Dry Riser Pipe and Valves
We often get asked ‘How big is a Dry Riser pipe’?
Dry Risers are either 4 inch or 6 inch internal diameter. Most Dry riser systems are Designed and installed with 4 inch pipe (114mm to the outside wall). Six inch pipe is generally only used when you are feeding multiple systems and the need for water required increases.
No matter the size of your Dry Riser they should all be installed using galvanised steel pipe. Unless you are running underground feed mains, you would then have the option to use MDPE.Which would then convert to galvanised steel once above ground level.
Landing Valves
Landing valves are the points where the Fire brigade connect their hoses on the upper floors of a building in an emergency. These are usually sat within a recessed ‘Outlet Cabinet’. But they can also be free standing with a padlock and strap securing the valve against tampering. From the front edge of a standard Male Landing Valve to the back is roughly 160mm. Overall measurements including the pipework is 450mm, from the back of the pipe to the front edge of the Landing Valve. If the space you have available is less than this there are other options available. Right Angled Landing valves can be used in this instance. These are flanged valves which are designed to be used when space is at a premium. And can be installed in line with the pipework.
Dry Riser Valves should be situated within a ‘fire lobby’ or similar. The pipework itself can be installed externally or in another determined location. You would then need to use 65mm pipework to the position of the landing valve. Although future maintenance of the system should be taken into consideration when installing and designing.
Inlet valves
Inlet Valves are point at which the fire brigade fill up the dry riser. Which should be installed on the external of a building, or within 18 metres of fire brigade access. There are 3 types of inlet cabinets you can use dependent on your building. Recessed, Surface mounted or Floor mounted. Recessed cabinets are the most commonly used as they give a clean finish to your building exterior. Surface mounted cabinets are used more commonly or retro fit programs. Floor mounted cabinets should only be used as last resort. And approval should be sought from your local fire authority. The depth of all cabinets is 300mm, this is to allow for the Inlet Breaching Valve.
Can my Inlet Valve be on the inside of my Building?
Inlet valves can be installed within a building lobby area if you are unable to locate externally. Allowances are made if for instance you are retrofitting a building. As long as you are still within 18 metres of fire brigade access and relevant signage is in place. Approval should be sought from building control and or your local fire authority.Dry Riser Installation
