Fire Hydrant System Components

Details
Category: Fire Hydrant Articles
Published: Monday, 11 June 2018 09:22
Written by Super User
Hits: 632

Water Supply & Storage

A water supply for a fire hydrant system can be derived from a reliable source of water such as; street mains, static water supply such as a tank or dam. Water storage must also include a facility for automatic replenishment (make-up water) due to losses from evaporation, leakage, periodic testing, etc. The capacity or volume of the water supply or storage must also be taken into account as part of the hydraulic analysis.

Pipework & Valves

To direct the water from its point of origin (supply) to its destination (hydrant valve) requires a series of interconnected pipes at defined sizes. The dimensions of the pipe is determined by Australian Standard AS2419 and hydraulic analysis. The Control valves are used in combination with the pipework to control an direct the flow of water.

Fire Brigade Booster

The booster assembly provides a point of attachment for the fire brigade to provide additional water to a fire hydrant system in in the event of an emergency. The location of the fire brigade booster should be chosen to ensure that it is readily accessible and provide protection to fire-fighters. A booster is typically mounted in a cabinet that includes details of the pressure limitations and requirements for the fire hydrant system.

Booster Pumpset

In some circumstances where a hydraulic analysis has determined that the water supply is insufficient for the building requirements, one or more booster pumpsets may be required. A pumpset may comprise a combination of electric or compression ignition (diesel) motors.

Hydrant

The end-point of a fire hydrant system is the Hydrant (also known as a Hydrant Valve, Landing Valve or Millcock) strategically located throughout a building in accordance with the provisions of AS2419. The nominal diameter for a hydrant valve connection is 65mm. The connection for a fire hose varies throughout Australia according to the local fire authority. In simple terms fire brigades throughout Australia use different hose connections. In these cases, the Hydrant must also be fitted with a connection or coupling compatible with the local fire brigade. Care must be taken to ensure each fire hydrant is readily accessible and has sufficient clearance to satisfy the requirements of the AS2419.

Layflat Fire Hose

Some buildings may also require as part of the approved design the installation of ancillary equipment such as a layflat fire hose. A layflat fire hose is manufactured in accordance with Australian Standard AS2792 is a flexible hose and nozzle that may be connected to a hydrant.

Block Plan

A fire hydrant system block plan is a indelible diagram mounted within the booster cabinet, pump room and fire control room that illustrates the primary features of the fire hydrant system including the water supply location & dimensions, location & capacity of each water storage or tank, location & quantity of each valve, location of each pump, pressure & flow rating of the pumps, location of the main electrical control room, location of all flammable storage areas, year of installation, installing contractors name, the height of the highest fire hydrant and the lowest booster connection.