class A fire (except for electrical fire; hereinafter thesame shall apply in this item), the letters “FOR CLASS A FIRE” shall be clearly indicated. For fire
extinguishers that may address Class B fire (except for electrical fire; the same shall apply
hereinafter), the letters “FOR CLASS B FIRE” shall be clearly indicated. For fire extinguishers that
may address electrical fire, the letters “FOR ELECTRICAL FIRE” shall be clearly indicated. In
addition, any of graphical symbols shown in the following table shall be indicated in accordancewith the fire classification specified in that table. Colors used in these symbols shall conform to therequirements specified in the table.

Fire classification

Graphical symbol

Class A fire

Colors of graphical symbol
The flame shall be in red. The combustibles
showing Class A fire shall be in black. The
background shall be in white.

Class B fire

The flame shall be in red. The combustibles
showing Class B fire shall be in black. The
background shall be in yellow.

Electrical fire

The lightening showing electrical fire shall bein yellow. The background shall be in blue.

(ii) The radius of the graphical symbol prescribed in the preceding item shall be 1 cm or more whenthe volume or mass of the fire extinguishing agent charged in the fire extinguisher is not more than 2
L or 3 kg, respectively. This radius shall be 1.5 cm or more when the volume or mass of the fire
extinguishing agent exceeds 2 L or 3 kg, respectively.
(iii) Fire extinguishers that may address different fire classifications by changing the nozzle: For thenozzle designed for Class B fire, the letters “__ NOZZLE: FOR CLASS B FIRE” shall be clearly
indicated. For the nozzle designed for electrical fire, the letters “__ NOZZLE: FOR ELECTRICAL
FIRE” shall be clearly indicated.
Chapter 3 Residential Fire Extinguishers
Structure
Article 39 Residential fire extinguishers (refer to those residential fire extinguishers other thanreplaceable fire extinguishers; hereinafter the same shall apply in this Chapter) shall be ofstored-pressure type and features such a structure that the fire extinguishing agent may not berecharged.
Fire extinguishing performance
Article 40 Residential fire extinguishers shall have the fire extinguishing performance specified in
the following items and be capable of addressing electrical fire.
(i) Fire extinguishing performance for ordinary fire (refers to Class A fire except for electrical fire):
When the fire extinguishing test is implemented by using the following model in accordance with

provisions in (a) and (b), the afterflame shall not be observed after the complete discharge of the fire
extinguishing agent and the model shall not be reignited within 2 min from the completion ofdischarge.
(a) Pour 0.6 L of n-heptane (limited to the material whose boiling point ranges from 96°C to 102°C
and purity is 95% or more; the same shall apply hereinafter) in a combustion pan, and ignite thematerial.
(b) Commence the fire extinguishing 3 min after the ignition.
(ii) Fire extinguishing performance for Tempura oil fire (refers to the fire caused by the ignition of
the oil in Tempura pans used in residences): When the fire extinguishing test is implemented byusing the following model in accordance with provisions in (a) to (c), extreme development of fire,
oil scattering, and other unpreferable phenomena shall not occur during the discharge of fire
extinguishing agent and the model shall not be reignited within 1 min from the completion ofdischarge.
(a) Pour 1 L of soybean oil (limited to the oil whose ignition point ranges from 360°C to 370°C) in a
Tempura pan, and heat and ignite the oil using a gas ring.
(b) Commence the fire extinguishing when the oil temperature reaches 400°C.
(c) When the flame disappears in the model, turn off the gas ring.
(iii) Fire extinguishing performance for stove fire (refers to the fire caused by the ignition of the
kerosene in oil stoves used in residences): When the fire extinguishing test is implemented by using
the following model in accordance with provisions in (a) and (b), the afterflame shall not be
observed after the complete discharge of the fire extinguishing agent and the model shall not bereignited within 1 min from the completion of discharge.
(a) Place an open type natural ventilating oil stove with radiation design, which conforms to JIS S
2019, on a tatami mat and burn the fuel for 10 min. Scatter kerosene conforming to (1) of JIS K 2203
onto the bottom of the stove and tatami mat, and scatter 50 mL of n-heptane as ignition initiator andignite it.
(b) Commence the fire extinguishing 1 min after the ignition.
(2) Fire extinguishing tests prescribed in the items of the preceding paragraph shall be implemented
under the conditions specified in the following items.
(i) The operator of the residential fire extinguisher shall not wear fire preventive clothing.
(ii) The tests shall be implemented in no-wind condition.
Operation mechanism
Article 41 Residential fire extinguishers shall be capable of commencing the discharge easily andcertainly in a single action (not more than two actions for stationary residential fire extinguishers). In
this case, those actions necessary to remove the fire extinguisher from its holder, remove the safetyrelief device, and deploy the hose shall be excluded.
(2) For controls of the residential fire extinguisher, such as safety relief device and lever, theiroperating methods shall be indicated at easily observable place in such a manner that the subject
information may not be readily erased.
Fire extinguishing agents
Article 42 Halogenated fire extinguishing agent or liquefied carbon dioxide shall not be charged toresidential fire extinguishers as fire extinguishing agent.
(2) Provisions in Paragraphs (1) and (2) of Article 7 shall apply mutatis mutandis to residential fire
extinguishers.
Caps, plugs, mouthpieces, and packings
Article 43 Caps, plugs, mouthpieces, and packings of residential fire extinguishers shall meet therequirements prescribed in Items (i) to (iii) and (v) of Article 13. The cap, plug, and packing shall becompletely fixed to the mouthpiece by means of methods such as welding, so that the component
may not be removed.
Indication
Article 44

