TYPES OF FIRE HYDRANTS
Hydrant Info should include a basic description of the types of fire hydrants. There are two types of fire hydrants in use today in the United States: the “Dry Barrel” and the “Wet Barrel.”
The “barrel” is the large, round, vertical main body of the hydrant that is bolted to a concrete support slab. The hydrant’s pumper nozzle and hose nozzles are attached to the barrel. The top of the hydrant is called the “bonnet.” The bonnet is sometimes used to identify the capacity of the hydrant by its color as described below.
“Wet Barrel Hydrant” is used in areas that don’t have freezing temperatures. The entire hydrant is charged with water at all times. The hydrant has a compression type valve at each discharge outlet. The valve must be opened to commence water flow.
“Dry Barrel Hydrant” is used in areas that have freezing temperatures. The hydrant barrel isn’t charged with water until a compression valve is opened. The valve is located below the “frost line” which is approximately 18″ below the surface. When the vale is opened water fills the hydrant.
FIRE HYDRANT COLOR CODING
Hydrant Info should include the “color code” scheme that has generally been adopted. The color code indicates the relative capacity of fire hydrants [gallons per minute or “gpm”].
It is generally recommended that the hydrant’s color be “Chrome Yellow” so it an be easily seen. The hydrant’s capacity is identified by: (1) the color of the hydrant’s bonnet; (2) the color of the hydrant’s pumper and hose nozzle caps; or (3) a band of the appropriate color. This band is affixed around the hydrant barrel as close to the bonnet as possible.
The color code is as follows:
“BLUE” indicates a capacity of 1,500> gpm;
“GREEN” indicates a capacity of 1,000 – 1,499 gpm;
“YELLOW” indicates a capacity of 500 – 999 gpm;
“RED” indicates a capacity of <500 gpm.
FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS
In residential areas, the fire hydrants are generally located at every intersection, and then not more than every 450′ apart. In commercial areas, hydrants are generally located at each intersection, and not more than 300′ apart.
FIRE HYDRANT MAINTENANCE
The purpose of a fire hydrant is to provide access to a large and sustained supply of water, under pressure, in support of the fire suppression activities.
It is generally accepted that fire hydrants should be inspected and tested every six (6) months, but in no event more than one (1) year. Inspection of a hydrant includes, but is not limited to, the following: [1] Remove the hydrant caps one at a time, and flush out each hydrant nozzle; [2] Check and clean all nozzle threads with a wire brush and put all caps back on the hydrant; and [3] Check all bolts at the base of the hydrant and tighten as required.
Then, remove one hydrant cap, and with a listening device, check for leakage around the flanges, nozzles, valve seats, the operating nut valve, and make any necessary repair; and [4] Remove the listening device and test the hydrant flow and water pressure.
If the hydrant requires painting, remove each cap, tape all nozzle threads, mask off the hydrant bonnet [if the bonnet is to be used for color coding the hydrant]; and [5] Lay cardboard or plastic sheeting around the base of the hydrant and paint the hydrant.
When the paint has dried, if the bonnet is to be painted with the hydrant color code, remove the bonnet’s masking; (6) Put plastic sheeting around the hydrant; and (7) paint the bonnet.
Then, remove the tape from the nozzles and the plastic sheeting from the hydrant; [8] Lightly lubricate the threads of each nozzle cap with white mineral oil [or other light grade food oil; and [9] Reinstall the nozzle caps and hand tighten until snug [Do Not Use Wrench To Over Tighten Caps].
Attach the hydrant’s color coded band if required; and [10] Remove any brush, growth, trash, or any other material for a distance of at least three [3] feet in all directions from the hydrant.
Briefly memorialize the condition of the hydrant before inspection, the nature and extent of all maintenance performed, the hydrant’s gallons per minute and water pressure, the date of this report, and the name of the person making the report.
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF HYDRANTS
The unauthorized use of a hydrant by a person not trained in the proper method to safely operate the hydrant may: [1] subject that person to arrest, incarceration and/or a fine because it is unlawful; [2] cause reductions in water pressure in other section of the water system; [3] jeopardize people and property if there isn’t enough pressure to fight a fire; [4] if damaged, cause the fire fighter to lose precious time when trying to save property and lives; [5] cause discolored water to customers in surrounding areas; [6] cause serious injury to a person standing nearby who is hit by a cap cannon balling off the hydrant as the result of the force of gushing water; and [7] cause serious injury to a person knocked down by the force of a water stream from the hydrant.
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