A fire hydrant system is a traditional system where water is used as a medium of fire extinguisher. It is one of the most cost-effective systems, as water availability is abundant. This can be used in almost every type of fire except electric fire.
Components of a Fire Hydrant System
- A fire hydrant system consists of the following components:
- Storage facility and water supply
- Hydrant/Landing Valve
- Branch Pipe with Nozzles
- Hose Cabinet/Box
- Valves and pipework
- Strainers
- Fire hydrant pipe
- Pump house with Pump set installed
- First-aid hose reels
- Fire hose with coupling
- Inlets of fire brigade connection
The function of a Fire Hydrant System
The pressurization of a fire hydrant system is done under pressure developed by jockey pumps. After opening the hydrant valve, a drop in water pressure is noticed in the system. The detection of the drop in the water pressure is done with the help of a pressure switch which starts the jockey pump by extracting water from the water supply to enhance the water pressure of the hydrant system.
Along with the auto-start of the pump sets, a provision is also kept for the manual starting system. In general, stopping or shutting down the pump set is done manually. The connection of hydrants is made with the underground or over ground water supplies. The pumping system is connected with the hydrants to the fire site through hose reels and fire hose with branch pipe & nozzles to direct water at the seat of fire.
In case of any fire outbreak, the fire can be suppressed quickly with the help of a fast water supply by a hydrant system. If either of the hydrant valves is opened, the overall fall in the system pressure is allowed to start the AC Motor driven fire water pumping set through automatic pressure switches.
Purpose of using a Fire Hydrant System
The primary purpose of using this system is to suppress fire by supplying water to the fire site. However, this system can also be used for various other reasons as well, and these are mentioned below:
- Line Flushing to flush the lines of the main distribution system with the help of its high flow capability and easy operation.
- Testing system to examine the hydraulic capacity of a distribution system.
- Other common uses like water sources for road construction, sewer cleaning, road cleaning, etc.
A fire hydrant system is one of the most active fire protection systems, which is installed to protect the life within a building and secure the safety of properties.
