fireplug etymology

Etymology:

The word "fireplug" is a compound of "fire" and "plug."

  • "Fire" refers to its primary purpose of controlling or extinguishing fires.
  • "Plug" refers to its function as a stopper or valve that regulates the flow of water from a fire hydrant.

Meaning:

A fireplug, also known as a fire hydrant or water plug, is a device connected to a buried underground water supply that provides a high-pressure water source for firefighting. It has a protruding valve or cap that can be opened to release water under pressure, which is then used by firefighters to extinguish fires.

Origin:

Fireplugs first appeared in the early 19th century as part of improvements to city water systems. Before that, water for firefighting was drawn from rivers, wells, or cisterns, which could be slow and inefficient.

In 1801, Frederick Graff, a Philadelphia fire warden, developed an early version of the fireplug. It consisted of a wooden box sunk into the pavement with a valve that allowed water to flow from the main water line when opened.

Around 1812, James Bogardus, a New York brass founder, improved upon Graff's design by casting the plug body in brass and adding a removable cap. This design became the standard for fireplugs in the United States and is still widely used today.

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