In the world of fire safety, where safeguarding lives and property is the goal, dry risers play an indispensable role, particularly when it comes to taller buildings. 

These systems act as a lifeline for firefighters, providing a readily available water supply to combat fires on upper floors, where traditional fire hoses might struggle to reach. But what is a dry riser exactly, and how does it work?

As fire safety specialists, we’re here to take you behind the scenes, exploring what dry risers are, the intricacies of their systems and the numerous benefits that they offer. 

We’ll explain why they’re necessary for taller buildings, and shed light on their critical role in ensuring the safety of those who live and work in these structures. 

What is a dry riser?

A dry riser is essentially a network of vertical pipes that runs through a building, designed to provide firefighters with a rapid and reliable water source during a fire emergency. Unlike a wet riser, which is constantly filled with water, a dry riser system remains empty until needed. 

The system typically consists of an inlet valve located at or near ground level, allowing the fire service to connect their pumps and supply water to the system. This water then travels up the pipes to various dry riser outlets located on each floor, usually within protected stairwells or lobbies. These outlets, also known as landing valves, are where firefighters connect their hoses to access the water supply and fight the fire.

What is the difference between a wet and dry riser?

The primary difference between a wet riser and a dry riser lies in their operational state. A wet riser is constantly filled with water, ensuring immediate availability in case of a fire. 

This makes them ideal for taller buildings where the time it takes to pump water up a dry riser could be critical. Imagine a fire erupting on the 20th floor – every second counts in getting water to the source. On the other hand, a dry riser remains empty until activated by the fire service. This minimises the risk of leaks and water damage, making them suitable for buildings where a constant water supply isn't essential and the risk of accidental activation might be higher.

Building regulations typically dictate which type of riser is required based on the building's height. While wet risers are generally mandated for buildings over 50 metres tall, dry risers are often specified for buildings over 18 metres.

These regulations ensure that buildings have the appropriate fire safety measures in place to protect occupants and facilitate effective firefighting operations.

When should a dry riser be installed?

When should a dry riser be installed? This is a question often raised by property developers, building owners, and those responsible for fire safety. In the UK, building regulations provide clear guidance on this matter. They stipulate that dry risers must be installed in buildings over 18 metres in height where the top floor is more than 18 metres above ground level. This essentially means any building where a standard fire hose wouldn't be able to reach a fire on the upper floors.

This requirement applies to a wide range of building types, including residential apartments, offices, hotels, and hospitals – essentially any structure where the risk of fire poses a significant threat to life and property. 

The primary purpose of installing a dry riser is to ensure that firefighters have adequate access to water to combat fires on those upper floors, enabling them to quickly and effectively extinguish flames and prevent them from spreading.

What are the benefits of a dry riser?

Dry risers offer several benefits in fire safety, acting as a critical lifeline for firefighters battling blazes in taller structures. 

Firstly, they provide a dedicated and reliable water source for firefighting efforts on upper floors, ensuring that firefighters have the necessary resources to tackle flames effectively, even in high-rise buildings where traditional hoses might fall short. This dedicated supply is essential for containing fires and preventing them from spreading rapidly throughout the building.

Secondly, dry riser outlets, strategically positioned on each floor, allow firefighters to quickly connect their hoses and commence firefighting operations without delay. This rapid response capability is important in minimising fire spread and potential damage, as every second counts in bringing a fire under control. By providing immediate access to water, dry risers help to protect lives and limit property damage.

Finally, since the pipes in a dry riser system remain empty when not in use, they minimise the risk of water damage from leaks or accidental activation. This feature offers peace of mind to building owners and occupants, knowing that the system won't cause unintended water damage in the absence of a fire emergency.

Dry Riser Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and regular maintenance are paramount for ensuring the effectiveness and longevity of a dry riser system. Installation must be carried out by qualified professionals according to British Standards such as BS 9990:2015, which provides guidelines for non-automatic firefighting systems. 

Maintenance involves periodic inspections, testing of valves and components, and ensuring the system remains free from obstruction or damage.

Magni Fire and Dry Risers

At Magni Fire, we specialise in the design, installation, and maintenance of dry riser systems. 

Our team of experts ensures that your dry riser system is installed to the highest standards, complying with all relevant regulations. We also provide comprehensive maintenance programs, including regular inspections and testing, to ensure your system remains in optimal working order.

At Magni Fire, we are committed to providing expert dry riser solutions and comprehensive fire protection services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help safeguard your building.