Wet and Dry Risers
Dry and wet rising mains are intended for use by the Fire Brigade or properly trained personnel, to enable the rapid deployment of water to help fight fire in a building.
Dry risers are ’uncharged’ rising mains with outlet valves on each floor (typically located in convenient positions, like stair-case enclosures, for example) and an inlet valve external to and/or beneath the ground floor, so that the Fire Brigade can readily connect into the water supply.
A wet riser is permanently charged with water.
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Fire Safety : Wet and 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. |
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Fire Safety : Wet and Dry Risers : 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. |
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Fire Safety : Wet and Dry Risers : 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. |