Hydrant and Hose Reel Systems

Hydrant and hose reel systems are essential fire protection tools designed to provide water to combat fires in buildings, industrial facilities, and outdoor environments. These systems offer easy access to water, helping firefighters and trained personnel control fires before they spread, reducing the risk to life and property. While hydrants are often used in larger-scale firefighting efforts by trained firefighters, hose reels are more user-friendly and can be operated by building occupants in smaller fire emergencies.

Hydrant Systems

A hydrant system is a network of pipes connected to a reliable water source, such as a municipal water supply, dedicated water tanks, or pumps. Hydrants are placed around buildings as per Australian Standards, streets, and industrial areas, allowing firefighters to quickly connect hoses to a large volume of water. Hydrant systems provide the high-pressure water needed to control and extinguish large fires. These systems are a critical part of urban infrastructure and play a key role in emergency fire response.

Hose Reel Systems

A hose reel system is designed to provide a quick and easy way to access water in the event of a fire. These systems are installed inside buildings, and the reels are usually mounted on walls in visible, accessible locations. Hose reels are equipped with semi-rigid hoses, typically 19mm in diameter, that can extend up to 36 meters, allowing users to access various parts of a building.

Hose reels are primarily intended for use on Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and fabric. They are not suitable for electrical fires or fires involving flammable liquids (Class B) or gases (Class C), as water can spread these types of fires or cause electrocution.

The hose reel system consists of several key components:

1. Hose Reel Drum: This holds the semi-rigid hose and allows it to be easily unwound during use. The reel rotates smoothly, enabling users to pull the hose without resistance.
2. Nozzle: The nozzle at the end of the hose can control the water flow, allowing users to adjust between a steady stream and a spray. This flexibility is important for targeting the base of the fire effectively.
3. Water Supply: The hose reel system is connected to the building's water supply, ensuring a continuous flow of water once the hose is deployed. The system is designed for quick activation, typically by turning a valve located near the reel.

How Hydrant and Hose Reel Systems Work Together

In many buildings, hydrant and hose reel systems complement each other as part of an integrated fire protection strategy. While hydrants are primarily used by trained firefighters for large-scale fire control, hose reels offer a first line of defence for building occupants, enabling them to control small fires before they escalate.

• Hydrant systems deliver high-pressure water over long distances and are typically used outdoors, in large complexes, or in industrial settings.
• Hose reels, on the other hand, provide a more immediate and easily accessible water supply for indoor use, offering building occupants a quick-response tool for small fire emergencies.

Call us today on 1300 497 760 or contact us here to ensure your system is fully serviced to Australian standards, protecting your assets, and people.