What type of hydrant has no main valve but has a separate valve for each nozzle?

The type of hydrant that has no main valve but instead features separate valves for each nozzle is the wet-barrel hydrant. This design allows each nozzle to be independently operated, which means that water can be drawn from the hydrant without needing to activate a central main valve. This can be particularly beneficial in scenarios where water is needed from multiple nozzles simultaneously, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency during firefighting operations.

Wet-barrel hydrants are typically used in warmer climates where freezing temperatures are not a concern, as they remain filled with water. The presence of individual valves for each nozzle not only facilitates easy operation but also minimizes the potential for water loss when one nozzle is opened, providing significant advantages during emergency situations.

In contrast, dry-barrel hydrants, which are commonly used in areas prone to freezing, do include a main valve that prevents water from being present in the barrel itself when not in use. Post hydrants typically refer to pull-up post designs used in some older hydrants, while compression hydrants usually describe a valve mechanism that relies on compression to seal the water flow. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific characteristics of wet-barrel hydrants and their operational benefits.