FIRE HYDRANT

Fire Hydrant System & Fire Fighting Equipment's in Nepal.

Fire Hydrant System?

Fire hydrant systems are a key component of fire protection infrastructure. This detailed guide will furnish an extensive overview of fire hydrant systems, including their functionality, components, installation and maintenance practices, and their critical importance in firefighting operations. Let us commence our discussion.

The fire hydrant system is an underground network of piping linked to a consistent water supply, equipped with aboveground hydrant access points positioned at optimal distances along roadways. This infrastructure allows firefighters to swiftly access large volumes of water during fire response operations.

As outlined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the fundamental role of a fire hydrant system is to deliver an adequate and reliable water supply for various critical functions, including the suppression of structural fires, the protection of properties in populated areas, and the provision of water for fire department activities. Well-structured hydrant systems are vital to the fire protection framework for municipalities, buildings, and public spaces, empowering firefighters to respond quickly in order to safeguard lives and property during fire emergencies.

Fire Hydrant:

A fire hydrant functions as a crucial valve link, enabling the fire department to tap into the public water supply. To ensure sufficient fire flow, it is common to require multiple fire hydrants. The fire hydrant protection system is tailored to manage large fires across all risk classifications and is designed to operate effectively even if sections of the structure collapse.

In areas designated for single- and two-family homes, fire hydrants must be located no more than 800 feet apart. Moreover, it is essential that at least one hydrant is placed within 600 feet of each home.

Fire hydrants are essential components of a water supply system, delivering water at sufficient pressure and flow rates through a network of pipes and nozzles for firefighting purposes within buildings. Fire hydrants can be classified into two main types: dry column and wet column hydrants, along with manhole fire hydrants.

Dry column hydrants are designed to be drained after use, thereby eliminating the risk of freezing and potential damage. This feature allows them to remain empty when not in operation. Conversely, wet column hydrants retain water in the system, providing a more effective and efficient solution due to their surface-mounted mechanisms, which mitigate the issues faced by dry column hydrants.

Manhole fire hydrants, commonly known as "the pit," are situated below ground level and are particularly useful in areas where space limitations hinder the installation of other hydrant types.

The Essential Elements of Fire Hydrant Systems

As one of the most enduring and effective solutions for firefighting, a meticulously designed hydrant system serves as the backbone of an entire firefighting infrastructure. Fire hydrant systems comprise several critical components that work in unison to ensure sufficient water flow and pressure for firefighting operations when required:

Wet Barrel Hydrants: These standard aboveground hydrants maintain a constant supply of water in their barrels, allowing for immediate access. They feature a single valve for rapid activation.

Dry Barrel Hydrants: Designed for regions susceptible to freezing temperatures, these hydrants have their main valve positioned below the frost line to prevent freezing. A dry barrel hydrant includes two valves—one located below the frost line and another at the hydrant itself.

Water Supply: This encompasses water mains, tanks, reservoirs, and lakes that provide water to the system. A dependable supply is essential for maintaining adequate pressure.

Pipes: Underground water mains, lateral lines, and lead pipes are responsible for distributing water to the hydrants under pressure. Common materials include galvanized iron and PVC.

Gate Valves: These valves regulate the water supply to each hydrant, enabling firefighters to draw water from designated points.

Fire Hydrant Pumps: These pumps enhance water pressure as necessary to fulfill firefighting requirements, with both electric and diesel options available for reliability.

Connections: The hydrant barrel is linked to the lateral pipe and water main to facilitate water intake.

1. Fire Hydrant Installation Rules and Approvals

To ensure fire hydrants are installed correctly, it's important to follow the guidelines set by organizations like the National Building Code of India (NBC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Local fire departments also need to check and approve the plans for fire hydrant systems in any building or area.

Some important NFPA guidelines include:

- Each hydrant must have a minimum water flow of 250 gallons per minute.

- Hydrants should be spaced no more than 300 feet apart in busy areas.

- The color of the hydrants should indicate their flow capacity: red for over 1500 gpm, orange for 1000-1499 gpm, and so on.

- Regular inspections, testing, and maintenance are essential to keep them working properly. Hydrants should be flushed every year, flow tested every five years, repaired if damaged, and made sure they are easy to see and access.

2. Guidelines and Approvals for Installing Fire Hydrants

When installing fire hydrants, it's crucial to adhere to the standards set by the National Building Code of India (NBC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Additionally, local fire authorities must review and approve the fire hydrant system plans for any building or area.

Fire hydrant systems need consistent maintenance and testing to function effectively during emergencies. This includes:

Inspections: Yearly visual inspections to look for any damage or blockages, along with flow tests every five years to check the water output.

-Flushing: Regularly flushing the hydrant barrels and pipes to eliminate sediment and corrosion buildup.

Repairs: Fixing any leaks or damage to valves, hydrants, and other parts, and replacing any worn-out components.

Accessibility: Ensuring hydrants are marked with reflective indicators and are easily accessible, free from rust, snow, plants, and debris.

Standby pumps are also put in place to maintain system pressure:

Jockey pump: This pump deals with minor leaks and pressure changes, automatically starting when the pressure falls below a certain threshold.

Main pump: This pump activates automatically when there’s a major drop in pressure due to high water flows, helping to restore the system’s full pressure.

Having backup pumps and power supplies is essential for ensuring reliability, especially if the water supply is compromised.

Using Hydrants During Firefighting

In the event of a fire, firefighters connect hoses to the hydrant using fittings like a storz connector. They open the hydrant’s main valve all the way to maximize the water flow, ensuring it reaches the fire effectively.

The fire engine’s pumps are then turned on to increase the water pressure, which is essential for powering the fire hoses. This process allows them to have a continuous supply of pressurized water to combat the fire.

In Conclusion:

Fire hydrants can pump out hundreds of gallons of water each minute. This powerful water source allows firefighters to take strong action against fires and stop them from spreading. They are vital tools for fire departments. When fire hydrant systems are properly designed, installed, and maintained, they can save lives and protect property by providing a reliable water supply for fighting fires in buildings and crowded areas. This ensures a fast and effective response to control fires before they lead to significant damage. In conclusion, fire hydrant systems are a key part of fire safety in Nepal. They are essential assets in urban and populated settings, offering crucial water supply for firefighting operations. The step-by-step guide provided will help you successfully use a fire hydrant system.