AS 2419 1 1994 fire hydrant installations system design, i

Title

AS 2419.1-1994 Fire hydrant installations - System design, installation and
commissioning

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AS 2419.1—1994

Australian Standard 

Fire hydrant installations

Part 1: System design,
installation and commissioning


This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee FP/9, Fire Hydrant Installations.

It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 13 May 1994 and
published on 18 July 1994.

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The following interests are represented on Committee FP/9:
Australian Fire Authorities Council
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australian Fire Protection Association
Australian Building Codes Board
Australian Valve Manufactures Association
Civil Aviation Authority
Commonwealth Fire Board
Department of Bush Fire Services, N.S.W
Department of Defence, Australia
Fire Protection Industry Association of Australia
Institution of Engineers, Australia
Melbourne Water
Water Board, Sydney — Illawarra — Blue Mountains
Western Australia Fire Brigades Board

Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject
to periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editions as necessary. It is
important therefore that Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest ed ition, and any
amendments thereto.
Full details of all Australian Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards Australia
Catalogue of Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine ‘The Australian
Standard’, which subscribing members receive, and which gives details of new publications, new editions
and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards.
Suggestions for improvements to Australian Standards, addressed to the head office of Standards Australia,

are welcomed. Notification of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australian Standard should be made
without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.


AS 2419.1—1994

Australian Standard 

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Fire hydrant installations
Part 1: System design,
installation and commissioning

First published as AS 2419—1980.
Revised and redesignated AS 2419.1—1988.
Second edition 1991.
Third edition 1994.
Incorporating:
Amdt 1—1996

PUBLISHED BY STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
(STANDARDS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA)
1 THE CRESCENT, HOMEBUSH, NSW 2140
ISBN 0 7262 8994 9


AS 2419.1—1994

2

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Standards Australia Committee FP/9 on Fire Hydrant
Installations to supersede AS 2419—1991.
The Standard specifies requirements for the installation of fire hydrants which may, in certain
cases, be supplemented by hydrants installed by water supply authorities on street mains.
The changes in this Standard include a revision and expansion of the requirements for hydrant
system design and acceptable sources of water supply, water supply capacities, and general
revisions to account for advances in technology for materials, methods of installation and
firefighting requirements.
An Appendix setting out the reasoning and rationale behind the content of some of the more
significant clauses in this Standard is provided. The paragraph numbers in the Appendix relate
directly to the clause numbers in the Standard, i.e. Paragraph C2.1 relates to Clause 2.1.

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The terms ‘normative’ and ‘informative’ have been used in this Standard to define the application
of the appendix to which they apply. A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral part of a Standard,
whereas an ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and guidance.

 Copyright

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3

AS 2419.1—1994

CONTENTS

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Page
FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 NEW DESIGNS AND INNOVATIONS
1.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . .
1.4 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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SECTION 2 BASIC REQUIREMENTS
2.1 PROVISION OF HYDRANTS WITHIN PROPERTIES
2.2 TYPE OF SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4 QUALIFIED PERSONNEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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SECTION 3 SOURCES OF WATER SUPPLY
3.1 SOURCES OF WATER SUPPLY . . . .
3.2 ACCEPTABLE SOURCE OF SUPPLY
3.3 OTHER ON-SITE WATER STORAGE
3.4 COMBINED SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . .

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SECTION 5 ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT
5.1 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2 FIRE HOSE AND FITTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.3 CABINETS, ENCLOSURES OR RECESSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.4 PRESSURE GAUGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.5 PUMPED HYDRANT SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.6 FIRE BRIGADE BOOSTER CONNECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7 BOOSTERS IN SERIES (RELAY) WITH PUMPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.8 INTERNAL BOOSTER CONNECTION FOR PORTABLE RELAY PUMPS . .
5.9 BACK-FLOW PREVENTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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SECTION 6 PIPING, VALVES, AND FITTINGS
6.1 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2 PIPE AND PIPE FITTING SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.3 SYSTEM PROTECTION AND IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.4 PIPE JOINTS AND GASKETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.5 VALVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.6 ORIFICE PLATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.7 STRAINERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.8 SUPPORT OF HYDRANT PIPEWORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.9 THRUST BLOCKS AND ANCHORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.10 PRESSURE GAUGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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SECTION 4 SYSTEM DESIGN
4.1 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2 HYDRAULIC DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.3 LOCATION OF HYDRANTS PROTECTING BUILDINGS
4.4 PIPEWORK DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.5 REQUIRED SYSTEM PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . . .

