In the event of a fire, every second counts in minimizing the damage it can cause. Buildings must have effective fire safety systems that can quickly detect and respond to a fire. One such system is the dry riser and wet riser system. This article will provide an in-depth discussion of the dry riser and wet riser system and their use in buildings protection by Louis Fire Safety, Abu Dhabi as per Civil Defence regulation.
What is a Dry Riser and Wet Riser System?
A dry riser system is a network of pipes that are installed in a building to supply water to the upper floors during a fire. These pipes are empty when not in use, which is why they are referred to as “dry.” They are pressurized by a fire pump when needed to deliver water to the upper floors.
A wet riser system is similar to a dry riser system in that it is a network of pipes that supply water to the upper floors of a building. However, unlike a dry riser system, the pipes in a wet riser system are kept full of water at all times. This means that the water supply is always readily available, eliminating the need to pump water into the pipes during an emergency.
Dry Riser and Wet Riser System Standards and Regulations
The installation of dry riser and wet riser systems is governed by various local regulations and standards, including Civil Defence regulations. In Abu Dhabi, the civil defense code regulates the installation and maintenance of dry riser and wet riser systems in buildings. The code specifies that dry riser and wet riser systems must be designed and installed according to approved standards, and regular maintenance and testing must be carried out to ensure they are functioning correctly.
In the United Arab Emirates, the design and installation of dry riser and wet riser systems are regulated by the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice. The code specifies the requirements for the materials used in the systems, their installation, and testing. It also outlines the maintenance and inspection requirements to ensure that these systems are functioning correctly.
Dry Riser and Wet Riser System Components
Both dry riser and wet riser systems consist of several components that work together to deliver water to the upper floors of a building. The main components of these systems include:
- Riser Pipes
The riser pipes are vertical pipes that run up through the building from the ground floor to the top floor. These pipes supply water to the firefighting equipment, such as hoses and sprinklers, on each floor.
- Inlets
Inlets are the connection points where firefighters can connect hoses to the system. Inlets are typically located near the main entrance of a building to allow quick access to the system.
- Outlets
Outlets are the points where firefighters can connect hoses to the system on each floor. These outlets are usually located in stairwells or hallways.
- Control Valves
Control valves are used to control the flow of water through the system. They are typically located on the ground floor of a building and are accessible to firefighters.
- Pump
A pump is used in dry riser systems to pressurize the pipes and supply water to the upper floors during a fire.
Dry Riser and Wet Riser System Maintenance
Regular maintenance and testing of dry riser and wet riser systems are critical to ensure that they are functioning correctly in an emergency. In Abu Dhabi, Civil Defence regulations require that dry riser and wet riser systems are inspected and tested every six months. These tests include pressure tests, flow tests, and visual inspections of the system.