Fire Hydrant Testing
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Standard for Fire Hydrant Testing?
NZS 4510:2022 – Fire Hydrant Systems is the standard for fire hydrant testing. Do you need your fire hydrants tested? The Local Guys are here to help! Our technicians offer professional fire hydrant inspections and testing for clients across New Zealand. If you want to maintain a fire safe environment and remain compliant, then book in with The Local Guys!
Should a Fire Hydrant be Tested?
Fire hydrants require comprehensive 12-monthly inspection (annual) in most commercial settings. To make sure our clients are compliant with New Zealand's official fire safety standards, The Local Guys follow the fire hydrant testing frequency as outlined in NZS 4510:2022 – Fire Hydrant Systems.
Remember: high-risk or hazardous environments may require more frequent testing (6-12 months) for fire hydrants. Other factors such as the council regulations in your area or the rules of your insurance providers can also affect the rate of testing for your fire hydrants.
Testing is Essential
Fire hydrants supply water during minor and major fire-fighting operations. If they cannot deliver water effectively in a fire emergency situation, fires can spread and put lives and property at risk. Regular inspections and testing for your fire hydrants will keep them in excellent condition and ensure you remain protected from fires.
Routine maintenance is also mandatory under NZS 4510:2022 – Fire Hydrant Systems safety standards. The Local Guys can help you stay compliant with hydrant testing requirements. Our technicians provide professional fire hydrant testing, detailed inspection reports, and official certificates of compliance for your records.
Test a Fire Hydrant?
Fire hydrant testing can only be completed by a competent person with the appropriate training and qualifications. Technicians from The Local Guys are fully-licensed and trained. We use specially-designed testing equipment and pressure gauges to perform tests.
During a comprehensive or yearly fire hydrant test, technicians from The Local Guys will:
- Complete a visual inspection
- Conduct a valve operation test
- Measure the flow rate (L/min)
- Test the static and residual pressure
- Lubricate the thread and cap (if needed)
- Tag items, document the results, and issue a compliance certificate
Visual Inspection
Our technician will check your fire hydrants for signs of damage. They will also check that the signage is displayed clearly and that people have clear access to hydrants. If signs are hard to see or the location of hydrants is blocked, our technician will inform you immediately.
Valve Operation Test
The Local Guys will inspect the fire hydrant valves. If valves corrode, become blocked, or become damaged, it won't seal properly. If the valve doesn't seal or gets stuck, the pressure could drop, water might leak out, or the water flow could become restricted.
Hydrant Flow Test
Hydrant flow testing is important because it checks that fire hydrants can deliver a high volume of water during an emergency situation. Since hydrants are used for a variety of firefighting purposes, they need to be able to maintain a strong water supply until the fire is suppressed or under control. Our technicians use the proper equipment to measure the water flow capacity of your fire hydrant.
Thread and Cap Lubrication
Hydrant threads are the point where hoses and standpipes can be secured to the hydrant. Caps are covers that provide hydrant outlet protection. Fire hydrant threads and caps can wear out or corrode over time, which is why they need routine maintenance from professionals like The Local Guys. Our technicians will grease the thread and caps of your fire hydrant so they stay in good condition and last longer.
Tagging and Documenting Results
The Local Guys will tag each fire hydrant with an updated compliance label. The complete results of your fire hydrant inspection will be recorded in your official service reports, along with any important notes from our technicians.
You'll also be issued with an official certificate of compliance for your safety maintenance records.
Static and Residual Pressure Measurement
Static and residual pressure tests are used to check whether the water flow pressure is high enough. Maintaining the right amount of pressure will ensure that fire hydrants can deliver an adequate water supply and fight fires effectively.
The recommended static pressure rating is: 350-700 kPa.
The residual pressure requirement is: no less than 140 kPa.
Static pressure readings measure how high the pressure is when the hydrant is closed and not engaged. A drop in pressure will prevent water from flowing quickly enough from the hydrant, which would be disastrous in an emergency situation. Low static readings also indicate that the fire hydrant has water supply issues or other problems that need to be investigated.
Residual pressure readings measure the water pressure when the hydrant is open and water is fully-flowing. Low residual hydrant pressure will affect the rate of flow or prevent water from being delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Water from fire hydrants are typically used to fight large-scale fires. They provide a steady and easily-accessible water supply that firefighters can connect to easily and quickly. Like water type extinguishers, they're most effective on Class A fires involving regular combustibles like wood, paper, textiles, and plastic.
Hydrant flow testing requirements vary depending on where the hydrant is based. These are the basic fire hydrant flow rates:
Fire brigade requirements: at least 1,000 litres per minute
Commercial areas: 1,000 to 2,500 litres per minute
Industrial zones: at least 2,500 litres per minute
Residential areas: 750 to 1,000 litres per minute
Fire hydrant pressures are measured in kPa, also known as kilopascals. A kilopascal is used to measure the amount of force being applied over an area. Pressurised devices like fire hydrants and fire hose reels need to exceed the minimum kPa readings to stay compliant with NZS 4510:2022 – Fire Hydrant Systems. Remember: low hydrant pressure reading affects the speed and stability of water distribution.
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