Fire hydrants and fire sprinkler systems are the two main approaches to firefighting.
In most fire cases, a fire hydrant is the main method of fire extinguishing in a municipal area. Apart from fire hydrants, fire sprinkler systems are another common way of firefighting. In this blog, we will discuss both the firefighting methods in detail. Keep reading.
What is a Fire Hydrant?
A fire hydrant is an outlet that has a valve that supplies water to the fire vans and fire pumps involved in firefighting. Note that specific laws and regulations need to be followed for keeping operational fire hydrants with free access in residential areas, urban and developed areas, factories, etc. These laws make an important component of all the fire and safety courses and industrial safety diplomas.
Fire hydrant outlets are generally installed within the buildings to allow firefighters to connect their pipes and hoses to a regulated water supply to put off massive fires. These hydrants can be dry or empty in normal situations but can be charged with the pumping appliance of the fire brigade during an emergency.
Alternatively, they can be kept full of water which is supplied from the pumps and tanks of the building itself. Such types of fire hydrants are known as wet fire hydrants and they can also be paired with fire service inlets.
What Are Fire Sprinkler Systems? How Do They Work?
An automated fire sprinkler system is the most efficient way to use water from a fixed system. It is specially designed to attack the fire at a specific temperature in the form of a spray. It can not only extinguish the fire but can also control its speed.
Generally, the fire extinguishing process of a sprinkler system includes combustible materials to prevent the further displacement of oxygen steam and combustible vapour and the spread of fire.
Again, the sensitivity of a sprinkler system’s heat depends upon the rating of its glass bulb, which usually falls between 57°C – 260°C. Moreover, the intensity is classified using different colour codes.
Further, the design of a sprinkler system is determined using the hazard classification of building occupancy.
About the type of sprinkler systems, there are four types –
- Dry sprinkler system
- Wet sprinkler system
- Pre-action sprinkler system
- Alternate sprinkler system
The selection of the fire sprinkler system is based on the type of area that needs to be protected.
Difference Between Fire Hydrants and Fire Sprinkler Systems
We have just discussed the two types of firefighting systems. Let’s now discuss how they are different from each other.
So, the key difference between a fire sprinkler and a fire hydrant is that the former will function automatically in case of a fire. A fire hydrant on the other hand needs to be handled manually by firefighters. It can not be operated by just any laymen.
That’s all about the two most powerful fire fighting methods – Fire Hydrant and Fire Sprinkler. If you want to know more about fire safety, then enroll in one of our Fire and Safety courses in Sangli. Enroll NOW!