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AS 2419.1—1994

4

Page
SECTION 7 TESTING
7.1 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2 HYDROSTATIC TESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.3 COMMISSIONING TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.4 SYSTEMS WHICH INCORPORATE A BOOSTER . . . . . . .
7.5 SYSTEMS WITH BOOSTER IN SERIES (RELAY) . . . . . .
7.6 SYSTEMS WHICH INCORPORATE A PUMP . . . . . . . . . .
7.7 SYSTEMS WHICH INCORPORATE A TANK . . . . . . . . . .
7.8 RECORDING OF TEST RESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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APPENDICES
A HYDRANT INSTALLATION WATER SUPPLY FLOW CHART . . . .
B SPECIAL HAZARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C GUIDE TO THE USE OF THIS STANDARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D SYSTEM RESISTANCE CURVES FOR COMBINED HYDRANT
AND SPRINKLER SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

E WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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5

AS 2419.1 — 1994

FOREWORD
The purpose of this Standard is to specify a hydrant system which is compatible with the
needs of today’s fire authorities to extinguish more efficiently the outbreak of fire within
premises.
The availability of hydrants is essential to fire protection. Hydrants may be used to quell an
initial outbreak of fire, quench a dying fire controlled by an automatic protection system, or
provide the sole firefighting facility, e.g. after other means have been unsuccessful.
Although hydrants are installed within properties for use by the fire authority, they may also
be used by trained personnel.
An adequate source of water is a fundamental consideration in the design of a fire hydrant
installation and may comprise water from more than one source. A source based on a 4-h
duration at the flow rates given in this Standard is regarded as the minimum safe quantity to
enable fire brigades to extinguish a major fire and, if necessary, protect neighbouring
properties.

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Hydrant systems should also be regularly inspected, tested, and maintained to ensure
continued readiness for use. Where pump sets are installed, regular maintenance is essential.
This Standard does not apply to (but may be referenced during design for) the protection of
flammable and combustible liquid installations. Refer to Appendix B, special hazards for
general guidance in such installations.


AS 2419.1 — 1994

6

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Australian Standard

Fire hydrant installations
Part 1: System design, installation and commissioning
S E C T I O N

1

S C O P E

A N D

G E N E R A L

1.1 SCOPE This Standard sets out requirements for the design, installation, and
commissioning of fire hydrant systems within properties.
Requirements for maintenance of fire hydrant installations are given in AS 1851.4.

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NOTES:
1

Appendix A sets out a flow chart for water supply system design, and Appendix B provides
guidance on fire hydrant installations for special hazards.

2

Appendix C was written in an advisory manner as a guide to the use of the Standard. The
Appendix also contains charts and information for fire hose losses and nozzle discharge
calculations.
Comments to a particular Clause retain the clause number preceded by a ‘C’ i.e. C1.12 is a

comment relating to Clause 1.12.
A ‘C’ Clause is informative and not normative.

3

This Standard will be referenced in the Building Code of Australia by way of BCA
Amendment 7 intended for publication in October 1994, therefore superseding the previous
editions of AS 2419.1 — 1988 and 1991 which will be withdrawn 12 months from the date of
publication of this edition.
Users are advised that when BCA Amendment 7 is issued, it will not necessarily be gazetted
in each State/Territory at the time of printing.

1.2 NEW DESIGNS AND INNOVATIONS Any alternative materials, designs, methods
of assembly, procedures and the like that do not comply with specific requirements of this
Standard, or are not mentioned in it, but give equivalent results to those specified are not
necessarily prohibited, but the specified approval remains the prerogative of the regulatory
authority.
1.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
Standard.

The following documents are referred to in this

AS
1074.1

Steel tubes and tubulars for ordinary service

1159

Polyethylene pipes for pressure applications

1221

Fire hose reels

1281

Cement mortar lining of steel pipes and fittings

1345

Identification of the contents of piping, conduits and ducts

1349

Bourdon tube pressure and vacuum gauges

1432

Copper tubes for plumbing, gasfitting and drainage applications

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7

AS 2419.1 — 1994

1477
1477.1
1477.2
1477.4
1477.6

Unplasticized PVC (UPVC) pipes and fittings for pressure applications
Part 1: Pipes
Part 2: Moulded fittings
Part 4: Post-formed bends
Part 6: Rubber ring joints

1516

The cement mortar lining of pipelines in situ

1530
1530.4

Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures
Part 4: Fire-resistance test of elements of building construction

1572

Copper and copper alloys — Seamless tubes for engineering purposes

1579

Arc welded steel pipes for fittings for water and waste water

1596

LP Gas — Storage and Handling

1670

Automatic fire detection and alarm systems — System design, installation, and
commissioning

1724

Cast grey iron pressure pipes and fittings with bolted gland joints

1769

Welded stainless steel tubes for plumbing applications

1851
1851.4

Maintenance of fire protection equipment
Part 4: Fire hydrant installations

1873

Explosive-powered hand-held fastening tools, fasteners and explosive charges

1940

The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids

2032

Code of practice for installation of UPVC pipe systems

2033

Installation of polyethylene pipe systems

2118

Automatic fire sprinkler system (known as SAA Code for Automatic Fire Sprinkler
Systems)

