Many large buildings have components called standpipes that are used in active fire protection systems. Standpipes are common in high-rise buildings, though they may also be used in low-rise construction if the footprint is large enough.
In order to charge a standpipe riser system with water, a Siamese connection may be used. This pipe fitting can allow the connection of two fire hoses to the same standpipe, typically from two different pump trucks.
Siamese connections are named after the phenomenon of Siamese twins, which these Y shaped connectors may superficially resemble. Before that, all firefighting was done with water from the outside of buildings. According to a article in the New York Times, Siamese connections serve a vital function :. When there is a fire in a building equipped with a standpipe system, the first engine company to arrive connects a hose to the nearest hydrant and another to the Siamese connection in front of the building… The pumper boosts the pressure of the water being fed from the hydrant to the Siamese and then to the vertical standpipe.
Color coding indicates where the pipes lead: red indicates that it is connected to a standpipe system, green means it is connected to a sprinkler system, and yellow connotes a combination standpipe and sprinkler system.
In addition, many Siamese connections wear spiky crowns that prevent people from sitting on them and tampering with them. The fire department will then bring the trucks filled with water to supplement through the FDC. We specialize with Siamese connection design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance. We endeavor to make your firefighting efforts an absolute breeze. Our engineers are aware of the standards that govern the installation, location, design, and inspection of fire protection systems.
Because the connection needs to be synchronized with the existing standpipe or sprinkler systems, we can accomplish that on your behalf.
If need be, we can overhaul your entire system to install a new one that syncs with each other. The design of the fire department connection may seem to be so simple but is in actual sense a complex one.
What is noticeable with this connection is the Y-shaped design that has two inlets through which you can connect two hoses. These inlets come in different sizes depending on the type of system or hoses they attach to.
The common size of Siamese connections is 2. However, 3-inch connections are also found in other states with the 4 and 5-inch connections known as Storz — another connection with parallel functionality to Siamese connection. But Siamese connection is popular in firefighting missions. The inlets are threaded for ease of connections of the hoses. In order to prevent the accumulation of dirt when the equipment is not in use, it has to be closed at the times.
New York Engineers will ensure that these inlets are shut at all times. Our Siamese connections can have either a single or double clapper to direct the flow of water into the standpipe or automatic sprinkler system.
The double clapper is common but relatively costly. It is steady and provides greater control of water through both inlets whereas a single clapper lets the other inlet shut by water pressure while water is channeled through the other. When we connect two hoses, there is equal pressure through each side of the connection. Other notable components include the threaded brass ring that connects the hoses.
Breakable caps and plugs are also some of the components collectively called swivel. As highlighted already, the inlets of these connections need to be closed to protect against unwanted entry of dirt that can clog the waterways. The plugs make it possible to close these inlets.
They are easy to install and they come with chain for ease of removal when an emergency strikes. The location of a Siamese connection has to be code compliant. Our engineers are knowledgeable about the relevant NFPA code that recommend the positioning of this design.
If your apartment has the fire hydrant nearby, it should be 30 inches from the FDC but not more than 50 inches away. This is done to avoid any obstruction to the Siamese connection so that firefighters can spot it at a glance. Our installations are always compliant with the code.
Also noteworthy to this connection is that there should be signs that give many details about its connectivity and extent of coverage. It should indicate whether it is a supplement to the sprinkler system or to the standpipe system. Reducing firefighter cancer risk: How emotionally attached are you? More than 1, courses and videos, including more than hours of approved EMS credit! The future of turnout gear is about to be decided. Controlling the flow path: How to handle door control with limited staffing.
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