PHILADELPHIA FIRE DEPARTMENT WATER SUPPLY PFD TRAINING MANUAL SUPPLEMENT ENGINE PRACTICES SUPPLEMENT 100 PAGE 1

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PHILADELPHIA FIRE DEPARTMENT WATER SUPPLY PFD TRAINING MANUAL SUPPLEMENT ENGINE PRACTICES SUPPLEMENT 100 PAGE 1 SUPPLEMENT 100 100.

1 PHILADELPHIA FIRE DEPARTMENT WATER SUPPLY PFD TRAINING MANUAL SUPPLEMENT ENGINE PRACTICES SUPPLEMENT 100 PAGE 1 SUPPLEMENT WATER SUPPLY Two separate water systems, the domestic and the high pressure, supply water for fire fighting for the City of Philadelphia. The domestic water supply system supplies treated water to the communities for consumption as well as supplying domestic low pressure fire hydrants for fire fighting. The high pressure system can supply either treated or untreated water under high pressure to a specific area of the city and is covered in greater detail in the high pressure supplement. Both water supply systems can be described as combination systems because they derive their working pressure from both direct pumping and gravity feed. WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Water distribution is accomplished through a series of interconnected pipes known as grids. Grids are composed of primary feeders (Transmission Mains - 16" or greater), secondary feeders (12" pipe) and distributors (8" pipe). PHILADELPHIA FIRE HYDRANTS LOW PRESSURE HYDRANT - LPH This type of hydrant (Fig.100-1) is orange and fitted with a single stem that operates a compression type valve. Water for this type of hydrant is supplied from the domestic water mains. Due to the climatic conditions in the Philadelphia area, all hydrants are of the Dry Barrel variety. When the hydrant valve is in the off or closed position, there is no water in the barrel above the frost line. The operating stem on a low pressure hydrant may be turned a maximum of 16 full turns or 32 half - turns, starting from a closed position. It is the policy of the Philadelphia Figure Low Pressure Hydrant Fire Department that a member operating a low pressure hydrant will not exceed 12 full turns or 24 half-turns. The reason for this policy is that the hydrant stem is made of brass. This metal has the ability to hold up well in wet environments; however, the alloy is relatively soft and can be easily damaged. The threads on the stem can be damaged by a member who inadvertently tries to exceed the designed travel of the valve, rendering the hydrant inoperative. Adhering to this policy will provide a safety margin of 4 full turns or 8 half-turns. To OPEN this type of hydrant, pull the wrench with the left hand, rotating the stem counterclockwise. See Figure Operating a LPH. DO NOT EXCEED 24 HALF - TURNS. REV. 6/27/

SUPPLEMENT 100 PAGE 2 PFD TRAINING MANUAL SUPPLEMENT _ of fire hydrants. Their illustration and operation is covered in the next section, under locking devices.

They vary in the number of outlets, the size of the outlets and in the type of operating stems used. The most common are those depicted in Figure 100-1 and Figure 100-3.

In Figure 100-4, the hydrant has two 4 outlets and is sometimes referred to as a Super-Hydrant. This type of hydrant is usually only found on transmission mains in areas of high fire loading, e.g. textile mill districts.

2 SUPPLEMENT 100 PAGE 2 PFD TRAINING MANUAL SUPPLEMENT _ of fire hydrants. Their illustration and operation is covered in the next section, under locking devices. Figure Operating a LPH There are a variety of types of low pressure hydrants used in the Philadelphia system. They vary in the number of outlets, the size of the outlets and in the type of operating stems used. The most common are those depicted in Figure and Figure In Figure 100-1, the Hydrant has only one 4 outlet. In Figure 100-3, the hydrant has a 4 outlet and a 2½ outlet. In Figure 100-4, the hydrant has two 4 outlets and is sometimes referred to as a Super-Hydrant. This type of hydrant is usually only found on transmission mains in areas of high fire loading, e.g. textile mill districts. Figure LPH, 4" & 2½" Outlets Variations in operating stem configurations were created in order to deter the illegal use LOCKING DEVICES There are several different locking devices used on hydrants in the Philadelphia area. Some involve different stem configurations, while another uses a special discharge cap. CENTER COMPRESSION LOCK (CCL) In Figure 100-5, the top of a Compression Lock hydrant is shown. Note the hole in the left side of the Bonnet. There is also another hole on the opposite side of Figure "Super Hydrant" 2-4" Outlets Figure Compression Lock Hydrant the bonnet. These holes are used to attach the compression lock adapter to the hydrant. In Figure 100-6, a Center Compression Lock Hydrant Adapter is shown. IMPORTANT NOTE: In some areas, compression style bonnets (cast iron top segments) have been installed on hydrants without compression stems. If the compression adapter is placed on this type of hydrant, damage can be done to the regular stem. If enough pressure is placed on the adapter, _RFH.DOC REV. 6/27/00

