One of the most important substances used in extinguishing fires is undoubtedly water.
The system that allows this water to be spread and delivered to the fire areas is the fire hydrant.
The fire hydrant system, which allows water to be sprayed to all parts of the area, is very important in terms of intervening in uncontrollable fires.
Water sprinkler extinguishing systems are frequently preferred for controlling fires.
Fire pumps, hydrant system, fire cabinets and water extinguishing system elements such as fire water tanks ensure that fires can be effectively intervened.
General Information About Fire Hydrant
The fire hydrant plays an active role in extinguishing fires, especially in the exterior of buildings.
The fire hydrant system, which can provide large amounts of water support, prevents flames from re-emerging.
Hydrant system designs are implemented in accordance with NFPA13, Turkey Fire Regulations, TS EN 12845.
There are two types of hydrants.
- Underground fire hydrant: The water intake ports of this hydrant type are under the floor and the cover is above the ground.
The fire hydrant movement is provided by turning the shaft that controls the fire hydrant valve.
Other parts of the hydrant are cast parts and hose connection fittings.
This type of hydrant can be used in factories, warehouses and fire-sensitive forest areas. - Above ground fire hydrant: This type of hydrant can also be divided into two as dry type and wet type above ground fire hydrant.
There is always water in the wet fire hydrant body and fire hydrant valve system.
This hydrant system is generally used in places with low risk of freezing.
In the dry fire hydrant, the water intake opening is located on the ground.
This fire hydrant system consists of the shaft that controls the fire hydrant valve, spring-loaded check valve, hose connection reconnector and cast parts.
Historical Adventure of Hydrant
Fires can cause serious loss of life and property.
For this reason, ancient people have also made efforts to prevent this disaster.
The use of hydrants dates back much further than today.
It is known that the first hydrants used were earth or metal cast boilers.
In order to ensure the continuity of the water in the metal cast hydrants, wooden pipes with a hollowed middle part were used.
These pipes ensured that these fire hydrants could be fed continuously.
The modern use of the hydrant was first encountered in the American colonial period.
Especially towards the end of the 1800s, hydrant networks became quite common in the country.
What is a Fire Hydrant?
A fire hydrant is a type of reserve tank used in fire extinguishing systems.
Hydrants are equipment that support fire brigades in extinguishing flames that cannot be calmed by first interventions.
Basically, it is used to prevent the fire from spreading further.
How Does a Fire Hydrant Work?
A fire hydrant is an opening that allows fire brigades to make a connection during fire intervention.
With the fire hydrant system placed on the outside of the buildings, water can be added to the fire trucks or hoses can be placed directly into these openings.
When the first response to fires is ineffective, these hydrants rotate and spray water into the area.
The hydrant is opened and closed by turning the shaft with the hydrant switch.
What are the Regulations on Hydrants?
According to the fire hydrant regulations, the following must be taken into account:
- The hydrants to be placed should be positioned in such a way that fire trucks can easily make connections.
- Hydrant system flow rate must be minimum 1900 l/min.
- Flow rates may vary according to the hazard class of the structure.
- The fire hydrant system should be located 5 to 15 meters away from the protected structures.
- For example, in a very dangerous area, the distance between hydrants can be 50 meters, while in a much less dangerous area this distance can be 150 meters.
What are the Dimensions of a Fire Extinguishing Hydrant?
Fire hydrant sizes can be in different sizes.
The most commonly used sizes are 1435, 1750 and 2150 millimeters.
Hydrants with these dimensions can be produced with two or three outlets.
What are the Types of Fire Hydrants?
Hydrant types are basically manufactured in two types: underground fire hydrant and surface fire hydrant.
Fire hydrants produced according to TS 2821 standards have international standards.
Thanks to the durability of cast iron, fire hydrants have a resistant structure.
How many bars should the fire hydrant be?
According to the fire hydrant regulation, the pressure at the fire hydrant outlet should be 7 bar (700 pKa).
Which Areas Are Fire Hydrants Mandatory?
The areas where the fire hydrant system is mandatory include all structures with a zoning plan of over 5000 square meters.
This includes factories, warehouses, industrial areas and buildings.
How to Make a Fire Hydrant?
Installation of the fire hydrant system is very important.
Hydrants are placed outside the buildings at certain intervals according to the height of the fire risk.
Particular care is taken to position them so that fire trucks can easily approach.
These hydrants can be fed from the city water network or large-scale fire pumps.
How to Open a Fire Hydrant?
Fire hydrant movement allows the hydrant to open and close.
The hydrant opens when the hydrant switch head is turned counterclockwise and closes when turned clockwise.
After use, the water in the hydrant is drained with a spring-loaded check valve.