Fire Hose Cabinets
A Safe Solution for First Response Inside the Building.
Fire hose cabinets are fire safety systems consisting of a hose, nozzle, valve and cabinet, enabling building occupants, security staff or authorised teams to make a first response in the event of a fire.
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Fire hose cabinets are fixed firefighting installations positioned at specific points in a building to allow manual intervention at an early stage of a fire.
A fire hose cabinet system consists of a water supply line, landing valve, hose, nozzle, cabinet and connection fittings. The aim is to tackle the fire with water from a safe distance before it grows.
While a sprinkler system operates automatically, fire hose cabinets are intended for manual use. They are therefore particularly important for providing a first response inside the building.
The right fire hose cabinet should be selected according to the building’s use, corridor length, floor plan, occupancy, water pressure and fire regulation requirements.
Main systems used in fire hose cabinets
Fire hose cabinets are installed in different versions depending on the hose type, area of use and the building’s risk class.
Fire Hose Cabinets with Semi-Rigid Hose
In fire hose cabinets with a semi-rigid hose, the hose is wound on a reel and can deliver water without being fully unrolled. They are more practical to use and are preferred for first response by building occupants.
They are widely used in residential buildings, hotels, offices, schools, shops and commercial buildings. Because the hose stays neatly wound, maintenance and use are straightforward.
Technical specifications
| Suitable applications | Residential buildings, hotels, offices, schools, small and medium-sized commercial premises |
|---|---|
| Advantage | Easy to use, the hose stays tidy, enables a rapid response. |
| Points to note | The area in front of the cabinet must be kept clear, and the hose and nozzle must be checked regularly. |
Fire Hose Cabinets with Lay-Flat Hose
Fire hose cabinets with a lay-flat hose are better suited to use by trained staff or fire brigade crews. The hose must be fully unrolled before use.
They are a suitable choice for industrial facilities, warehouses, production areas, car parks and large commercial buildings, and offer an advantage where a higher flow rate is required.
Technical specifications
| Suitable applications | Factories, warehouses, car parks, plant spaces, large commercial buildings |
|---|---|
| Advantage | Allows a response with a more powerful water flow. |
| Points to note | User training is important; the hose must not be used before it is fully unrolled. |
Hose, Nozzle and Valve Equipment
The effectiveness of a fire hose cabinet does not depend on the cabinet alone. The hose, nozzle, valve, couplings and system pressure must all be selected correctly together.
The nozzle directs the water as a jet or spray, while the valve controls the water supplied to the cabinet. The quality and condition of these components directly affect system performance.
Technical information
| Items to check | Hose, nozzle, valve, couplings, glass door, cabinet lock and signage |
|---|---|
| Importance of maintenance | A poorly maintained fire hose cabinet may fail to deliver water or adequate pressure in an emergency. |
| Purpose | A first response before the fire grows, keeping the evacuation time safe |
What should you consider when choosing a fire hose cabinet?
1. The cabinet location must be chosen correctly.
A fire hose cabinet must be placed where it is clearly visible, quickly accessible and will not be obstructed.
2. The hose type must suit the building’s use.
A semi-rigid hose may be more practical in residential buildings and offices, while lay-flat hose systems may be preferred in industrial areas.
3. Pressure and flow must be sufficient.
A fire hose cabinet must not exist merely for appearances. It must be designed to provide sufficient water pressure and flow in an emergency.
Let’s plan the right fire hose cabinet solution for your building together.
We will prepare a safe fire hose cabinet system based on the floor plan, building use, fire risk, existing water supply and regulatory requirements.