2129

Flanges for pipes, valves and fittings

2200

Design charts for water supply and sewerage

2280

Ductile iron pressure pipes and fittings

2312

Guide to the protection of iron and steel against exterior atmospheric corrosion

2419
2419.2

Fire hydrant installations
Part 2: Fire hydrant valves

2484
2484.2

Fire Glossary of terms
Part 2: Fire protection and Fire fighting equipment

2544

Grey iron pressure pipes and fittings

2638

Sluice valves for waterworks purposes

2792

Fire hose — Delivery layflat

2845
2845.1

Water supply — Mechanical backflow prevention devices
Part 1: Materials, design and performance requirements

2941

Fixed fire protection installations — Pumpsets systems

2977

Unplasticized PVC (UPVC) pipes for pressure applications — Compatible with cast
iron pipe outside diameters.
Part 1: Pipes
Part 2: Post-formed bends
Part 3: Rubber ring joints

2977.1
2977.2
2977.3
3000

Electrical installations — Buildings, Structures and premises (known as the SAA
Wiring Rules)
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AS 2419.1 — 1994

8

3500

National Plumbing and Drainage Code

3579

Cast iron wedge gate valves for general purposes

API
607

Fire test for soft-seated quarter-turn valves

BS
3059
3059.2

Specification for steel boiler and superheater tubes
Part 2: Carbon, alloy and austenitic stainless steel tubes with specified elevated
temperature properties

3604

Specification for steel pipes and tubes for pressure purposes:Ferritic alloy steel
with specified elevated temperature properties

3974
3974.1

Specifications for pipe supports
Part 1: Pipe hangers, slider and roller type supports

AS
4041

Pressure piping

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4118
Fire sprinkler systems
4118.1.4 Part 1.4: Components — Valve monitors
Building Code of Australia
4118.2.1 Part 2.1: Piping general
1.4 DEFINITIONS For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions given in AS 2484.2,
AS 3500 and those below apply.
1.4.1

Approved and approval— approved by, or the approval of, a regulatory authority.

1.4.2 Block plan — a plan of the risk clearly indicating the as-constructed location of all
mains, isolating valves and hydrants.
1.4.3 Design pressure — the working pressure plus any increase in pressures incurred when
the hydrant is closed, e.g. pump running in a no-flow condition.
1.4.4 Fire brigade booster connection — a connecting device enabling the fire brigade to
pressurize or pump water into a fire hydrant system.
1.4.5

Fire compartment — a volume which is enclosed by a fire-rated construction.

1.4.6 Fire hydrant— an assembly installed in a water pipeline which provides a valved
outlet to permit a controlled supply of water to be taken from the pipeline for firefighting.
1.4.7 Fire-resistance level (FRL) — the fire-resistance rating periods in minutes, determined
for —

(a)

structural adequacy,

(b)

integrity, and

(c)

insulation,

expressed in that order, i.e. FRL XX/ YY/ ZZ.
1.4.8 High-rise installation— a fire hydrant installation in a building where the floor of the
topmost storey, excluding a storey containing only heating, ventilation, lifts, water tanks, or
similar service equipment, is more than 25 m above the floor of the lowest storey providing
egress by a normal route to a road or open area.
1.4.9 Hydrant valve — a valve controlling flow of water from the fire hydrant outlet with
provision for attachment of a fire hose.
1.4.10 Low-rise installation — a fire hydrant installation in a single or multistorey building
other than a high-rise structure.

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9

AS 2419.1 — 1994

1.4.11 Open yard — a designated area in industrial or commercial premises which may be

used for combustible storage or processing of any kind and having an area greater than
500 m2.
NOTE: Refer to AS 1940 for areas used for bulk storage of flammable and combustible liquids.

1.4.12

Private reservoir—any privately owned volume of water.

1.4.13 Regulatory authority — a Minister of the Crown, a government department or other
public authority having power to issue regulations, orders, or other instructions having the
force of law in respect of any subject covered by this Standard.
NOTE: There may be one or more regulatory authorities for any particular installation, or even for
some aspect of it. Fire authorities have the necessary expertise to assist the regulatory authority in
interpreting and applying the requirements of this Standard.

1.4.14

Relay — a firefighting term to denote that pumps are connected in series.

1.4.15
rate.

Residual pressure — water pressure available at a hydrant outlet at a particular flow

1.4.16 Suction connection — a large diameter connection often used on water supply tanks
where the residual pressure is within the range of 30 kPa and 150 kPa.

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1.4.17 Test pressure — not less than 1700 kPa or 1.5 times the design pressure, whichever

is the greater.
1.4.18 Working pressure — the maximum pressure achieved within the system by the fire
authority, the system pumping equipment, or both, when the most hydraulically disadvantaged
hydrant or hydrants are operated.
NOTE: Operational pressure for fire authorities is synonymous with working pressure.

