AS2419 (YAP) mandates the inclusion of a pressure gauge with a gauge cock at each fire hydrant booster. The gauge cock enables easy removal and calibration checks against a known gauge every five years, essential for ensuring accuracy. Without a gauge cock, testing becomes challenging, potentially requiring system draining where isolation valves are unavailable, making compliance crucial.
AS1851 – 2012: Five-Yearly Testing Guidelines
Per AS1851 Section 4, Clause 4.9, fire hydrant systems must undergo testing every five years to validate that pressure and functionality remain within regulatory standards.
AS2419.2005 – Clause 9.3: Gauge Cock Installation for Fire Hydrant Pressure Gauges
According to AS2419.2005, Clause 9.3, fire hydrant pressure gauges must adhere to the following requirements:
9.3 PRESSURE GAUGES
9.3.1 General
Fire hydrant system pressure gauges shall-
(a) comply with AS 1349;
(b) have a full scale reading of not less than 125% of the system hydrostatic test pressure at the point where the gauge is located;
(c) be fitted with a gauge cock to permit removal, servicing or testing of the gauge;
(d) have a dial face of not less than 65 mm diameter unless otherwise specified in this Standard; and
(e) have a window made of glass.
9.3.2 Location of pressure gauges
Pressure gauges shall be installed on a fire hydrant system as follows:
(a) For all installations-
(i) on the suction and delivery side of any booster pump;
(ii) adjacent to any fire brigade booster assembly inlet connection [see Figure 7.4(a), (b) or (c)];
(iii) on the delivery side of any pressure maintenance pump; and
(iv) at each pressure switch.
(b) For buildings with an effective height of not more than 25 m, at the hydraulically most disadvantaged fire hydrant in any installation with more than six fire hydrants.
(c) For buildings with an effective height greater than 25 m-
(i) at the hydraulically most disadvantaged fire hydrant in any pressure zone; and
(ii) immediately upstream and downstream of any pressure-reducing valve.
Where the water supply contains foreign matter of sufficient size to impede or restrict the effective operation of the system, strainers shall be fitted.
The area of each hole in the strainer shall be less than the area of the smallest orifice between the strainer and the hose nozzle, and each hole shall be not larger than 12 mm diameter. The aggregate area of the holes in the strainer shall be such that when 50% of the holes are blocked, the pressure and flow requirements of the installation are met.