Verification of fire hydrants: methods and frequency of testing of the device

In any community, maintaining the functionality and safety of fire hydrants is essential for safeguarding people and property. Fire hydrants are essential emergency tools because they give firefighters access to water when fighting fires. These devices are tested and verified often to make sure they are dependable when needed most.

Several techniques are used to evaluate the operational preparedness of fire hydrants before they are verified. This involves visually inspecting the area for indications of deterioration or damage, like leaks or rust. Functional testing guarantees that fire hydrants meet the standards needed to fight fires by delivering water at the proper pressure and flow rates.

The frequency of fire hydrant testing varies according to regulations and location. Most places inspect fire hydrants once a year to make sure they are in good working order. To guarantee continuous reliability, more frequent scheduling of additional testing may be necessary in high-risk or heavily trafficked areas.

The procedure and methodology of testing

The purpose of these measures is to assess the Higher School of Economics’ performance and condition in order to guarantee water output in the event that the building catches fire. Testing establishes the minimum pressure required for fire safety in internal and external water supply pipes while accounting for water intake during business hours. Furthermore, fire crane valve serviceability is determined based on the standards that have been enacted. The strict sequence of measures is part of the testing technique:

• General check of fire cabinets – their serviceability, accessibility and equipment;
• checking the PC directly, serviceability, tightness and readiness;
• measurement of water pressure in the pipes of the internal fire water supply;
• testing for water discharge is carried out, taking into account the flow of water necessary for extinguishing;
• rolling fire hoses in a double roll to a new seam is performed.

Since the fire crane’s capacity to locate open flame sources and put out fires depends on it, extra care is taken during the audit to evaluate its water recovery test. The Russian Federation’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, VNIIIPO, has established a specific protocol for testing this technique.

Among them are the following actions:

• You need to open a fire cabinet;
• detect the sleeve with the valve of the crane;
• connect a measuring device to it;
• attach the sleeve through the meter;
• Expand the sleeve with a gasket at a distance of at least 100 m;
• Place its barrel in a large receiving capacity of up to 200 liters;
• at the same time open the barrel tap and PC valve;
• when the manometer fixes the pressure level, turn off the water;
• Close the barrel tap, PC valve, drain the remaining water from the fire sleeve;
• return it to the same place, close the cabinet and seal.

Although these steps have a specific order, they can be carried out concurrently with the PC testing for water recovery. Among them are the following actions:

• First, the diameter of the diameter of the diaphragm with a caliper is measured;
• Then the head with a plug joins the valve of the fire crane;
• at least three discoveries and clips of the valve are performed in manual mode;
• A check for the course of sealing gaskets near the rod is carried out;
• Next, the same check for the presence of leaks from the valve of the fire crane;
• At the final stage, a general check of water supply is carried out.

Similar to the last test, the results are documented in the working journal at the conclusion in the form of an Appendix 3 table. Based on this, the majority of the PB test can be regarded as finished. However, a separate suitability check is performed if the facility has a pumping station equipped with units that raise the pressure in the HSV system:

• preliminary inspection of the technical condition and serviceability of the pumping station;
• testing for the performance of units, both main and backup;
• detailed test of instrumentation and equipment;
• testing of an automatic control unit, including the possibility of blocking;
• Testing a network of turbopols of HMV using hydraulics.

All technical tasks are delegated to regular staff members of the entity. Since they lack the necessary credentials, stringent safety guidelines are followed when conducting the tests:

• For participants in the audit, a detailed briefing of the main provisions and rules is carried out;
• overalls are necessary, made of waterproof/water -repellent materials;
• measures are being taken excluding water from random passers -by, with external tests;
• In places of testing, warning/prohibiting signs are necessarily installed.

It is ideal for a pass to be blocked to allow for vehicle passage in these areas, as it is nearly impossible to regulate the water supply when fire apparatus isn’t working properly.

How is the check

The FSU VNIIPO EMERCOM developed "Testing Methods of the internal fire water supply" in 2005, which outlines the process for inspecting fire combat cranes for water recovery. PC has prior hydro-relias experience. The gadgets are examined:

• water consumption;
• pressure;
• Pressure in the SNiP system.2.04.01-85.

Measuring instruments must pass the Lord’s inspection; this is verified in specialized labs.