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AS 2419.1 — 1994

10

S E C T I O N

2

B A S I C

R E Q U I R E M E N T S

2.1 PROVISION OF HYDRANTS WITHIN PROPERTIES Fire hydrants shall be
provided within properties as required by the regulatory authority. Such hydrants may be
required internally, externally, or on roofs. For information on special hazards, see
Appendix B.
2.2 TYPE OF SYSTEM Unless otherwise approved by the regulatory authority, the
hydrant system shall be a wet-pipe system having its supply valve open and water pressure
maintained at all times. It shall be arranged so that the water supply is boosted by the
operation of devices, if required.
2.3 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS The regulatory authority may require plans and

specifications of the hydrant system to be forwarded to it for approval.

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Where a fire brigade booster connection is installed, a block plan shall be provided (see
Figure 2.1). It shall be fixed within or adjacent to the booster cabinet, enclosure or recess
where it can be readily seen by firefighters and others responding to an alarm or at other
positions as required by the regulatory authority.
The block plan shall be in the form of a permanent diagram which is water-resistant and
fade-resistant and shall consist of the following:
(a)

A layout plan of the protected buildings or open yards and adjacent streets.

(b)

A diagram of water supplies showing —
(i)

size and location of supply authorities mains (dimensioned);

(ii)

valves and connections for non-industrial purposes;

(iii)

location and capacities of water storage tanks;

(iv)

location and duties of pumps;

(v)

location and total number of hydrants;

(vi)

location of booster connections;

(vii)

location of isolating and non-return valves; and

(viii) any connections to other installed fire protection systems.
(c)

The year of installation of the system, any major extensions thereto, and any unusual
features of the installation, and —
(i)

the names of both the contractor who installed the system, and the organization
responsible for the maintenance of the system;

(ii)

the operational discharge pressure of the system;

(iii)

the height of the highest hydrant outlet above the lowest booster inlet
connection; and

(iv)

where the building or property incorporates hydrants not connected to the
booster, the clearly identified location and test pressures.

2.4 QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
qualified personnel.

Installation of hydrant systems shall be carried out by

NOTE: It is envisaged that certification schemes devised by appropriate agencies will incorporate
provisions for assessing the competency of qualified personnel.

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11

FIGURE 2.1
TYPICAL BLOCK PLAN

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AS 2419.1 — 1994

AS 2419.1 — 1994

S E C T I O N

12

3

S O U R C E S

O F

W A T E R

S U P P L Y

3.1 ACCEPTABLE SOURCES OF WATER SUPPLY The following sources of supply
for a fire hydrant installation are acceptable either singly or in combinations:
(a)

Town mains.

(b)

Private reservoirs or tanks.

(c)

Rivers, lakes, dams, bores, or seawater.

NOTE: See Notes under Clause 3.3.

3.2 MINIMUM WATER SUPPLY QUANTITY The minimum capacity of the source of
water supply for a fire hydrant installation shall be not less than that necessary to satisfy the
minimum flow rates specified in Clauses 4.5.1 and 4.5.2 as appropriate for a duration of not
less than 4 h. The total water supply may be provided from off-site or on-site sources or both.
An on-site source shall be provided when required by Clause 3.3.

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If one or more private reservoirs or tanks provide a source of water supply, they shall be so
arranged as to ensure that during any maintenance, at least 50% of the required volume
remains available for use.
NOTE: See Notes under Clause 3.3.

3.3

ON-SITE WATER STORAGE

On-site water storage shall be provided where—

(a)

the off-site source has insufficient capacity or is unable to achieve the required flow
rates;

(b)

the building has an effective height in excess of 25 m; or

(c)

the regulatory authority requires the installation of a break tank.

Where on-site storage is provided to satisfy Item (a), it shall have a capacity appropriate to
the circumstances.
Where on-site storage is provided to only satisfy Items (b) or (c), or both, it shall be—
(i)

if located at roof top in a sprinklered building, not less than 25 m 3; otherwise

(ii)

not less than 25 m3 or that necessary to satisfy the minimum flow rates.

On-site storage shall be arranged so that during any maintenance, at least 50% of the required
volume remains available for use.
Where two flows are specified at different hydrant outlet pressures, the higher flow at the
lower pressure shall be the basis for tank capacity calculations (i.e. 10 L/s for each hydrant
outlet required flow).
NOTES: The following Notes apply to Clauses 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3.
1

This Standard recognizes that the capacity of the water source may from time to time fall below
that required for the 4 h duration for short periods, i.e to recover from an abnormal excessive
demand, and that interruptions to the supply will occur at times of maintenance or repair. At
such times, it would be expected that the local fire brigade would be notified so that it may take
precautionary action as deemed appropriate.

2

If there is absolutely no water in the area then an on-site 4 h supply will be required. If water
is available elsewhere off-site but is not connected to the site and it will take say, 1 h for the
fire brigade to set up equipment to pump the water from that source to the site, then an on-site
supply having a capacity of only 1 h will be required, provided the off-site source has the
capacity to supply the required flow rate continuously for a period of 3 h, to make up a total
of 4 h water supply.

