17 Jul Fire Hydrant Storz Upgrade
In 2019, the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS) released a letter advising the fire industry that they were recommending Storz fittings for all hydrants.
Click here to download a copy of the letter.
So what does that mean? Before we discuss the impacts on your sites, let’s understand what the change entails.
London Round Hydrants
For many years, the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS) has required all fire hydrants to be fitted with the London Round thread.
Fire hydrants provide the water supply used by the SAMFS when responding to fires. In larger buildings, hydrant outlets are installed around the perimeter and throughout the site to ensure firefighters have access to an adequate water supply wherever it is needed.
The London Round thread has been the standard in South Australia for as long as most people can remember. However, in a typically Australian approach to historical standards, each state adopted its own hydrant thread, resulting in a lack of national consistency.
While this was not a significant issue in the past, increased interstate cooperation during major emergencies has highlighted the limitations of these differing standards.
During large-scale bushfires and other major incidents, fire crews from other states are regularly deployed to South Australia. Because their equipment is designed for different hydrant thread types, they may be unable to connect directly to local hydrants without adapters, which delays access to a water supply and reduces operational efficiency.
To address this issue, Australian fire authorities have agreed to adopt the Storz connection as the national standard for fire hydrants, providing compatibility between jurisdictions and improving interoperability during interstate emergency responses.
Storz Fittings
The London Round thread has both male and female ends, like a nut and a bolt. This means that when using a hose, you must take the correct end to the hydrant.
The Storz connection is not a thread but a method for connecting identical fittings. It doesn’t matter which end of the hose you take to the hydrant.
The SAMFS are now using hoses with Storz fittings.
What Does This Mean for Building Owners?
As with any change to an established standard, there is a transition period during which both the old and new systems operate concurrently. Fire hydrant connections are currently in this transition phase.
The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS) can operate with both London Round and Storz hydrant connections, as all SAMFS appliances carry the necessary adapters. However, the SAMFS has issued guidance outlining when existing London Round hydrants should be replaced with Storz fittings.
New Installations and System Upgrades
If you are installing a new fire hydrant system, all hydrant outlets must be fitted with Storz connections.
If you are undertaking a significant upgrade to an existing hydrant system, the SAMFS recommends replacing all existing London Round hydrant outlets with Storz fittings as part of the upgrade.
Existing London Round hydrant heads cannot simply be fitted with adapters. Instead, the hydrant heads must be replaced with new Storz-compatible outlets in accordance with SAMFS requirements.
Routine Testing and Maintenance
Routine 3, 5 and 6-yearly fire hydrant testing, servicing and overhauls are considered maintenance activities and are notregarded as system upgrades. Consequently, there is no requirement to replace London Round hydrant outlets with Storz fittings during these inspections.
However, if funding is available, these scheduled maintenance activities provide an ideal opportunity to undertake the upgrade while the system is already being serviced.
Do I Have to Change?
At present, there is no requirement to replace existing London Round hydrant connections solely because they are of the older standard. The SAMFS cannot generally compel building owners to replace compliant existing hydrant outlets.
That said, regulatory mechanisms could be introduced in the future to mandate the changeover. While there is currently no indication from the SAMFS that this will occur, it is reasonable to expect that wider adoption of the national Storz standard may lead to mandatory upgrades over the coming decade.
What Should You Do?
Building owners should consider including the replacement of London Round hydrant outlets with Storz fittings in their long-term maintenance and asset replacement budgets over the next 5 to 10 years.
If you are already planning a hydrant system upgrade, extension or refurbishment, it is recommended that you incorporate the installation of Storz fittings throughout the system at the same time.
Likewise, if major maintenance is being undertaken during a scheduled 3, 5 or 6-yearly overhaul, upgrading the hydrant outlets at that time can minimise disruption and reduce future costs.
If you would like an indicative budget estimate to assist with planning, please contact us on 1300 88 3473 or email info@firesys.com.au.
Our team is happy to discuss your requirements and provide advice on planning your transition to the Storz standard.
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