Answer
Mar 28, 2019 - 09:38 PM
Fire hydrants come in many different colors. But it's not for decoration. These colors have an important meaning behind them that could some day save your life.
So, what do fire hydrant colors mean? Certain colors are meant for different types of fires. Each color represents a different (GPM) or Gallons Per Minute. Higher GPMs are meant for larger fires.
Below are the 4 most popular colors, and the fires they are capable of extinguishing.
To calculate the GPM necessary for the size of a fire, you can take the volume of the fire and divide it by 100. So, if you have a two-story house that is 20 feet tall, 50 feet long, and 50 feet wide, then you're going to need 500 gallons per minute to effectively extinguish the blaze.
Fire Hydrant Color Chart
- Red: 500 GPM or less
- Orange: 500-1,000 GPM, for a 4-story house that's 50 ft by 50 ft and 40 ft tall.
- Green: 1000-1500 GPM, for a 4-story house that's 61 by 61 and 40 ft tall.
- Blue: 1500 GPM or more, for a 4-story house that's 70 by 70 feet and 40 ft tall.
Not all colors refer to GPM.
For example, a yellow hydrant indicates that the water comes from a public supply system.
Violet means the water comes from a lake or pond. While most areas follow this color scheme, some choose to make up their own system.
Either way, fire hydrants may stick out like a sore thumb but rest assured that those bright colors are chosen with your safety in mind.
Add New Comment