what is a 'dry riser' - seen on signs on the outside of buildings?

Answer 1

A dry riser is a type of standpipe used in a building or structure as a component of the fire suppression system, consisting of a vertical "riser" pipe with an external access point (usually at ground level, often at a siamese connection) through which water can be pumped to sprinklers on individual floors, or to firefighters' hose attachments on each floor, in the event of fire. These pipes stand empty or "dry" until water is pumped into the external connection from a fire engine. The dry riser is related to a wet riser or wet standpipe system where the pipes are kept full of water for automatic operation.
Dry riser : A vertical pipe with an outside access through which water can be pumped to the individual floors of a building in the event of fire.

Answer 2

OK . . . this is an absolute guess: Many high rise buildings may use a [fire extinguishing] sprinkler system that requires an external hook-up from fire equipment pumpers (vs. being charged with a live water supply). If such is the case, all the internal building sprinkler plumbing is empty or "dry." The signs that you mention may be there to notify the fire crews as to where they need to go to apply their hose connections. Upon so doing, the water will travel through the risers and spray from the various sprinkler heads, to douse any flames.

Answer 3

Its a pipe that lets water travel up (I think) google it, I know Falcon Fire are a company round my way, check out they website www.falcon-fire.co.uk

Answer 4

feeder for fire sprinkler system. it means that the system is not connected to a water supply (city water supply) therefore it is dry. it tells the fire department that they must supply the water to the system.