Graphical Symbols and Abbreviations Standard BS 1635:1990

Introduction

The current standard is BS 1635 : 1990 .

The standard applies simple icons that representing one piece of fire engineering and are called element. You then combine a number of these elements into a symbol, for example the element for any type of extinguisher is a triangle, insert into the triangle the element for water, a circle with a vertical line and you have a Water Extinguisher. You can make them more complex and they are then called applications. The symbol for a hose reel is a semicircle, with the water element inserted, add an outlet which is an arrow, and the element for length of hose in meters and you have an application.

The application for a hose reel shows the length of the hose in metres in the upper right hand corner and although contrary to the standard I believe it should be also apply to portable extinguishers.

The above is only a very brief introduction and the symbols are simple sketches produced by me consequently you need to research the British Standard by purchasing a copy or use the local reference library who may have copies.

Group Table
Information Devices 1.1 – Convention for indicating zones
Fire Extinguishers 2.1 – Portable and transportable equipment
2.2 – Fixed Systems
Fire Fighting Equipment 3.1 – Fire Fighting Equipment
Fire Alarm 4.1 – Control and Indicating Equipment
4.2 – Initiating Equipment
4.3 – Warning Equipment
Means of Escape 5.1 – Routes
Risk Areas 6.1 – Fire and Explosion
Fire Precautions 7.1 – Building Elements
Emergency Lighting 8.1 – Lighting
Fire Safety Signs 9.1 – Descriptions
Smoke Control 10.1 – Venting and Pressurization

Group 1 – Information

Table 1.1 – Convention for indicating zones

Conventions
Behind cutting plane - Hidden 1.101 Behind cutting plane – Hidden
Behind cutting plane - Visible 1.102 Behind cutting plane – Visible
Beyond cutting plane - Visible 1.103 Beyond cutting plane – Visible
Beyond cutting plane - Hidden 1.104 Beyond cutting plane – Hidden

Group 2 – Fire Extinguishers

Table 2.1 – Portable and transportable

Elements
Water2.1E1 Water2.1E1 Halon Gas2.1E7 Halon Gas2.1E7
Foam2.1E2 Foam2.1E2 Carbon Dioxide Gas2.1E8 Carbon Dioxide Gas2.1E8
Powder Any Type2.1E3 Powder Any Type2.1E3 Wall Mounted2.1E9 Wall Mounted2.1E9
BC Powder2.1E4 BC Powder2.1E4 Transportable,Wheel or Skid Mounted2.1E10 Transportable,Wheel or Skid Mounted2.1E10
ABC Powder2.1E5 ABC Powder2.1E5 Fire Blanket2.1E11 Fire Blanket2.1E11
Gas Any Type2.1E6 Gas Any Type2.1E6

Symbols

Any Type2.101 Any Type2.101 Any type Gas Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E6 Any type Gas Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E6

Portable Free standing Water Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E1

Portable Free standing Water Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E1 Halon Gas Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E7 Halon Gas Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E7

Portable Free standing Foam Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E2

Portable Free standing Foam Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E2 Carbon DiOxide Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E8 Carbon DiOxide Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E8

Dry Powder Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E3

Dry Powder Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E3 Water Bucket2.110

Water Bucket2.110

BC Dry Powder Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E4

BC Dry Powder Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E4 Sand Bucket2.111

Sand Bucket2.111

ABC Dry Powder Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E5

ABC Dry Powder Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E5 Fire Blanket2.101 + 2.1E11

Fire Blanket2.101 + 2.1E11

Applications

Portable free standing Water Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E1 + 3.1E6

Portable free standing Water Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E1 + 3.1E6 Transportable Halon Gas Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E7 + 2.1E10 + 3.1E6 Transportable Halon Gas Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E7 + 2.1E10 + 3.1E6
Portable wall mounted BC Powder Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E4 + 2.1E9 + 3.1E6 Portable wall mounted BC Powder Extinguisher2.101 + 2.1E4 + 2.1E9 + 3.1E6

