Frequently Asked Questions
I am not ready to place an order yet, but need a quote, how do get one?
No problem!
If you require a formal quote to apply for funding or to take to your next meeting, just add the products to your 'shopping cart'.
Click the 'View Cart' button from the product page, or the cart summary next to the search bar.
Use the 'Create Quote From Cart' Button and fill out steps:
- Billing Information.
- Shipping Method.
- Tick the box and hit the 'Confirm & Process Quote' Button.
- You will recieve an email from us with a pdf of the Quote.
What does Non-Stocked Item mean?
A non Stocked Item is an item we normally don’t keep in our warehouse, You can still order non-stocked items but there may be an increased shipping time and cost depending on what item it is and where the manufacturer is based.
Can I come in to your store to try before I buy?
Sorry, Big Red Truck does not have a retail storefront. If you wish to view a product, appointments can sometimes be arranged however a minimum of 24 hours' prior notice is required. Call us on (07) 32875504.
I bought the wrong thing, can I return or swap them?
Choosing the correct fire equipment can be a complex exercise. Buyers are encouraged to speak with our team (07) 32875504 prior to ordering for advice to determine that what you want to purchase is "Fit for Purpose" and recommend the correct equipment for the application. We can only provide answers to your requirements based on receiving accurate information from you the client.
Whilst we shall endeavour to assist you where we can, we can take no responsibility for your selctions or mistakes. A restocking fee and freight charges may apply according to the circumstances of the order
Can a Local Volunteer Brigade get a discount?
Special Conditions: Local Rural Fire Brigades
Big Red Truck Fire Rescue recommends that Local Rural Brigades contact us by email before ordering at salesteam@bigredtruck.com.au to receive any Rural Fire Discount offered. Persons acting on behalf of a Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade may still obtain and receive a quote from this website however to receive a discount, a letter of authority from the brigade secretary or administrator will be required as part of the verification and approval process. Once this has been approved your discount will be permanently be applied to you user login account.
Email addresses with Gmail or hotmail domains do not provide sufficient evidence that the user is authorised to act on behalf of a brigade.
A confirmation email will be sent once the Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade status has been approved and the discount has been applied.
What is an IP Rating and is meant by Intrinsicly safe?
In Australia, the primary standards for IP (Ingress Protection) ratings and approvals are based on the international IEC 60529 standard, which has been adopted and referenced by Standards Australia. Devices are typically tested and certified to meet these standards to ensure protection against dust and water.
Additionally, some products may require certification from Australian authorities or recognition under Australian certification schemes, particularly for electrical safety standards and equipment used in hazardous environments. Nonetheless, the IP rating itself is an internationally recognised classification that is widely used in Australia for various equipment and enclosures.
IEC is the officiallyl recognised standard and certification for Australia in hazardous areas. Where IEC is not stated the European ATEX standard is mostly recognised as a close equivelent. Note: NFPA is not a recognised safety standard for use hazardous areas in Australia.
What fittings do I need for my hose?
These are the common types of fittings of Bushfire Fighting Fittings used in Australia.
1. Hose Couplings and Fittings
- Storz Couplings: Large, robust, quick-connection fittings favoured across Australia for main hoses.
- Camlock Couplings: Known for their rapid connect/disconnect features, especially suitable for auxiliary or smaller hoses.
- NH (National Hose) Threaded Fittings (USA) : A fitted from the US used mainly on specialised forestry pumps and accessories. ie Wajax, Waterax and Vallfirest Black Panther series.
2. Nozzle Attachments
Fittings that attach to hoses, controlling water spray and pattern to maximise firefighting efficiency are normally supplied with BSP thread
BSP is the most common thread used to connect adaptors to nozzles and firefighting hardware.
3. Adapters, Reducers, and Small Fittings
There will normally be different sizes or types, essential in complex deployments or when integrating different equipment. There is always a compromise between the weight of a fire hose and the water flow that a nozzle is designed to work efficiently. Keeping it simple reduces complication and cost.
Regional Preferences and Typical Sizes
While core fittings are consistent across Australia, regional variations exist based on local standards and operational practices.
New South Wales (NSW)
- Common Suction Fittings: 75mm and 100mm Storz, 50mm Camlock
- Delivery Sizes: 25mm,38mm and 50 mm fittings, used for secondary or auxiliary equipment, including small pumps or booster lines.
Victoria (VIC)
- Common Suction Fittings: 75mm, 100mm Storz, NH threaded sizes
- Delivery Sizes: 25mm,38mm and 50 mm fittings prevalent in portable or smaller pump setups.
Queensland (QLD)
- Common Suction Fittings: 75mm, Storz, Camlock
- Delivery Sizes: 25mm,38mm and 50 mm fittings for smaller pumps and hoses, especially for rapid deployment or backup systems.
South Australia (SA)
- Common Suction Fittings: 75mm, 100mm Storz, threaded fittings
- Delivery Sizes: 25mm,38mm and 50 mm fittings for auxiliary systems or relocatable pumps.
Western Australia (WA)
- Common Suction Fittings: 75mm, 100mm Storz, NH threaded
- Delivery Sizes: 25mm,38mm and 50 mm fittings used for booster lines or small firefighting units.
Tasmania (TAS)
- Common Suction Fittings: Camlock, Storz
- Delivery Sizes: 25mm,38mm and 50 mm fittings for portable and small-scale equipment.
