Installation of fire hydrants

[Chris73]

Hi Eng's,
Are there any national (north-american) standards on where or where not to install fire hydrants? Thanks!

 

[KRSServices]

Many municipalities I have worked for have their own standards for where to install hydrants. Generally though, in Canada, most municipalities have a hydrant spacing of about 75 m coverage radius in residential areas and 45 m in high density, commercial, hospitals and school areas. THe distance to all building should not be greater than the radius. Therefore the hydrant spacings are 150 m residential and 90 m commercial/industrial/high density areas. I'm fairly certain that these spacings are fairly consistant with AWWA publications as well. KRS Services

http://www.krs-services.com

 

[Chris73]

But what about min. distance to other structures like UT poles, lamps, walls ... There's got to be some standard numbers as well!?

 

[KRSServices]

unfortunately, I have never seen any standards, other than specific municipal standards....and those are tailored to their specific use. It would be difficult for a national standard because of the diverse situations. For example, to be placed within 2'of utility poles or underground gas lines, if the depth of bury was greater than 9 feet, would not be advisable due to the impossibility to excavate it to maintain. As a suggestion, offset a minimum of 1.0 m from property lines, or 2.0 m from back of curb or walkways. 3.0 to 5.0 m from building faces (if possible). I've had to place closer, (I have seen hydrants almost inoperatble due to proximity to a building) but as a guide, it works well. Designers discretion in imperative. I hope this helps. KRS Services

http://www.krs-services.com

 

[gtrainor]

There are National Fire Protection (NFP) codes that I have had to follow. However, the local fire Marshall will make the final call (and should have to approve your design) since it will be his or hers fire trucks going to the site to try and save the structure. What the Marshall will do is see that the hydrant locations are accessible, check the distance from the structure, verify the size fittings are in coordination with their hose size, check for dead end runs, and see that the pumpers are facing the right way in the design. Contact the Marshall asap (usually on the county level in the states).

Check out

http://www.firehydrant.org

- Technical Information tab.