Group 2 – Fire Extinguishers

Table 2.2 – Fixed Installations

Elements
Outlet 2.2E1 Outlet 2.2E1 Hydraulic Operation2.2E6 Hydraulic Operation2.2E6
Inlet 2.2E2 Inlet 2.2E2 Manual Operation2.2E7 Manual Operation2.2E7
Total Application2.2E3 Total Application2.2E3 Mechanical Operation2.2E8 Mechanical Operation2.2E8
Actuator Any Type2.2E4 Actuator Any Type2.2E4 Pneumatic Operation2.2E9 Pneumatic Operation2.2E9
Electrical Operation2.2E5 Electrical Operation2.2E5 Thermal Operation2.2E10 Thermal Operation2.2E10
Symbols
Fixed System Any Type Fixed System Any Type2.201 Hydraulic Actuator Hydraulic Actuator2.2E4 + 2.2E6
Fixed System Water Fixed System Water2.2E3 + 2.1E1 Manual Actuator Manual Actuator2.2E4 + 2.2E7
Fixed System Foam Fixed System Foam2.2E3 + 2.1E2 Mechanical Actuator Mechanical Actuator2.2E4 + 2.2E8
Fixed System Powder Fixed System Powder2.2E3 + 2.1E3 Pneumatic Actuator Pneumatic Actuator2.2E4 + 2.2E9
Fixed System Gas Fixed System Gas2.2E3 + 2.1E6 Thermal Actuator Thermal Actuator2.2E4 + 2.2E10
Electrical Actuator Electrical Actuator2.2E4 + 2.2E5
Applications
Fixed System any Type Local Application Fixed System any Type Local Application2.201 + 2.2E1 Fixed System Manually Actuated Fixed System Manually Actuated2.201 + 2.2E7
Drencher System Any Type Drencher System Any Type2.201 + 2.2E1

Group 3 – Fire Fighting

Table 3.1 – Fire Fighting Equipment

Elements
Pipe Below Ground Pipe Below Ground3.1E1 (See 1.104) Indicator or Meter Indicator or Meter3.1E5
Pipe Above Ground Pipe Above Ground3.1E2 Length of hose in metres Length of hose in metres3.1E6
Chamber in Ground Chamber in Ground3.1E3 Non Return Check Valve Non Return Check Valve3.1E7
Valve Valve3.1E4

Symbols

Fire Main or Riser Any Type3.101

Fire Main or Riser Any Type3.101 Ground Hydrant in Chamber Double3.1E3 + 3.1E1 + 3.1E4 + 2.2E1 Ground Hydrant in Chamber Double3.1E3 + 3.1E1 + 3.1E4 + 2.2E1

Fire Main Dry3.102

Fire Main Dry3.102 Pillar Hydrant Single3.1E1 + 3.12 + 3.1E4 + 2.2E Pillar Hydrant Single3.1E1 + 3.12 + 3.1E4 + 2.2E

Fire Main Wet3.101 + 2.1E1

Fire Main Wet3.101 + 2.1E1 Pillar Hydrant Double3.1E1 + 3.12 + 3.1E4 + 2.2E Pillar Hydrant Double3.1E1 + 3.12 + 3.1E4 + 2.2E

Fire Main Foam3.101 + 2.1W2

Fire Main Foam3.101 + 2.1W2 Fire Point3.109 Fire Point3.109

Ground Hydrant in Chamber Single3.1E3 + 3.1E1 + 3.1E4 + 2.2E1

Ground Hydrant in Chamber Single3.1E3 + 3.1E1 + 3.1E4 + 2.2E1 Hosereel3.110 Hosereel3.110
Applications

