Fire Hydrant System

NFPA – 14

A Fire Hydrant System is a water supply with sufficient pressure and flow delivered through pipes throughout a building to strategically located network of valves for the purpose of fire fighting.

The system consists of the following components:

  • Water Supply & Storage Facility
  • Pipework & Valves
  • Fire Brigade Booster Inlets
  • Fire Pumpsets
  • Hydrant or Landing Valve & Coupling
  • First Aid Hose Reels and Layflat Fire Hose

A Fire Hydrant System is designed to meet specific performance objectives. These performance objectives require a hydraulic analysis to demonstrate that there is

sufficient water pressure and flow at the most hydraulically disadvantaged hydrant points as the pressure and flow requirements vary according to the building classification and floor area.

Under normal circumstances, a fire hydrant system is pressurised with water which is ready for emergency use. When a hydrant valve is opened, the system experiences a drop in water pressure. The drop in water pressure is detected by an electro mechanical device which in turn starts the booster pump(s) which draws water from the water supply to increase the water pressure of the system. Water from the hydrant is then directed through the layflat fire hose to a nozzle which is then directed to the seat of fire.

Under normal circumstances, a fire hydrant system is pressurised with water which is ready for emergency use. When a hydrant valve is opened, the system experiences a drop in water pressure. The drop in water pressure is detected by an electro mechanical device which in turn starts the booster pump(s) which draws water from the water supply to increase the water pressure of the system. Water from the hydrant is then directed through the layflat fire hose to a nozzle which is then directed to the seat of fire.