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AS 2419.1—1994

3

12a

Where the town mains cannot meet hydrant system flow requirements, pumps or on-site storage,
or both will be required. Consult the local fire authority in such instances.
Where the town mains are capable of providing make-up supply to the on-site storage, the
capacity of the on-site storage will be such that a 4 h supply is available based on the
difference in flow rate between the hydrant system required flow rate and the make-up flow
rate.

4

3.4

COMBINED SYSTEMS

(a)

Where a fire hydrant system is part of a combined hydrant and sprinkler system, the
source of water supply shall additionally cater for the flow rate requirements of the
sprinkler system —

(b)

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Tanks also act as a break in supply to provide microbiological separation between the hydrant
system and the water supply.

The water supply for combined systems shall be as follows:

(i)

for the duration specified in AS 2118; and

(ii)

at the required flow rate determined by the sprinkler hazard.

Where fire hose reels, monitors or other such firefighting devices are installed, except
where such equipment comprises of fire hose reels in accordance with AS 1221, the
water supply for this equipment must be additional to the fire hydrant requirements.

For the purpose of this Clause, the required sprinkler flow rate is the flow rate determined

for the most hydraulically advantaged part of the sprinkler system.
NOTE: The method for determining system resistance curves, and thus the required capacities, is
outlined in Appendix D.

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13

S E C T I O N

4

S Y S T E M

AS 2419.1—1994

D E S I G N

4.1 GENERAL The number and arrangement of fire hydrants necessary for the protection
of buildings, plant or open yard is governed by such factors as occupancy, character and
construction of buildings, fire risk of any plant, exterior exposures and accessibility. Fire
hydrants shall be installed in positions in accordance with this Section. Where possible,
external hydrants shall be used to achieve total coverage.
NOTES:
1

Provision should be made during hydrant installation for the disposal of water from flow
tests (see Section 7).

2

Adequate provision should be considered by the designer to flush the system with fresh
water to inhibit marine growth

3

General guidance for fire hydrant installations in special hazards is given in Appendix B.

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Where a hydrant is likely to be used as a supply source for pumping equipment of the local
fire authority, access and hard-standing areas for the authority vehicles shall be provided
within 20 m of the hydrant (see Figure 4.1(a) and (b)).
4.2 HYDRAULIC DESIGN Hydraulic analysis of fire hydrant systems shall be carried
out to demonstrate that, when the specified number of hydrants are discharging, in accordance
with Clauses 4.5.1 and 4.5.2, the residual pressure at each hydrant is within a range suitable
for the fire authority equipment to which it is to be connected (see Clause 4.5.3).
The water flow velocity in pipework shall not exceed 4 m/s.
The total hydraulic loss due to friction between any installed booster connection and the most
hydraulically disadvantaged hydrant must not exceed 150 kPa when the required number of
hydrants are discharging in accordance with Clauses 4.5.1 and 4.5.2. For the purpose of this
Clause, the hydraulic losses through the booster inlet connection and the hydrant valve may
be ignored.
NOTE: For guidance on requirements for States and Territories within Australia, see Appendix E.

4.3
4.3.1

PROVISION AND LOCATION OF HYDRANTS

Building protection

4.3.1.1 General The number of fire hydrants required to provide protection to a building
shall be determined in accordance with Clauses 4.3.1.2, 4.3.1.3 and 4.3.1.4.
The distance from a hydrant to the nominated point is taken as the most direct laid-on-ground
or floor route when the storey to be protected provides horizontal access to the hydrant. In
other cases, the distance is measured along the path followed by the stairway or ramp. For
a stairway, the path is taken as a line along the nosings of the treads at the outer perimeter
of the stair enclosure.
The location of internal walls, partitions, doorways, storage racking, stored goods and any
other obstructions which could restrict normal hose coverage throughout the building or area
to be protected shall be considered when determining the number of hydrants to provide
coverage.
4.3.1.2 External hydrants For single-storey buildings, external hydrants may be used
provided that all points on the floor are within reach of a 10 m hose stream issuing from a
nozzle at the end of 60 m length of hose laid on ground or floor and connected to either a
hydrant outlet in a fire hydrant installation which incorporates a fire brigade booster
connection or to a delivery outlet on a fire authority pump appliance. (See Figure 4.1.)