Dry Fire Main Landing Valve3.101 + 3.1E4 + 2.2E1

Dry Fire Main Landing Valve3.101 + 3.1E4 + 2.2E1 Underground Fire Main3.1E12.1E2 Underground Fire Main3.1E12.1E2
Foam Inlet3.102 + 2.2E2 Foam Inlet3.102 + 2.2E2 Hosereel 45m long3.110 + 3.1E6 + 2.1E1 + 2.2E1 Hosereel 45m long3.110 + 3.1E6 + 2.1E1 + 2.2E1
Underground Fire Main3.1E1 + 2.1E1 Underground Fire Main3.1E1 + 2.1E1 Under ground Fire Main with Metered by Pass3.1E1 + 3.1E3 + 3.1E4 + 3.1E5 Under ground Fire Main with Metered by Pass3.1E1 + 3.1E3 + 3.1E4 + 3.1E5

Group 4 – Fire Alarm

Table 4.1 – Control and Indicating Equipment

Elements

Sounder Sounder4.1E1 Illuminated Signal Illuminated Signal4.1E2
Symbols
Control Panel Any Type Control Panel Any Type4.101 Control Panel Illuminated Signals Control Panel Illuminated Signals4.101 + 4.1E2
Control Panel Sounders Control Panel Sounders4.101 + 4.1E1 Control Panel Sounders and Illuminated Signals Control Panel Sounders and Illuminated Signals4.101 + 4.1E1 + 4.1E2

Group 4 – Fire Alarm

Table 4.2 – Initiating Equipment

Elements
Smoke4.2E1 Smoke4.2E1 Beam4.2E3 Beam4.2E3
Flame4.2E2

Symbols

Detector Any Type4.201 Detector Any Type4.201 Gas Detector4.201 + 2.1E6 Gas Detector4.201 + 2.1E6
Heat Detector4.201 + 2.2E10 Heat Detector4.201 + 2.2E10 Fire Alarm Manual Call Point4.201 + 2.2E7 Fire Alarm Manual Call Point4.201 + 2.2E7
Smoke Detector4.201 + 4.2E1 Smoke Detector4.201 + 4.2E1 Beam Detector4.201 + 4.2E3 Beam Detector4.201 + 4.2E3
Flame Detector4.201 + 4.2E2 Flame Detector4.201 + 4.2E2

Group 4 – Fire Alarm

Table 4.3 – Warning Equipment

Elements
Manual Sounder Manual Sounder4.3E1 LoudSpeaker LoudSpeaker4.3E3
Electric Bell Electric Bell4.3E2 Telephone Telephone4.3E4
Symbols
Warning Device Any Type4.301 Warning Device Any Type4.301 Warning Device Loudspeaker4.301 + 4.3E3 Warning Device Loudspeaker4.301 + 4.3E3
Warning Device Manual Sounder4.301 + 4.3E1 Warning Device Manual Sounder4.301 + 4.3E1 Warning Device Telephone4.301 + 4.3E4 Warning Device Telephone4.301 + 4.3E4
Warning Device Sounder4.301 + 4.1E1 Warning Device Sounder4.301 + 4.1E1 Warning Device Visual4.301 + 4.1E2 Warning Device Visual4.301 + 4.1E2
Warning Device Bell4.301 + 4.3E2 Warning Device Bell4.301 + 4.3E2
Applications
Telephone with Flashing Light4.301 + 4.3E4 + 4.1E2 Telephone with Flashing Light4.301 + 4.3E4 + 4.1E2

Group 5 – Means of Escape

Table 5.1 – Routes

Elements
Directional Arrow5.1E1 Directional Arrow5.1E1

Symbols

Escape Route5.101

Escape Route5.101 Escape Route, Final Exit5.103 Escape Route, Final Exit5.103

Escape Route, Direction to Follow5.102

Group 6 – Risk Areas

Table 6.1 – Fire and Explosion

Elements

Flammable Materials6.1E1

Flammable Materials6.1E1 Explosive Materials6.1E3 Explosive Materials6.1E3

Oxidizing Materials6.1E2

Oxidizing Materials6.1E2

Symbols

General Hazard Warning6.101

General Hazard Warning6.101 Oxidizing Materials Risk Area6.103 Oxidizing Materials Risk Area6.103

Flammable Materials Risk Area6.102

Flammable Materials Risk Area6.102 Explosive Materials Risk Area6.104 Explosive Materials Risk Area6.104

