Standpipe Systems

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−---

−title: Standpipe Systems

−category: Fire Protection

−toc_depth: 3

−description: >

− When to use: Standpipe and hose systems installed in commercial, institutional, industrial, mercantile, assembly, and high-rise buildings to provide a fixed water supply for manual fire-fighting operations by trained fire-department personnel and, where required, by occupants. Covers Class I (2-1/2 in. outlets for fire-department use), Class II (1-1/2 in. hose stations for occupant use), and Class III (combined 2-1/2 in. and 1-1/2 in. service) systems in automatic-wet, automatic-dry, semi-automatic-dry, manual-wet, and manual-dry configurations. Addresses the standpipe risers themselves, hose connections, hose valves, pressure-regulating devices, fire department connections, main drain and test valves, and the interface to the water supply or a combined sprinkler/standpipe riser.

− Not intended for: The sprinkler distribution piping in a combined sprinkler/standpipe system (see [[sync/wet-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]] and [[sync/dry-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]] for the sprinkler portion of a combined riser); fire pumps that boost standpipe pressure where residual pressure at the most remote outlet is inadequate (see [[sync/fire-pumps]]); the underground fire service main and yard piping feeding the standpipe (covered separately under NFPA 24); the building fire alarm system that receives standpipe waterflow and supervisory signals (see [[sync/fire-alarm-systems]]); the domestic water piping system (see [[sync/domestic-water-piping]]); hose, nozzles, and other fire-department-furnished equipment carried on apparatus rather than fixed in the building; or yard hydrants and exterior hose connections outside the building footprint.

−---

−

−# Scope {toc}

−

−## This standard covers the design documentation, materials, installation, testing, and acceptance of standpipe and hose systems installed in buildings to provide a fixed, reliable water supply for manual fire-fighting operations. {note}

−## A standpipe system is the vertical piping, horizontal mains, hose connections, control valves, and associated devices that deliver water under pressure to hose outlets located throughout a building, so that fire-department personnel or trained occupants can connect hose lines and direct streams at a fire without depending on the rapid deployment of hose from apparatus at street level. {note}

−

−## The scope extends from the point where the standpipe system connects to its water supply — either a dedicated underground fire service main, a tap from the public water main, the discharge of a fire pump dedicated to the standpipe system, or a combined sprinkler/standpipe riser fed from the same source — through the riser piping, horizontal cross mains and feed mains, hose connections at each floor and at any required intermediate locations, pressure-regulating devices where the static pressure at any outlet would otherwise exceed safe limits, the main drain and test arrangement, and the fire department connection (FDC) at the exterior of the building. {note}

−## Combined sprinkler/standpipe risers are within the scope of this standard for the standpipe portion only; the sprinkler distribution piping fed from a combined riser is covered by [[sync/wet-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]] or [[sync/dry-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]] as applicable. {note}

−

−## Standpipe systems shall comply with NFPA 14 (current edition adopted by the AHJ), the International Fire Code (IFC), and the International Building Code (IBC) as adopted locally.

−

−## Where local amendments modify NFPA 14, the IFC, or the IBC, the local amendment governs unless it is less stringent than the base standard, in which case the base standard governs.

−

−## The Engineer of Record shall confirm the edition of NFPA 14 adopted in the jurisdiction before design begins.

−

−### Successive editions of NFPA 14 have introduced meaningful changes to hose connection pressure limits, pressure-regulating device requirements, the rules for partially-completed high-rise standpipes during construction, and the interface between standpipe and sprinkler combined risers. {note}

−

−## The standpipe system shall be designed and installed as a manual fire-protection system whose intent is to deliver a usable hose stream at the time and location chosen by the operator.

−

−### A standpipe does not automatically discharge water in nearly every case; with the exception of certain limited Class II occupant-use systems, it requires that a fire-fighter open a hose valve and direct the flow, which distinguishes it from an automatic sprinkler system designed around a pre-engineered design area. {note}

−

−# Referenced Standards {toc}

−

−## Materials, design, installation, and testing shall comply with the current adopted editions of the following standards.

−

−| Standard | Title |

−|----------|-------|

−| NFPA 14 | Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems |

−| NFPA 13 | Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (for combined sprinkler/standpipe risers) |

−| NFPA 20 | Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection |

−| NFPA 24 | Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances |

−| NFPA 25 | Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems |

−| NFPA 72 | National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code |

−| NFPA 291 | Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants |

−| NFPA 1962 | Standard for the Care, Use, Inspection, Service Testing, and Replacement of Fire Hose, Couplings, Nozzles, and Fire Hose Appliances |

−| NFPA 1963 | Standard for Fire Hose Connections (screw threads and Storz connections) |

−| IBC | International Building Code, Section 905 (Standpipe Systems) |

−| IFC | International Fire Code |

−| ASTM A53 | Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless |

−| ASTM A135 | Standard Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Steel Pipe |

−| ASTM A795 | Standard Specification for Black and Hot-Dipped Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe for Fire Protection Use |

−| ASME B16.1 | Gray Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings |

−| ASME B16.3 | Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings |

−| ASME B16.9 | Factory-Made Wrought Buttwelding Fittings |

−| ANSI/AWWA C606 | Grooved and Shouldered Joints |

−| UL 405 | Fire Department Connections |

−| UL 668 | Hose Valves for Fire-Protection Service |

−| UL 1468 | Direct Acting Pressure Reducing and Pressure Restricting Valves |

−| FM 1110 | Approval Standard for Single Gate Valves and Indicator Posts |

−| FM 1126 | Approval Standard for Fire Service Pressure-Regulating Valves |

−

−## Where standards conflict, the more stringent requirement governs unless directed otherwise by the Engineer of Record in writing.

−

−# Submittals {toc}

−

−## Action Submittals {toc}

−

−### Standpipe submittals are reviewed by the AHJ as part of the fire protection plan review process and, in high-rise buildings, by the fire-department operations personnel who will actually use the system; incomplete submittals at this trade are a common cause of plan-review delays. {note}

−

−### The following items shall be submitted as a coordinated package:

−

−- Working drawings for the standpipe system complying with NFPA 14, including floor plans showing standpipe riser locations and routing, hose connection locations and elevations, horizontal main routing, control valve locations, FDC location, and main drain and test arrangement

−- Riser diagram showing each standpipe with elevations of every hose connection, the location of pressure-regulating devices, the location of control valves, the connection to the water supply, and the connection to any combined sprinkler riser

−- Hydraulic calculations demonstrating compliance with NFPA 14: a minimum of 500 gpm at 100 psi residual at the most hydraulically remote 2-1/2 in. hose connection for Class I and Class III systems, with 250 gpm at each additional remote standpipe, and 100 gpm at 65 psi at the most remote 1-1/2 in. hose connection for Class II systems

−- Product data for each item of equipment and material, including pipe, fittings, hose valves with their listed Cv or flow coefficient, pressure-regulating devices (PRV or PRD) with listed pressure-flow curves, fire department connections, control valves with tamper switches, waterflow switches, and any flexible connections or seismic devices

−- Manufacturer's installation instructions for each listed or approved component, including any limitations on application, pipe joining method, or system arrangement that affect compliance

−- Pressure-regulating device selection schedule showing the static, residual, and flowing pressure at each hose outlet at the system design flow, the inlet and outlet pressure required at each PRV or PRD, and the device set point

−- Seismic bracing calculations, where seismic bracing is required by the project's Seismic Design Category

−- For partially-completed standpipes used during construction of high-rise buildings, a construction phasing plan showing the elevation of each completed and serviceable hose outlet at each phase of construction, in compliance with IFC Chapter 33 and NFPA 14 Chapter 7

−

−```datasheet

−label: Action Submittals Required

−type: checkbox

−options:

− - "Working drawings per NFPA 14"

− - "Standpipe riser diagrams with elevations"

− - "Hydraulic calculations per NFPA 14 demand criteria"

− - "Product data for all components"

− - "Manufacturer installation instructions"

− - "PRV / PRD selection schedule"

− - "Seismic bracing calculations (if required)"

− - "Construction phasing plan (high-rise)"

−default: "Working drawings per NFPA 14"

−```

−

−### The Contractor shall submit the action submittal items listed above for the Engineer of Record's review and the AHJ's approval prior to procurement and installation.

−

−### No work shall proceed on any portion of the standpipe system until the corresponding submittals are reviewed, returned, and any required AHJ approval is in hand.

−

−### Working drawings shall be prepared by or under the supervision of a person with qualifications acceptable to the AHJ.

−

−### The Contractor shall confirm the designer qualification requirements before assigning the design work.

−

−### In many jurisdictions, qualification acceptable to the AHJ means a licensed fire protection engineer or a NICET-certified designer at the level required by state law. {note}

−

−## Closeout Submittals {toc}

−

−### The following shall be submitted at substantial completion before the standpipe system is accepted:

−

−- Contractor's Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping (NFPA 14 / NFPA 13 figure) signed by the installing Contractor, certifying pipe and fittings materials, joint types, flushing procedure, hydrostatic test results, flow test results at the FDC and at the most remote hose connection, and the operation of all alarm and supervisory devices

−- As-built drawings reflecting field changes from the reviewed working drawings, with the actual elevation of each hose connection recorded

−- Operation and maintenance manual including riser identification, hose connection locations and pressure ratings, valve locations, system description, impairment procedures, and NFPA 25 inspection intervals

−- Pressure-regulating device commissioning records, including the measured inlet and outlet pressure at each device under the test flow and confirmation that each device's set point is within the listing tolerance

−- Warranty documentation for all components carrying a manufacturer warranty

−- Hydraulic design information signs confirming that installed signs match the design calculations and are permanently affixed at the system risers

−

−```datasheet

−label: Closeout Submittals Required

−type: checkbox

−options:

− - "Contractor's Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping"

− - "As-built drawings with field-verified hose connection elevations"

− - "Operation and maintenance manual"

− - "PRV / PRD commissioning records"

− - "Manufacturer warranty documentation"

− - "Hydraulic design information sign verification"

−default: "Contractor's Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping"

−```

−

−### The Contractor shall submit the closeout submittal items listed above at substantial completion before the standpipe system is accepted.

−

−# Quality Assurance {toc}

−

−## Installer Qualifications {toc}

−

−### Standpipe system installation shall be performed by a licensed fire protection contractor as required by the state and local jurisdiction.

−

−### In states where licensing is mandatory, the installing contractor shall hold a current fire protection contractor's license.

−

−### The individual preparing the working drawings and hydraulic calculations shall hold qualifications as required by the AHJ.

−

−### Where state law requires NICET certification, the designer shall hold NICET Level III or Level IV certification in water-based systems layout or fire protection engineering technology, as applicable.

−

−## Coordination with the Fire Department {toc}

−

−### Fire-fighting operations depend on connections matching the apparatus and equipment carried by that specific fire department. {note}

−

−### The fire-fighting effectiveness of a connection depends on its match to the apparatus the local fire department carries: a 4 in. Storz connection on an FDC is useless to a department that carries only 2-1/2 in. National Standard Thread couplings, and a 1-1/2 in. occupant-use hose station with a non-standard thread is useless to occupants. {note}

−

−### The location of every hose connection, the location of the FDC, the thread or coupling type at each connection, and the identification signage shall be confirmed with the fire department of jurisdiction before the connections are procured.

−

−### The Contractor shall not procure FDC, hose valves, or threaded couplings without confirming the local fire department standard.

−

−### The Contractor shall schedule the acceptance test with the fire department with sufficient advance notice and shall make a fire department representative available throughout the test.

−

−### In many jurisdictions, the fire department or fire marshal will inspect the standpipe system in person and operate one or more hose connections during the field acceptance test. {note}

−

−## Listing and Approval {toc}

−

−### All hose valves, FDCs, pressure-regulating devices, control valves, waterflow alarm devices, supervisory switches, and seismic brace assemblies shall be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (UL, FM, or another NRTL as accepted by the AHJ) for the specific application and service conditions in which they are used.

−

−### Hose valves shall be listed to UL 668.

−

−### FDCs shall be listed to UL 405.

−

−### Pressure-regulating valves shall be listed to UL 1468 and, where the Owner requires FM compliance, to FM 1126.

−

−### No component shall be substituted for a listed product with an unlisted or unapproved equivalent without the Engineer of Record's written approval and confirmation of acceptability by the AHJ.

−

−## FM Global Compliance {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: FM Global Compliance Required

−type: radio

−options:

− - "Not required"

− - "Required — FM-approved components throughout"

−default: "Not required"

−```

−

−### Where the building's property insurance carrier or the Owner requires FM Global compliance, all components shall be FM-approved in addition to UL-listed.

−

−### The Contractor shall confirm FM approval status for each product at procurement, not after installation.

−

−### FM and UL listings are not identical for standpipe components; the difference is particularly consequential for pressure-regulating valves, where the FM 1126 approval requires testing across a broader flow range than the UL 1468 listing alone. {note}

−

−# Classification {toc}

−

−## System Class {toc}

−

−### The class of standpipe system determines the size of the hose connection, the design flow and pressure, the locations of hose stations, and whether occupant use is contemplated. {note}

−

−### The class of standpipe system shall be confirmed against IBC Section 905 and the project program before design begins.

−

−```datasheet

−label: Standpipe System Class

−type: select

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− - "Class I (2-1/2 in. outlets for fire-department use)"

− - "Class II (1-1/2 in. occupant-use hose stations)"

− - "Class III (combined 2-1/2 in. and 1-1/2 in. outlets)"

−default: "Class I (2-1/2 in. outlets for fire-department use)"

−```

−

−### A building that requires a Class I standpipe under the code shall not be specified with only Class II hose stations.

−

−### A code-required Class II system in an occupancy where occupant use is contemplated shall not be replaced with a Class I system that omits the small hose stations without separately addressing the occupant-use requirement.

