Fire Brigade Inlet Systems
Connection Infrastructure That Safely Supplies the Fire Protection Installation.
Fire brigade inlet systems are dedicated connection and supply systems designed to allow fire crews to feed a building’s fire protection installation from outside, or to connect safely to the existing fire main, in the event of a fire.
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A fire brigade inlet system is a critical fire safety connection that allows the building’s sprinkler, fire hose cabinet, hydrant or dry riser mains to be supported from outside in the event of a fire.
During a fire, the building’s own fire pump or water tank may prove insufficient. In that case, fire crews can connect to the external inlet and supply the fire main with pressurised water.
The system consists of the fire brigade inlet, non-return valve, isolating valve, drain, backflow prevention equipment, dry or wet riser and connections to the building’s internal fire protection installation.
A correctly designed fire brigade inlet system provides additional safety in firefighting and speeds up the response.
What does a fire brigade inlet system consist of?
For the system to operate safely, the inlet, riser, non-return valve, valves, drain and test points must all be installed correctly together.
Fire Brigade Inlet Connection
The fire brigade inlet is the connection point at which fire crews attach a hose to supply the building’s fire main from outside. It is usually positioned close to the building entrance in a visible and easily accessible location.
In the event of a fire, this connection can be used to support the sprinkler main, fire hose cabinet main, dry riser or hydrant main.
Technical specifications
| Suitable for | Supporting sprinkler, fire hose cabinet, dry riser, wet riser and hydrant mains |
|---|---|
| Advantage | Enables the fire brigade to pump water into the building’s fire protection installation quickly and safely. |
| Points to note | The inlet must not be covered or locked, and must not be obstructed by vehicles or equipment. |
Dry Riser Connection
A dry riser is a vertical fire main that is normally empty and is charged with water from outside by the fire brigade in the event of a fire. It makes firefighting easier, particularly in multi-storey buildings.
Fire crews pump water into the system through the inlet at ground level and connect their hoses to the landing valves on the upper floors to tackle the fire.
Technical information
| Suitable applications | Multi-storey buildings, hotels, residential blocks, office towers, car parks |
|---|---|
| Advantage | Reduces the need for the fire brigade to carry hoses to the upper floors and speeds up the response. |
| Points to note | The riser, landing valves and inlet connection must be tested regularly. |
Wet Riser and Fire Main Supply
In wet riser systems, the fire main is permanently filled with water and kept under pressure by the building’s fire pump. The fire brigade inlet is used to support this main from outside in the event of a fire.
In large buildings in particular, a wet riser system is important infrastructure for safely supplying the fire hose cabinet and sprinkler mains.
Technical specifications
| Suitable applications | High-rise buildings, hotels, shopping centres, hospitals, large offices, industrial facilities |
|---|---|
| Advantage | The system is ready with water at all times and enables a rapid response. |
| Points to note | Pressure, flow rate, pump capacity and backflow prevention details must be calculated correctly. |
Backflow Protection and Non-Return Valve Set
Backflow protection is very important in fire brigade inlet systems. When water is pumped into the fire main from outside, system water must be prevented from flowing in the opposite direction and damaging the mains supply or equipment.
For this reason, non-return valves, isolating valves, drains and, where required, backflow prevention devices are used on the connection line.
Technical information
| Function | To control the direction of water flow, prevent backflow and keep the system operating safely |
|---|---|
| Advantage | Increases the safety of the fire protection installation and the mains connection. |
| Points to note | Non-return valve and valve sets must be accessible and tested periodically. |
Testing, Labelling and Commissioning
Once a fire brigade inlet system has been installed, the connection direction, valve positions, flow rate, pressure, drainage and backflow control must be tested. If the system is not labelled correctly, time may be lost in an emergency.
Each connection point must clearly state which main it supplies. For example, the sprinkler main, fire hose cabinet main, dry riser and hydrant main must each be labelled separately.
Items checked
| Purpose of testing | To enable the fire brigade to connect to the system quickly, correctly and safely in an emergency |
|---|---|
| Advantage | Reduces the risk of incorrect connection, backflow and pressure loss. |
| Points to note | The connection point must be visible, accessible and marked in accordance with the standards. |
What should you consider when choosing a fire brigade inlet system?
1. The connection point must be easily accessible.
In an emergency, fire crews must be able to find the inlet quickly and connect their hoses without obstruction.
2. It must be clearly stated which main is supplied.
Sprinkler, hydrant, fire hose cabinet or dry riser connections must not be confused; each connection must be labelled correctly.
3. Backflow and non-return protection are required.
To prevent water pumped in from outside flowing in the wrong direction, non-return valves, valves and drainage details must be installed correctly.
Let’s plan a safe fire brigade inlet connection for your building together.
We will prepare the right solution based on the type of fire main, building height, fire brigade access, pump system, backflow protection and connection standards.