In the heart of every busy city, quiet neighbourhood, or industrial zone, safety often works silently in the background. One such safety system that usually goes unnoticed until an emergency strikes is the fire hydrant. Imagine a sudden fire breaking out in your building or the nearby area. The first thing firefighters look for is a fire hydrant. But did you know there are different types of fire hydrants? If not, keep reading.
Components of fire hydrant systems
The fire hydrant system consists of a hose reel, landing valves, pressure relief valves, and a fire brigade inlet connection. Other key components include:
- Water supply source: Connected to municipal water mains or dedicated water tanks, this component provides adequate water pressure and volume to fight fires effectively.
- Fire pump system: This component draws water from the storage tank and delivers it through the hydrant network.
- Piping network: The piping network distributes water from the fire pump to all hydrant points throughout the premises.
- Fire hydrant valves: These are control devices installed at different locations on the hydrant network. They help draw water from the system using hoses during an emergency.
Types of fire hydrant systems
The four most common types of fire hydrant systems are:
- Wet barrel: This hydrant system is typically installed in regions with warmer climates. In this system, water remains in the upper section of the barrel at all times. Each outlet valve in the barrel is independently operable, and the hydrants are connected directly to pressurised water mains.
- Dry barrel: You can find them in areas with cold climates. To prevent freezing, the water remains below ground level until the hydrant valve is opened. This system features a drain valve that opens when the hydrant is shut off, allowing water to exit into the ground below.
- Flush hydrants: This system is installed below ground level and has only a small lid or cover visible on the surface. You will find this type of system in areas like footpaths, parking lots, or airports. To operate, a special standpipe or riser is connected to the underground outlet. When the flush-type hydrant is not in use, it remains concealed beneath a removable cover to avoid damage.
- Standpost type: This is an above-ground fire hydrant system consisting of a vertical pipe connected to an underground water supply line. At the top of the standpost, there are one or more outlets with valves where fire hoses can be quickly connected.
Role of fire insurance in case of fire
Regardless of the fire hydrant type installed, sometimes you cannot avoid losses. In such cases, fire insurance comes in handy by offering coverage against the following situations:
- The insurer covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding the property damaged due to fire.
- If the property becomes inhabitable due to fire damage, the insurer covers the costs of temporary relocation.
- Insurance protects against legal claims for property damage or injuries caused by a fire on the insured property.
- The insurer covers the cost of removing debris resulting from the fire, including demolition and cleanup.
Conclusion
Installing fire hydrant systems helps in an effective response to fire incidents. Whether you have installed a wet barrel, dry barrel, flush hydrant, or standpost type, each serves a specific purpose based on location and climate. Despite these preventive measures, fire incidents can still occur, highlighting the importance of fire insurance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.