The information specified in the following items shall be clearly indicated on all

residential fire extinguishers at easily observable place in a simplified manner.
(i) Classification of device: Water fire extinguisher, loaded stream fire extinguisher, foam fire
extinguisher, or powder fire extinguisher(ii) Notice informing that the device is residential fire extinguisher(iii) Operating method. (Illustration shall be added.)(iv) Service temperature range(v) Graphical symbol indicating applicable fire (indicated as shown in illustrations)(vi) Discharge time(vii) Discharge distance(viii) Manufacturing number(ix) Year of manufacture(x) Name of manufacturer(xi) Model code(xii) Volume or mass of fire extinguishing agent charged(xiii) Effective length of hose (limited to stationary fire extinguishers)(xiv) Handling precautions listed below:(a) Description about pressure gauge

(b) Description about service period or deadline(c) Notice informing that the fire extinguishing agent may not be recharged(d) Description about safe handling of fire extinguisher during the operation(e) Description about proper installation place from the viewpoint of maintenance and management(f) Description about inspection(g) Description about Tempura oil fire(h) Contact person in case of disposal and description about safe handling(i) Other handling precautions
Application mutatis mutandis
Article 45 Provisions in Articles 6, 10 to 12-2, 14, 15(2), 16, 19, 21, 22 to 24, 28, 29, and 36 shallapply mutatis mutandis to residential fire extinguishers. In this case, the replacement of terms shallbe as prescribed in the table below.
Original provision

Replaced term

Replacing term

Articles 6, 10 to 12-2, 14, 15(2), 16, 19, 21, 22

Fire extinguisher

Residential fireto 24, 28, and 29
Article 10(iv)extinguisher
90% (85% for chemical foam fire

85%

extinguishing agent)
Article 15(2)(ii)

10 m

5m

Chapter 4 Replaceable Fire Extinguishers
Rating of replaceable fire extinguishers other than residential fire extinguishers
Article 46 When the replaceable fire extinguisher other than residential fire extinguisher is used
under the combination with container (limited to the equipment compatible with the subject
replaceable fire extinguisher), the rating measured in the fire extinguishing tests prescribed in
Articles 3 and 4 shall be not less than 1. However, the rating shall be not less than 10 for the
replaceable wheeled extinguisher that addresses Class A fire or not less than 20 for replaceable
wheeled extinguisher that addresses Class B fire.
Fire extinguishing performance of replaceable residential fire extinguishers
Article 47 When the replaceable residential fire extinguisher is used under the combination withcontainer, the fire extinguishing performance shall meet the requirements provided in Article 40.
Discharge performance

Article 48

When the container is connected to the replaceable fire extinguisher and the fire

extinguishing agent is discharged by using the normal operating method, the subject extinguisher
shall meet the requirements provided in items of Article 10. (The replaceable residential fire
extinguisher shall meet the requirements in Items (i) to (iii) of Article 10 and be capable ofdischarging not less than 85% of the charged agent’s volume or mass.)
Service temperature range
Article 49 When the replaceable fire extinguisher connected to a container is operated in either of
the temperature ranges prescribed in items of Article 10-2 depending on its classification, the subject
fire extinguisher shall be capable of normal operation and effective demonstration of fire
extinguishing and fire extinguishing agent discharge functions.
Vibration test of automotive replaceable fire extinguishers
Article 50 When the automotive replaceable fire extinguisher is connected to a container, it shallmeet the requirements provided in Article 30.
Indication
Article 51