Northern Territory (NT)
- Common Suction Fittings: Preference for Storz and Camlock, same size range.
- Delivery Sizes: 25mm and 38mm, used on portable pumps and auxiliary lines.
Sizes Overview
|
Fitting Type |
Common Sizes (mm) |
Common Sizes (inches) |
Typical Uses |
|
25mm |
25mm |
1 inch |
Portable pumps, booster lines, auxiliary connections |
|
38mm |
38mm |
1.5 inches |
Small hoses, portable pump connections and suction lines |
|
50mm |
50mm |
2 inches |
Secondary hoses, equipment extension and suction lines |
|
75mm |
75mm |
3 inches |
Used on suction and transfer lines |
|
100mm |
100mm |
4 inches |
Used on suction and transfer lines |
Review and Summary
While 75mm (3-inch) and 100mm (4-inch) fittings are dominant in primary firefighting operations and suction hose , Smaller fittings such as 25mm (1 inch) and 38mm (1.5 inches) are vital for auxiliary systems, portable pumps, and secondary lines. These smaller fittings facilitate rapid deployment, flexibility, and targeted fire suppression. Fire hose can be heavy, difficult to control and can easily fatigue firefighters when controlling the force of water.
Regional adaptations are evident; however, the core standards—especially Storz and Camlock fittings—ensure interoperability and efficiency across all Australian states and territories.
Big Red Truck Fire Rescue recommend drawing a "Mud Map" detailiing your firefighting system requirements including full pump specifications and distances from a water source. This method will provide a birds eye view of your requirements.
For futher information and advice call our team on 07 32875504 or email asktheteam@bigredtruck.com.au
How do I find out the Flow Rate of my Pump?
How to Calculate the Flow Rate of a Portable Firefighting Pump: A Simple Guide
When fighting fires, having the right equipment is crucial and understanding how much water your portable firefighting pump can deliver is a key part of that. You should always refer to the manufacturer’s user manual as a first step of this exercise.
A Flow chart will detail the flow rate at a given pressure, however, be mindful that it does not reflect the actual flow rate at the end of the hose by the time water passes through hoses, fittings and nozzles.
The flow rate tells you how much water the pump can supply per minute, helping firefighters ensure they have enough water to combat the blaze effectively or before a tank in emptied. Here's a straightforward guide to help you establish the flow rate of a portable firefighting pump in layman's terms.
What Is Flow Rate and Why Is It Important?
Flow rate is the amount of water a pump can send through a hose each minute, usually measured in litres per minute (L/min). Knowing this helps you determine if the pump is suitable for the fire size and the hose diameter you're using.
Step-by-Step: How to Measure the Pump’s Flow Rate
1. Gather Your Equipment:
- A stopwatch or timer
- A measuring container with a known volume (like a 10 or 20-litre bucket)
- Firefighting hose and fittings
2. Prepare the Pump: Connect the hose to the portable firefighting pump, ensuring all fittings are secure to prevent leaks.
3. Start the Pump: Turn on the pump and make sure it’s operating at the typical pressure you would use during firefighting.
4. Measure the Water Output: Place the measuring container under the hose outlet or at a suitable point where water is expelled. Using the stopwatch, record how many seconds it takes to fill the container with a known volume.
- Fill a bucket or container with a known volume.
- Time how many seconds it takes to fill.
- Divide the times it takes to fill into 60. (Litres per second)
- Multiply the result by the volume of the bucket.
5. Calculate the Flow Rate: Use this simple formula:
This means your pump delivers 60 litres per minute.
Tips for Accurate Measurement:
- Ensure the pump is running at typical operating pressure.
- Repeat the test a few times to get an average flow rate.
- Make sure there are no leaks or kinks in the hose during the test.
Why Regular Testing Matters
Regularly measuring your portable firefighting pump’s flow rate ensures it performs optimally when you need it most. It also helps determine if your pump and water storage meet the requirements for different firefighting scenarios.
Final Thoughts
Establishing the flow rate of your portable firefighting pump is simple with a few basic tools and some safety precautions. Knowing this figure helps you select the right equipment for the job, ensures effective fire suppression and provides an understanding of how much water is required from your water storage.
Can Big Red Truck provide custom manufacturing or branding solutions?
In-House Manufacturing Capabilities
BRT Fire Rescue provide the capability to custom design and manufacture products, filling the void where no other product may exist or meet a specific need. We manufacture and market our own equipment under the Big Red Truck brand.
Our facility includes:
- Three-axis CNC routing
- 3D Printing
- PVC cand Textile Welding and Fabrication
- Industrial Sewing and Product design
- Vacuum forming
- Tube Bending
Call us on (07) 32875504 or email salesteam@bigredtruck.com.au with your requirements.
Do we do Repairs?
We no longer service Fire fighting nozzles or repair other manufacturers equipment other than warranty repairs on products that we sell.
Can you Test my Fire Extinguisher?
Unfortunately No, we only sell new fire extinguishers, the good news however is that all our extinguishers are supplied tagged and tested.
All fire extinguishers should be serviced to the relevant, current Australian Standard. AS1851 - Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment.
I cant find a product on your website!
Whilst our website features the most popular Brands and items of equipment that Big Red Truck Fire Rescue sell there are many more products that we can source from global vendor supply chains.
Give us a call or send us an email with the details of what you are looking for and we will hunt it down for you.