−

−### Class I systems provide 2-1/2 in. hose connections for use by fire-department personnel or by trained operators capable of handling 2-1/2 in. hose lines, and are the dominant configuration in modern construction because the IBC requires them in nearly every building large enough to require any standpipe. {note}

−

−### Class II systems provide 1-1/2 in. hose stations with a continuously charged hose and a nozzle for occupant and building-staff use, are required in very limited applications, and are largely disfavored in modern practice because of the risk that untrained occupants will attempt to fight a developed fire rather than evacuating. {note}

−

−### Class III systems provide both 2-1/2 in. fire-department connections and 1-1/2 in. occupant-use hose stations (typically the 1-1/2 in. station as a reducer or auxiliary outlet at the 2-1/2 in. valve), are required by some legacy codes for older high-rise buildings, and are rarely called for by new code-driven requirements. {note}

−

−## System Type {toc}

−

−### The standpipe system type defines how the riser is normally charged with water and how it responds to a hose-valve operation; NFPA 14 defines five system types, each appropriate to a particular building configuration, climate, and use case. {note}

−

−### The system type shall be selected per NFPA 14 so that the valving, supervisory arrangements, FDC arrangement, and response time when a hose valve is opened match the building configuration, climate, and use case.

−

−```datasheet

−label: Standpipe System Type

−type: select

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− - "Automatic-wet (continuously charged, immediate flow)"

− - "Automatic-dry (air-pressurized, dry-pipe valve trips on outlet operation)"

− - "Semi-automatic-dry (deluge valve trips on remote signal)"

− - "Manual-wet (low-pressure water, supply from FDC)"

− - "Manual-dry (no water, supply from FDC only)"

−default: "Automatic-wet (continuously charged, immediate flow)"

−```

−

−### Automatic-wet systems are continuously charged with water under supply pressure, discharge immediately when a hose valve opens, and are the dominant configuration in conditioned buildings and the standard arrangement for combined sprinkler/standpipe risers. {note}

−

−### Automatic-dry systems hold pressurized air or nitrogen above a dry-pipe valve that trips and admits water automatically when a hose valve is opened, and are used in unheated building portions where the standpipe cannot be reliably maintained above 40°F, delivering water with a brief trip-and-fill delay. {note}

−

−### Semi-automatic-dry systems are charged with air at lower pressure and require a deluge valve to be tripped (manually at the riser or by a remote-actuated detection device) to admit water, are used in special applications where a fully automatic-dry system is unsuitable, and are uncommon in current US practice. {note}

−

−### Manual-wet systems contain water at atmospheric or low pressure maintained by an automatic air vent or a small supply connection, are not pressurized until the fire department charges them through the FDC, are not credited under modern IBC requirements where a fully-pressurized standpipe is required, and are used in certain limited construction or as a temporary arrangement during partial occupancy. {note}

−

−### Manual-dry systems contain only air at atmospheric pressure and depend entirely on the fire department for water through the FDC; they are permitted by NFPA 14 in limited applications (typically unsprinklered open parking structures used solely by the fire department) and are explicitly not permitted for high-rise buildings or other applications contemplating rapid response by occupants or building staff. {note}

−

−## Combined or Dedicated Riser {toc}

−

−### Combined sprinkler/standpipe risers are economical and dominant in commercial high-rise construction because a single riser sized for the standpipe demand can readily satisfy the sprinkler design demand on each floor. {note}

−

−### A combined riser shall be sized for the greater of the standpipe demand or the sprinkler-plus-standpipe combined demand per NFPA 14 Section 7.10.

−

−### The sprinkler floor control valve assembly on a combined riser shall include a waterflow switch and a tamper switch on the floor branch from the combined riser.

−

−### Combined risers shall not be used where the standpipe demand and the sprinkler demand at different elevations cannot be coordinated within a single hydraulic gradient.

−

−```datasheet

−label: Standpipe Riser Configuration

−type: radio

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− - "Combined sprinkler/standpipe riser (single riser feeds both systems)"

− - "Dedicated standpipe riser (separate from sprinkler system)"

− - "Both — combined riser at some locations, dedicated at others"

−default: "Combined sprinkler/standpipe riser (single riser feeds both systems)"

−```

−

−### Dedicated standpipe risers are used where a combined arrangement is impractical, where the sprinkler and standpipe systems are zoned differently in a tall building, or where the Owner or AHJ requires separation, and they permit each system to be impaired independently for maintenance without affecting the other. {note}

−

−# Environmental and Service Conditions {toc}

−

−## Temperature Limitations {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Minimum Ambient Temperature at Standpipe Piping

−type: range

−unit: °F

−options:

− min: 40

− max: 100

− setpoints: [40, 50, 60, 70, 100]

−default: 40

−```

−### Automatic-wet standpipe systems and combined sprinkler/standpipe risers shall be installed only in spaces where the ambient temperature is reliably maintained above 40°F (4°C) throughout the year.

−

−### Where any portion of the piping is exposed to temperatures below 40°F — including open parking structures, exterior stair towers, unconditioned mechanical penthouses, attic spaces, and unheated walkways — an automatic-dry, manual-wet with reliable freeze protection, or manual-dry system shall be used for that portion.

−

−## Maximum System Working Pressure {toc}

−

−### In tall buildings the static pressure at the base of the standpipe under churn conditions can easily exceed 350 psi, and zoning the system is unavoidable. {note}

−

−### NFPA 14 limits the maximum static pressure in any portion of a standpipe system to 350 psi in standard listed components, and to lower limits at hose connections.

−

−```datasheet

−label: Maximum System Working Pressure

−type: range

−unit: psi

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− min: 100

− max: 400

− setpoints: [100, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400]

−default: 175

−```

−

−### Where the static pressure at any point in the system exceeds 350 psi, the system shall be divided into pressure zones using a separate riser, a fire pump and break tank arrangement, or pressure-regulating devices listed for the higher inlet pressure.

−

−```datasheet

−label: System Pressure Exceeds 350 psi Without PRVs

−type: radio

−options:

− - "No — system pressure below 350 psi throughout"

− - "Yes — system zoned to keep each zone below 350 psi"

− - "Yes — PRVs installed on outlets in high-pressure zones"

−default: "No — system pressure below 350 psi throughout"

−```

−

−## Hose Connection Pressure Limits {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Maximum Static Pressure at Most-Loaded 2-1/2 in. Outlet

−type: range

−unit: psi

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− min: 100

− max: 350

− setpoints: [100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 350]

−default: 175

−```

−### NFPA 14 limits the maximum static pressure at any 2-1/2 in. hose connection to 175 psi and the maximum residual pressure at flow to 175 psi unless listed pressure-regulating devices are provided.

−

−### The maximum static pressure at any 1-1/2 in. hose connection shall not exceed 100 psi, and the maximum residual pressure at flow shall not exceed 100 psi, unless a listed pressure-regulating device is provided.

−

−### Where the static pressure at any 1-1/2 in. or 2-1/2 in. outlet would exceed the applicable limit, a pressure-regulating valve (PRV) or pressure-restricting device (PRD) shall be installed on that outlet.

−

−### The 175 psi limit at the 2-1/2 in. connection was set because higher pressures produce hose stream reaction forces exceeding what a small fire-fighting team can safely control — a 2-1/2 in. hose at 175 psi residual already produces about 100 lbf — and the lower 100 psi limit at the 1-1/2 in. station reflects that occupants, not trained fire fighters, operate it. {note}

−

−# Design Basis {toc}

−

−## Demand at the Most Remote Hose Connection {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Design Flow at Most Remote 2-1/2 in. Outlet

−type: range

−unit: gpm

−options:

− min: 100

− max: 1000

− setpoints: [100, 250, 500, 750, 1000]

−default: 500

−```

−

−```datasheet

−label: Design Residual Pressure at Most Remote 2-1/2 in. Outlet

−type: range

−unit: psi

−options:

− min: 65

− max: 175

− setpoints: [65, 100, 125, 150, 175]

−default: 100

−```

−

−```datasheet

−label: Design Flow at Most Remote 1-1/2 in. Outlet (Class II / III)

−type: range

−unit: gpm

−options:

− min: 50

− max: 200

− setpoints: [50, 75, 100, 150, 200]

−default: 100

−```

−

−```datasheet

−label: Design Residual Pressure at Most Remote 1-1/2 in. Outlet

−type: range

−unit: psi

−options:

− min: 50

− max: 100

− setpoints: [50, 65, 75, 100]

−default: 65

−```

−### For Class I and Class III systems, the design flow at the most hydraulically remote 2-1/2 in. hose connection shall be not less than 500 gpm at a residual pressure of not less than 100 psi, in accordance with NFPA 14.

−

−### 500 gpm at 100 psi is the bedrock requirement for fire-department use: it is enough to support one 2-1/2 in. attack line or two 1-3/4 in. lines for an interior fire-fighting operation at the most remote location in the building. {note}

−

−### For Class II systems, the design flow at the most remote 1-1/2 in. hose connection shall be not less than 100 gpm at a residual pressure of not less than 65 psi, per NFPA 14.

−

−### The 65 psi residual is the minimum required to develop an effective hose stream from the small-diameter occupant-use hose; below that pressure the stream loses range and the connection is functionally ineffective. {note}

−

−## Additional Standpipe Demand {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Additional Demand per Standpipe Beyond the First

−type: range

−unit: gpm

−options:

− min: 0

− max: 250

− setpoints: [0, 250]

−default: 250

−```

−

−```datasheet

−label: Maximum Total System Demand

−type: select

−options:

− - "1,000 gpm (non-sprinklered building)"

− - "1,250 gpm (fully sprinklered building)"

− - "Higher demand confirmed with AHJ"

−drawing_ref: true

−default: "1,250 gpm (fully sprinklered building)"

−```

−### Where the building has more than one standpipe, the total demand at the base of the system shall include an additional 250 gpm at each additional standpipe, up to a maximum total system demand of 1,250 gpm for a building protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system, or 1,000 gpm for a non-sprinklered building, per NFPA 14.

−

−### The additional 250 gpm at each riser reflects the assumption that the fire department may attack the fire from more than one riser simultaneously, and the total-demand caps reflect the practical limits of fire-department staffing and water supply at a typical incident. {note}

−

−## Combined System Demand {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Combined Sprinkler + Standpipe Hydraulic Design

−type: radio

−options:

− - "Standpipe demand only (dedicated standpipe system)"

− - "Combined demand: standpipe + sprinkler at the most remote design area, applied simultaneously"

− - "Greater of standpipe-only or combined, per NFPA 14 Section 7.10"

−default: "Greater of standpipe-only or combined, per NFPA 14 Section 7.10"

−```

−### Where the standpipe and sprinkler systems share a common water supply, whether on a combined riser or through separate risers from a common source, the design demand at the base of the supply shall be the greater of the standpipe demand alone or the standpipe demand at the building plus the sprinkler design demand at the most remote sprinkler design area, applied simultaneously, in accordance with NFPA 14 Section 7.10.

−

−### A common error is to size the supply for whichever single system has the larger demand without confirming that the combined demand does not exceed the available supply. {note}

−

−## Water Supply Verification {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Water Supply Source

−type: select

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− - "Public water main — flow test required"

− - "Public main with fire pump boost"

− - "Dedicated fire water storage tank and pump"

− - "Combined public main and storage tank with pump"

−default: "Public main with fire pump boost"

−```

−

−```datasheet

−label: Flow Test Date

−type: text

−drawing_ref: true

−```

−

−```datasheet

−label: Static Pressure at Flow Test

−type: range

−unit: psi

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− min: 20

− max: 150

− setpoints: [20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 150]

−default: 70

−```

−

−```datasheet

−label: Residual Pressure at Flow Test

−type: range

−unit: psi

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− min: 10

− max: 130

− setpoints: [10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 130]

−default: 50

−```

−### Water supply data shall be obtained by a hydrant flow test conducted at or near the project site in accordance with NFPA 291.

−

−### The flow test shall have been conducted no more than 12 months prior to the date of submittal.

−

−### Static pressure, residual pressure, and pitot flow shall be recorded.

−

−### The designer shall plot the water supply curve and confirm that the system demand falls below the supply curve with a margin acceptable to the AHJ at the design point.

−

−### Where the available water supply does not meet the standpipe demand at design flow and residual pressure, a fire pump shall be provided per [[sync/fire-pumps]].

−

−## Fire Pump Required {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Fire Pump Required for Standpipe Demand

−type: radio

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− - "No — city pressure provides 100 psi residual at the most remote outlet"

− - "Yes — fire pump required to meet NFPA 14 demand at remote outlet"

−default: "Yes — fire pump required to meet NFPA 14 demand at remote outlet"

−```

−### Where the available water supply at design flow does not produce the required 100 psi residual at the most remote 2-1/2 in. hose connection, after subtracting elevation head and all friction losses back to the supply, a fire pump shall be provided to boost the pressure.

−

−### The Engineer shall confirm whether a pump is required during the schematic design phase.

−

−### In multistory and high-rise buildings a fire pump is almost always required because the elevation head alone from the base of the standpipe to the roof connection exceeds the available city pressure, and the pump room location, electrical service, and structural support requirements affect base-building design. {note}

−

−# Piping Materials {toc}

−

−## Steel Pipe {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Steel Pipe Standard

−type: radio

−options:

− - "ASTM A795 (black)"

− - "ASTM A795 (galvanized)"

− - "ASTM A53 (black)"

− - "ASTM A53 (galvanized)"

−default: "ASTM A795 (black)"

−```

−

−```datasheet

−label: Steel Pipe Schedule

−type: radio

−options:

− - "Schedule 40 throughout (threaded, grooved, or welded)"

− - "Schedule 10 for 2-1/2 in. and larger (grooved only); Schedule 40 for 2 in. and smaller"

− - "Schedule 10 grooved throughout (where permitted)"

−default: "Schedule 10 for 2-1/2 in. and larger (grooved only); Schedule 40 for 2 in. and smaller"

−```

−### Steel pipe shall conform to ASTM A795, ASTM A53, or ASTM A135, as applicable.

−

−### ASTM A795 is the purpose-written standard for fire protection piping and is the preferred specification because it was developed for fire-protection service and includes both black and galvanized options with dimensional requirements aligned to sprinkler and standpipe industry fabrication practice. {note}

−

−### Steel pipe used in standpipe systems shall be predominantly Schedule 40 (standard wall) for sizes 4 in. and smaller.

−

−### Schedule 10 pipe with grooved couplings is permitted by NFPA 14 for sizes 2-1/2 in. and larger.

−

−### The Contractor shall not thread Schedule 10 pipe.

−

−### Threading Schedule 10 pipe violates the pipe listing and is a common and serious field error. {note}

−

−### Galvanized pipe shall be used where required for corrosion resistance, including in open parking structures, in exterior stair towers, in dry-pipe portions of automatic-dry standpipes, and in other environments with elevated corrosion potential.

