Introduction
Imagine your city was on fire. Now, imagine there was no way to put the fire out. Firefighters need water to fight fires, and that water comes from fire hydrants. Fire hydrants play an important role in firefighting, and without them, our cities would be in trouble.
In this article, we’ll look closely at fire hydrants and their role in firefighting. We’ll also discuss how firefighters use them and what you can do to help them if there’s a fire in your city.
What are Fire Hydrants
Fire hydrants are an important piece of infrastructure in any community. A fire hydrant system is made up of pressurized water pipes that are installed throughout a building and pumped at high pressure to supply loads of water for fighting fires.
The water main is providing a branch or T-piece to the hydrant which is connected directly or through the installation of a short pipe. The hydrant is located in a brick chamber or pit that is covered with a hinged lid that is typically made of cast iron.
Pictures of Fire Hydrants
What Role Do Fire Hydrants Play in Firefighting?
They play a vital role in firefighting by providing a steady and reliable water supply to douse fires. Firefighters can attach hoses to the fire hydrant and use the water pressure to put out fires quickly and efficiently. Most major fires are extinguished using water from fire hydrants.
In addition to their function in firefighting, fire hydrants also play an important role in public safety. They are an easily accessible source of water for people who have been displaced by a fire, and they provide a way for firefighters to check for high levels of heat and smoke before entering a building.
Types of Fire Hydrants
There are two types of fire hydrants, and each one plays an important role in the firefighting process.
- Wet Riser Fire Hydrants
- Dry Riser Fire Hydrants
Wet Riser Fire Hydrants
A wet riser is a supply system used as part of a building’s fire protection system to send water to various floors or compartments.
Warm barrel hydrants are used in areas where the temperature doesn’t fall below freezing. These fire hydrants don’t require draining after each use because there is always water in the barrel.
Dry Riser Fire Hydrants
A dry riser is a system of pipework and valves that runs up through a building. Firefighters can quickly reach the water from each floor of the building thanks to the system.
Dry barrel hydrants are used in climates where temperatures can be expected to fall below freezing. To prevent the hydrant from freezing, the valve that regulates the flow of water into the barrel is situated at the base of the hydrant, below the frost line. After each use, the hydrant barrel should be drained.
Benefits of a Fire Hydrants System
When it comes to firefighting, it’s important to have a sufficient number of fire hydrants strategically located so firefighters can quickly and easily access water to put out the flames. That’s why municipalities install fire hydrant systems, and why property owners should be sure to have them on their property.
There are several benefits to having a fire hydrant system installed:
- First, it provides firefighters with a ready source of water to put out fires.
- It helps minimize the amount of damage caused by a fire.
- It can help reduce the cost of insurance premiums for property owners.
- It helps protect the public in the event of a fire.
Installation of a fire hydrant system is a critical part of any municipality’s infrastructure and should be given serious consideration if you’re looking for ways to improve your property’s safety.
Fire Hydrants Design Locations installation, its parameters & Recognition
Fire Hydrant Design
The factors listed below should be taken into account while choosing a fire hydrant design.
- Coupling must be compatible with all fire vehicles and adhere to regional requirements.
- Fire hydrant accessibility and shape.
- Should be distinct and noticeable.
- Outlets and valves should be easy to operate and connect.
- It should be noted that the discharge valve should be turned counterclockwise to open and clockwise to close.
Location of Fire Hydrant
- Standard practice for fire hydrants is to install at every 200 feet. Depending on the circumstances, minor departures from this rule may be acceptable.
- There should be an adequate number of fire hydrants available for high-risk regions and the requisite fire flow.
- Fire hydrants should be kept at a safe distance away from any protected or involved structures.
- To assure the operational and practical issues involved, the appropriate authorities of the fire wing or department must be contacted.
- The distance between hydrants ought to be clear and unobstructed.
- Hydrants close to protected structures.
- A fence, gate, or another impediment cannot isolate a fire hydrant.
- Vehicles should be parked a safe distance away from fire hydrants Critical access ways must not be blocked by vehicles or attached hoses.
- If the use of the proposed fire hydrant is impacted by the modifications, walls, gates, and fences should be indicated on the preliminary development plans and an adjustment to the additional fire hydrant should be taken into consideration.
Fire Hydrant Installation
- Comparing and observing the preliminary and final grading designs.
- He is coordinating the installation of fire hydrants at the construction site with all parties involved.
- Coordination with utility companies to ensure that utility poles, vaults, cabinets, sewerage lines, and encroachments, among other things, are not interfered with.
- No equipment or facility should, as a general rule, be positioned between or in front of any hydrant, or within 3 feet (1 m) of the body of any fire hydrant.
