What is a fire hydrant?
Fire hydrants are the connection points where firefighters gain access into a water supply. They are a component of active fire protection. Water is the first weapon in a firefighter’s armoury to fight a fire. It does this by cooling the fire and also smothering it simultaneously.
The firefighter first attaches a fire hose to the fire hydrant. Then they open a valve on the hydrant to provide a powerful flow of water into the hose. The pressure is of the order of 350 kPa.
However, this pressure can vary according to region and it depends on various factors. These factors include the size and location of the attached water main.
The user can also subsequently attach the hose to a fire engine. These use powerful pumps to boost the water pressure and possibly split it into multiple streams.
3 types of fire hydrants
- Non-pressurized (dry) fire hydrants: A dry hydrant is usually a non-pressurized, permanently installed pipe with one end below the water level of a nearby lake or pond.
- Water wells are also sometimes classified as fire hydrants if they can supply enough water volume and pressure.
- Standpipes are connections for fire hoses within a building and serve the same purpose as fire hydrants in larger structures. Standpipes may be “dry” or “wet” (permanently filled with water).
What are the Australian Standards for fire hydrants?
Fire hydrants are regulated according to Australian Standards. AS 2419.1:2021 is the Australian Standard for fire hydrant installations. It specifies requirements for the design, installation and commissioning and testing of hydrants for the protection of buildings, structures, storage yards, marinas and associated moored vessels, wharves, and plant.
Our company provides Fire Hydrants to suit what ever environment you need coverage for. We have over 40 years experience with fire protection and fire fighting equipment.
Please contact us if you wish to get more information about the applicability of the various types of Fire Hydrant. Our staff in our Sydney, Newcastle and Central Coast NSW offices will help you get the right equipment for your needs.