Group 7 – Fire Precautions

Table 7.1 – Building Elements

Elements

Ramp Gradient7.1E1

Ramp Gradient7.1E1 Self Closing Automatic Release7.1E8 Self Closing Automatic Release7.1E8

Fire Resistance in Minutes7.1E2

Fire Resistance in Minutes7.1E2 Vision Panel7.1E9 Vision Panel7.1E9

Fire Resisting Glazed Element7.1E3

Fire Resisting Glazed Element7.1E3 Guarding Handrail7.1E10 Guarding Handrail7.1E10

Security Lock7.1E4

Security Lock7.1E4 Push Bar Door Ironmongery7.1E11 Push Bar Door Ironmongery7.1E11

Key in Box7.1E5

Key in Box7.1E5 Fusible Link7.1E12 Fusible Link7.1E12

Free From Fastenings7.1E6

Free From Fastenings7.1E6 Fire Resisting7.1E13 Fire Resisting7.1E13

Self Closing7.1E7

Self Closing7.1E7 Smoke Resisting7.1E14 Smoke Resisting7.1E14

Symbols

Wall Opening with Window7.101

Wall Opening with Window7.101 Door set, Sliding Leaf7.111 Door set, Sliding Leaf7.111

Wall Opening with Roller Shutter7.102

Wall Opening with Roller Shutter7.102 Door set, Revolving Leaves7.112 Door set, Revolving Leaves7.112

Wall Opening with Up and Over Door7.103

Wall Opening with Up and Over Door7.103 Door set, Sliding/folding, End Hung7.113 Door set, Sliding/folding, End Hung7.113

Door Set, Hinged Leaf7.104

Door Set, Hinged Leaf7.104 Door set, Sliding/folding, Centre Hung7.114 Door set, Sliding/folding, Centre Hung7.114

Door set, Hinged leaf (alternative)7.105

Door set, Hinged leaf (alternative)7.105 Stairway, Arrow Indicates Up Direction7.115 Stairway, Arrow Indicates Up Direction7.115

Door set, Hinged Leaf, Normally Closed7.106

Door set, Hinged Leaf, Normally Closed7.106 Ramp, Arrow Indicates Up Direction7.116 Ramp, Arrow Indicates Up Direction7.116

Door set, Hinged Leaf, Normally Open7.107

Door set, Hinged Leaf, Normally Open7.107 Fire Damper7.117 Fire Damper7.117

Door set, Hinged Leaf, O[opening Either Way7.108

Door set, Hinged Leaf, O[opening Either Way7.108 Fire Resisting Construction 30 min7.118 Fire Resisting Construction 30 min7.118

Door set, Hinged Leaf, Opening 1807.109

Door set, Hinged Leaf, Opening 1807.109 Fire Resisting Construction 30 min's (for small scale drawings)7.119 Fire Resisting Construction 30 min’s (for small scale drawings)7.119

Door set, Two Hinged Leaves7.110

Door set, Two Hinged Leaves7.110

Applications

Fire Resisting Glazed Screen7.1E2 + &.7.1E3 7.101 + 7.118

Fire Resisting Glazed Screen7.1E2 + &.7.1E3 7.101 + 7.118 Final Exit Door set Double Leaves Single Swing with push bar door ironmongery7.110 + 7.1E11 Final Exit Door set Double Leaves Single Swing with push bar door ironmongery7.110 + 7.1E11

Fire Damper in Ductwork7.117

Fire Damper in Ductwork7.117 Ramp Showing Direction of Rise and Gradient7.116 + 7.1E1 Ramp Showing Direction of Rise and Gradient7.116 + 7.1E1

30 min Fire Resisting Door set, Single Leaf, Single Swing7.118 + 7.104 +7.1E2 + 7.113

30 min Fire Resisting Door set, Single Leaf, Single Swing7.118 + 7.104 +7.1E2 + 7.113 Guarding Rail along side of open Stairwell7.115 + 7.1E10 Guarding Rail along side of open Stairwell7.115 + 7.1E10