- Materials such as plants, walls, landscaping, and other items need to be maintained away from the fire hydrants’ clearance area.
Fire Hydrant Installation Parameters
- Pillar-style fire hydrants with two delivery outlets and blanking caps for each outlet are required.
- The pressurized fire hydrant system must always be kept at a pressure of 3-5 bar.
- Each delivery outlet needs to have an immediate female coupling with a diameter of 2 12 inches.
- Preferably, each delivery outlet should have its shut-off valve.
- The main hydrant line’s diameter must be 4 inches. If 4 inches diameter lines are not available, smaller diameter lines might be taken into consideration.
- The main Hydrant line should preferably be metallic, however, if metallic lines are not available, PVC lines may be considered as an alternate.
- The main hydrant line must have an isolation valve near the Fire Hydrant.
- A suitable hydrant draining system should also be offered.
9. The appropriate hydrant points may be chosen from industrial areas, densely populated residential areas, high-rise buildings, sensitive areas, and high-security government buildings.
10. When choosing hydrant points, commercial areas and busy markets must both be considered.
11. Fire hydrants may be erected on narrow streets in older neighborhoods and commercial marketplaces when fire vehicles cannot access the area.
Fire Hydrant Recognition
- Firefighting organizations and the general public should be able to recognize a fire hydrant right away.
- Painted fire hydrants, Fire hydrants must be painted in a color that is easily seen.
- The region must adopt standardized color coding.
- Non-municipal hydrants can be painted a color that sets them apart from municipal hydrants, per NFPA.
- Fire hydrants that are inoperable both permanently and temporarily need to be indicated.
Describe the Hydrant operation
Fire hydrant operation may vary depending on your local municipality’s regulations, but the process is generally as follows:
Turning On Fire Hydrant
To use a fire hydrant Firefighters must skilled. When opening a hydrant, remember to take these precautions:
- Remove the outlet’s blanking cap.
- Verify that the blanking caps on the remaining outputs are firmly fastened.
- After the female coupling’s gas kit is examined, attach the hose to the hydrant outlet.
- Position the hydrant wrench on the stem nut (valve), and then check the direction of the opening arrow.
- Begin the water flow when directed to do so by your officer or the pump operator. To fully open the valve, turn the wrench.
- To prevent a pressure spike, open the hydrant gently. Once the water is flowing, you can open the valve more quickly.
Turning Off Fire Hydrant
- Use a wrench to slowly turn the valve stem nut on the hydrant until the valve is closed.
- Carefully and slowly detach the hose from the outlet.
- Reinstall the blanking cap on the hydrant’s outlet.
Are There Regulations Regarding Fire Hydrant Installation?
In short, yes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a specific document, NFPA 24 that covers the installation and maintenance of private fire service mains and their components.
This document covers everything from the size and type of pipe that should be used to the location of fire hydrants in relation to buildings. It also includes information on backflow preventers, pressure-reducing valves, and corrosion control.
The NFPA isn’t the only organization with regulations regarding fire hydrants. Local codes and ordinances will also come into play, so it’s important to check with your local authorities to see what applies in your area.
The Inspection and Maintenance of the Fire Hydrant System
There are a few things you should keep in mind when inspecting and maintaining your fire hydrant system:
Hydrants Inspection
- Hydrants need to be examined physically and functionally.
- Usually, but yearly at the very least.
- It is necessary to routinely inspect valves, blanking caps, couplings, main stop valves, and main lines.
- No debris, tall grass, brush, fences, or other obstructions should cover a hydrant.
- Verify that every blanking cap is present.
- Every periodical inspection’s inspection record must be documented.
- Check the hydrant for any damage or leaks. If you notice any damage, make sure to repair it immediately.
Hydrants Maintenance
- Inspect the caps’ gaskets to make sure they are not cracked, missing, or broken; if they are, replace them with new ones.
- If necessary or rusty, grease any hydrant parts.
- If any valves are broken, cracked, missing, or rusty, they must be repaired or replaced, including the supply valve, main stem nut valve, and mainline valve.
Fire Hydrants Operation
You should be familiar with the operation of a fire hydrant, as well as how to properly inspect and maintain one. After all, these are an important part of fighting fires!
Here’s a quick rundown on how fire hydrants work: water flows from the main through pipes and into the hydrant. When firefighters need water the hydrant valve is open. The water then flows out of the hydrant through another pipe that’s connected to a hose.
Conclusion
So, the next time you see a fire hydrant while out and about, know that it’s not just an everyday, run-of-the-mill part of the street. It’s actually an important piece of machinery that helps firefighters do their job and keep us safe. Water supply is the related article in fr safety solutions.
