Kongsberg Esco AS manufactures the unique hydrants shown on this page. This hydrant design has long been in production. As is the custom in many northern European countries, Norway's hydrants were mainly of the underground type for freeze protection from the long cold winter temperatures. While that is effective for preventing freezing of the mainvalve, underground hydrants are also inconvenient to find and gain access to during a fire emergency, especially during heavy snow accumulations, so a better snow country design was desired. In the 1930's, the company, in cooperation with Norwegian fire brigades and insurance companies came up with the design presented in the photos below.

Patented in 1937, the Esco hydrant stands 1.1 meters tall. The depth of bury is produced in a variety of lengths, as required. The twin independently valved outlets are angled downward to facilitate hose connections, and the clam-shell design provides tamper-resistance; this feature apparently predates by many decades similar hydrant designs where the outlets are protected by an enclosure. By design, the cover of the Esco hydrant cannot be closed unless the mainvalve is first shut.