The information specified in the following items shall be clearly indicated on

extinguisher cylinders of all replaceable fire extinguishers in a simplified manner.
(i) to (v) are omitted.
(vi) Handling precautions listed below:(a) is omitted.
(b) Contact person in case of disposal and description about safe handling(c) Other handling precautions
Application mutatis mutandis
Article 52 Provisions in Articles 6 to 9, 11 to 14, 17 to 19, 24, 28, 29, and 34 to 36 shall apply
mutatis mutandis to replaceable fire extinguishers other than replaceable residential fire
extinguishers. In this case, the term “fire extinguisher” in these Articles shall be deemed to be
replaced with “replaceable fire extinguisher.”(2) Provisions in Articles 6, 11 to 12-2, 14, 19, 24, 28, 29, 36, 39, 42, and 43 shall apply mutatis
mutandis to replaceable residential fire extinguishers. In this case, the term “fire extinguisher” inthese Articles shall be deemed to be replaced with “replaceable residential fire extinguisher.”
Chapter 5 Miscellaneous Provisions

Exemption from standards
Article 53

When the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications recognizes that fire

extinguishers newly created as a result of technology development activities have the performanceequivalent to or higher than those conforming to the provisions prescribed in this Ordinance, judging
from their profiles, structures, materials, and performance, the technical standards specified by the
Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications shall apply to these new developments
notwithstanding the provisions of this Ordinance.
Supplementary Provisions-Excerpt(1) This Ordinance shall come into effect as of the day of promulgation.
Supplementary Provisions (Ordinance of the Ministry of Home Affairs No. 29 of October 23,1969)-Excerpt(1) This Ordinance shall come into effect as of January 1, 1970.
Supplementary Provisions (Ordinance of the Ministry of Home Affairs No. 28 of October 17,1973)-Excerpt(1) This Ordinance shall come into effect as of January 1, 1974.
Supplementary Provisions (Ordinance of the Ministry of Home Affairs No. 27 of October 30, 1981)(1) This Ordinance shall come into effect as of December 1, 1981.
(2) For tests pertaining to fire extinguishers whose application for test has been already made to havethe fire extinguishing equipment apparatus tested by the Japan Fire Equipment Inspection
Institute at the time of enforcement of this Ordinance, the provisions then in force shall remain
applicable.
Supplementary Provisions (Ordinance of the Ministry of Home Affairs No. 24 of November 15,
1982)(1) This Ordinance shall come into effect as of December 1, 1982. However, the amended provisionin Article 1-2 shall come into effect as of January 1, 1983.
(2) For tests pertaining to fire extinguishers whose application for test has been already made to havethe fire extinguishing equipment apparatus tested by the Japan Fire Equipment Inspection
Institute as of December 1, 1982, the provisions then in force shall remain applicable.
Supplementary Provisions (Ordinance of the Ministry of Home Affairs No. 7 of March 18, 1987)
This Ordinance shall come into effect as of the day of promulgation.

Supplementary Provisions (Ordinance of the Ministry of Home Affairs No. 3 of February 20,1989)-Excerpt
Effective date(1) This Ordinance shall come into effect as of May 23, 1990.
Supplementary Provisions (Ordinance of the Ministry of Home Affairs No. 7 of February 24, 1993)(1) This Ordinance shall come into effect as of March 1, 1993.
(2) For tests pertaining to fire extinguishers whose application for test has been already made to havethe fire extinguishing equipment apparatus tested by the Japan Fire Equipment Inspection
Institute or any organization designated by the Minister of Home Affairs at the time of enforcementof this Ordinance, the provisions then in force shall remain applicable.
(3) For fire extinguishers that have already got model approvals at the time of enforcement of thisOrdinance, their model approvals shall be deemed as those provided in accordance with thestandards prescribed in the amended Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining to Fire
Extinguishers.
Supplementary Provisions (Ordinance of the Ministry of Home Affairs No. 37 of September 28,1998)-Excerpt
Effective date
Article 1 This Ordinance shall come into effect as of October 1, 1999.
Transitional measures
Article 2

For tests pertaining to fire extinguishers, fire extinguishing agents, automatic closed

