A hydrant box is more than just a storage box for fire extinguishers. Its function is crucial in emergency situations, especially during fires. Therefore, proper hydrant box installation standards must be implemented to ensure the equipment inside can be used quickly and efficiently.
Aspects such as height, access, and distance between hydrants determine whether firefighting can proceed smoothly. When all these elements are met, the risk of damage and loss of life can be significantly reduced.
Why Must Hydrant Box Installation Standards Meet?
Installing a hydrant box that meets standards is essential to ensure effectiveness in an emergency. These standards allow firefighters and building occupants easy access to the equipment.
In addition to supporting response speed, the implementation of standards is also part of compliance with Occupational Safety and Health (K3) regulations, and is one of the main indicators during the building permit process.
Furthermore, having a hydrant box installed in accordance with regulations is also crucial in the fire insurance claims process. If the installation is found to not meet technical requirements, there’s a high probability the claim will be denied due to safety negligence.
Standard Height, Access, and Installation Distance for Hydrants
Installation hydran Boxes must consider three main elements: installation height, ease of access, and distance between units. Each of these points directly impacts the efficiency of firefighting equipment use in the field.
Ideal Height of Hydrant Box Installation Standards
The standard height for installing a hydrant box should allow for quick and unobstructed access to the equipment inside. General standards recommend installation at a height of 120–150 cm from the floor or road surface, depending on the surrounding environment.
These guidelines refer to national standards (SNI) and international (such as NFPA), with the aim of maintaining visibility and comfort of use, even in smoky or stressful conditions.
Accessibility and Strategic Placement
Hydrant boxes must be placed in strategic locations, such as main corridors, near exits, emergency stairwells, or locations frequently used by residents. This allows for easy locating and use in the event of a fire.
In addition, the hydrant box must always be free from obstacles such as vehicles, furniture, or building partitions that could hinder access.
Improper placement can slow down the response of officers or occupants in getting the fire extinguisher, which can ultimately worsen the impact of the fire.
Ideal Distance Between Hydrant Boxes
The distance between hydrant boxes is designed to ensure that all parts of the building can be reached with standard fire hoses. According to SNI, for indoor hydrants, the maximum distance between units is 35–38 meters.
This figure considers a hose length of 30 meters and a nozzle reach of approximately 5 meters. For outdoor hydrants, SNI recommends a maximum distance of up to 100 meters.
According to the NFPA, the distance can be extended to between 90 and 120 meters depending on the fire risk level at the location. This distance adjustment takes several factors into account, including:
- Area and shape of the building
- Spatial configuration and structural constraints
- Fire risk level in each zone
Installing a hydrant box that pays attention to the ideal distance can ensure that all points of the building are well protected.
Complying with hydrant box installation standards is not just about fulfilling technical regulations, but also a concrete step in ensuring the safety of people and assets. Correct placement, in terms of height, accessibility, and distance, allows for faster and more effective firefighting.
If you need a professional partner in planning and installing fire protection systems, Adiwarna is ready to help.
As an experienced contractor in this field, Adiwarna ensures that all installations adhere to official standards and are tailored to your building’s characteristics. Safety can’t be compromised; ensure your system meets standards from the start.
