A fire hydrant system is the fundamental water based fixed fire protection system. it is called the mother of the fire protection system .this system is manned system and hence requires man-power to operate. a fire hydrant system consists of essentially a net work of pipes connected to source of water supply duly supported by pumping systems, provided with outlet known as hydrant valves at pre decided locations around the periphery on pipe line for operations.
Water under pressure from hydrant outlet is applied at desired points manually through hoses and nozzle during the fire fighting operation. it can be used to cool burning materials as well as to protect the adjoining or nearby property by keeping them cool. the efficiency of hydrant system to control depends on the quality of its design maintenance as also on its judicious by trained hands.
The important of laying hydrant mains underground is well known as they will not be exposed to fire and falling debris or accidental damage by vehicular traffic etc however hydrant mains may be laid over ground if poor soil conditions exist provided to mains are laid a stipulated distance away from the protected buildings structures and properly supported at regular intervals complying with rules cast iron hydrant mains are used since long for fire hydrant system. mild steel wrought steel mains are used underground but they require anti corrosive treatment on the outside surface check corrosive treatment on the outside surface to check corrosive action of the soil proper radiography of welded joints and holiday test of anti corrosive material are pre requisite for using the steel pipes. the mains once laid should be subjected to hydraulic test with trenches open.