−

−### Black steel pipe is appropriate for interior, conditioned, wet portions of the system. {note}

−

−## Pipe Pressure Rating {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Pipe Pressure Rating at Base of Standpipe

−type: range

−unit: psi

−options:

− min: 175

− max: 500

− setpoints: [175, 250, 300, 365, 400, 500]

−default: 175

−```

−### The pipe rating shall match or exceed the maximum working pressure at every point in the system.

−

−### In tall buildings where the static pressure at the base of the standpipe can exceed 175 psi, the lower portions of the standpipe shall use pipe and fittings rated for the higher pressure.

−

−### NFPA 14 permits Schedule 40 steel pipe with grooved couplings up to 365 psi where listed for that pressure; pressures above that level require flanged or welded connections and pipe rated to the higher pressure.

−

−### The Contractor shall confirm pipe and coupling pressure ratings against the system pressure at each elevation before procurement.

−

−## Fittings {toc}

−

−### Steel fittings shall be listed for fire protection service and shall be compatible with the joining method and pipe schedule used.

−

−### Malleable iron threaded fittings conforming to ASME B16.3 shall be used with threaded Schedule 40 pipe.

−

−### Grooved mechanical couplings and fittings shall be listed and shall conform to ANSI/AWWA C606, and the manufacturer's installation torque specification shall be followed at every joint.

−

−### Welded fittings conforming to ASME B16.9 shall be used where welded joints are specified.

−

−## Joining Methods {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Primary Joining Method

−type: select

−options:

− - "Threaded (Schedule 40 only, 3 in. and smaller)"

− - "Grooved mechanical coupling (Schedule 10 or 40, 2-1/2 in. and larger)"

− - "Welded (Schedule 40, 2-1/2 in. and larger)"

− - "Flanged (high-pressure connections at base of riser)"

− - "Combination — grooved mains with threaded branches"

−default: "Grooved mechanical coupling (Schedule 10 or 40, 2-1/2 in. and larger)"

−```

−

−### Threaded joints shall use listed fire protection thread sealant applied to male threads only in accordance with the sealant manufacturer's instructions.

−

−### Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape shall not be used as the sole thread sealant on fire protection threaded joints, because it does not meet the requirements for a listed thread compound.

−

−### Grooved mechanical couplings shall be either rigid or flexible as required by NFPA 14 and by the seismic design.

−

−### Flexible couplings shall be used to accommodate pipe expansion, vibration isolation, and seismic flexibility, particularly where the standpipe riser passes through floor slabs in seismic design categories that require flexibility.

−

−### Rigid couplings may be used throughout the system where flexible movement is not required.

−

−### Welding of fire protection pipe shall be performed by welders qualified in accordance with AWS D10.12.

−

−### Cut grooves shall not be welded.

−

−### Welded joints are commonly used at the base of standpipe risers in high-rise buildings where the pressure rating exceeds the rating of grooved couplings. {note}

−

−# Standpipe Risers and Piping Arrangement {toc}

−

−## Number and Location of Risers {toc}

−

−### The number and location of standpipe risers shall comply with IBC Section 905 and NFPA 14.

−

−```datasheet

−label: Number of Standpipe Risers in Building

−type: range

−unit: risers

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− min: 1

− max: 12

− setpoints: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12]

−default: 2

−```

−

−```datasheet

−label: Hose Connection Locations Provided

−type: checkbox

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− - "At each floor level landing of every required exit stair"

− - "On the roof where roof access is required by NFPA 14"

− - "At each entrance to the mall (covered mall buildings)"

− - "At each horizontal exit in compartmented buildings"

− - "At intermediate floor levels in buildings with split-level construction"

− - "Additional connections as required to meet 130 ft / 150 ft hose travel"

−default: "At each floor level landing of every required exit stair"

−```

−### Hose connections shall be located so that every portion of every floor is within 130 ft (sprinklered building) or 150 ft (unsprinklered building) of a hose connection, measured along a path of travel that an interior fire-fighting hose lay would actually follow, including around walls and through doorways.

−

−### The Designer shall verify the hose travel distance on each floor and add standpipes as needed.

−

−### Standpipe hose connections shall be provided at the following locations regardless of travel distance: in every required stair enclosure at the floor level landing; on every side of the wall adjacent to the stair exit in horizontal exit configurations; in covered mall buildings at each entrance to the mall from the exterior and at each interior entrance to the mall from a tenant space; on every level of a building including basements where required by NFPA 14; and on the roof of buildings with a roof slope less than 4:12 where required by NFPA 14 to permit fire-department roof operations.

−

−### Hose connections shall be located so that hose lays do not have to cross doors that swing shut, gates, fire shutters, or other obstacles that may impede or close on a charged hose line.

−

−### In stair enclosures the hose connection shall be located within the stair landing on the exit side of the door so that the hose can be advanced into the floor area without the stair door closing on it.

−

−### Verifying hose travel distance on each floor is one of the most frequent code-compliance issues during plan review. {note}

−

−## Hose Connection Elevation {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Hose Valve Mounting Height Above Finished Floor

−type: range

−unit: inches

−options:

− min: 36

− max: 60

− setpoints: [36, 42, 48, 54, 60]

−default: 48

−```

−### Hose valves shall be installed at a height of not less than 3 ft and not more than 5 ft above the finished floor, in accordance with NFPA 14.

−

−### This range is set so that the hose valve is reachable by a standing operator in turnout gear without bending or reaching above shoulder height while supporting the weight of a connected hose line. {note}

−

−## Minimum Riser Size {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Standpipe Riser Nominal Size

−type: select

−unit: in.

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− - "2 in. (Class II only)"

− - "4 in. (Class I or III, building height ≤ 100 ft)"

− - "6 in. (Class I or III, building height > 100 ft)"

− - "8 in. (high-demand or combined sprinkler/standpipe in tall buildings)"

− - "10 in. (very tall buildings or large floor plates)"

−default: "6 in. (Class I or III, building height > 100 ft)"

−```

−### The minimum standpipe riser size shall comply with NFPA 14.

−

−### For Class I and Class III risers, the minimum riser size shall be 4 in. nominal in buildings up to 100 ft in height (per NFPA 14 Section 7.6) and 6 in. nominal in buildings exceeding 100 ft.

−

−### For Class II risers, the minimum riser size shall be 2 in. nominal.

−

−### The Contractor shall not undersize the riser based on the minimum where the hydraulic demand requires a larger pipe.

−

−### Hydraulic calculations may require larger pipe sizes; the listed minimums are the floor, not the design value. {note}

−

−# Hose Connections and Hose Valves {toc}

−

−## Hose Valve Type and Size {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Hose Valve Outlet Size (Class I / III)

−type: radio

−options:

− - "2-1/2 in. (NFPA 14 standard for Class I and Class III)"

−default: "2-1/2 in. (NFPA 14 standard for Class I and Class III)"

−```

−

−```datasheet

−label: Hose Valve Outlet Size (Class II)

−type: radio

−options:

− - "1-1/2 in. (NFPA 14 standard for Class II)"

−default: "1-1/2 in. (NFPA 14 standard for Class II)"

−```

−

−```datasheet

−label: Hose Valve Type

−type: radio

−options:

− - "Angle valve with threaded outlet and chained cap (standard)"

− - "Pressure-regulating angle valve (PRV — used where outlet pressure exceeds NFPA 14 limit)"

−default: "Angle valve with threaded outlet and chained cap (standard)"

−```

−### Hose valves at the 2-1/2 in. outlets shall be listed to UL 668 and shall be of the angle valve type with a hose threaded outlet and a permanently attached cap secured by a chain to prevent loss.

−

−### Globe and gate valve configurations shall not be used at fire-department hose outlets because they do not provide the required pressure-flow characteristics under sustained fire-department use.

−

−### The angle configuration directs the hose downward from the valve and provides a natural anchor point for the connected hose. {note}

−

−## Hose Connection Thread {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Hose Connection Thread

−type: radio

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− - "National Standard Thread (NST / NH)"

− - "Local fire department thread — confirm with AHJ"

−default: "National Standard Thread (NST / NH)"

−```

−### The thread on the hose valve outlet shall match the fire department's standard hose coupling.

−

−### National Standard Thread (NST), also called National Hose Thread (NH), shall be used unless the local fire department has adopted a different thread.

−

−### The Contractor shall confirm the local thread before procurement.

−

−### A number of older jurisdictions in the eastern United States have retained local thread standards, notably in New York City, Boston, and parts of Philadelphia and Chicago. {note}

−

−## Pressure-Regulating Devices {toc}

−

−### Two distinct types of pressure-regulating devices are recognized: pressure-restricting devices (PRDs) and pressure-regulating valves (PRVs). {note}

−

−### A pressure-regulating device shall be installed on every hose connection where the static pressure at the connection exceeds 175 psi (for 2-1/2 in. outlets) or 100 psi (for 1-1/2 in. outlets), or where the residual pressure at design flow would exceed those limits, in accordance with NFPA 14.

−

−```datasheet

−label: Pressure Regulation Required

−type: radio

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− - "Not required — static pressure within NFPA 14 limits at all outlets"

− - "PRDs (pressure-restricting devices) — fixed orifice at outlet"

− - "PRVs (pressure-regulating valves) — active regulation to set point"

− - "PRDs at lower floors, PRVs at high-pressure floors"

−default: "PRVs (pressure-regulating valves) — active regulation to set point"

−```

−

−### A pressure-restricting device (PRD) is a fixed orifice or factory-set restriction at the hose valve outlet that limits the maximum flow and pressure, is field-settable to the design pressure during commissioning, does not actively regulate pressure as flow changes, is permitted where the static pressure does not exceed certain NFPA 14 limits, and is less expensive than a PRV. {note}

−

−### A pressure-regulating valve (PRV) actively regulates the downstream pressure to a set point regardless of changes in upstream pressure or downstream flow, is required where the static pressure at the inlet exceeds the limit at which a PRD is permitted, and is widely used in tall buildings where lower-level static pressure under churn would substantially exceed the listed 350 psi limit of standard hose valves. {note}

−

−### PRVs shall be listed to UL 1468 and, where FM approval is required, to FM 1126.

−

−### PRVs and PRDs shall be selected with their listing applied to the actual operating flow and inlet pressure at each outlet.

−

−### A PRV listed for an inlet pressure of 250 psi shall not be installed where the actual inlet pressure exceeds 250 psi.

−

−### The PRV selection schedule shall identify, for each outlet, the inlet static pressure, the inlet residual pressure at design flow, the required outlet set point, and the listed PRV model number with its applicable inlet pressure range.

−

−```datasheet

−label: PRV Outlet Pressure Set Point

−type: range

−unit: psi

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− min: 75

− max: 175

− setpoints: [75, 100, 125, 150, 175]

−default: 125

−```

−

−### Each PRV or PRD shall be commissioned individually during the field acceptance test by measuring the actual inlet and outlet pressure at the design flow.

−

−### The Contractor shall record the as-commissioned set point and the witnessed test data for each device.

−

−### A common deficiency is to install PRVs at the factory default setting without field-adjusting to the project-specific set point, which results in outlet pressures that do not match the design and may produce either dangerously high pressure or inadequate flow. {note}

−

−## Hose Connection Identification {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Hose Connection Identification Signage

−type: select

−options:

− - "Letter / number sign per riser and floor (e.g., \"Standpipe A — Floor 12\")"

− - "Color-coded floor indicator at riser"

− - "Pressure rating sign at each PRV outlet"

− - "All of the above"

−default: "Letter / number sign per riser and floor (e.g., \"Standpipe A — Floor 12\")"

−```

−

−### Each hose connection shall be identified with a permanent sign indicating the riser designation, the floor served, and, where pressure-regulating devices are installed, the outlet pressure at the design flow.

−

−### NFPA 14 requires a sign at each hose connection where a PRV is installed, indicating the listed outlet pressure at the design flow.

−

−### Identification signs assist fire-department personnel in confirming that they are operating from the correct connection, provide critical information when the connection is used during an actual fire, and are a routine acceptance-test deficiency when omitted. {note}

−

−# Fire Department Connections {toc}

−

−## FDC Required {toc}

−

−### A fire department connection (FDC) shall be provided for every standpipe system in accordance with NFPA 14 and the IFC.

−

−### The FDC allows the fire department to pump water into the standpipe through pumper apparatus from a hydrant, so that the fire department can boost the supply, can supply the standpipe if the building supply fails, and can charge a manual standpipe entirely. {note}

−

−## FDC Location and Accessibility {toc}

−

−### The FDC shall be located on the exterior of the building at a point accessible to fire apparatus and approved by the AHJ.

−

−### The Contractor shall confirm the required FDC location with the AHJ prior to installation.

−

−### The FDC shall be mounted with the inlet(s) between 18 in. and 44 in. above the finished grade.

−

−### The FDC connection shall not be obscured by landscaping, vehicles, signage, or other obstructions.

−

−### A listed check valve shall be installed in each FDC inlet.

−

−### The FDC connection shall drain automatically so that water does not accumulate in the FDC piping and freeze in cold climates.

−

−### In most jurisdictions the AHJ requires the FDC to be within 100 ft of a fire hydrant and clearly visible and accessible from the street or apparatus access road. {note}

−

−## FDC Type and Size {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: FDC Type

−type: select

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− - "Siamese (two 2-1/2 in. inlets)"

− - "Single 4 in. LDH (large diameter hose) Storz inlet"

− - "Single 5 in. LDH Storz inlet"

− - "Siamese plus one 4 in. Storz LDH inlet"

− - "Multiple Siamese (four 2-1/2 in. inlets for high-flow systems)"

−default: "Single 4 in. LDH (large diameter hose) Storz inlet"

−```

−

−```datasheet

−label: FDC Inlet Thread / Coupling

−type: select

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− - "National Standard Thread (NST / NH) on 2-1/2 in. inlets"

− - "Storz quick-connect on LDH inlet"

− - "Local fire department thread — confirm with AHJ"

−default: "Storz quick-connect on LDH inlet"

−```

−### The FDC size and inlet configuration shall match the fire department's apparatus and supply hose.

−

−### The Contractor shall confirm the FDC inlet type with the AHJ before procurement.

