Proper fire protection is essential in every building – in the event of danger, it can even determine the safety and survival of occupants. According to Polish law, certain types of buildings must be equipped with indoor hydrants, and their placement and use are defined by binding regulations. Detailed requirements are set out in the Regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of June 7, 2010, on fire protection of buildings, other construction facilities, and areas.
Let’s take a closer look at the rules.
Different Types of Hydrants and Their Applications
Hydrants mainly differ in diameter, which determines their water output. They also vary in hose design, reels, and cabinet construction. The numbers in their names indicate the internal hose diameter in millimeters.
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DN25 hydrants – applied in fire zones categorized as human hazard (ZL). Required in high-rise and tall buildings on every floor (except the floor classified as ZL), and in low- and medium-rise buildings on every floor when:
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the fire zone exceeds 200 m² (ZL I, ZL II, or ZL V),
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the fire zone exceeds 200 m² in a medium-rise ZL III building, or over 1000 m² in a low-rise ZL III building.
DN25 hydrants are commonly used in public utility buildings and collective housing facilities such as schools, hotels, shopping centers, banks, offices, pharmacies, and stores. Their advantage lies in ease of use and efficiency in areas where fires develop relatively slowly but are detected quickly.
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DN33 hydrants – required in enclosed single-level garages with more than 10 parking spaces and in multi-level garages. Fires in these locations tend to be intense but confined to a specific area. DN33 hydrants are an excellent solution as they deliver a large water flow while remaining easy to operate.
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DN52 hydrants – used in:
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fire zones (PM) with a fire load density above 500 MJ/m² and area exceeding 200 m²,
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PM fire zones with rooms larger than 100 m² and fire load density over 1000 MJ/m²,
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low- or medium-rise buildings at entrances to PM or technical rooms over 200 m² with fire load density exceeding 500 MJ/m² located in ZL I, ZL II, ZL III, or ZL V zones.
Their use is justified in warehouses and industrial facilities, where fires are not always detected immediately and large quantities of materials intensify the hazard. DN52 hydrants ensure fast and effective fire suppression.
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Where Should They Be Installed?
During a fire, the presence of hydrants is not enough – proper placement is critical. According to regulations, hydrants should be installed in particular at:
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building entrances and stairwells on each floor (in high-rise buildings, DN52 valves are recommended in fire lobbies, permissible on staircases),
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passages and corridors, including lobbies and corridors of each floor in tall buildings,
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attic entrances,
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entrances to open spaces or emergency exits from production and storage rooms, especially in explosion-hazard areas.
This placement ensures easy access, optimal coverage, and maximum firefighting efficiency. It allows hoses to reach every room and deliver water to every corner of the building.
Our Offer
If you want to comply with regulations and ensure maximum safety, contact us. With over 20 years of experience in designing, installing, and servicing fire protection systems, we deliver solutions tailored to each facility’s purpose and the client’s needs.
We provide comprehensive fire protection services for:
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warehouses,
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production facilities,
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industrial buildings,
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public utility facilities,
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residential buildings.
All our systems comply with binding fire protection regulations. Contact us today and benefit from expert support.