What must be ensured for underground private fire service mains?

For underground private fire service mains, it is essential to ensure they are protected from ground conditions and external loads. This protection is vital because underground piping systems can be subjected to various stresses due to soil movement, water table fluctuations, vehicular traffic, and other external forces. If these pipes are not adequately protected, they may become compromised, leading to leaks or failures in the system, which can severely impact fire suppression capabilities.

Proper installation techniques, including the use of adequate backfill material and protective measures such as concrete encasements or insulation, are important to mitigate these risks. Ensuring that the mains are resilient to the environmental conditions and physical loads contributes to the reliability and longevity of the fire service system, keeping it operational when it is most needed.