Fire hydrants are often overlooked and abused. Individuals who utilize them in several ways, often misconstructrue the value and purpose of a fire hydrant contrary to their real functions. Fire hydrants are very common and we can even see them daily but we either ignore them or utilize them for a convenient resting place for footrest, garbage, or just to lean on.

The special mixed-format pipe system, fire hydrants are connected to a reliable source of fire protection water supply and are well equipped with water spray nozzles for specific water distribution over the surface or area to be protected. In simpler terms, fire hydrants are basically above ground pumps that run off the pipeline for safety in urban or residential areas. Firefighters can connect their hoses to these hydrants for availing water for extinguishing the fire. Fire hydrants are mainly red in color and stand elegantly in town and communities. They are placed in a strategic location for aiding the fire department. These serve as an essential part of the firefighting process, as they allow firefighters for accessing a steady flow of water supply during operation. The governments and entities all over the world are trying to educate the general public about the importance of fire hydrants and protecting this valuable equipment. Without hydrants, firefighters would have to face a lot more difficulties to do their job. The difference between death and life and the loss or salvage of millions of dollars worth of essentials is determined by the time it takes to leave your community to access water from an available hydrant. If the hydrants are abused, defaced, and misused, then fate will in fact be similar. Though it is the fire department's job to take care of the hydrants, we all must play a significant role too.

Types of fire hydrants -

Fire hydrants are of the following types - dry barrel and wet.

For dry barrel as it is implied, water is not filled until the hydrant valve is opened. These are ultimately the most popular type of hydrant within several leading countries of the world for providing the insulation using depth to prevent freezing portions of the water supply. A wet barrel is also used. They have one or more operating systems that run horizontally at each outlet. They are filled with water at all times.

Parts in a fire hydrant

Bonnet - this is the conical cap for the hydrant or bonnet which holds the operating stem nut in place and protects the hydrant from water penetration and mechanical damage.

Branch - The branch pipe which serves the hydrant from the city main is one restriction for the overall capacity of a hydrant. In older types, hydrants are connected with 4-inch branch pipe, a minimum of 6-inch pipe should be used for limiting pressure loss and permit greater flow capacity.

Flange - This lies at the base of the hydrant and is the point of connection for the hydrant to the rest of the barrel. The height of the flange becomes important during installation while the dimension from the bonnet to the flange of the hydrant is standard as it determines the height of the outlets.

Outlets

A traditional dry barrel fire hydrant contains three outlets. These outlets get their name as it is often the preferred choice for the fire department for connecting and feeding pumper trucks.

Stem Nut

It is the key to operating the valve within the hydrant. It typically has the shape of a pentagon.

Valve

When the valve is in the open position, the valve at the bottom of a dry barrel hydrant rises to plug drain holes and simultaneously permit water to fill the barrel of the hydrant.

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