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AS 2419.1—1994

14

For multistorey buildings, external hydrants may be used provided that all points on the
ground floor, one storey below and any number of storeys above the level of the external
hydrant is within reach of a 10 m hose stream, issuing from a nozzle at the end of a 60 m
length of hose laid on the ground or floor, connected to a hydrant outlet in a fire hydrant

installation which incorporates a fire brigade booster connection or to a delivery outlet on a
fire authority pump appliance, except that not more than 30 m of hose shall be laid within
a stairway (see Figure 4.1(d)).
A minimum length of 1 m of hose shall extend into the area to which the external hydrant
is providing coverage. Each external hydrant, including one used as a feed hydrant to a fire
authority pump appliance and one used as a delivery hydrant for connection of hose and
nozzle, shall have two outlets, each individually valve controlled.
Hydrants that are installed on towns mains may be considered as external hydrants provided
that such hydrants comply with the requirements for flow, pressure and other provisions of
this Standard.
NOTE: Towns mains hydrants would normally only be suitable as feed hydrants to a fire authority
pump appliance as they would not be provided with a fire booster connection and if of the upstand
type, would be expected to have two outlets.

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4.3.1.3 Internal hydrants Internal hydrants shall be provided to protect the whole building
or those parts of the building not protected by external hydrants.
The number of internal hydrants shall be determined so that all points on a floor are within
reach of a 10 m hose stream issuing from a nozzle at the end of a 30 m length of hose laid
on the floor and connected to the hydrant outlet.
Irrespective of the number of hydrants needed to provide coverage, a hydrant outlet shall be
located in each fire-isolated exit at each storey, except that hydrant outlets need not be
provided at ground level and one storey below ground level if coverage is provided by
external hydrants.
4.3.1.4 Roof hydrants Where a roof of a building having a rise in storeys of more than six
provides access for use by building occupants, other than for maintenance purposes only, roof
hydrants shall be so located that every part of the roof set aside for use by occupants is
within reach of a hose stream in accordance with the requirements for internal hydrants.
4.3.1.5 Hydrant location Hydrants shall be accessible to fire brigade personnel and be

located as follows:
(a)

External hydrants shall be located as follows:
(i)

In a position providing pedestrian access for fire personnel to the building.

(ii)

Where used as a feed hydrant, be within 20 m of a fire authority pump
appliance sited on a hardstand, road or the like to which the appliance has
access (see Figure 4.1).

(iii)

Where used as a delivery hydrant to which a fire hose and attached nozzle are
to be connected, be within 40 m of a hardstand, road or the like to which a fire
authority pump appliance has access (see Figure 4.1).

(iv)

At least 10 m from the building, unless protected by a construction having a
FRL of not less than 90/90/90 extending at least 2 m each side of the hydrant
outlet, and whichever is the lesser, 3 m from the ground level adjacent to the
hydrant outlet or the height of the building.
NOTE: The 10 m clearance distance required from a wall of a building is intended to
provide access to the hydrant under radiant heat from the fire and give a degree of
protection in the event of structural collapse.

(v)

Where they are not obstructed by parking or loading and unloading of vehicles
and are protected from mechanical damage where necessary.
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AS 2419.1—1994

(b)

14a

Internal hydrants shall be located as follows:
(i)

Where a required fire-isolated exit(s) is provided, in that exit(s).

(ii)

Where a required non fire-isolated exit(s) is provided, within 4 m of that exit(s).
Hydrants may be located at the lower level of a non fire-isolated exit provided
coverage of the upper level is achieved.

NOTE: Hydrant outlets need not be located within 4 m of each non fire-isolated exit provided
coverage can be achieved by hydrants located elsewhere, e.g. within a fire-isolated exit.
Where a hydrant outlet is needed at only one or some of the non fire-isolated exits, the exit(s)
selected for location should be the main or most commonly used exit(s).

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(c)

The regulatory authority shall determine the location of a hydrant(s) where—
(i)

floor coverage is not able to be achieved by locating hydrants in accordance
with Clause 4.3.1.5(a) and (b); or

(ii)

internal walls, partitions, doorways or other obstructions could restrict the
passage of hose throughout the building.

NOTE: In most instances the location of internal hydrants in accordance with (b) and (c) will
provide coverage as the travel distances used in the BCA to determine exit locations are consistent
with a length of hose plus hose stream nominated in this Standard. However, in some instances
coverage may not be achieved because of the building design or provision and arrangement of
internal walls, partitions, doors or other obstructions.

4.3.2 Open yard protection Hydrants shall be provided and located so that every part of
all storage, production equipment and plant in the protected area is within reach of a 10 m
hose stream issuing from a nozzle at the end of a 60 m length of hose connected to a hydrant
outlet.
Where any part of the hydrant main is situated above ground and within 150 m of any
structure, in the protected area, hydrants shall be placed not more than 60 m apart to afford
protection and to ensure the integrity of the main.
Suitable additional provisions shall be made if special problems of firefighting could arise
because of the nature or quantity of materials stored, displayed or used in a yard.

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15

4.4

AS 2419.1—1994

PIPEWORK DESIGN

4.4.1 Fire mains The nominal size of a fire main shall comply with the requirements for
pressure, flow and velocity as further specified in Section 4. In any case, they shall have
nominal diameters of not less than —
(a)

100 mm;

(b)

80 mm for any pipe connecting a single hydrant outlet to a fire main not exceeding
10 m hydraulic equivalent length.