PFD TRAINING MANUAL SUPPLEMENT SUPPLEMENT 100 PAGE 3 Figure 100-6 Center Compression Lock Hydrant Adapter the side locking pins will shear off, rendering the adapter unusable.

The operating stem of a compression hydrant is circular when viewed from the top (Fig 100-7).

3 PFD TRAINING MANUAL SUPPLEMENT SUPPLEMENT 100 PAGE 3 Figure Center Compression Lock Hydrant Adapter the side locking pins will shear off, rendering the adapter unusable. To correctly identify a Center Compression Lock (CCL) hydrant, look for more than just the holes in the side of the bonnet. The operating stem of a compression hydrant is circular when viewed from the top (Fig 100-7). The stem of a standard low Figure Compression Stem pressure hydrant is almost triangular in shape, as seen in Figure Another problem that has been identified with center compression locking hydrants is the vertical movement or free-play of the center stem which may allow the stem to be Figure LPH - Regular Stem - Compression Bonnet raised and cocked at an angle. If the stem is on an angle when it is operated, it will jam and the hydrant will not open. Exerting pressure when this happens will break the lugs on the adapter. The center stem must be in a vertical position to operate properly. REV. 6/27/

SUPPLEMENT 100 PAGE 4 PFD TRAINING MANUAL SUPPLEMENT _ NOTE: COMPANIES USING A CCL HYDRANT SHOULD INSPECT THE CENTER STEM. BEFORE USING THE HYDRANT, IT MUST BE PROPERLY SEATED AND NOT ON AN ANGLE.

This wrench is known as the Alco Safety Lock Hydrant Wrench.

The contact surface of the stem is recessed and enclosed within a free turning protective cap. The only access is through a small slit just below the top of the cap.

Once the wrench is in place the hydrant can be operated in the same manner as any other LPH. Note: The P.W.D is currently removing this type of locking device.

4 SUPPLEMENT 100 PAGE 4 PFD TRAINING MANUAL SUPPLEMENT _ NOTE: COMPANIES USING A CCL HYDRANT SHOULD INSPECT THE CENTER STEM. BEFORE USING THE HYDRANT, IT MUST BE PROPERLY SEATED AND NOT ON AN ANGLE. ALCO SAFETY LOCK Another type of stem control device used to deter the unauthorized use of hydrants incorporates a specially shaped stem that requires the two piece wrench shown in Figure This wrench is known as the Alco Safety Lock Hydrant Wrench. This type of wrench F is used only on low igure Alco Safety Lock Hydrant pressure hydrants (LPH) fitted with the Alco Safety Lock adapter, Figure The contact surface of the stem is recessed and enclosed within a free turning protective cap. The only access is through a small slit just below the top of the cap. The wrench is opened, placed Figure Alco Safety Lock Hydrant Wrench around and inserted into the slot, then closed and locked into position with the use of the removable pin. Once the wrench is in place the hydrant can be operated in the same manner as any other LPH. Note: The P.W.D is currently removing this type of locking device. HYDRO SHIELD WRENCH/CAP In addition to systems restricting access to the operating stems of low pressure hydrants, there is another method which restricts access to the outlet. This system employs a special hydrant cap and wrench. Figure Hydro Shield Wrench The wrench shown in Figure is known as the Hydro Shield Wrench and can be used on all hydrants except the Alco Safety Lock hydrant. The Hydro Shield Wrench is used in conjunction with a Hydro Shield Cap, pictured in Figure Figure Hydro Shield Cap LPH OUT-OF-SERVICE (OOS) A low pressure hydrant that is placed Out-of-Service (OOS) by the Water Department will have a black plastic cap placed on the 4" outlet. Any Fire Department Unit encountering a low pressure hydrant that will not function properly for firefighting purposes will place a black plastic cap on the 4" outlet as soon as practicable and report the location of this low pressure hydrant to the Water Department Hydrant Desk. All engine companies have been issued black plastic caps for this purpose _RFH.DOC REV. 6/27/00