−

−### An FDC that does not match the fire department's apparatus is functionally useless and may require replacement at the Contractor's expense.

−

−### Large-diameter hose (LDH) at 4 in. or 5 in. with Storz quick-connect couplings is now the dominant US fire-department standard for high-flow operations including standpipe supply, and most jurisdictions have adopted a 4 in. or 5 in. Storz FDC as the new-construction standard, while older Siamese FDCs (two 2-1/2 in. NST inlets) remain in service on existing buildings and in jurisdictions that have not adopted Storz. {note}

−

−## FDC Size for Standpipe Demand {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Total FDC Inlet Capacity

−type: range

−unit: gpm

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− min: 250

− max: 2500

− setpoints: [250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, 2000, 2500]

−default: 1000

−```

−### The total FDC inlet capacity shall be sized for the system demand, with one 2-1/2 in. inlet per 250 gpm of system demand at the FDC, or one 4 in. or 5 in. Storz inlet per 1,000 gpm, per NFPA 14.

−

−### For a Class I standpipe with a typical 750 gpm system demand (500 gpm at the first riser plus 250 gpm at a second), three 2-1/2 in. Siamese inlets or a single 4 in. Storz inlet is adequate, while larger high-rise systems with higher demand may require multiple Storz inlets or a combined Siamese-and-Storz arrangement. {note}

−

−## FDC Identification Signage {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: FDC Identification Signs

−type: checkbox

−options:

− - "\"STANDPIPE\" or \"AUTO SPKR & STANDPIPE\" identification"

− - "Zone or area served (multi-FDC buildings)"

− - "Required inlet pressure at FDC for design flow"

− - "Caps chained to FDC body"

−default: "\"STANDPIPE\" or \"AUTO SPKR & STANDPIPE\" identification"

−```

−### The FDC shall be identified with a sign reading "STANDPIPE" or "AUTO SPKR & STANDPIPE" (for a combined system), in letters not smaller than 1 in. in height, permanently attached to the FDC body or to the building adjacent to the FDC, per NFPA 14.

−

−### Where the building is served by multiple FDCs, each FDC shall additionally indicate the zone or area served.

−

−### A sign indicating the design pressure at the FDC inlet shall be provided so that fire-department pumper operators can set their discharge pressure appropriately for the standpipe.

−

−### The caps on all FDC inlets shall be chained to the FDC body to prevent loss.

−

−### The Contractor shall inspect all FDC caps at substantial completion and shall replace any cap that is missing or damaged.

−

−### Under-pressuring the FDC results in inadequate flow at upper-floor hose connections and over-pressuring may damage the system; uncapped FDC inlets allow debris, insects, and vandalism to render the FDC inoperable. {note}

−

−# Valves, Drains, and Specialties {toc}

−

−## System Control Valve {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: System Control Valve Type

−type: radio

−options:

− - "OS&Y gate valve (interior riser)"

− - "Post-indicator valve (exterior / yard service)"

− - "Indicating butterfly valve with supervisory switch"

−default: "OS&Y gate valve (interior riser)"

−```

−### The standpipe water supply shall be controlled by a listed indicating control valve installed at the point where the supply enters the system.

−

−### The control valve shall be of the indicating type, meaning its open or closed status is visually evident from the valve itself, and shall be listed for fire protection service.

−

−### The most common indicating valves are the OS&Y (outside screw and yoke) gate valve and the post-indicator valve (PIV) for underground or exterior service, though indicating butterfly valves with position indicators are also widely used on interior risers. {note}

−

−## Valve Supervision {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Valve Supervisory Switches

−type: checkbox

−options:

− - "System main control valve"

− - "Each floor or zone control valve (combined sprinkler/standpipe)"

− - "FDC isolation valves"

− - "Backflow preventer isolation valves (if used)"

− - "Hose valve isolation valves (if used)"

−default: "System main control valve"

−```

−### The system control valve and all other valves controlling water to any portion of the standpipe system shall be supervised open.

−

−### Valve supervision shall be provided by an electrically supervised tamper switch connected to the building fire alarm system or to an approved supervising station, in accordance with NFPA 72 and NFPA 14.

−

−### The tamper switch shall send a supervisory signal to the fire alarm control panel within two full turns of the valve handwheel from the fully open position.

−

−## Main Drain and Test Connection {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Main Drain Size

−type: select

−unit: in

−options:

− - "2 in."

− - "2-1/2 in."

− - "3 in."

− - "4 in."

−default: "2 in."

−```

−

−```datasheet

−label: Main Drain Discharge Location

−type: select

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− - "Floor drain — interior"

− - "Exterior discharge at grade"

− - "Discharge to storm system"

− - "Sump or tank for water reclamation"

−default: "Floor drain — interior"

−```

−### A main drain valve of a size not smaller than 2 in. shall be provided to allow the system to be drained completely for maintenance.

−

−### The main drain discharge shall terminate at a location where water can be discharged safely without causing property damage, and the discharge volume during a full drain of a tall standpipe shall be accommodated.

−

−### A test connection shall be provided at the top of each standpipe riser, or at the most hydraulically remote hose connection, to permit periodic flow testing per NFPA 25.

−

−### The test connection shall be a listed 2-1/2 in. (or larger) outlet equipped with a pressure gauge connection so that residual pressure can be measured at full design flow.

−

−### On dry standpipes (manual-dry or automatic-dry), the test connection also serves as the air-charging and supervisory connection. {note}

−

−## Roof Manifold Test Connection {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Roof Manifold Provided

−type: radio

−options:

− - "Yes — roof hose connection and test outlet"

− - "No — roof access not required for this building per NFPA 14"

−default: "Yes — roof hose connection and test outlet"

−```

−### In buildings where a standpipe outlet is provided at the roof, the roof connection shall include both a hose valve for fire-department use and a test connection capable of accommodating the full design flow during annual NFPA 25 flow testing.

−

−### The roof manifold provides a convenient and high-elevation point for flow testing the standpipe at the most hydraulically demanding condition without disrupting building occupants. {note}

−

−# Alarm and Supervisory Devices {toc}

−

−## Waterflow Alarm {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Waterflow Alarm Devices

−type: checkbox

−options:

− - "Waterflow switch on dedicated standpipe riser"

− - "Waterflow detection at sprinkler floor branches (combined risers)"

− - "Local water motor gong (where required by AHJ)"

−default: "Waterflow switch on dedicated standpipe riser"

−```

−### Every automatic-wet standpipe system, and every wet portion of a combined sprinkler/standpipe riser, shall be equipped with a waterflow alarm device that produces a local audible alarm at the building when waterflow occurs, in accordance with NFPA 14 and NFPA 72.

−

−### On combined sprinkler/standpipe risers the waterflow alarm function is typically provided by the sprinkler alarm check valve on each floor branch (see [[sync/wet-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]]); on dedicated standpipe risers a separate waterflow switch shall be provided on the standpipe riser.

−

−### The waterflow switch shall be installed downstream of the system control valve and shall send an electrical signal to the fire alarm control panel within 90 seconds of sustained flow.

−

−### The waterflow switch shall have a retard feature or shall be wired through a delay relay to prevent false alarms from transient pressure fluctuations.

−

−## Dry-Pipe Supervisory Pressure {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Dry-Pipe Supervisory Air Pressure

−type: range

−unit: psi

−options:

− min: 20

− max: 60

− setpoints: [20, 30, 40, 50, 60]

−default: 40

−```

−### Automatic-dry and semi-automatic-dry standpipes shall be equipped with a low-air supervisory pressure switch wired to the fire alarm system.

−

−### Loss of supervisory air pressure shall produce a supervisory signal to the fire alarm panel.

−

−### The supervisory air pressure shall be maintained by a dedicated air compressor or by nitrogen from a regulated cylinder, in accordance with NFPA 14.

−

−### Loss of supervisory air pressure indicates either a leak in the system or an actuated dry-pipe valve; the air compressor is typically integral to the dry-pipe valve assembly. {note}

−

−## Pressure Gauges {toc}

−

−### Pressure gauges shall be provided at the supply side of the system control valve, at the system side of each control valve, at each floor control valve assembly (combined risers), at the top of each standpipe, and at each main drain test connection.

−

−### Gauges shall have a full-scale range of not less than twice the normal system pressure.

−

−### Gauges shall be provided with a listed gauge cock to allow the gauge to be isolated for replacement without draining the system.

−

−### A full-scale range of at least twice the normal system pressure keeps the gauge accurate at normal operating conditions while still reading in the event of a pressure surge. {note}

−

−## Hydraulic Design Information Sign {toc}

−

−### A hydraulic design information sign shall be permanently affixed at each standpipe riser and at the FDC in accordance with NFPA 14.

−

−### The sign at the riser shall state the design basis information including the required flow at the most remote hose connection (gpm), the required residual pressure at the most remote hose connection (psi), the total system demand (gpm), the inlet pressure required at the FDC to produce the design flow, and the location of any pressure zones.

−

−### The sign at the FDC shall additionally state the required inlet pressure that the fire department must apply at the FDC to produce the design flow at the most remote hose connection.

−

−### These signs are the first reference for any fire-fighter or maintenance technician confronting an unfamiliar system. {note}

−

−# Hangers and Seismic Bracing {toc}

−

−## Hanger Design and Spacing {toc}

−

−### Hangers shall be listed for fire protection use and shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13 and NFPA 14 and the hanger manufacturer's listing.

−

−### Hangers shall be capable of supporting five times the weight of the water-filled pipe plus 250 lb at each point of support.

−

−### Vertical standpipe risers shall be supported at intervals not exceeding those specified in NFPA 14, typically a riser clamp at each floor with additional supports at the base of the riser to transfer vertical load to the building structure.

−

−### Horizontal piping serving hose connections shall be supported by listed hangers at the spacing intervals defined by NFPA 13, generally not exceeding 12 ft for 1-1/4 in. and smaller pipe and not exceeding 15 ft for 1-1/2 in. and larger pipe.

−

−## Seismic Bracing {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Seismic Bracing Required

−type: radio

−drawing_ref: true

−options:

− - "Not required — Seismic Design Category A or B"

− - "Required — Seismic Design Category C, D, E, or F per NFPA 13 / 14"

−default: "Required — Seismic Design Category C, D, E, or F per NFPA 13 / 14"

−```

−### Where the project's Seismic Design Category requires seismic bracing of fire-protection piping, the bracing shall comply with NFPA 13 Chapter 18 (referenced by NFPA 14) and the project's structural seismic design.

−

−### The structural engineer shall confirm that the building structure can support the calculated seismic loads at every riser clamp.

−

−### Standpipe risers in tall buildings impose substantial seismic forces on their supports. {note}

−

−# Construction Phasing for High-Rise Buildings {toc}

−

−## Standpipe During Construction {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Construction-Phase Standpipe Requirements

−type: checkbox

−options:

− - "Riser extended within one floor of highest working level"

− - "2-1/2 in. hose connection on the most recently completed floor below the working level"

− - "FDC accessible at the exterior of the building"

− - "Adequate water supply at the FDC for fire-department operations"

− - "Construction phasing plan submitted and approved by AHJ"

−default: "Riser extended within one floor of highest working level"

−```

−### In high-rise buildings, IFC Chapter 33 and NFPA 14 Chapter 7 require that a temporary or partial standpipe be in service during construction to provide fire-protection coverage to the upper floors while the building is being built.

−

−### As the structure rises, the standpipe shall be extended to within one floor of the highest working level, and the most recently completed floor below shall have a usable 2-1/2 in. hose connection.

−

−### The construction-phase standpipe shall have hose connections at every required floor, a charged or readily-charged water supply, and an accessible FDC at the exterior.

−

−### The Contractor shall submit a construction phasing plan showing the elevation of the standpipe at each major construction milestone.

−

−### The construction-phase standpipe is a serviceable Class I system intended for fire-department use during a construction fire; it need not have all features of the permanent system, as PRVs, the fire pump connection, and the final FDC arrangement may be completed later. {note}

−

−# Testing {toc}

−

−## Flushing {toc}

−

−### The standpipe system shall be flushed before any final connections are made, to remove debris that may have entered the piping during installation.

−

−### Flushing shall be performed at a flow rate not less than the system design flow and shall continue until the discharge runs clear.

−

−### Flushing prior to FDC connection is particularly important because debris carried into the FDC piping will be pushed back into the fire department's hose during pumping, fouling pumper apparatus and reducing the supply to the building. {note}

−

−## Hydrostatic Test {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Hydrostatic Test Pressure

−type: range

−unit: psi

−options:

− min: 200

− max: 500

− setpoints: [200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500]

−default: 200

−```

−### All new standpipe piping shall be hydrostatically tested at not less than 200 psi or 50 psi above the maximum system working pressure, whichever is greater, for 2 hours with no observed pressure drop, in accordance with NFPA 14.

−

−### In tall buildings where the static pressure at the base of the standpipe under churn conditions exceeds 150 psi, the hydrostatic test pressure at the base of the riser shall be increased accordingly so that the test margin is maintained at every elevation of the standpipe.

−

−## Flow Test {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Flow Test Measurement Method

−type: radio

−options:

− - "Calibrated pitot tube on hose stream at most remote outlet"

− - "Calibrated flow meter on test loop"

− - "Both — flow meter and pitot for verification"

−default: "Calibrated pitot tube on hose stream at most remote outlet"

−```

−### The standpipe system shall be flow tested at the most hydraulically remote 2-1/2 in. hose connection, and at the most remote 1-1/2 in. hose connection for Class II / III systems, to demonstrate that the system delivers the design flow at the design residual pressure.

−

−### The flow test shall be conducted with the system supplied from its normal water source and with any fire pump in normal automatic operation.

−

−### Flow shall be measured by calibrated pitot tube on a hose stream discharged through 2-1/2 in. hose with a listed combination nozzle, or by a calibrated flow meter on a test loop.

−

−### Residual pressure shall be measured at the test outlet by a calibrated pressure gauge.

−

−### The flow test shall verify the NFPA 14 demand criteria: at least 500 gpm at 100 psi at the most remote 2-1/2 in. connection (Class I and III), and at least 100 gpm at 65 psi at the most remote 1-1/2 in. connection (Class II and III).

−

−### Where multiple risers are flowed simultaneously per the system design, the test shall include simultaneous flow from each riser.

