The GIACOMINI A95 and A96 are exposed two-way (siamese) fire department connections, used as an auxiliary inlet providing 500 GPM minimum to supplement the fire protection water supply. The fire department pumps water through them into the sprinkler or standpipe system. The swing clapper gives a full waterway, and the exposed design is an economical way to meet the fire department inlet requirement.
In short
- A95: straight back outlet. A96: 90° angle outlet.
- Size 4″ × 2-1/2″ × 2-1/2″; rated pressure 300 psi.
- Cast brass two-way body with a single swing clapper.
- Pin or rocker lug hose thread swivels; NPT outlet.
- Body branding: AUTO SPKR.
- UL Listed and FM Approved at 300 psi.
How the connection works
Fire fighters connect hoses to the two inlets and pump from the apparatus into the system. The swing clapper closes the unused inlet, so one hose can be charged without water escaping from the other inlet.
Choose by pipe direction: A95 where the pipe comes straight out of the wall, A96 where it runs up or down along the wall.
Related items
- A81 plug and chain for the inlets (per the catalogue).
- A105 connections where a clapper per inlet or three inlets are needed.
Technical data
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Models | A95 · A96 |
| Size | 4″ × 2-1/2″ × 2-1/2″ |
| Rated pressure | 300 psi |
| Flow | 500 GPM minimum |
| Body | Cast brass |
| Inlets | Hose thread swivels, pin or rocker lug |
| Outlet | NPT: straight on A95, angle on A96 |
| A95 dimensions | A 5-5/8″ · B 8-5/16″ |
| A96 dimensions | A 8-5/16″ · B 6-11/16″ · C 4-29/32″ |
| Approvals | UL (EX3314) 300 psi, FM (1530) 300 psi |
The critical point: inlet thread and identification
State the inlet thread when ordering so it matches the local fire department hoses; otherwise the connection cannot be used in a fire.
AUTO SPKR branding means the connection serves the sprinkler system. If it feeds a standpipe or combined system, add a suitable sign per the authority’s requirements.
General design notes for the fire department connection
- Location: on the street side of the building, visible and accessible to the fire apparatus, as agreed with the fire department.
- Height: the inlets are typically between 18 and 48 in (457 – 1219 mm) above the adjoining grade per NFPA 14.
- A listed check valve is installed in the connection line, and no shut-off valve is placed between the connection and the system.
- The sign shows which system the connection feeds (AUTO SPKR or STANDPIPE), and the inlets are fitted with caps or plugs.
- The inlet thread matches the local fire department’s hose thread.
General engineering notes
These points are general principles from the NFPA standards named and common design practice, not from the GIACOMINI datasheet. The final decision rests with the project’s approved designer per the adopted edition of the standard and the authority having jurisdiction.
Installation steps
- Agree the location and height with the fire department before installation.
- Connect the outlet to the supply line, with a listed check valve in the line.
- Check the clappers move freely and the inlet thread matches the fire department hoses.
- Fit the inlet caps or plugs and the identification sign, then pressure test the line.
Common mistakes
- Inlet thread that does not match the local fire department hoses.
- Installing a shut-off valve between the connection and the system.
- A connection hidden behind planting or parked cars.
- Leaving inlets uncapped so debris gets in and jams the clappers.
Inspection and maintenance
Inspect periodically per NFPA 25: visible and accessible, caps in place, swivels rotating freely, clappers sound, and the sign in place.
Inspection, testing and maintenance are the owner’s responsibility per NFPA 25 and the authority having jurisdiction, preferably by a qualified company. Notify the owner, the monitoring station and everyone affected before any test.
Files and ordering
The GIACOMINI catalogue page for the A95 / A96 and the UL and FM listings are in the files section of this page. When ordering, state the model, inlet thread type, lug type (pin or rocker) and finish.
How to order
Use the “Build your order” section on this page: add every model and quantity, then send the whole order by email or WhatsApp. It reaches us as a tidy PDF request sheet and we contact you with the quotation.
FAQ
What does siamese mean?
A connection with two inlets joining into one outlet, so the fire department can pump through two hoses.
Why a single clapper?
The single swing clapper tilts to close whichever inlet is unused. The A105 has an independent clapper per inlet.
References
- GIACOMINI A95 / A96 — Datasheet (attached)
- NFPA 14 — Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems
- NFPA 13 — Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
- NFPA 25 — Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
This page is general information to help with selection and ordering, taken from the attached GIACOMINI datasheet. Final design is set by the project’s approved designer; the project specification, the consultant’s drawings and the latest datasheet revision govern.