60 min Fire Resisting Door set, Single Leaf, Single Swing7.118 + 7.104 +7.1E2 + 7.1E13 + 7.1E14

60 min Fire Resisting Door set, Single Leaf, Single Swing7.118 + 7.104 +7.1E2 + 7.1E13 + 7.1E14 Wall Opening with Roller Shutter 30 min's Fire Resistance operated by Fusible Link7.102 + 7.1E13 + 7.1E12 Wall Opening with Roller Shutter 30 min’s Fire Resistance operated by Fusible Link7.102 + 7.1E13 + 7.1E12

30 min Fire and Smoke Resisting Door set, Double Leaf, Single Swing, Self Closing. Normally held open on electro magnetic devices7.118 + 7.110 + 7.1E2 + 7.1E8 + 7.1E13 + 7.1E14

30 min Fire and Smoke Resisting Door set, Double Leaf, Single Swing, Self Closing. Normally held open on electro magnetic devices7.118 + 7.110 + 7.1E2 + 7.1E8 + 7.1E13 + 7.1E14

Group 8 – Emergency Lighting

Table 8.1 – Lighting

Elements

Luminaire Any Type8.1E1

Luminaire Any Type8.1E1 Luminaire Linear Any Type Enclosed8.1E4 Luminaire Linear Any Type Enclosed8.1E4

Luminaire Any Type, Enclosed8.1E2

Luminaire Any Type, Enclosed8.1E2 Emergency / Safety8.1E5 Emergency / Safety8.1E5

Luminaire Linear Any Type8.1E3

Luminaire Linear Any Type8.1E3

Symbols

Emergency, Enclosed8.101

Emergency, Enclosed8.101 Emergency, Linear Self Contained8.104 Emergency, Linear Self Contained8.104

Emergency, Self Contained8.102

Emergency, Self Contained8.102 Emergency, Linear Enclosed8.105 Emergency, Linear Enclosed8.105

Emergency, Linear Any Type8.103

Emergency, Linear Any Type8.103 Exit Sign Internally Illuminated8.106 Exit Sign Internally Illuminated8.106

Group 9 – Fire Safety Signs

Table 9.1 – Descriptions

Elements

General Prohibition9.1E1

General Prohibition9.1E1 General Condition Sign9.1E21 General Condition Sign9.1E21

Smoking is Prohibited9.1E2

Smoking is Prohibited9.1E2 Fire Exit9.1E22 Fire Exit9.1E22

Smoking and Flames Prohibited9.1E3

Smoking and Flames Prohibited9.1E3 Slide to Open9.1E23 Slide to Open9.1E23

Water as Extinguishing Agent Prohibited9.1E4

Water as Extinguishing Agent Prohibited9.1E4 Break to Obtain Access9.1E24 Break to Obtain Access9.1E24

General Warning9.1E5

General Warning9.1E5 Push Bar to Open9.1E25 Push Bar to Open9.1E25

Flammable Materials9.1E6

Flammable Materials9.1E6 Directional Arrow (Green)9.1E26 Directional Arrow (Green)9.1E26

Oxidizing Materials9.1E7

Oxidizing Materials9.1E7 Collection of Firefighting Equipment9.1E27 Collection of Firefighting Equipment9.1E27

Risk of Explosion9.1E8

Risk of Explosion9.1E8 Fire Alarm Call Point9.1E28 Fire Alarm Call Point9.1E28

Fire Alarm Call Point9.1E28

No Means of Escape9.1E9 Fire Telephone9.1E29 Fire Telephone9.1E29

In the Event of a Fire, Avoid use of Lift9.1E10

In the Event of a Fire, Avoid use of Lift9.1E10 Fire Hose Reel9.1E30

General Mandatory Sign9.1E11

General Mandatory Sign9.1E11 Fire Extinguisher9.1E31 Fire Extinguisher9.1E31

Fire Action Sign9.1E12

Fire Action Sign9.1E12 Foam Inlet9.1E32 Foam Inlet9.1E32

Fire Door Keep Shut9.1E13

Fire Door Keep Shut9.1E13 Dry Riser9.1E33 Dry Riser9.1E33

Fire Door Keep Locked9.1E14

Fire Door Keep Locked9.1E14 Wet Riser9.1E34 Wet Riser9.1E34

Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear9.1E15

Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear9.1E15 Fireman`s Switch9.1E35 Fireman`s Switch9.1E35