−

−### Failure to achieve the design flow and pressure at the field acceptance test is a serious deficiency that almost always requires modification of the water supply, the fire pump, the riser sizing, or the pressure-regulating devices. {note}

−

−## FDC Test {toc}

−

−### The FDC shall be field tested by pumping water into the FDC at the design inlet pressure and verifying that the design flow and pressure are produced at the most remote hose connection.

−

−### The Contractor shall arrange the test with the fire department or with a pumper apparatus and shall record the inlet pressure at the FDC, the resulting flow, and the resulting residual pressure at the most remote hose connection.

−

−### This test simulates the conditions under which the FDC will actually be used by the fire department. {note}

−

−## Pressure-Regulating Device Commissioning {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: PRV / PRD Commissioning Witness

−type: radio

−options:

− - "Engineer of Record and AHJ"

− - "AHJ only"

− - "Engineer of Record only"

− - "Manufacturer's representative witnessing"

−default: "Engineer of Record and AHJ"

−```

−### Each PRV or PRD shall be individually commissioned by measuring the actual inlet pressure under static and design-flow conditions, measuring the actual outlet pressure, and adjusting the device set point as needed to match the design outlet pressure.

−

−### The Contractor shall record the as-commissioned set point and the witnessed test data for each device and shall affix a sign at each device indicating the listed outlet pressure at the design flow.

−

−## Periodic Testing — NFPA 25 {toc}

−

−### The Owner shall be advised in the operation and maintenance manual that NFPA 25 requires:

−

−- Quarterly inspection of hose connections, hose valves, and FDC for accessibility, identification, and condition

−- Annual flow test of one outlet on each riser, alternating each year so that all outlets are tested over a multi-year cycle

−- 5-year hydrostatic test of manual-dry standpipes at 200 psi (or 50 psi above static, whichever is greater) for 2 hours

−- 5-year internal inspection of the standpipe interior at the top of the riser

−

−### The Contractor shall provide a clear schedule of the NFPA 25 periodic testing requirements listed above in the closeout package.

−

−### The Contractor shall provide an inspection tag at each riser indicating the date of the last test and the date of the next test due.

−

−# Installation {toc}

−

−## Pipe Routing {toc}

−

−### Standpipe risers shall be routed within stair enclosures wherever possible so that the standpipe is accessible to the fire department from the protected stair during a fire.

−

−### Where the stair enclosure is not available, the standpipe shall be routed within a 2-hour rated shaft or other protected enclosure.

−

−### The standpipe shall not be routed through unprotected occupied space where a fire in the surrounding area could impair access to the hose connections during the very emergency the system is intended to serve.

−

−## Penetrations {toc}

−

−### Penetrations of the standpipe through floor slabs and through fire-rated walls and shafts shall be firestopped with listed firestop systems matching the rating of the penetrated assembly.

−

−### Standpipe penetrations are a routine source of fire-rating deficiencies because the steel pipe expands and contracts with temperature changes, and an inadequately detailed firestop system may not maintain its rating over the life of the building. {note}

−

−## Identification {toc}

−

−### Each standpipe riser shall be permanently identified with a letter or number designation at the base of the riser and at each floor level.

−

−### The riser identification shall match the working drawings and the hydraulic design information sign.

−

−### Each hose connection shall be identified per NFPA 14, including the riser designation, the floor served, and the listed outlet pressure where a PRV is installed.

−

−## Coordination with Other Trades {toc}

−

−### The standpipe Contractor shall coordinate early and continuously with the architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical trades.

−

−### Hose connection locations in stair enclosures shall be coordinated with stair handrail design and stair door swing so that a connected hose can be advanced out of the stair without binding on the door or rail.

−

−### Standpipe risers in shafts shall be coordinated with elevator, mechanical, and electrical shafts so that access to the riser is maintained for inspection and maintenance.

−

−# Delivery, Storage, and Handling {toc}

−

−## Standpipe system components shall be delivered to the site only when the building structure is ready to receive them.

−

−## Steel pipe shall be stored off the ground on dunnage, capped at both ends, and protected from weather to minimize internal corrosion before installation.

−

−## Hose valves, PRVs, FDCs, and other listed devices shall be stored indoors in a dry, protected environment until installed.

−

−## Pipe cut and threaded on the project site shall have all cutting oil, threading lubricant, and debris removed before assembly.

−

−## Damage to listed components in unprotected on-site storage is a common source of warranty disputes and field replacements, and residual cutting oil left in the pipe interior is a leading cause of obstructed hose valves and PRVs at the field acceptance test. {note}

−

−# Warranty {toc}

−

−```datasheet

−label: Warranty Duration

−type: select

−options:

− - "1 year from substantial completion (standard)"

− - "2 years from substantial completion"

− - "Manufacturer's standard warranty (verify period and conditions)"

−default: "1 year from substantial completion (standard)"

−```

−

−## The Contractor shall provide a warranty covering all standpipe system components for a period of not less than 1 year from the date of substantial completion.

−

−## The warranty shall cover material and workmanship defects, the operation of all listed devices (hose valves, PRVs, FDC, control valves, supervisory switches), and the integrity of all joints under the system working pressure.

−

−## Pressure-regulating devices that drift from their commissioned set point during the warranty period shall be re-commissioned at no cost to the Owner.

−

−# Spare Parts {toc}

−

−## The Contractor shall provide the following spare parts at substantial completion, packaged in labeled containers and delivered to the Owner:

−

−- One spare hose valve cap and chain for each size of hose connection in the building

−- One spare FDC cap and chain for each FDC inlet type

−- One spare gauge for each pressure gauge type in the system

−- One spare PRV / PRD diaphragm or repair kit (where the manufacturer supplies these as a serviceable assembly)

−- One sprinkler wrench (where the standpipe is part of a combined sprinkler/standpipe system)

−

−```datasheet

−label: Spare Parts Package

−type: checkbox

−options:

− - "Hose valve caps and chains"

− - "FDC caps and chains"

− - "Pressure gauges"

− - "PRV / PRD repair kits or diaphragms"

− - "Sprinkler wrench (combined systems)"

−default: "Hose valve caps and chains"

−```

−

−## The Contractor shall provide the spare parts listed above at substantial completion, packaged in labeled containers and delivered to the Owner.

−

−## The Owner shall be advised that the spare parts inventory shall be replenished as items are consumed during NFPA 25 testing and maintenance over the life of the installation, and that PRV / PRD replacement diaphragms have a finite shelf life and shall be rotated periodically to ensure a usable spare is always available.

+---

+title: Standpipe Systems

+category: Fire Protection

+description: >

+ When to use: Standpipe and hose systems installed in buildings to provide a fixed water supply for manual fire-fighting operations by fire department personnel and, where the system class provides for it, by occupants. Covers Class I, Class II, and Class III systems of the automatic-wet, automatic-dry, semi-automatic-dry, manual-wet, and manual-dry types, on dedicated risers and on combined sprinkler/standpipe risers. Addresses system classification, pressure limits and zoning, the demand at the hydraulically most remote hose connection, hose connection locations and mounting, hose valves and threads, pressure-regulating devices and their test drain riser, occupant-use hose stations, identification signage, the standpipe required during construction, and the flushing, hydrostatic, flow, and device acceptance tests that put the system into service.

+ Not intended for: The pipe, fittings, joints, control valves, check valves, waterflow and supervisory switches, main drains, gauges, hangers, and seismic bracing common to all water-based systems ([[sync/fire-protection-piping]]); the fire department connection assembly and its signage ([[sync/fire-department-connections]]); the sprinkler distribution piping and floor control assemblies fed from a combined riser ([[sync/wet-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]] and [[sync/dry-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]]); fire pumps and their controllers ([[sync/fire-pumps]] and [[sync/fire-pump-controllers]]); the underground fire service main ([[sync/underground-fire-service-mains]]); the fire alarm system that receives standpipe signals ([[sync/fire-alarm-systems]]); contractor qualification, submittal administration, and record documents common to all fire suppression work ([[sync/common-work-results-fire-suppression]]); fire hose, nozzles, and appliances carried on fire apparatus; and yard hydrants and exterior hose connections outside the building.

+---

+# Scope {toc}

+## This standard governs the classification, pressure limits, demand basis, riser arrangement, hose connections, pressure-regulating devices, occupant-use hose stations, identification, construction-phase provisions, and acceptance testing of standpipe and hose systems installed in buildings. {note}

+## A standpipe system is the arrangement of risers, horizontal mains, hose connections, valves, and devices that delivers water under pressure to hose outlets throughout a building, so that fire department personnel or trained occupants can connect hose and direct a stream at a fire without first laying hose up from apparatus at street level. {note}

+## The scope begins where the system connects to its water supply, whether a fire service main, a fire pump discharge, or a combined sprinkler/standpipe riser, and extends through the risers, cross mains, and feed mains to every hose connection, pressure-regulating device, drain, and test connection the system contains, and to the interface with the fire department connection. {note}

+## A standpipe is a manual system. With the exception of the occupant-use hose stations of a Class II or Class III system, it discharges nothing until a fire fighter opens a hose valve, which is why its demand is stated as a flow and pressure at a hose outlet rather than as a density over a design area. {note}

+## The following are governed elsewhere and are outside this standard: {note}

+- pipe, fittings, joints, control valves, check valves, waterflow and supervisory switches, main drains, pressure gauges, hangers, and seismic bracing, which this standard invokes from [[sync/fire-protection-piping]]

+- the fire department connection body, inlets, check valve, ball drip, and signage, governed by [[sync/fire-department-connections]]

+- the sprinkler piping, floor control valve assemblies, and sprinkler hydraulic design fed from a combined riser, governed by [[sync/wet-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]] or [[sync/dry-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]]

+- fire pumps, jockey pumps, drivers, and controllers, governed by [[sync/fire-pumps]] and [[sync/fire-pump-controllers]]

+- the underground fire service main and its appurtenances, governed by [[sync/underground-fire-service-mains]]

+- contractor and designer qualification, submittal administration, coordination, flushing, and record documents common to all fire suppression work, governed by [[sync/common-work-results-fire-suppression]]

+- firestopping of riser penetrations, governed by [[sync/firestopping]]

+- portable fire extinguishers and the cabinets that house them, governed by [[sync/fire-extinguishers-and-cabinets]]

+## Standpipe systems shall comply with NFPA 14 in the edition adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, with the International Building Code, and with the International Fire Code as adopted locally.

+## Where a local amendment modifies NFPA 14, the International Building Code, or the International Fire Code, the local amendment shall govern unless it is less stringent than the base document, in which case the base document governs.

+## The Engineer of Record shall confirm the adopted edition of NFPA 14 before design begins.

+## Successive editions of NFPA 14 have changed the hose connection pressure limits, the pressure-regulating device provisions, the drain riser requirement, the rules for standpipes in buildings under construction, and the demand basis for combined systems, so the adopted edition decides several of the values this standard asks for. {note}

+## The Contractor shall comply with [[sync/common-work-results-fire-suppression]] in addition to this standard.

+# Referenced Standards {toc}

+## Materials, design, installation, and testing shall comply with the latest adopted edition of each of the following unless a specific edition is cited.

+## Where the contract documents, the Authority Having Jurisdiction, or two referenced standards impose conflicting requirements, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Engineer of Record directs otherwise in writing.

+| Standard | Title |

+|----------|-------|

+| NFPA 14 | Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems |

+| NFPA 13 | Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems |

+| NFPA 20 | Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection |

+| NFPA 24 | Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances |

+| NFPA 25 | Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems |

+| NFPA 72 | National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code |

+| NFPA 291 | Recommended Practice for Water Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants |

+| NFPA 1961 | Standard on Fire Hose |

+| NFPA 1962 | Standard for the Care, Use, Inspection, Service Testing, and Replacement of Fire Hose, Couplings, Nozzles, and Fire Hose Appliances |

+| NFPA 1963 | Standard for Fire Hose Connections |

+| IBC | International Building Code (Section 905) |

+| IFC | International Fire Code (Section 905 and Chapter 33) |

+| UL 668 | Hose Valves for Fire-Protection Service |

+| UL 1468 | Direct Acting Pressure Reducing and Pressure Restricting Valves |

+| FM 1126 | Approval Standard for Fire Service Pressure-Regulating Valves |

+# Submittals {toc}

+## Action Submittals {toc}

+### The Contractor shall submit the following for the Engineer of Record's review and the Authority Having Jurisdiction's approval before standpipe materials are procured:

+- working drawings prepared in accordance with NFPA 14, showing riser locations and routing, hose connection locations and elevations, horizontal main routing, control valve locations, pressure zone boundaries, drain and test connections, and the connection to the water supply and to the fire department connection

+- a riser diagram for each standpipe, showing the elevation of every hose connection, every pressure-regulating device, every control valve, and every interconnection with another riser or with a combined sprinkler riser

+- hydraulic calculations demonstrating the demand at the hydraulically most remote hose connection, the total system demand, and, for a combined system, the demand basis this standard requires

+- product data for hose valves, pressure-regulating devices, hose station equipment, and signs, giving the listing, the pressure rating, the connection size and thread, and, for a pressure-regulating device, the published inlet pressure range and outlet pressure-flow curve

+- a pressure-regulating device schedule identifying, for each device, the hose connection served, the inlet static pressure, the inlet residual pressure at the design flow, the required outlet pressure, and the device selected with its listed inlet range

+- seismic bracing calculations and details for the standpipe risers where bracing is required

+- a construction-phase standpipe plan where a standpipe is required during construction, showing the water supply, the fire department connection, and the elevation of the highest serviceable hose connection at each stage of the structure

+```datasheet

+label: Action Submittal Package

+type: checkbox

+options:

+ - "Working drawings per NFPA 14"

+ - "Riser diagrams with hose connection elevations"

+ - "Hydraulic calculations"

+ - "Product data for hose valves, devices, hose stations, and signs"

+ - "Pressure-regulating device schedule"

+ - "Seismic bracing calculations and details"

+ - "Construction-phase standpipe plan"

+default:

+ - "Working drawings per NFPA 14"

+ - "Riser diagrams with hose connection elevations"

+ - "Hydraulic calculations"

+ - "Product data for hose valves, devices, hose stations, and signs"

+ - "Pressure-regulating device schedule"

+```

+### Standpipe piping shall not be fabricated or installed until the corresponding action submittals have been reviewed, returned, and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

