A fire hydrant with an orange bonnet and cap typically flows what range of gallons per minute?

A fire hydrant with an orange bonnet and cap is designated for a flow rate that typically falls within the range of 500 to 999 gallons per minute (gpm). This color coding is part of a standard system used to communicate the flowing capacity of hydrants, which helps firefighters assess water supply capabilities quickly during emergencies.

The orange color serves as a visual indicator that the hydrant offers a moderate flow rate, making it suitable for a variety of fire situations, but indicating that it may not be the best choice for large-scale fires that require higher volumes of water. Understanding these color codings can be critical for efficient firefighting operations, as they provide essential information at a glance without the need for hydraulic calculations on the scene.

Other flow ranges assigned to different colors indicate varying levels of water availability. For example, lower flow ranges would be shown with different colors, indicating limited water supply, while higher flow ranges correspond to colors indicating greater capacities. Therefore, the identification of an orange bonnet and cap as signifying a flow rate of 500-999 gpm is accurate and crucial knowledge for those in the field.