What elements are in a fire hydrant?

Fixed extinguishing systems with fire hydrants are a network of pipelines to supply water or foam and are conveniently distributed according to the type of risk to be protected.  They must comply with the minimum regulatory requirements and ensure a continuous flow of water.

As far as design is concerned, it is important to take into account the measurements of real distances (horizontal measurement) from any hydrant. Additionally, note that special attention should be paid to facades, always highlighting the main one for obvious reasons of accessibility for the firefighting services.  Also, to place the hydrants outside of circulation steps, parking of any kind, correctly marked and highly visible to reduce the timeframe of the intervention to reduce the risk of damage.

A network with a ring based distribution and sectorization valves are essential to ensure the operation even when faults occur.  Should some sections fail, there is sufficient back up on the network to protect the rest of the installation. Combining these with both aerial and buried networks can support the mechanical efforts typical in this type of facility.

Finally, it is important to highlight the role played by hydrant auxiliary booths that must be correctly located with full accessibility and visibility, all their elements in correct use, status and accessibility to the equipment they contain without elements that prevent quick opening.

In any fire protection system, its reliability is imperative. PEFIPRESA has both human and technical resources and the experience of thousands of installations carried out in order to ensure optimum design, installation and maintenance for perfect operation in case of fire.

Fire Hydrant flow can be modeled by using a short, small diameter pipe with large minor loss, in accordance with the hydrant’s manufacturer. Alternatively, hydrants can be modeled using Flow Emitters.

There are 5 main fire extinguisher types in Australia – Water, Foam, Dry Powder, CO2 and Wet Chemical. You should have the right types of fire extinguisher for your house or business premises, or you may not meet current regulations.

The various types of fire extinguisher put out fires started with different types of fuel – these are called ‘classes’ of fire.  The fire risk from the different classes of fire in your home or your business premises will determine which fire extinguisher types you need.

You will also need to make sure that you have the right size and weight of fire extinguisher as well as the right kind.  

Whilst there are 5 main types of fire extinguisher, there are different versions of Dry Powder Chemical extinguishers  The types of fire extinguisher are:

– Water
– Foam
– Dry Powder – ABE
– Dry Powder – BE
– Carbon Dioxide (‘CO2’)
– Wet Chemical

There is no one extinguisher type which works on all classes of fire.

Below is a summary of the classes of fire, and a quick reference chart showing which types of extinguisher should be used on each.  We then provide a detailed explanation of each type of fire extinguisher below.

The classes of fire

There are six classes of fire: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, and Class F.

 –    Class A fires – combustible materials: caused by flammable solids, such as wood, paper, and fabric
 –    Class B fires – flammable liquids: such as petrol, turpentine or paint
 –    Class C fires – flammable gases: like LPG, hydrogen, butane or methane
 –    Class D fires – combustible metals: chemicals such as magnesium, aluminum or potassium
 –    Class E fires – electrical equipment: once the electrical item is removed, the fire changes class
 –    Class F fires – cooking oils: typically a chip-pan fire

An easy way to determine which fire extinguisher to use is by the different coloured bands on the top of each cylinder.

This coloured band tells us what type of fire extinguisher it is therefore allowing us to recognise which fire to use it for.

Water Extinguisher

Water Fire extinguishers are for Class A fires only - they should not be used on Class B or C fires. The discharge stream could spread the flammable liquid in a Class B fire or could create a shock hazard on a Class C fire.

A Water extinguisher is identified by its all red cylinder and red band that runs around the top of the tank.

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Dry Chemical Powder Extinguisher

Dry Chemical Powder fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle.

They are effective on Class A, B, and E fires. They contain a chemical powder called monoammonium phosphate which extinguishes the fire when it spreads and melts over the flames. This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A fires.

A dry chemical fire extinguisher is identified by its all red cylinder and white band that runs around the top of the tank.

BE dry chemical is for Class B & E fires only. It is important to use the correct extinguisher for the type of fuel! Using the incorrect agent can allow the fire to re-ignite after apparently being extinguished successfully.

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Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher

Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers extinguish fire by taking away the oxygen element of the fire triangle and also be removing the heat with a very cold discharge.

CO2 fire extinguishers contain a non-conductive and non-corrosive extinguishing agent therefore will cause no damage to electrical equipment which make it perfect for areas such as electrical switch rooms, server/data rooms, electrical machinery and offices..

Carbon dioxide can be used on Class B & E fires. They are usually ineffective on Class A fires.

A CO2 extinguisher is identified by its all red cylinder and black band that runs around the top of the tank.

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Foam fire extinguishers work by forming a layer over the top of the burning substance which stops the fire by cutting off access to oxygen. Foam extinguishers are effective to combat Class B fires. They can also be used for Class A fires which include wood, plastic, textiles, and paper.

Foam fire extinguishers are generally used within warehouse’s, petrol stations and storage facilities and are not recommended for use on class F fires (cooking oils and fats).

A Foam fire extinguisher is identified by its all red cylinder and blue band that runs around the top of the tank.

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Wet Chemical Extinguisher

Wet Chemical Extinguishers  contain a solution of potassium, this solution smothers the fire and removes the element of heat. It prevents re-ignition by creating a barrier between the oxygen and fuel elements.

Wet chemical Class F extinguishers were developed for modern, high efficiency deep fat fryers in commercial cooking operations. They may also be used on Class A fires in commercial kitchens.

A Wet chemical fire extinguisher is identified by its all red cylinder and yellow band that runs around the top of the tank.

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