+### Standpipe submittals are reviewed by the fire code official as part of the fire protection plan review and, in a high-rise building, by the fire department operations personnel who will use the system, and a package that arrives without the riser diagram or the device schedule is the usual cause of a delayed approval at this trade. {note}

+## Informational Submittals {toc}

+### The Contractor shall submit the following with or before the action submittals:

+- written confirmation from the fire department of jurisdiction of the hose coupling thread it carries, the fire department connection inlet type it requires, and the fire department connection location it accepts

+- the water supply flow test report on which the hydraulic calculations are based, giving the test location, date, static pressure, residual pressure, and flow

+- the qualification of the individual who prepared the working drawings and hydraulic calculations, as required by [[sync/common-work-results-fire-suppression]]

+```datasheet

+label: Informational Submittal Package

+type: checkbox

+options:

+ - "Fire department confirmation of thread, connection type, and location"

+ - "Water supply flow test report"

+ - "Designer qualification"

+default:

+ - "Fire department confirmation of thread, connection type, and location"

+ - "Water supply flow test report"

+ - "Designer qualification"

+```

+## Closeout Submittals {toc}

+### The Contractor shall submit the following before the standpipe system is accepted:

+- the Contractor's Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping, signed by the installing Contractor and witnessed as this standard requires, recording the materials and joint types installed, the flushing, the hydrostatic test, the flow test, and the operation of every alarm and supervisory device

+- as-built drawings recording field changes from the reviewed working drawings, with the installed elevation of every hose connection and the location of every pressure-regulating device

+- a commissioning record for each pressure-regulating device, recording the measured inlet and outlet pressures at the test flow and the set point as left

+- an operation and maintenance manual including the riser identification, the hose connection locations and their outlet pressures, the valve locations, the impairment procedure, and the NFPA 25 inspection, testing, and maintenance schedule for the system

+- verification that the hydraulic design information sign at each riser matches the accepted calculations

+- warranty documentation for the standpipe installation and for each listed device

+- a signed receipt from the Owner for the spare parts delivered

+```datasheet

+label: Closeout Submittal Package

+type: checkbox

+options:

+ - "Contractor's Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping"

+ - "As-built drawings with installed hose connection elevations"

+ - "Pressure-regulating device commissioning records"

+ - "Operation and maintenance manual with the NFPA 25 schedule"

+ - "Hydraulic design information sign verification"

+ - "Warranty documentation"

+ - "Spare parts receipt"

+default:

+ - "Contractor's Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping"

+ - "As-built drawings with installed hose connection elevations"

+ - "Pressure-regulating device commissioning records"

+ - "Operation and maintenance manual with the NFPA 25 schedule"

+ - "Hydraulic design information sign verification"

+ - "Warranty documentation"

+ - "Spare parts receipt"

+```

+# Quality Assurance {toc}

+## Designer and Installer Qualifications {toc}

+### The standpipe system shall be designed and installed by personnel holding the qualifications required by [[sync/common-work-results-fire-suppression]] and by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

+### Working drawings and hydraulic calculations for a standpipe system shall be prepared by an individual whose qualification the Authority Having Jurisdiction accepts for water-based fire protection system layout.

+## Fire Department Coordination {toc}

+### A hose connection is only as useful as its match to the equipment the responding department carries: a coupling thread the department does not carry, or a fire department connection inlet its supply hose cannot reach, leaves the system disconnected from the apparatus it exists to serve. {note}

+### The hose coupling thread at every hose connection, the fire department connection inlet type, the fire department connection location, and the identification signage shall be confirmed in writing with the fire department of jurisdiction before hose valves, hose station equipment, or the fire department connection are procured.

+### The Contractor shall schedule the acceptance test with the fire department and the Authority Having Jurisdiction not less than 10 working days before the test and shall provide access and assistance to their representatives throughout the test.

+## Component Listing {toc}

+### Hose valves, hose station equipment, pressure-regulating devices, and signs shall be listed for fire protection service on the basis indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Component Listing Basis

+type: radio

+options:

+ - "Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for fire protection service"

+ - "Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and FM Approved"

+default: "Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for fire protection service"

+```

+### Hose valves shall be listed to UL 668.

+### Pressure-regulating valves shall be listed to UL 1468, and where the datasheet requires FM Approval they shall additionally be approved to FM 1126.

+### The UL 1468 listing and the FM 1126 approval test a pressure-regulating valve over different flow ranges, so a valve holding one is not necessarily holding the other, which is why an insurer's FM requirement is confirmed at procurement rather than discovered at the acceptance test. {note}

+### A listed component shall not be replaced by an unlisted product, and a listed component shall not be replaced by a different listed product without the Engineer of Record's written acceptance and the Authority Having Jurisdiction's concurrence.

+# System Classification {toc}

+## Standpipe Class {toc}

+### The class of a standpipe system names who the hose connections serve and therefore sets the outlet size, the design flow and pressure, and where the connections have to be. {note}

+- Class I provides 2-1/2 in. hose connections for use by fire department personnel and by others trained in handling heavy fire streams.

+- Class II provides 1-1/2 in. hose stations, with hose and nozzle attached, for use by occupants and building staff before the fire department arrives.

+- Class III provides both the 2-1/2 in. connections of Class I and the 1-1/2 in. hose stations of Class II.

+### The standpipe class shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Standpipe Class

+type: select

+derived: "IBC Section 905.3 applied to the height of the highest and lowest occupied floors relative to fire department vehicle access, the occupancy group, and whether the building is sprinklered throughout"

+options:

+ - "Class I"

+ - "Class II"

+ - "Class III"

+default: derived

+```

+### IBC Section 905.3 requires a Class III system where a floor level is more than 30 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access or more than 30 ft below the highest level of such access, and permits Class I in its place where the building is sprinklered throughout and in open parking garages; its remaining subsections require standpipes in assembly stages, covered malls, underground buildings, helistops, marinas, and rooftop gardens, and name the class for each. {note}

+### Because the Class III requirement is displaced by its own exception for buildings sprinklered throughout, the class follows from the code rather than from a preference, and on most new construction it resolves to Class I. {note}

+### A Class I system shall not be substituted for a code-required Class II or Class III system unless the occupant-use hose stations the code requires are provided separately or the substitution is accepted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

+## Standpipe System Type {toc}

+### The system type names how the piping is charged and how water reaches a hose connection once its valve is opened. {note}

+- Automatic-wet: the piping is filled with water under supply pressure at all times, and water flows the moment a hose valve opens.

+- Automatic-dry: the piping holds pressurized air or nitrogen against a dry-pipe valve, and opening a hose valve releases the air and trips the valve to admit water.

+- Semi-automatic-dry: the piping holds air, and a deluge valve is tripped by a remote control device at each hose connection to admit water.

+- Manual-wet: the piping is kept filled with water from a small connection that cannot meet the system demand, and the fire department supplies the demand through the fire department connection.

+- Manual-dry: the piping contains no water, and the fire department supplies the system entirely through the fire department connection.

+### The standpipe system type shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Standpipe System Type

+type: select

+options:

+ - "Automatic-wet"

+ - "Automatic-dry"

+ - "Semi-automatic-dry"

+ - "Manual-wet"

+ - "Manual-dry"

+default: "Automatic-wet"

+```

+### The class and the type are independent decisions: a Class I system can be any of the five types, and a combined sprinkler/standpipe riser is automatic-wet because the sprinklers on it require water under pressure at all times. {note}

+### A manual-wet or manual-dry system type shall not be selected for a high-rise building, which NFPA 14 requires to be served by an automatic or semi-automatic system.

+### Where the datasheet selects a manual system type, the fire department connection shall be sized and located so that it can supply the full system demand, and the hydraulic design information sign at the fire department connection shall state the inlet pressure required to deliver the demand at the hydraulically most remote hose connection.

+### A manual standpipe delivers nothing until an engine is connected to the fire department connection, so its response time is the department's arrival and set-up time; an automatic system delivers on demand from the building supply, at the cost of a fire pump in any building where the supply cannot meet the demand on its own. {note}

+### An automatic-dry or semi-automatic-dry type is used where a portion of the piping cannot be kept above 40°F; the dry-pipe or deluge valve, the air supply, and the supervisory devices those types require are governed by [[sync/dry-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]] and [[sync/fire-protection-piping]]. {note}

+### Where the datasheet selects an automatic-dry or semi-automatic-dry type, the time from the opening of the hydraulically most remote hose valve to the delivery of water at that connection shall not exceed the limit NFPA 14 sets for the system type.

+## Riser Configuration {toc}

+### The riser configuration shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Riser Configuration

+type: radio

+options:

+ - "Combined sprinkler/standpipe risers"

+ - "Dedicated standpipe risers"

+default: "Combined sprinkler/standpipe risers"

+```

+### A combined riser carries both the standpipe demand and the sprinkler supply to each floor, which saves a riser and a shaft in a sprinklered building; a dedicated riser lets either system be impaired for maintenance without taking the other out of service and is used where the two systems are zoned differently or where the Authority Having Jurisdiction requires separation. {note}

+### Where the riser configuration differs between risers in the same building, the configuration of each riser shall be as indicated on [[drawing: the fire protection riser diagram]].

+### Each sprinkler connection from a combined riser shall be made through a floor control valve assembly furnished under [[sync/wet-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]], with the control valve supervised and the waterflow on that floor detected separately from the standpipe.

+# Pressure Limits and Zoning {toc}

+## Maximum System Pressure {toc}

+### The maximum pressure at any point in the system at any time shall not exceed 350 psi.

+### The maximum static pressure at the base of the standpipe shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Maximum Static Pressure at the Base of the Standpipe

+type: range

+unit: psi

+derived: "the fire pump churn pressure added to the maximum static supply pressure at the pump suction, or the maximum static supply pressure where no fire pump is provided"

+options:

+ min: 50

+ max: 350

+ setpoints: [50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350]

+default: derived

+```

+### Pipe, fittings, joints, valves, and devices at every elevation shall be rated for the maximum static pressure at that elevation, and the working pressure class of the affected portion shall be selected under [[sync/fire-protection-piping]].

+### The pressure at the base of a riser is the pump churn pressure stacked on whatever the supply is doing at the suction, and on a tall riser the elevation head between the base and the top is the reason the base sees a pressure the top never does. {note}

+## Hose Connection Pressure Limits {toc}

+### The static pressure at any hose connection shall not exceed 175 psi, and where the static pressure at a hose connection would exceed 175 psi a listed pressure-regulating valve shall be installed at that connection to limit both the static and the residual pressure to 175 psi or less.

+### The residual pressure at a 1-1/2 in. hose connection at the design flow shall not exceed 100 psi, and where it would exceed 100 psi a pressure-regulating device shall be installed at that connection to limit it.

+### The 175 psi limit exists because the reaction force of a 2-1/2 in. hose stream at that pressure is already near what a small crew can control, and the lower limit at the 1-1/2 in. station reflects that occupants, not trained fire fighters, hold that line. {note}

+## Pressure Zones {toc}

+### The pressure zoning method shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Pressure Zoning Method

+type: select

+drawing_ref: "the fire protection riser diagram"

+options:

+ - "Single pressure zone"

+ - "Multiple zones, each served by its own riser and supply"

+ - "Multiple zones served by fire pumps in series"

+ - "Multiple zones served through an intermediate break tank and pump"

+ - "Multiple zones fed from an express riser through zone pressure-regulating valves"

+default: "Single pressure zone"

+```

+### Where the system is divided into pressure zones, the zone boundaries shall be as indicated on [[drawing: the fire protection riser diagram]].

+### A building is zoned when the static pressure at the base of a single riser would exceed 350 psi, and the choice among the zoning arrangements turns on the pump room space available at intermediate levels, the reliability the Authority Having Jurisdiction requires of each zone's supply, and whether a break tank is acceptable in the building. {note}

+### Where two or more zones are served by pumps in series or through zone pressure-regulating valves, each zone shall be capable of being supplied from the fire department connection in accordance with NFPA 14.

+# Water Supply and System Demand {toc}

+## Demand at the Hydraulically Most Remote Hose Connection {toc}

+### For a Class I or Class III system, the water supply shall deliver not less than 500 gpm at a residual pressure of not less than 100 psi at the outlet of the hydraulically most remote 2-1/2 in. hose connection.

+### For a Class II system, the water supply shall deliver not less than 100 gpm at a residual pressure of not less than 65 psi at the outlet of the hydraulically most remote 1-1/2 in. hose connection.

+### Where a pressure-regulating device is installed at the hydraulically most remote hose connection, the design residual pressure shall be measured at the outlet of the device.

+### The 500 gpm at 100 psi figure supports one 2-1/2 in. attack line or two 1-3/4 in. lines at the most remote point in the building, and the 65 psi figure at the small hose station is the pressure below which a 1-1/2 in. stream loses the reach that makes it useful. {note}

+## Total System Demand {toc}

+### The total system demand shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Total System Demand

+type: range

+unit: gpm

+derived: "the demand at the hydraulically most remote hose connection plus 250 gpm for each additional standpipe, limited to 1,250 gpm for a building sprinklered throughout and 1,000 gpm for a building that is not, per NFPA 14"

+options:

+ min: 100

+ max: 1250

+ setpoints: [100, 500, 750, 1000, 1250]

+default: derived

+```

+### The total demand is arithmetic on the number of risers, not a project preference, and the 250 gpm added at each additional standpipe reflects an attack mounted from more than one stair at once. {note}

+### Where the building contains more than one standpipe, the additional 250 gpm at each additional standpipe shall be applied at the hydraulically most remote hose connection of that standpipe.