The amount of water used by the fire crane per unit of time is referred to as the "water transfer." The acquired data is compared to building requirements for fire extinguishing standards. Their registration number is SP 10.13130. Deviations from the fundamental indicators point to the Higher School of Economics’ depressurization, which may be brought on by the following factors:

• violation of the water supply installation circuit;
• the formation of leaks on the line;
• Pipe pollution.

The following are included in the process for utilizing the hydraulic expert to measure the PC’s drainage:

• tank preparation;
• Connecting the device sleeve to the PC pipe with a closed valve;
• short -term opening of the crane and tester flywheel for air sustaining;
• fixation of static pressure on the network using a pressure gauge;
• determination of the actual water consumption and its reconciliation with TD of the device;
• Closing valves and disconnecting of the guidroster.

Start with the estimated value to determine the actual consumption. First, the tester snot and the valve’s ZPU are turned off. Water is added to the ready-made tank based on the pressure gauge’s data. If the pressure of 0.5 atmospheres determines the pressure of 0, then take a 12 mm diameter nozzle and repeat the water starting process. As a result, the nozzles are gradually being changed until the system pressure rises above 0.5 atmospheres. This algorithm works flawlessly for every type of guidrotester.

Following this test, the PC’s serviceability is the issue:

• moving the flywheel without additional effort;
• compliance of water flow with table data;
• The integrity of the structure and the absence of leaks after several cycles “open/closed”;
• Preservation of the diameter of the diaphragm design requirements.

Take values on a prescribed PC that is situated at the greatest height or distance from the water as indicated by the "testing methodology." The actions to be taken when inspecting fire cranes for water recovery are outlined in detail in the methodology. Every measure is executed at a temperature higher than +5 °C and with the highest possible load on water usage. The valve that is the furthest away is checked first. The total number of PCs covered by SNiP 2.04.01–82 as well as the methodology’s tables B.3 and b.4.

Here, they make use of: to examine the PC:

• measuring inserts with manometers and couplings;
• manual fluttering or included barrels with a diameter of 13, 16 and 19 mm in a fire cabinet;
• sleeves with a diameter of 51 and 66 mm and a length of 10-20 m in a step of 5 m;
• Water tank (not obligatory).

The PC test proceeds through the protocol, per the "Testing Methodology":

• Remove the initial indicators and add them to the test log.
• Disconnect the working sleeve and fix the dough hose.
• Check the diameter of the diaphragm.
• Connect a device for measuring the indicators of the drainage and sleeve.
• Make sure that the hose is laid without excesses, and open the crane by pointing the barrel to the tank (or to the sewer).
• If the Higher School pump is activated automatically, open the PC valve during the tank of the flywheel.
• If the control of the pump is manual, then you need to click on the "Start" button and open the flywheel of the fire crane.
• Measure the pressure in valves or brandpoit during stabilization of the load.
• Bring data to the test log.
• Disassemble the system in the reverse order, bring the PC to working condition, close the cabinet.

The table is used to verify the pressure on the pressure gauge that is fixed on the PC valve.

We examine necessary procedures and suggested testing intervals in our article on fire hydrant verification to make sure these vital safety components are operational when called upon. We explain how routine inspections support the maintenance of functionality and adherence to safety regulations, breaking down the procedure into manageable steps. Comprehending these procedures can improve safety readiness and guarantee dependable fire safety for your property, regardless of whether you manage a building or are a homeowner. Does this fulfill your search criteria?

Varieties of fire hydrants

A fire hydrant: what is it? These tools are essential for putting out fires. Water is extracted from water communication and then, under specific pressure, transferred to firewalls. Steel or cast iron can be used for fire hydrants. Pg are categorized based on the installation option for two primary varieties and are typically utilized in suburban areas:

• devices that are located in wells. They are also called underground fire hydrants;
• Vidden or Crimeless devices.

Subterranean fire hydrants: what are they? The most widely used devices nowadays to guarantee a steady supply for various purposes are those of the underground variety. Their continuous supply of liquid from the water supply is what makes them so popular.

