Otis Certified Fire Hydrant Inspection Services in Vancouver

Fire hydrants, also known as fireplugs, are connection systems designed to supply water to firefighters in case of emergency. There are 2 different types of hydrants which are the dry and wet barrel. Dry barrel valves are separated from the water supply by a valve below the ground to keep the hydrant dry. Dry barrel fire hydrants are used in a colder climate to prevent the hydrant from freezing.

The following is the capacity indicating colour scheme for most common fire hydrants.

• Class AA  Blue  Capacity of 1500 gpm (5678 litres per minute)
• Class A  Green  Capacity of 1000 - 1499 gpm (3785 - 5674 lpm)
• Class B  Orange  Capacity of 500 - 999 gpm (1893 - 3782 lpm)
• Class C  Red  Capacity of less than 500 gpm (maximum 1893 lpm)

Fire Hydrant Inspections Requirements in Vancouver

Some private property has their own private fire hydrant; therefore, the building owner is responsible for inspection, testing and maintenance of fire hydrants as per NFPA 291, NFPA 25 and B.C. Fire Code. Fire hydrants shall be inspected annually and after every operation. If the hydrant (dry barrel or wall) is used, it shall be inspected for the following:

• Presence of water in the barrel.
• Drainage of water from the barrel.
• Checking hydrant for leakage.
• Existing crack in the barrel.
• The tightness of outlet caps.
• The condition of outlet threads and operating nut.
• Availability of operating wrench.

NFPA 25: 7.2.2.4

The fire hydrant inspections also involve:

• Inspecting the hydrant flow
• Inspecting the rate of discharge
• Operation of each hydrant
• Flushing of the mains
• Inspect the functionality of the shut off valve
• Checking hydrant thread
• Check for needed parts
• Static and flow pressure tests
• Delivery of a final report

Otis Fire Protection company technicians will perform various professional tests and checks using a special fire hydrant inspection checklist. This may include the use of visual and software. During the fire hydrant flow test, we will collect the following information

• Date of hydrant test.
• Hydrant location.
• Time of day the hydrant was tested.
• Static reading at the second pressure hydrant (pressure in the system with no flow).
• Residual reading at pressure hydrant B (pressure during full flow).
• Flow reading (using pivot gauge) at hydrant A.
• Water main diameter (in inches).
• Hydrant outlet size and type.
• Hydrant elevation.

A Fire Hydrant Test. Flowing water from the diffuser and measuring water pressure, pitot reading, and flow of water gpm (gallon per minute).

It is important that records of the inspection data are kept for future use and to present to the fire department when they come for an inspection.

Please Contact us now to schedule your annual fire hydrant inspection, maintenance, and testing as well as fire hydrant flow test services in Vancouver.

Otis Fire Protection Inc. is your number one fire hydrant inspection and maintenance company. Looking for information on fire hydrant system and how often should fire hydrants be inspected? As a reliable fire hydrant testing company, our qualified fire hydrant technician will help you to design a customized fire hydrant inspection plan to meet your needs.