sprinkler heads, fire hoses, deluge valves, foam concentrates, detectors and manual call points, waterflow detecting devices, plug-in couplings, and screw couplings whose application for test has been
already made to have the target equipment tested by the Japan Fire Equipment Inspection
Institute at the time of enforcement of this Ordinance, the provisions then in force shall remain
applicable.
(2) For fire extinguishers that have already got model approvals and fire extinguishers that have got
model approvals based on the results from the tests identified by the prescription “provisions then inforce shall remain applicable” as described in the preceding paragraph at the time of enforcement of
this Ordinance, their model approvals shall be deemed as those provided in accordance with thestandards prescribed in the Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining to Fire Extinguishersamended according to the provisions of Article 1.
(3) For fire extinguishing agents that have already got model approvals and fire extinguishing agentsthat have got model approvals based on the results from the tests identified by the prescription“provisions then in force shall remain applicable” as described in Paragraph (1) at the time ofenforcement of this Ordinance, their model approvals shall be deemed as those provided inaccordance with the standards prescribed in the Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining toFire Extinguishing Agents amended according to the provisions of Article 2.
(4) For automatic closed sprinkler heads that have already got model approvals and automatic closed
sprinkler heads that have got model approvals based on the results from the tests identified by theprescription “provisions then in force shall remain applicable” as described in Paragraph (1) at thetime of enforcement of this Ordinance, their model approvals shall be deemed as those provided inaccordance with the standards prescribed in the Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining toAutomatic Closed Sprinkler Heads amended according to the provisions of Article 3.
(5) For fire hoses that have already got model approvals and fire hoses that have got model
approvals based on the results from the tests identified by the prescription “provisions then in force
shall remain applicable” as described in Paragraph (1) at the time of enforcement of this Ordinance,
their model approvals shall be deemed as those provided in accordance with the standards prescribedin the Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining to Fire Hoses amended according to theprovisions of Article 4.
(6) For deluge valves that have already got model approvals and deluge valves that have got model
approvals based on the results from the tests identified by the prescription “provisions then in force
shall remain applicable” as described in Paragraph (1) at the time of enforcement of this Ordinance,
their model approvals shall be deemed as those provided in accordance with the standards prescribedin the Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining to Deluge Valves amended according to theprovisions of Article 5.
(7) For foam concentrates that have already got model approvals and foam concentrates that have
got model approvals based on the results from the tests identified by the prescription “provisions
then in force shall remain applicable” as described in Paragraph (1) at the time of enforcement of
this Ordinance, their model approvals shall be deemed as those provided in accordance with thestandards prescribed in the Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining to Foam Concentrates
amended according to the provisions of Article 6.
(8) For detectors and manual call points that have already got model approvals and detectors andmanual call points that have got model approvals based on the results from the tests identified by theprescription “provisions then in force shall remain applicable” as described in Paragraph (1) at thetime of enforcement of this Ordinance, their model approvals shall be deemed as those provided inaccordance with the standards prescribed in the Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining toDetectors and Manual Call Points of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems amended according to
the provisions of Article 7.
(9) For water flow detecting devices that have already got model approvals and water flow detecting
devices that have got model approvals based on the results from the tests identified by theprescription “provisions then in force shall remain applicable” as described in Paragraph (1) at thetime of enforcement of this Ordinance, their model approvals shall be deemed as those provided inaccordance with the standards prescribed in the Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining to
Water Flow Detecting Devices amended according to the provisions of Article 8.
(10) For plug-in couplings that have already got model approvals and plug-in couplings that have got
model approvals based on the results from the tests identified by the prescription “provisions then inforce shall remain applicable” as described in Paragraph (1) at the time of enforcement of thisOrdinance, their model approvals shall be deemed as those provided in accordance with thestandards prescribed in the Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining to Plug-in Couplings
used for Fire Hoses amended according to the provisions of Article 11.
(11) For screw couplings that have already got model approvals and screw couplings that have got
model approvals based on the results from the tests identified by the prescription “provisions then inforce shall remain applicable” as described in Paragraph (1) at the time of enforcement of thisOrdinance, their model approvals shall be deemed as those provided in accordance with thestandards prescribed in the Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining to Screw Couplings
used for Fire Hoses or Fire Suction Hoses amended according to the provisions of Article 12.
(12) For power driven fire pumps that were notified to the Minister of Home Affairs in accordancewith the provision of Article 21-16-4(1) of the Fire Service Act (Act No. 186 of 1948) before theenforcement of this Ordinance, they shall be deemed as those that conform to the standards
prescribed in the Ordinance for Technical Specifications pertaining to Power Driven Fire Pumps
amended according to the provisions of Article 9.
(13) For fire suction hoses that were notified to the Minister of Home Affairs in accordance with theprovision of Article 21-16-4(1) of the Fire Service Act before the enforcement of this Ordinance,
they shall be deemed as those that conform to the standards prescribed in the Ordinance forTechnical Specifications pertaining to Fire Suction Hoses amended according to the provisions ofArticle 10.
Supplementary Provisions (Ordinance of the Ministry of Home Affairs No. 44 of September 14,
2000)
This Ordinance shall come into effect as of the effective date (January 6, 2001) of the Act for Partial
Revision of Cabinet Law (Act No. 88 of 1999).