Wet & Dry Risers
Dry Risers
Dry risers are normally dry but are capable of being charged with water by pumping water from a Fire Service appliance. An air-release valve is fitted at the highest point to allow the dry riser to become fully charged. A hydrant outlet valve is fitted to each floor to allow the Fire Service to connect their hoses.
Dry Riser should be checked as follows:
- Should be checked and serviced twice a year
- Pressure tested to 150psi or 10 bar
- All inlets and outlets inspected
- Flow tests conducted
Wet Risers
A wet riser is a pipe kept permanently charged with water which is then immediately available for use on any floor at which a hydrant outlet valve (landing valve) is located.
Wet risers are necessary in very high buildings, above the height at which Fire Brigade pumps cannot achieve water pressure using a dry riser.
In the event that mains pressure is too high then regulating pressure valves are fitted. Riser should be checked as follows:
- Should be checked and serviced twice a year
- Pressure tested to 150psi or 10 bar
- All inlets and outlets inspected
- Flow tests conducted
Maintenance & Testing
Wet & Dry Risers need to be visually inspected every 6 months and serviced annually to comply with BS 5306:1976. They are also prone to neglect and vandalism and companies would incur severe penalties if they failed to work for the Fire Brigade. The first test is a wet pressure test to 150 PSI or 10 Bar for a minimum of 15 minutes. All inlets and outlets are checked for leaks. Any missing or faulty items would need to be replaced to enable a certification to be provided. Flow testing is also carried out at this time. The second test is a visual inspection and service with missing items being reported. Workplace Fire & Safety Ltd supply a full range of products for new and existing systems and can arrange servicing around times convenient to the customer with minimum disruption to the working environment. All servicing work that is carried out will be in line with the building's fire risk assessment and fire certificate.
Please contact us for furtuer details or to discuss your specific needs.