+## Combined System Demand {toc}

+### Where the standpipe and the sprinkler system share a water supply, the demand basis shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Combined System Demand Basis

+type: radio

+derived: "the riser configuration selected and whether the building is sprinklered throughout, per the water supply provisions of NFPA 14"

+options:

+ - "Standpipe demand governs and the sprinkler demand is not added"

+ - "Standpipe demand plus the sprinkler design demand"

+ - "Not applicable, dedicated standpipe risers with a separate sprinkler supply"

+default: derived

+```

+### In a building sprinklered throughout, NFPA 14 permits the standpipe demand to serve the sprinklers as well, because the standpipe flow at the remote outlet already exceeds the sprinkler design demand on that floor; in a building that is only partly sprinklered, the sprinkler demand is added to the standpipe demand. {note}

+## Water Supply Source {toc}

+### The water supply source shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Water Supply Source

+type: select

+drawing_ref: "the fire protection riser diagram"

+options:

+ - "Public water main"

+ - "Public water main with fire pump"

+ - "Stored water supply with fire pump"

+ - "Public water main and stored water supply with fire pump"

+ - "Fire department connection only"

+default: deferred

+```

+### The water supply data on which the hydraulic calculations are based shall be obtained from a flow test conducted at or near the site in accordance with NFPA 291 not more than 12 months before the date of submittal, and shall be as indicated on [[drawing: the fire protection drawings]].

+### The hydraulic calculations shall demonstrate that the total system demand falls below the water supply curve, after elevation head and friction loss back to the supply, with the margin the Authority Having Jurisdiction requires.

+### Where the available supply does not deliver the demand at the hydraulically most remote hose connection, a fire pump shall be provided in accordance with [[sync/fire-pumps]].

+### In a multistory building the elevation head from the base of the riser to the top connection is usually more than a public main can overcome on its own, so the pump decision is made at schematic design, when the pump room, its electrical service, and its structural support can still be placed. {note}

+# Standpipe Risers {toc}

+## Riser Location and Size {toc}

+### Standpipe riser locations shall be as indicated on [[drawing: the fire protection plans]].

+### Each standpipe shall be located within a required exit stair enclosure, or within a shaft or enclosure with the fire-resistance rating NFPA 14 requires, so that the riser and its hose connections remain usable from a protected location during a fire on the floor.

+### A Class I or Class III standpipe shall be not less than 4 in. nominal size.

+### A standpipe on a combined sprinkler/standpipe riser shall be not less than 6 in. nominal size unless the building is sprinklered throughout and the hydraulic calculations demonstrate that a 4 in. riser delivers the combined demand, as NFPA 14 permits.

+### The nominal size of each riser above the minimum shall be as indicated on [[drawing: the fire protection riser diagram]].

+### The minimum sizes are a floor, not a design value; the hydraulic calculation for the total demand, the pressure zone arrangement, and the residual pressure at the top connection decide the installed size. {note}

+### Where two or more standpipes serve the same building or section of a building, they shall be interconnected in accordance with NFPA 14.

+## Freeze Exposure of Standpipe Piping {toc}

+### Water-filled standpipe piping shall be located only where the ambient temperature is maintained at or above 40°F.

+### The freeze protection applied to standpipe piping exposed to temperatures below 40°F shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Freeze Protection of Piping Exposed Below 40°F

+type: select

+options:

+ - "Not applicable, all standpipe piping within space maintained at or above 40°F"

+ - "Dry system type for the exposed portion"

+ - "Listed electric heat tracing with thermal insulation"

+ - "Heated enclosure maintaining the piping above 40°F"

+```

+### Open parking structures, exterior stair towers, unconditioned penthouses, and the top of a riser that terminates at a roof connection are the portions of a standpipe that fall below 40°F in most climates, and the choice among a dry portion, heat tracing, and a heated enclosure turns on the length of the exposed run, the availability of power at it, and whether a dry-pipe valve and its air supply can be accommodated at the transition. {note}

+### Where heat tracing is selected, it shall be listed for use on fire protection piping, shall be electrically supervised, and shall be installed with the insulation and monitoring the listing requires.

+## Piping, Valves, and Supports {toc}

+### Pipe, fittings, joints, control valves, check valves, waterflow and supervisory switches, main drains, pressure gauges, hangers, and seismic bracing shall comply with [[sync/fire-protection-piping]].

+### The pipe wall thickness and joining method used on the standpipe shall be limited to the combinations NFPA 14 permits for the pipe size and the pressure at each elevation.

+### Seismic bracing of standpipe risers, flexible couplings at riser penetrations, and clearance at floor penetrations shall be provided where [[parameter: seismic-design-category]] requires them under NFPA 13 Chapter 18 as invoked by NFPA 14, in accordance with [[sync/fire-protection-piping]].

+### A standpipe riser is a tall column of water-filled pipe anchored to the structure at each floor, and the seismic and surge forces it delivers to its riser clamps are large enough that the structural engineer confirms the capacity of the structure at each clamp rather than assuming it. {note}

+### Each standpipe shall be provided with a listed indicating control valve at its connection to the supply, supervised open, and each valve controlling water to any portion of the system shall be supervised in accordance with NFPA 14 and NFPA 72.

+### A main drain shall be provided at the base of each standpipe, sized and arranged under [[sync/fire-protection-piping]], and shall discharge where the volume drained from a tall riser can be received without damage.

+### Pressure gauges shall be provided at the top of each standpipe and at each location NFPA 14 requires, with the range and isolation provisions of [[sync/fire-protection-piping]].

+# Hose Connections {toc}

+## Hose Connection Locations {toc}

+### Hose connection locations shall be as indicated on [[drawing: the fire protection plans]].

+### Class I hose connections shall be provided at each of the following locations:

+- in every required exit stairway, at each floor level above and below grade

+- on each side of the wall adjacent to the exit opening of a horizontal exit

+- in a covered mall building, at each entrance to the mall from the exterior and at each entrance to an exit passageway or exit corridor from the mall

+- in every exit passageway, at the entrance from the building area into the passageway

+- at the roof, or at the highest stair landing with access to the roof, as indicated in the datasheet

+- at additional locations where the most remote portion of a floor is more than 150 ft of hose travel from a required connection in a building that is not sprinklered, or more than 200 ft in a building that is sprinklered throughout

+### The roof hose connection provision shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Roof Hose Connection Provision

+type: select

+derived: "IBC Section 905.4 and NFPA 14 applied to the roof slope and to whether a stair provides access to the roof"

+options:

+ - "Hose connection on the roof"

+ - "Hose connection at the highest stair landing with access to the roof"

+ - "No roof hose connection"

+default: derived

+```

+### A roof connection is required where the roof slope is less than 4 in 12, so that a stream can be put on a roof fire or a fire in an adjoining building from the roof, and it is also the connection from which the annual flow test is most conveniently run. {note}

+### Hose travel distance shall be measured along the path a charged hose line would follow from the connection, around obstructions and through doorways, not as a straight-line radius.

+### Class II hose stations shall be located so that every portion of every floor is within 30 ft of a nozzle attached to 100 ft of hose.

+### Where a Class III system is required, the 2-1/2 in. connections shall be located as required for Class I and the 1-1/2 in. hose stations as required for Class II.

+### The position of the hose connection within an exit stair shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Hose Connection Position in Exit Stairs

+type: radio

+options:

+ - "Main floor landing"

+ - "Intermediate landing between floors"

+default: "Main floor landing"

+```

+### Where the datasheet selects the intermediate landing, the position shall be accepted by the fire code official before the working drawings are submitted.

+### A connection at the main floor landing lets a crew connect and charge hose in the protected stair and advance directly through the stair door onto the fire floor; a connection at the intermediate landing keeps the connection and the standing hose out of the door swing and off the floor landing, at the cost of a half flight of hose in the stair. {note}

+### Hose connections shall be located so that a hose line advanced from the connection does not pass through a door that closes on it, a fire shutter, or a gate.

+## Hose Connection Mounting {toc}

+### Hose valves shall be installed with the outlet not less than 3 ft and not more than 5 ft above the floor, at the height indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Hose Valve Outlet Height Above Finished Floor

+type: range

+unit: in.

+options:

+ min: 36

+ max: 60

+ setpoints: [36, 42, 48, 54, 60]

+```

+### The permitted band keeps the valve reachable by an operator in turnout gear without stooping or reaching above the shoulder while the weight of a charged line hangs from it. {note}

+### Hose valves shall be installed so that the outlet is unobstructed, so that the handwheel can be turned by hand with a hose coupling attached, and so that the valve does not project into the required stair width.

+### Hose connections in stair enclosures shall be coordinated with the handrail and the stair door swing so that a connected hose can be advanced out of the stair without binding.

+## Hose Valves {toc}

+### Each Class I hose connection shall be a 2-1/2 in. listed hose valve, and each Class II hose connection shall be a 1-1/2 in. listed hose valve.

+### The hose valve body pattern shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Hose Valve Body Pattern

+type: radio

+options:

+ - "Angle pattern"

+ - "Straight-way pattern"

+default: "Angle pattern"

+```

+### An angle valve turns the outlet downward and gives the connected hose a natural anchor against the wall; a straight-way valve projects the outlet from the face of the riser and is used where the valve is mounted on a horizontal branch or inside a cabinet. {note}

+### The hose valve finish shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Hose Valve Finish

+type: select

+options:

+ - "Rough brass"

+ - "Polished brass"

+ - "Rough chrome-plated brass"

+ - "Polished chrome-plated brass"

+```

+### Each hose valve outlet shall be fitted with a cap secured to the valve body by a chain or cable.

+### Each hose valve shall be rated for the maximum static pressure at its elevation.

+## Hose Connection Thread {toc}

+### The hose coupling thread at every hose connection shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Hose Connection Thread

+type: radio

+derived: "the hose coupling thread carried by the fire department of jurisdiction, confirmed in writing before procurement"

+options:

+ - "NH (National Hose) thread per NFPA 1963"

+ - "Local fire department thread"

+default: derived

+```

+### NFPA 1963 defines the national hose thread, and NFPA 14 requires that thread unless the fire department of jurisdiction has adopted a different one; several older eastern cities retain their own thread standards, and a connection cut to the national thread in one of them is unusable without an adapter. {note}

+### Where the local fire department thread differs from the national hose thread, the thread designation shall be stated on the working drawings and on the product data for every hose valve and hose station.

+# Pressure-Regulating Devices {toc}

+## Device Selection {toc}

+### Two families of device limit hose connection pressure, and NFPA 14 assigns each to a condition. {note}

+- A pressure-restricting device is an orifice or restricted-travel valve that reduces the pressure while water is flowing but does not limit the static pressure, and it is permitted only where the static pressure is within the hose connection limit.

+- A pressure-regulating valve controls the outlet pressure under both flowing and static conditions to a set point, and it is required wherever the static pressure at the connection exceeds the limit.

+### The pressure-regulating device types used on the system shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Pressure-Regulating Device Types

+type: checkbox

+derived: "the static and residual pressures at each hose connection compared with the hose connection pressure limits of NFPA 14"

+options:

+ - "Pressure-restricting devices"

+ - "Pressure-regulating hose valves"

+ - "In-line pressure-regulating valves serving a zone"

+ - "No pressure-regulating devices"

+default: derived

+```

+### The device installed at each hose connection and its required outlet pressure shall be as indicated on [[drawing: the pressure-regulating device schedule]].

+### Each device shall be selected so that the inlet static and residual pressures at its connection fall within the inlet pressure range of its listing.

+### A pressure-regulating valve listed for an inlet pressure of 250 psi installed where the inlet reaches 300 psi is outside its listing, and the schedule this standard requires exists so that the inlet pressure at every floor is checked against the range of the valve selected for that floor. {note}

+### A pressure-regulating valve shall not be installed where the static pressure at its inlet is within the hose connection limit unless the residual pressure at the design flow would exceed the limit.

+### Each pressure-regulating valve shall be field-adjustable and shall be arranged so that its inlet and outlet pressures can be read on gauges during testing.

+## Pressure-Regulating Valve Test Drain Riser {toc}

+### The drain riser provision for pressure-regulating valve testing shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Pressure-Regulating Valve Test Drain Riser

+type: radio

+derived: "whether pressure-regulating hose valves are installed on the standpipe, per NFPA 14"

+options:

+ - "Drain riser adjacent to each standpipe equipped with pressure-regulating hose valves"

+ - "Not provided, no pressure-regulating hose valves installed"

+default: derived

+```

+### Where pressure-regulating hose valves are installed, a drain riser not less than 3 in. nominal size shall be installed adjacent to each standpipe so equipped, with a hose valve at each floor level sized to receive the full flow of the pressure-regulating valve on that floor.

+### A pressure-regulating valve is tested at full flow, and without a drain riser the only way to flow 250 gpm on the fortieth floor is to run hose down the stair; the drain riser is what makes the acceptance test and the five-year NFPA 25 full-flow test possible without flooding the floor. {note}

+### The drain riser shall discharge at the base of the building to a location that can receive the full test flow without damage.

+# Occupant-Use Hose Stations {toc}

+## Requirements in this section apply where the datasheet selects Class II or Class III.

+## The Class III outlet arrangement shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Class III Outlet Arrangement

+type: radio

+options:

+ - "Separate 2-1/2 in. hose valve and 1-1/2 in. hose station at each location"

+ - "2-1/2 in. hose valve with a 2-1/2 in. by 1-1/2 in. reducer and cap"

+```

+## NFPA 14 permits the 1-1/2 in. outlet of a Class III system to be furnished as a reducer on the 2-1/2 in. hose valve where the Authority Having Jurisdiction accepts it, which removes the hose station and its cabinet from the stair but leaves no hose for occupants to use. {note}

+## Where the datasheet selects the reducer arrangement, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have accepted it before the working drawings are submitted.

+## The equipment furnished at each occupant-use hose station shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Occupant-Use Hose Station Equipment

+type: radio

+options:

+ - "Hose valve, hose rack, 1-1/2 in. hose, and nozzle"

+ - "Hose valve with cap, hose not furnished"

+```

+## NFPA 14 permits the hose to be omitted from a 1-1/2 in. hose connection where the Authority Having Jurisdiction accepts that the building's occupants will not use it, in which case the connection serves fire department personnel with hose brought from the apparatus. {note}

+## Where hose is furnished, it shall be listed 1-1/2 in. lined fire hose complying with NFPA 1961, of the length indicated in the datasheet, mounted on a listed hose rack that pays the hose out without kinking when the valve is opened.