Automatic Fire Door, Keep Clear, Close at Night9.1E16

Automatic Fire Door, Keep Clear, Close at Night9.1E16 Open Valve, in the event of a Fire9.1E36 Open Valve, in the event of a Fire9.1E36

Door to be Secured Open9.1E17

Door to be Secured Open9.1E17 Open Valve before running out Hose9.1E37 Open Valve before running out Hose9.1E37

Door to be Unlocked9.1E18

Door to be Unlocked9.1E18 Fire Plan9.1E38 Fire Plan9.1E38

Gangway Keep Clear9.1E19

Gangway Keep Clear9.1E19 Directional Arrow (Red)9.1E39 Directional Arrow (Red)9.1E39

Fire Escape Keep Clear9.1E20

Fire Escape Keep Clear9.1E20

Symbols

Fire Exit9.101

Fire Exit9.101

Applications

Fire Door to be kept shut7.118 + 7.104 + 9.114

Fire Door to be kept shut 7.118 + 7.104 + 9.114 Fire Exit Door with Sign7.118 + 7.110 + 8.106 + 9.1E22 Fire Exit Door with Sign 7.118 + 7.110 + 8.106 + 9.1E22

Group 10 – Smoke Control

Table 10.1 – Venting and Pressurization

Elements

Smoke Vent on Plan10.1E1

Smoke Vent on Plan10.1E1 Smoke Vent in Horizontal or Vertical Section10.1E5 Smoke Vent in Horizontal or Vertical Section10.1E5

Smoke Vent over on Plan10.1E2

Smoke Vent over on Plan10.1E2 Fan10.1E6 Fan10.1E6

Roof Light Vent on Plan10.1E3

Roof Light Vent on Plan10.1E3 Flow Direction Extract10.1E7 Flow Direction Extract10.1E7

Roof Light Vent over on Plan10.1E4

Roof Light Vent over on Plan10.1E4 Flow Direction Supply10.1E8 Flow Direction Supply10.1E8

Symbols

Space Requiring Smoke Ventilation10.101

Space Requiring Smoke Ventilation10.101 Replacement Air Intake10.111 Replacement Air Intake10.111

Pressurized Space10.102

Pressurized Space10.102 Window Smoke Release Manual10.112 Window Smoke Release Manual10.112

Pressurized Space, Single stage10.103

Pressurized Space, Single stage10.103 Window Smoke Release Automatic10.113 Window Smoke Release Automatic10.113

Pressurized Space, Double Stage10.104

Pressurized Space, Double Stage10.104 Pressure Air Supply Point10.114 Pressure Air Supply Point10.114

Smoke Reservoir10.105

Smoke Reservoir10.105 Pressurizing Air Intake 10.115 Pressurizing Air Intake 10.115

Pressure Differential Point10.106

Pressure Differential Point10.106 Smoke Curtain Fixed10.116 Smoke Curtain Fixed10.116

Smoke Vent Manually Actuated10.107

Smoke Vent Manually Actuated10.107 Smoke Curtain Automatically Actuated10.117 Smoke Curtain Automatically Actuated10.117

Smoke Vent Automatically Actuated10.108

Smoke Vent Automatically Actuated10.108 Smoke Extraction Fan10.118 Smoke Extraction Fan10.118

Smoke Extract Point10.109

Smoke Extract Point10.109 Pressurizing Air Supply Fan10.119 Pressurizing Air Supply Fan10.119

Smoke Discharge Point10.110

Smoke Discharge Point10.110

British Standards are available from : – British Standards Online

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May 31, 2011[Last updated: February 10, 2022]

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