4.4.2 External pipework External pipework shall be located underground as far as is
practicable (see Section 6). Where it is not possible to install pipework underground,
provision shall be made to protect the pipework from mechanical damage and, if necessary,
from freezing.
Provision shall also be made to protect the pipework and any supporting structure from
damage by fire.

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4.4.3 Internal pipework Internal above-ground pipework in a building shall be permitted
only if one of the following conditions is met:
(a)

The building is protected throughout by an automatic fire sprinkler system complying
with AS 2118.

(b)

Pipework is supported from masonry or concrete load-bearing elements of construction.
Where wall elements rely upon other elements for stability, all elements shall have a
FRL of not less than 60/-/-.

(c)

Pipework is supported from the underside of a fire resistant floor, roof element or roof
system having a FRL of not less than 60/–/–.

(d)

Pipework is installed in an enclosed shaft, the shaft and any shaft-supporting structure
having a FRL of not less than -/60/60.

(e)

Pipework is supported, protected, or isolated in any manner which does not impair the
overall firefighting efficiency of the system and complies with the requirements of the
regulatory authority.

Where the pipework is exposed to fire in a building that is not protected by sprinklers, then
the pipe supports shall have a FRL of not less than 60/–/–, while maintaining a pipe-support
temperature of not less than 500°C when tested in accordance with AS 1530.4.
Where the pipework is of copper and may be exposed to fire in a building that is not
protected by sprinklers, then the pipework shall be protected using materials which will
provide a FRL of not less than -/60/60 or be located in a floor or ceiling system that achieves
a resistance to the incipient spread of fire of not less than 60 min.
Exposed internal pipework shall also be protected from mechanical damage where appropriate
(see Section 6).
4.4.4

System reliability

4.4.4.1 General Hydrants shall be connected to a ring main to achieve system reliability
where any of the following conditions apply to the building(s) to be protected:
(a)

Requires full perimeter vehicular access for fire authority appliances.

(b)

Has an effective height of more than 25 m.

(c)

Requires more than 12 hydrants.

4.4.4.2
(a)

Ring main

Where a ring main is installed, it shall comply with the following:

Each ring or pressure zone shall be able to be isolated in 25% increments, whilst
maintaining not less than 50% of the hydrants required to protect each fire
compartment.

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AS 2419.1—1994

(b)

(c)
(d)
(e)

(f)

16

In high-rise installation, the interconnection of the two ring main risers shall be located at
not more than 50 m intervals and within pressure zone limitations operated by the fire
brigade (see Figure 4.2(b)).
Risers shall be installed in separate fire-isolated shafts or fire-isolated stairs.
Risers in high-rise installations feeding the same zone of protection shall not be located in
the same shaft.

In high-rise installations, duplicate incoming supplies, connecting the source to the vertical
risers shall be protected from mechanical damage unless separate routes with 10 m
minimum clearance are used.
All ring main isolating valves shall be located to permit ready access by fire brigade
personnel in an emergency.

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NOTE: Refer to Appendix E for selection guidance on minimum grade of water supplies for firefighting
of the hazard.

4.4.5 Above-ground isolating valves Isolating valves downstream of the water supply authority
valve shall normally be open, and shall either be continuously monitored in accordance with
AS 4118.1.4 or be of the indicating type, and be strapped and locked in the normal operating
position.
A hydrant system layout shall incorporate an isolating valve between the source of supply and the
hydrant system and in each of the following situations:
(a) Ring mains (see Figure 4.2) On a ring main, isolating valves shall be located as follows:
(i)
On each arm of the ring main, adjacent to the connection with the supply pipe.
(ii)
On branches into buildings, adjacent to the tapping in the ring main, in a position
considered to be accessible under fire conditions.
(iii)
On branches supplying more than one hydrant, adjacent to the tapping in the ring
main.
(iv)
On branches supplying a sub-ring main, adjacent to the tapping in the ring main.
(v)
On the ring main, remote from the source of supply.

(vi)
On any interconnection within the ring main, on the cross-connecting pipe adjacent
to the ring main, and on the ring main on each side of the cross-connecting pipe.
(b) Mains supplied from each end by separate sources On mains supplied by separate sources
from each end, isolating valves shall be located as follows:
(i)
At the point of connection with each source.
(ii)
At a point between the sources to minimize the number of hydrants out of
commission if the isolating valve is closed.
For hydrant systems in which water is drawn from more than one source, e.g. from town
water mains and any water storage system, there shall be no physical interconnection
between the town water supply and other sources. Any variation to the above shall be
subject to approval by the water supply authority.
(c) High-rise installations Provision shall be made for individual rising mains to be isolated
in high-rise installations.
(d) High-rise installations with combined systems In high-rise installations with combined
systems, isolating valves shall be provided to allow hydrant or sprinkler pipework on any
floor to be shut down separately for repairs, alteration, testing or maintenance, without
affecting the protection afforded to the remainder of the building.
(e) Monitoring of isolating valves Isolating valves for high-rise installations shall be
continuously monitored. Isolating valves for low-rise installations shall be either
continuously monitored or of the indicating type, and shall be locked in the normal
operating position. Monitoring shall consist of a supervisory circuit connected to an alarm
panel.
4.4.6 Test facility Provision shall be made for disposing of test water to a suitable drain for
the purpose of flow testing as required by Section 7 and AS 1851.4.
If such a provision cannot readily be accomplished from hydrant outlets, a permanent test
connection shall be provided, together with the means for disposing of test water to a suitable
drain.

