Overview
ISO 6826:2022 - "Reciprocating internal combustion engines - Fire protection" defines fire-protection requirements for reciprocating internal combustion engines used on land and at sea. The standard aims to minimize fire risk from the engine, its components and auxiliaries by specifying a basic class of protective measures plus optional special requirements (feature codes A, B, C … U). It applies to marine and land engines (excluding road vehicles, aircraft and engines intended for explosive atmospheres) and can serve as the basis for application-specific engine fire-protection standards.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Basic class: minimum fire-protection measures manufacturers must provide; details of implementation are the engine manufacturer’s responsibility.
- Instructions: mandatory installation, operation and maintenance guidance, including inspection procedures for hoses, pipes and connections.
- Engine-fill provisions: filling arrangements must prevent flammable liquids or gases contacting hot surfaces, rotating parts or electrical components.
- Piping and hoses: design and installation to prevent leaks onto high-temperature surfaces; fuel gas piping on engines should be double-walled or ducted; flexible hose length recommendations and material compatibility.
- Stop, drain and vent valves: accessible placement and suitable locking where needed.
- Special requirements (feature codes): selectable protections such as:
- Fire-resistance tests (feature A: 30‑min; B: 2.5‑min) and flame-retardant plastics (C)
- Protection of electrical components and grounding (D, E)
- High-pressure fuel/hydraulic system protection (F, G)
- Filters, filter trays and drain arrangements (J, K, R)
- High-temperature surface management and exhaust/after‑treatment protection (L, M, N)
- Inlet-system flame control, crankcase flame control and oil-mist detection for marine engines (P–U)
- Application coordination: For ships/offshore, compliance with Classification Society rules and other authority requirements is expected and must be declared at ordering.
Practical applications and users
ISO 6826:2022 is used by:
- Engine manufacturers and OEMs to design and document engine fire protection.
- Shipbuilders, marine equipment suppliers and classification societies to specify engine fire safety for vessels and offshore units.
- Equipment specifiers and purchasers who need to communicate required feature codes (e.g., Fire protection ISO 6826-C-K-P).
- Maintenance teams and safety officers for inspection regimes, hose and pipe integrity checks, and safe installation practices.
The standard is particularly relevant where no other dedicated international fire-protection standard exists (e.g., small craft propulsion, certain land-based machinery).
Related standards
Normative references include:
- ISO 7840 - Small craft - Fire-resistant fuel hoses
- ISO 8846 - Small craft - Electrical devices - Protection against ignition
- ISO 10088 - Small craft - Permanently installed fuel systems
- ISO 15540 / 15541 - Fire resistance of non-metallic hose assemblies and test requirements
Keywords: ISO 6826:2022, reciprocating internal combustion engines, fire protection, engine fire safety, marine engines, piping for flammable liquids, feature codes.