+```datasheet

+label: Occupant-Use Hose Length

+type: range

+unit: ft

+options:

+ min: 50

+ max: 100

+ setpoints: [50, 75, 100]

+```

+## The hose station coverage rule assumes 100 ft of hose, so a shorter hose requires more stations to cover the same floor; a shorter hose is lighter and easier for an occupant to advance and is used where the floor plate is small enough to be covered by it. {note}

+## The nozzle furnished with occupant-use hose shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Occupant-Use Hose Nozzle

+type: select

+options:

+ - "Adjustable spray nozzle"

+ - "Straight stream nozzle"

+ - "Combination straight stream and spray nozzle"

+```

+## An adjustable spray nozzle lets an untrained operator open a fog pattern that shields against radiant heat; a straight stream nozzle reaches farther and is simpler to operate; a combination nozzle offers both patterns at the cost of a more complex device to maintain. {note}

+## The hose station cabinet shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Hose Station Cabinet Mounting

+type: select

+options:

+ - "Recessed cabinet"

+ - "Semi-recessed cabinet"

+ - "Surface-mounted cabinet"

+ - "No cabinet, exposed rack"

+```

+## Occupant-use hose station locations shall be as indicated on [[drawing: the fire protection plans]].

+## A hose station cabinet shall not be locked, and its door shall open fully without a key or tool.

+## Hose furnished under this standard shall be tagged with the date of installation, and the operation and maintenance manual shall state the NFPA 1962 inspection and service test intervals for it.

+# Fire Department Connection {toc}

+## A fire department connection shall be provided for every standpipe system, furnished and installed in accordance with [[sync/fire-department-connections]].

+## The fire department connection inlet count shall be sized under [[sync/fire-department-connections]] for the total system demand established under this standard.

+## The fire department connection lets an engine pump water from a hydrant into the standpipe, which supplements the building supply on an automatic system, replaces it if the building supply fails, and is the only supply on a manual system. {note}

+## Where the system is divided into pressure zones, each zone shall be provided with a fire department connection, or the single connection shall be arranged to supply every zone, in accordance with NFPA 14.

+## The piping between the fire department connection and the standpipe shall drain automatically so that no water stands in it where it can freeze, and shall be flushed before the connection is made to the standpipe.

+# Alarm and Supervisory Devices {toc}

+## Waterflow alarm devices, valve supervisory switches, and low air pressure supervisory switches shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 14 and NFPA 72, furnished under [[sync/fire-protection-piping]], and connected to the fire alarm system under [[sync/fire-alarm-systems]].

+## Each automatic-wet standpipe on a dedicated riser shall be provided with a waterflow alarm device on the riser downstream of its control valve.

+## On a combined riser the waterflow on each floor is detected at the floor control valve assembly furnished under [[sync/wet-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]], so a separate standpipe waterflow device is provided only where NFPA 14 or the Authority Having Jurisdiction requires flow on the riser itself to be detected. {note}

+## Each automatic-dry and semi-automatic-dry standpipe shall be provided with a supervisory air pressure switch that signals a loss of air pressure to the fire alarm control unit.

+# Identification and Signage {toc}

+## Riser and Hose Connection Identification {toc}

+### Each standpipe riser shall be permanently identified with a letter or number designation at the base of the riser and at each floor, matching the designation on the working drawings and on the hydraulic design information sign.

+### The content of the sign at each hose connection shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Hose Connection Sign Content

+type: checkbox

+options:

+ - "Standpipe riser designation"

+ - "Floor served"

+ - "Pressure zone served"

+ - "Outlet pressure of the pressure-regulating device at the design flow"

+default:

+ - "Standpipe riser designation"

+ - "Floor served"

+```

+### Where a pressure-regulating device is installed at a hose connection, the sign at that connection shall state the outlet pressure at the design flow in addition to whatever the datasheet selects, as NFPA 14 requires.

+### The connection sign tells a crew arriving on an unfamiliar floor which riser they are on and what pressure to expect at the nozzle, and a missing pressure sign at a regulated outlet is among the most frequent deficiencies written at the acceptance inspection. {note}

+## Hydraulic Design Information Sign {toc}

+### A permanent hydraulic design information sign shall be affixed at each standpipe riser and at the fire department connection.

+### The sign at each riser shall state the location of the hydraulically most remote hose connection, the design flow and residual pressure at that connection, the total system demand, the inlet pressure required at the fire department connection to deliver the demand, and the pressure zone the riser serves.

+### The sign at the fire department connection shall state the inlet pressure the fire department must supply to deliver the design flow at the hydraulically most remote hose connection, and shall be furnished under [[sync/fire-department-connections]].

+### The engine operator at the fire department connection sets the pump discharge from this sign; under-pumping starves the top floor and over-pumping drives the base of the riser toward its pressure limit. {note}

+# Standpipes During Construction {toc}

+## Whether a standpipe is required during construction shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Construction-Phase Standpipe

+type: radio

+derived: "IFC Chapter 33 applied to whether the building requires a standpipe and to its height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access as construction proceeds"

+options:

+ - "Required"

+ - "Not required"

+default: derived

+```

+## The International Fire Code requires that, in a building that will have a standpipe, at least one standpipe be usable for fire department operations before construction exceeds 40 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. {note}

+## Where a construction-phase standpipe is required, it shall be extended as construction progresses so that a hose connection is in service within one floor of the highest floor having secured decking.

+## The construction-phase standpipe shall be provided with a fire department connection accessible from the fire apparatus access road and with a hose connection at each floor the permanent system will serve.

+## The construction-phase standpipe shall be maintained in service, with its hose connections capped and its fire department connection unobstructed, until the permanent system is accepted.

+## The construction-phase standpipe is a serviceable Class I system for fire department use; the pressure-regulating devices, the fire pump, and the permanent fire department connection arrangement can follow, but the riser, the connections, and a supply the department can pump into have to be there while the structure is going up. {note}

+## Where the construction-phase standpipe is supplied only through its fire department connection, the connection shall be identified as serving a manual dry standpipe.

+# Testing {toc}

+## Flushing {toc}

+### Standpipe piping shall be flushed before the hose valves, pressure-regulating devices, and fire department connection piping are connected, at a flow not less than the total system demand or at the highest flow the supply can deliver, until the discharge runs clear.

+### Debris left in a riser travels to the first hose valve or pressure-regulating device opened at the acceptance test and, when the fire department connection is pumped, back into the engine, which is why the flush precedes every device connection. {note}

+## Hydrostatic Test {toc}

+### Standpipe piping shall be hydrostatically tested for 2 hours with no leakage and no drop in pressure at the test pressure indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Hydrostatic Test Pressure

+type: range

+unit: psi

+derived: "the maximum static pressure at the base of the standpipe plus 50 psi, but not less than 200 psi, per NFPA 14 Chapter 11"

+options:

+ min: 200

+ max: 400

+ setpoints: [200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400]

+default: derived

+```

+### The test pressure shall be measured at the lowest point of the portion under test, and the portion under test shall include every joint that will be concealed.

+### On a tall riser the test pressure read at the base is reduced by the elevation head at the top, so the base pressure is set so that the margin above the working pressure holds at every elevation, not only at the gauge. {note}

+### Components whose rating is below the test pressure shall be isolated or removed before the test and reinstalled after it.

+### Piping that leaks under test shall be repaired by remaking the joint, and the portion shall be retested at the Contractor's expense.

+## Flow Test {toc}

+### The system shall be flow tested at the hydraulically most remote 2-1/2 in. hose connection of each standpipe and, for a Class II or Class III system, at the hydraulically most remote 1-1/2 in. hose connection, to demonstrate the flow and residual pressure this standard requires.

+### The flow test shall be conducted with the system supplied from its normal source, with any fire pump operating in automatic mode.

+### Where the total system demand requires flow from more than one standpipe at once, the flow test shall flow each standpipe simultaneously at the demand assigned to it.

+### The flow measurement methods permitted on the project shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Permitted Flow Measurement Methods

+type: checkbox

+options:

+ - "Pitot gauge on a hose stream through a listed nozzle"

+ - "Calibrated flowmeter on a test header or hose line"

+default:

+ - "Pitot gauge on a hose stream through a listed nozzle"

+ - "Calibrated flowmeter on a test header or hose line"

+```

+### The residual pressure shall be read on a calibrated gauge at the outlet of the hose connection under test, downstream of any pressure-regulating device installed there.

+### A flow test that fails to reach the required flow and pressure at the remote connection is corrected in the supply, the pump, the riser size, or the device set points, none of which is a field adjustment, which is why the demand is proven by calculation before the piping is installed. {note}

+### The pumping test through the fire department connection shall be as indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Pumping Test Through the Fire Department Connection

+type: select

+options:

+ - "Required, with fire department apparatus"

+ - "Required, with a Contractor-furnished pump"

+ - "Not required"

+```

+### Where the system type is manual, the flow test shall be conducted by pumping through the fire department connection, whatever the datasheet selects, because the connection is the system's only supply.

+### The pumping test shall record the pressure supplied at the fire department connection inlet, the flow, and the residual pressure at the hydraulically most remote hose connection.

+## Dry System Trip Test {toc}

+### Each automatic-dry and semi-automatic-dry standpipe shall be trip tested by opening the hydraulically most remote hose valve, and the time from the opening of the valve to the delivery of water at the connection shall be recorded.

+### A trip test in which the recorded time exceeds the limit NFPA 14 sets for the system type shall be treated as a failed test, and the system shall be corrected and retested at the Contractor's expense.

+## Pressure-Regulating Device Acceptance Test {toc}

+### Each pressure-regulating device shall be tested individually at the design flow for its connection, with the inlet pressure, the outlet pressure, and the flow recorded, and the device set point adjusted until the outlet pressure matches the value on the pressure-regulating device schedule.

+### The Contractor shall record the set point as left for each device and shall affix the sign this standard requires at each regulated connection before the test is closed.

+### A device left at its factory setting delivers whatever pressure that setting produces at the installed inlet pressure, which on a low floor is often above the hose connection limit and on a high floor often below the design residual; the per-device test is the only step that confirms the schedule was applied. {note}

+## Acceptance Witnesses and Records {toc}

+### The acceptance tests shall be witnessed by the parties indicated in the datasheet.

+```datasheet

+label: Acceptance Test Witnesses

+type: checkbox

+options:

+ - "Authority Having Jurisdiction"

+ - "Fire department of jurisdiction"

+ - "Engineer of Record"

+ - "Owner's representative"

+ - "Insurance carrier representative"

+ - "Commissioning authority"

+default:

+ - "Authority Having Jurisdiction"

+```

+### The Contractor's Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping shall be completed for each standpipe system, signed by the Contractor and by each witness, and included in the closeout submittals.

+### The Contractor shall include in the operation and maintenance manual the NFPA 25 inspection, testing, and maintenance schedule for the system, including the quarterly inspection of hose connections and the fire department connection, the annual flow test, the five-year full-flow test of each pressure-regulating device, and the five-year hydrostatic test of a manual standpipe.

+### An inspection tag stating the date of the acceptance test shall be attached at each riser.

+# Installation {toc}

+## Riser Routing and Protection {toc}

+### Each standpipe riser shall be installed plumb within the enclosure indicated on the working drawings, with its base supported to the structure so that the weight of the riser is not carried by the supply piping.

+### A standpipe shall not be routed through an unprotected occupied space where a fire in that space could deny access to the hose connections the riser serves.

+### The riser and its hose connections shall remain accessible for inspection, testing, and maintenance after adjacent construction is complete.

+## Penetrations and Firestopping {toc}

+### Standpipe penetrations of floors and of fire-resistance-rated walls and shafts shall be sealed with a firestop system listed for the penetrating pipe and the assembly rating, in accordance with [[sync/firestopping]].

+### A steel riser grows and shrinks with temperature over its full height, so the firestop system at each floor is one that accommodates that movement while holding the rating rather than one that is cracked out of the opening by it. {note}

+### Sleeves and annular clearances at floor penetrations shall provide the movement NFPA 13 Chapter 18 requires where seismic bracing applies.

+# Delivery, Storage, and Handling {toc}

+## Pipe shall be stored off the ground on dunnage, capped at both ends, and protected from the weather.

+## Hose valves, pressure-regulating devices, hose station equipment, and signs shall be stored indoors in a dry location until installed, in their original packaging.

+## Pipe cut and threaded on site shall have cutting oil, thread lubricant, and chips removed from the bore before assembly.

+## Residual cutting oil and chips left in a riser lodge in the first pressure-regulating valve or hose valve seat downstream and show up as a device that will not seat or will not regulate at the acceptance test. {note}

+## Materials damaged in transit, storage, or handling shall be replaced rather than repaired unless the Engineer of Record accepts a specific repair in writing.

+# Warranty {toc}

+## The Contractor shall warrant the standpipe installation, including every hose valve, pressure-regulating device, hose station, and sign furnished under this standard, against defects in materials and workmanship and against leakage under the system working pressure for the period indicated in the datasheet, measured from the date of substantial completion.

+```datasheet

+label: Standpipe Installation Warranty Period

+type: range

+unit: years

+options:

+ min: 1

+ max: 5

+ setpoints: [1, 2, 3, 5]

+default: 1

+```

+## Where a listed device carries a manufacturer's warranty longer than the period in the datasheet, the Contractor shall assign that warranty to the Owner, and the longer period shall govern for that device.

+## Where the contract documents state a longer warranty period than the datasheet, the longer period shall govern.

+## A pressure-regulating device that drifts from its commissioned set point during the warranty period shall be re-commissioned by the Contractor at no cost to the Owner, with the test witnessed and recorded as at acceptance.

+## Work performed under this warranty shall itself be warranted for a full new term equal to the original period measured from the date the correction is completed, or for the remainder of the original period, whichever ends later.

+# Spare Parts {toc}

+## The Contractor shall deliver the spare parts indicated in the datasheet to the Owner before the system is accepted, packaged in labeled containers, and shall obtain a signed receipt for them.

+```datasheet

+label: Spare Parts to Be Furnished

+type: checkbox

+options:

+ - "One hose valve cap and chain for each hose connection size"

+ - "One pressure gauge of each range installed"

+ - "One repair kit or diaphragm for each pressure-regulating valve model installed"

+ - "One spanner wrench for each hose connection size"

+ - "One replacement nozzle for each occupant-use nozzle type installed"

+default:

+ - "One hose valve cap and chain for each hose connection size"

+```

+## Spare parts shall be the same make and model as the installed items and shall be delivered in their original unopened packaging.

+## The operation and maintenance manual shall state that pressure-regulating valve diaphragms have a finite shelf life and shall state the replacement interval the manufacturer publishes for the spare.

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