Dimensions of A Fire Hydrant – Complete Guide

Fire Hydrants give firefighters access to water when they need it the most. To make sure fire hydrants are in the right place and easy to use in an emergency, it’s important to understand their size. In this article, we will talk about the main dimensions of a fire hydrant, like its height, width, and diameter.

The average height of a wet barrel fire hydrant is anywhere between 4 feet and an impressive 5-1/4 feet tall. The cylindrical part of the hydrant, known as the barrel, boasts a diameter of approximately 19 inches.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll dive into the different types of fire hydrants, giving you a breakdown of their unique dimensions, and how these remarkable structures actually operate.

Dimensions of a Fire Hydrant

The appearance and dimensions of wet barrel and dry barrel fire hydrants are almost the same. Both types of hydrants stand at a uniform height of approximately 4 to 5 feet and possess barrels that measure roughly 19 inches in diameter. This consistency in appearance is a testament to the design and functionality of fire hydrants, regardless of their specific type.

But wait, there’s more! So far, I’ve only covered the parts of a fire hydrant that we can see with our own eyes. To dive even deeper, let me show you a chart that details the technical specifications of a fire hydrant, both inside and out. This way, you’ll get a complete picture of a fire hydrant.

Components	Dimensions
Height above ground level	4 to 5-1/4 feet
Buried Depth	3 to 10 feet
Barrel Diameter	19 inches
Thread Size	7.5 threads per inch
Hose Connection	2.5 inches
Operating Stem Diameter	4 to 16 inches
Stem Nut Diameter	7/8 inches

Fire Hydrants Types

Fire hydrants come in different types to meet the needs of various fire suppression systems. Some of the most common types include:

Wet Barrel Fire Hydrants: 

Most cities and towns have this type of fire hydrant, which is the most widely used. Water is always available inside the barrel, ready for use.

Dry Barrel Fire:

Dry barrel hydrants do not have a constant supply of water inside the barrel, unlike wet barrel hydrants. When the hydrant is opened, water is drawn from the main supply.

Each type of fire hydrant is designed for specific needs and environments.

Fire Hydrant Parts

Fire hydrants contain several key parts that work together to provide water for fire suppression. Some of the main parts of a fire hydrant include:

Barrel: 

This is the cylindrical part of the hydrant that holds water. In wet barrel hydrants, the barrel is filled with water at all times. In dry barrel hydrants, water is drawn from the main supply when the hydrant is opened.

Valve: 

The valve controls the flow of water from the hydrant. The amount of water released can be controlled by opening or closing the valve.

Hose Connection: 

The part of the hydrant where the fire hose connects. Firefighters can use it to direct water from the hydrant to the fire.

Bonnet: 

The cap protects the valve from damage by covering it. In order to access the valve and perform maintenance on the hydrant, it can be opened.

Stem: 

The stem connects the valve to the barrel of the hydrant. The valve regulates the flow of water from the barrel.

Foot: 

The ground-based base of the hydrant. Hydrant stability and support are provided by it.

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