Hydrant Boxes: Essential Components for Building Safety

Hydrant boxes are special installations designed to house fire-fighting equipment such as discharge hoses, water couplings, discharge pipes, and other accessories. This equipment is connected to a water network, allowing for rapid intervention in case of emergency.

Their main role is to provide immediate access to water in case of fire, ensuring that the fire is extinguished before it spreads dangerously. Hydrant boxes are designed to be used by individuals without professional fire-fighting training, making them easy to handle.

Hydrant boxes are strategically placed in buildings in easily accessible areas, such as corridors or evacuation routes, to ensure a quick intervention. They must be clearly marked and easy to open in accordance with specific regulations.

Mandatory in Buildings: Where and When Are They Installed?

The installation of hydrant boxes is strictly regulated by fire safety standards, such as Norm P118/2 – 2013, which sets the technical requirements for fire protection in buildings.

According to legislation, hydrant boxes are mandatory in the following types of buildings and structures:

• Public buildings: Educational institutions (schools, universities), hospitals, government buildings, and other public spaces must be equipped with hydrant boxes.
• Tall residential buildings: Apartment buildings with more than four floors must have an indoor hydrant system on each level to ensure rapid access to fire-fighting equipment.
• Shopping centers and office buildings: These spaces are at increased fire risk due to the large number of people and electrical equipment. Therefore, the installation of indoor hydrants is mandatory.
• Warehouses and industrial spaces: In buildings designated for the production or storage of flammable materials, the presence of a hydrant system is essential to prevent rapid fire spread.

Regulations and Standards

The rules governing the installation and use of hydrant boxes are based on both European and national standards. Some of the most important regulations include:

• Norm P118/2 – 2013: This document details the fire safety requirements for buildings and specifies the types of buildings where indoor hydrants are mandatory, as well as their number and location.
• Law No. 307/2006 on Fire Protection: This law sets out the general measures for preventing and extinguishing fires in all types of buildings, requiring mandatory fire-fighting equipment, including hydrants.
• European Standards EN 671-1 and EN 671-2: These standards define the technical specifications of indoor hydrant systems. EN 671-1 regulates systems with semi-rigid hoses, while EN 671-2 regulates flat hose systems. According to these standards, each component of a hydrant system must be individually certified.

According to the provided document, hydrant boxes can vary based on the type of hose used:

• Flat hose hydrants (EN 671-2): These systems are intended for buildings where water pressure may vary, with the hose being foldable and providing increased flexibility.
• Semi-rigid hose hydrants (EN 671-1): Semi-rigid hoses are used in buildings with constant water pressure and are preferred in situations where quick response time is critical.

Technical Specifications of Hydrant Boxes

Hydrant boxes, regardless of the system type, are designed to meet certain essential technical requirements for efficient operation during a fire. Key technical aspects include:

• Materials and dimensions: Hydrant boxes are typically made of metal or other materials resistant to corrosion and fire. Dimensions vary depending on the hose type and the building’s specifications.
• Discharge hoses: Hoses used in indoor hydrant systems are either flat or semi-rigid. Common sizes include:
• Flat hose DN 25 and DN 52 mm;
• Semi-rigid hose DN 19, DN 25, and DN 33 mm.
• Water pressure and flow: Indoor hydrant systems must provide a working water pressure between 2 and 7 bars. The burst pressure must be at least 2.5 times higher than the working pressure. The minimum water flow must be sufficient to quickly extinguish a localized fire.

System components, according to the document, also include the metal reel on which the hose is wound, as well as certified couplings and water valves. These are critical components that must be well-maintained and regularly inspected to function optimally in case of emergency.

Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Periodic maintenance of indoor hydrant systems is a key requirement to ensure they operate within optimal parameters. According to legislation, inspections and regular checks must be carried out by authorized companies in accordance with Norm P118/2 – 2013.

Main maintenance obligations include:

• Weekly checks: According to P118, regular inspections of the indoor hydrants’ condition must be conducted at least weekly, and hoses should be checked for visible cracks or damage.
• Pressure testing: Every five years, hoses must be tested under maximum working pressure to ensure their integrity. Any sign of wear or defect must be addressed immediately, and the hose replaced.
• Accessibility: Hydrant boxes must not be blocked or hidden by objects that could hinder quick access in case of fire.

Product Certification and Compliance

For a hydrant system to be legally marketed and used, it must be certified according to applicable European standards. The document indicates that each component of the system (hoses, valves, reels) must undergo rigorous testing in an accredited laboratory. Upon completing the tests, the system receives a certificate of compliance, which attests that it meets the technical and safety requirements provided by legislation.

Non-certified or non-compliant hydrant boxes can pose a serious danger to the safety of a building and its occupants. Therefore, it is essential that beneficiaries check the documentation of each product, ensure that the labels and markings match the certificates of compliance, and request the manufacturer’s technical data sheets.

Risks and Consequences of Using Non-Compliant Systems

The use of a non-compliant hydrant system can have serious consequences, including:

• Risk of uncontrolled fire: Non-certified or inferior quality hoses may fail during use, leading to loss of control over the fire.
• Legal penalties: Buildings that do not comply with fire safety legislation may be fined or even closed.
• Material and human losses: A non-functional or ineffective hydrant system can lead to significant losses in case of fire, including loss of life.

Conclusions

Hydrant boxes are a vital component of a building's fire safety systems. By adhering to applicable standards and regulations, as well as conducting periodic maintenance and verifying component compliance, this equipment significantly contributes to preventing major fires and protecting lives and property. Investing in a certified and properly maintained hydrant system is essential for any owner of commercial, industrial, or residential buildings.