Questions & specifications
Answers to common questions, plus specification language you can use in apparatus bid documents.
Common questions
How much pressure does it take to open the valve?
Very little. The valve cap, which acts as both the sealing mechanism and the diffuser, keeps the opening pressure very low. The 4″ valve body needs less than 3 PSI to open, and the 2½″ valve less than 6 PSI.
The reason is surface area. The 4″ valve cap has a surface area of about 12 square inches, so each pound of water pressure on the cap puts about 12 pounds of force on the spring that seals the valve. Just 2 PSI becomes 24 pounds against the spring.
The cap on the 2½″ valve body is about 5 square inches, so each pound of water pressure puts about 5 pounds on the spring. That's why the 2½″ valve needs a little more than twice the pressure of the larger valve. Either way, the pressure needed is extremely low.
How long have these valves been in service?
The FFE fill device has been in regular fire service since 1998 and has performed flawlessly without any maintenance.
Will the valve freeze?
No. The valve is installed inside the water tank, so it can't freeze even in the coldest conditions. The tank acts as a heat source; the entire tank would have to freeze first.
Do I need a separate diffuser or shutoff valve?
No. The valve is self-diffusing, so no additional diffusion device is needed. It's also a check-type valve that seals itself: shut off the water at the source, the pressure drops, and you can disconnect right away without closing another valve.
How is it installed, and how long does it take?
The tank itself serves as the mounting support, so no separate mounting device is needed. The mounting plate sits on the outside of the tank wall and attaches directly to it, using the TTMA 6-bolt pattern for 2½″ to 3″ valve bodies or the TTMA 8-bolt pattern for the 4″ valve body. Installation takes about twenty minutes, on an existing truck or as OEM equipment.
What connection sizes are available?
Connections are available from 2½″ to 5″. See the product lineup for each model's body size and hose fitting.
How much does a valve cost?
Please call for current pricing: 1-931-267-8194.
Specification description
Internally mounted check-type fill valve, capable of flowing at a rate in excess of 1,000 gallons per minute. Self-deflecting, requiring no additional diffusion device. Stainless steel, spring-actuated, piston-type sealing mechanism to minimize seal wear and provide positive sealing of the valve after shutoff at the feed source. Valve seal designed to be self-cleaning, utilizing EPDM rubber.
Mounting plate with TTMA standard 8-bolt attachment pattern (4″ valve body) or TTMA 6-bolt attachment pattern (2½″ to 3″ valve body), positioned on the outside of and attached directly to the tank wall. All valve components constructed of highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel. External attachment fitting of corrosion-resistant aluminum. Available with connections from 2½″ to 5″ fittings.
Fireman's Friend fact
Fireman's Friend Engineering's revolutionary semi-automatic fill valve is an innovative, extremely durable direct-flow valve. It's called the Fireman's Friend because it saves time on disconnect and turnaround, it's safe and helps prevent injuries, it's easy to operate and install, and it's essentially maintenance-free.
What makes our valves better
- Stands up to severe water supply conditions
- Conforms to NFPA 1901 standards
- Prevents water hammer
- Self-diffusing
- Reduces turnaround time dramatically
- Easily installed on an existing truck or as OEM
- No special training needed
- Will not freeze
- Facilitates one-person operation
- Will not leak
- Maintenance-free
- Requires very little pressure to open
Please call for current pricing
We're happy to talk through which valve fits your tankers and pumpers. Call or email us and we'll get back to you.