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17

AS 2419.1—1994

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(a) Hydrant adjacent to building

(b) Hydrant remote from building

(c) Hydrant adjacent and within 60 m of the building
where a fire brigade booster connection is fitted

FIGURE 4.1 (in part)

EXTERNAL FIRE HYDRANT LOCATION, FIRE APPLIANCE
HARD STAND AND ACCESS
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AS 2419.1—1994

18

(d) Hose in stairway

FIGURE 4.1 (in part)

EXTERNAL FIRE HYDRANT LOCATION, FIRE APPLIANCE
HARD STAND AND ACCESS

4.5 REQUIRED SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
4.5.1 General Fire hydrant systems shall be designed for the simultaneous operation of
the required number of most hydraulically disadvantaged hydrants in accordance with
Tables 4.1 or 4.2, whichever is the greater.
The outlet of each required hydrant must be capable of discharging not less than 10 L/s while
maintaining an outlet pressure in accordance with Clause 4.5.3.
Where more than one building or fire compartment on a site is provided with a hydrant
service, the minimum flow rate for the hydrant service must be not less than that required for
the building or fire compartment having the largest area.
4.5.2 Protected open yards For a protected open yard, the number of hydrants required
to operate simultaneously is given in Table 4.2.
4.5.3 Pressure
4.5.3.1 Pressure at operating hydrants Water supply to a fire hydrant installation shall be
capable of maintaining sufficient residual pressure, measured at the hydrant outlet, when
flowing at 10 L/s, whilst the required number of hydrants are simultaneously operating to
overcome the pressure losses of the equipment likely to be connected by the local fire
authority.
NOTE: Recommended minimum residual pressures are given in Table E2.

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19

AS 2419.1—1994

(a) Low-rise installations

(b) High-rise installations

FIGURE 4.2

TYPICAL LOCATION OF ISOLATING VALVES ON RING MAIN

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AS 2419.1—1994

20

TABLE 4.1
REQUIRED NUMBER OF HYDRANT OUTLETS
TO DISCHARGE SIMULTANEOUSLY
Number of valve-controlled
outlets to discharge

2, 3, 5 and 9
(1 or 2 storeys contained)

≤ 1 000

1

10

2, 3, 5 and 9
(3 or more storeys
contained)

≤ 1 000

2

20

2, 3, 5, and 9

Building classification

L/s

> 1 000

2

20

6, 7 and 8

> 500

2

20

6, 7 and 8 (building
divided in fire
compartments)

≤ 500

1

10

> 5 000

3

All classes unsprinklered

30
2

One additional outlet of 10 L/s for each additional 5 000 m or part thereof

All classes sprinklered
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Minimum total
flow

Building or fire
compartment floor area
m2

> 10 000

3

30

NOTE: Refer to Notes after Table 4.2.

TABLE

4.2

REQUIRED NUMBER OF HYDRANTS TO
DISCHARGE SIMULTANEOUSLY FOR PROTECTED OPEN YARDS
Area of yard
m
≤3
≤9
≤27
>27

2

000
000

000
000

Number of valve
controlled outlets to
discharge

Minimum total flow
L/s

1
2
3
4

10
20
30
40

NOTES:
1 Hydrant outlets specified in Tables 4.1 and 4.2 refer to the outlet of a hydrant
valve (landing valves) in accordance with AS 2419.2, fire brigade standpipe or
other controlling device approved by the regulatory authority.
2 Where only one external hydrant with two valve-controlled outlets is installed and
Table 4.1 or 4.2 requires a flow of 20 L/s, then a flow of 10 L/s from each of the
two outlets will be necessary.
Where more than one hydrant, each with two valve-controlled outlets is installed
and a flow of 20 L/s is required, then 10 L/s from one outlet on each of the two
most hydraulically disadvantaged hydrants must be achieved. As the number of

outlets required to flow increases, so also the number of hydraulically
disadvantaged hydrants (where installed) which need to flow simultaneously will
increase.
3 Where 20 L/s is required for internal hydrants, then two hydrants each with a
single outlet must be provided unless the regulatory authority approves of a
hydrant with two valve-controlled outlets.
4 Hydrant flow is based on fire compartment area or the entire building floor area.
The entire building floor area only applies in uncompartmented buildings. In
compartmented buildings the largest fire compartment must be used to determine
the required flow.

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