What is the requirement for hydraulic calculations related to private fire service mains?

Hydraulic calculations for private fire service mains are crucial for ensuring that the system is designed to meet operational needs during a fire emergency. The primary requirement is that these calculations must demonstrate that the fire service main can supply the demand at the necessary pressure. This means taking into account both the flow rate and the pressure necessary for effective firefighting operations, as specified in fire protection standards.

By ensuring that the system can provide the required pressure and flow, the calculations help verify that the firefighting resources will function properly when needed, thus enhancing safety and effectiveness during emergencies. The focus is on confirmed capabilities to meet the fire suppression requirements, rather than other considerations like the frequency of calculations or environmental factors, which, while relevant to fire protection planning in a broader sense, do not directly pertain to what the hydraulic calculations must achieve.