Steamer Hose definition

[jducharme]

Can anyone tell me where the name of the steamer hose & steamer hose connection on a hydrant came from?
Thanks

[33motor]

I would have to say that it was from the "steamers" or "steam engines". Perhaps the discharge size changed around the time they went to steamers? I'm just making a guess, so no flames please.

[Scoop422]

I've been taught that the steamer connection was for blowing steam into frozen hydrants to thaw them out many years ago. I work in old part of a city where we still have some steamer connections(ports)on hydrants although many have been retro-fitted to change them to stortz connections.

[IrishLad]

I might be wrong, but in CA we call steamer hydrants, hydrants that have 2.5 outlet and 4" outlet. These are "Hot" Hydrants with a high gpm output.

Don't know if that is what the answer to your question is, but thats what I heard.

Good luck.

[cozmosis]

I've also been told that they are called such because the large ports are what steam engines used when connecting to fire plugs.

The modern day definition of a steamer port is "an outlet nozzle with an opening of at least 3.5" in diameter, suitable for attachment of a fire hose."

[E40FDNYL35]

[33motor]

Ah.... a steamer and 3 white "chargers"... what a sight

can you imagine what it must have felt like to sit in the seat.. pulling the bell rope, listening to the sound of those hooves galloping down the street!



It just don't want to work for me today..... one more try.



hope it goes this time.

[33motor]

Why don't these forums just let you upload it from your own puter?

No more tries for me after this one..

[cozmosis]

Originally posted by 33motor
Why don't these forums just let you upload it from your own puter?

You should be able to. Look for "Attach file" below the area where you type your message.

[superchef]

E40- Very cool picture!!!

[33motor]

Right under my nose..... thanks.

[SMCAPT7]

steamer picture

Here is our steamer that we are in the process of restoring



It is a self propelled steamer ( one of the only one we think that is still around ).

[tripperff]

Around my area....

The steamer is a 4 1/4" outlet on the front of the hydrant. Most of the hydrants in my distrct have this but a few still only have the pair of 2 1/2" butts. Our hydrant packs are equipped to handle either type and to set up to use all three outlets wth gates etc.