Fire hydrants or oftentimes called Pillar hydrants connect to a pressurized water supply and offer a connection point by which firefighters can tap into during battling a fire. It works like a class 1 standpipe system.
Hydrant Definitions From NFPA 24.
3.4.1 Hydrant. An exterior valved connection to a water supply system that provides hose connections.
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There are two major types of fire hydrants categorized based on working environments.
- Dry Fire Hydrant: This type is used in a cold climate. Water only be available in dry fire hydrant during the fire fighting. It saves the hydrant from freezing.
- Wet Fire Hydrant: This type is used in a warmer climate and it stays pressurized all the time.
The underground fire hydrant is also available. It is basically an outdoor dry-type hydrant buried underground which does not affect the city’s appearance and traffic.
There are two kinds of fire hydrant are available in the market.
- British Type: They follow British standard BS EN 14384 for manufacturing. 2.5-inch outlet standard is BS336. LPCB and ISO is the popular quality certification for this type.
- American Type This type follows AWWA standards. 2.5-inch outlet standard is ASTM B62. UL or FM certificate is available.
Installation of Fire Hydant
The connection from the hydrant to the main shall not be less than 6 in. (150mm). A listed control valve shall be installed within 20 ft (6.1 m) of each hydrant connection. It should be clearly identified and kept free of obstructions.
Fire hydrants shall be provided and spaced in accordance with the requirements of the local fire department. It shall be located not less than 40 ft (12 m) from the buildings to be protected. It can be placed closer than 40 ft, in that case, local fire department approval should be taken. The center of a hose outlet shall be not less than 18 in. (450 mm) and not be more than 36 in. (900 mm) above final grade. If the hose house is available, the center of a hose outlet located in a hose house shall not be less than 12 in. (300 mm) above the floor.
Things not to forget during installation of fire hydrant
- The use of hydrants and hose for purposes other than fire-related services shall be prohibited.
- The means of hydrant protection shall be arranged so that it does not interfere with the connection to, or operation of, hydrants.
- Hydrants shall be protected if subject to mechanical damage
- Check valves, detector check valves, Backflow prevention valves, and other similar appurtenances should not be installed in the service stub between a fire hydrant and private water supply piping.