PFD TRAINING MANUAL SUPPLEMENT SUPPLEMENT 100 PAGE 5 FIRE HYDRANT COLOR CODING PHILADELPHIA SYSTEM Bonnets of domestic water system, low pressure fire hydrants, are painted in the following colors,

of Philadelphia Domestic Low Pressure Fire Hydrants refer to Operational Procedure #15. WATER MAPS There are two types of water maps used in the Philadelphia Fire Department.

5 PFD TRAINING MANUAL SUPPLEMENT SUPPLEMENT 100 PAGE 5 FIRE HYDRANT COLOR CODING PHILADELPHIA SYSTEM Bonnets of domestic water system, low pressure fire hydrants, are painted in the following colors, which indicate the size of the water main supplying them: RED-16" or larger (Transmission Mains) GREEN- 10" or larger but less than 16 ORANGE - 8" or smaller For instructions on Inspection Procedures of Philadelphia Domestic Low Pressure Fire Hydrants refer to Operational Procedure #15. WATER MAPS There are two types of water maps used in the Philadelphia Fire Department. The The fire box is located in the center of the map, which shows an area two blocks in all directions from the center box location. Shown on the maps are streets, hydrant locations, box locations and the water mains. The size of the mains feeding those hydrants is also shown. MAP SYMBOLS The following symbols will be used in preparing the maps: Figure LPH <8" Domestic Low Pressure Hydrant (Fig ). (Mains feeding these hydrants are 8" or less in diameter and the bonnet is painted orange.) Figure LPH = 10" < 16 Domestic Low Pressure Hydrant (Fig ). (Mains feeding these hydrants are 10" or larger, but less than 16 in diameter and the bonnet is painted green.) Figure Water map (Company Level) first is carried on the field communications units - Field Com #1 and # 2. There is a map for each area of the city. The maps are used by the Logistics unit at all extra alarm fires in order to determine the best sources of water in an area. The second type of water map used (Fig ) is prepared at the company level and carried on the apparatus. A map is prepared for each fire box location in an engine company s local district. Figure LPH = 16" or > Figure High Pressure Hydrant Domestic Low Pressure Hydrant (Fig ). (Mains feeding these hydrants are 16" or larger in diameter and the bonnet is painted red.) High Pressure fire hydrant (Fig ). (The entire hydrant is painted red.) REV. 6/27/

6 SUPPLEMENT 100 PAGE 6 PFD TRAINING MANUAL SUPPLEMENT _ Figure Fire Alarm Box Fire Alarm Box, Figure Place the number of the box next to the symbol. An example of a company level water map is shown in Figure For more information on preparation and distribution consult the Forms Directive. A physical check will be made of local districts to verify the location of all hydrants and sizes of mains. Coordination of this program will be the responsibility of Platoon "A" Battalion Chiefs. Never leave any hydrant wrench on an unattended hydrant _RFH.DOC REV. 6/27/00

Chapter Quiz. Directions: Write the correct letter on the blank before each question.

Chapter Quiz. Directions: Write the correct letter on the blank before each question. Chapter 12 Quiz Name: Date: Directions: Write the correct letter on the blank before each question. Objective 1: Describe dry-barrel and wet-barrel hydrants. 1. Most fire hydrants are made of: (605) A.