Think about the following guidelines for positioning such equipment in wells:

• The installation of the PG must be carried out in accordance with state standards (GOST);
• It is allowed to install hydrants of firefighters of various shapes and dimensions;
• The tap of the device must be placed on the surface without fail;
• The temperature of the working medium in water communication, to which a fire hydrant in the well is connected, should be above zero. Otherwise, its operation is impossible;
• The temperature of the working environment in communication transporting cold water should be at least +5 ° C. The maximum indicator in this case should not exceed 50 ° C;
• The pressure indicators that can withstand this device should not be higher than 10 MPa;
• The installation of the PG in the well is performed only in the vertical plane and nothing else;
• For the reliability of mounting the device, special stands are used;
• Before starting the installation of PG, it is recommended to rinse it with water from the well;
• The design of the device should take into account the challenges to which it will be possible to freely connect the fire hose.

There are two types of hydrants: aboveground and belowground. Aboveground hydrants are found on the earth’s surface and don’t need the well’s structure.

Generally speaking, the corresponding instruction is applied to PG in order to make the installation process simpler. Three primary clauses are included in such a technical document:

1. Installation description.
2. Connection scheme (fire hydrant schemes can be different, depending on the design features of the equipment).
3. Sequence of actions during installation.

You can become acquainted with the drawing’s fire hydrant designations before studying the PG’s structure. Typically, all of this device’s structural components are noted in the drawings.

What are fire hydrants that are above ground? From a constructive standpoint, the Hydrant-free firefighting hydrant is a more complex device that is used much less frequently. These AFGs are typically mounted on sewer hatches, but some are also placed on the ground’s surface. It is necessary to have a nearby water source in order to set up such water intake apparatus.

The overground fire hydrant needs to be emptied during the winter months to prevent the device from becoming inoperable due to frozen water. It is very convenient that many aboveground models have the ability to automatically discharge working fluid.

Although the underground hydrant does not require winter water draining, it is not as convenient for work as the above-ground hydrant.

The frequency of checks of PG

At least twice a year, the effectiveness of PG with starting water is checked. To guarantee that fire equipment operates as intended, such a frequency is required. This kind of inspection is only done in the spring and fall during favorable weather conditions without any precipitation.

The test is conducted using the same methodology as the PG check. The fire department inspector is a document that multiple people sign following the test. The act includes a list of every action taken during the tests, along with a description of the errors and how to fix them. A responsible person is chosen by the commission to oversee the necessary repairs to address all of the flaws.

The commission determines the duration of the repair based on the fire hydrant’s specifications. Make sure to draft an act that specifies the water flow and pressure standards when conducting water recovery tests. Water transfer is monitored during the peak water consumption period in order to ascertain the highest and lowest fluid pressure.

Reception and initial inspection, testing of PG for water recovery

At the factory, the PG is checked for the first time. Concurrently, they create a product quality certificate that complies with the water transfer norm’s specifications. The next time, before operating, the device is inspected. When purchasing a hydrant, the buyer peruses documentation, equipment operating instructions and guidelines, a warranty coupon, and a product quality certificate.

In order to stop groundwater from penetrating inside the device, the customer can also purchase a check valve in addition to other spare parts. An external inspection and verification of the device’s apparatus is done prior to connecting the hydrant. There shouldn’t be any damage to the design because the metal components and threads are lubricated. Water from PG can only be used to put out fires; it cannot be used for any other purpose. It is necessary to check the PG check for the water recovery.

It is essential to test fire hydrants on a regular basis to make sure they operate correctly in an emergency. Property owners can ensure that their fire hydrants are in good operating order by performing routine inspections and flow tests. These tests entail examining the hydrant’s overall operability, pressure levels, and accessibility.

The most common way to test fire hydrants is through visual inspections, in which an inspector looks for damage or obstructions on the hydrant’s exterior. Flow tests, which gauge the rate at which water is discharged to verify sufficient performance in the event of a fire, are also crucial.

The environment in which the fire hydrant is situated and local laws determine how frequently they must be tested. Higher-risk urban areas might need more frequent inspections, perhaps once a year or twice a year. On the other hand, tests may be scheduled less frequently in rural areas, typically every three to five years.

In addition to guaranteeing adherence to safety regulations, routine testing and maintenance prolongs the life of fire hydrants. Owners of real estate should maintain thorough records of all tests and inspections carried out, as well as any upkeep or repairs made to fix problems found during testing.

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