“Fire protection companies shall not send in their technicians to test a standpipe system on a fire escape before ensuring it has been properly certify by a design professional or others acceptable to the AHJ”
Standpipe systems are a series of pipe which connects a water supply to hose connections that are intended for fire department or trained occupant use. At times buildings are provided with only piping for the standpipe system. Many current designs include a combination system which supplies the sprinkler system and standpipe system. The location of hose connections varies (based on adopted fire and building codes per the local authority having jurisdiction) and can include stairways on buildings over 30 feet in height, Group A occupancies with occupant loads over 1,000 persons, covered malls, stages, underground buildings, or heliports. Back to Basics: Standpipe Systems – Article on FireHouse.com
Wet and Dry Standpipe Systems
Wet Standpipe systems are connected to the main water supply and maintain a constant water pressure.
Dry standpipe systems have an outdoor water intake for firefighter to hook up their fire engine and feed water into the system.
Standpipe Classes
Class I Standpipe, mostly found in staircases, is a stand alone pipe with hose valve and its connections provide firefighters a hook up for their carry-on hose.
Class II Standpipe, found in hallway cabinets, comes with reeled hoses and hose valve.
Both classes are intended for trained professionals only.
Standpipe System Inspections, Maintenance and Repairs
During the testing of a standpipe we check for:
- Air Test
- Hydrostatic Test
- Flow Test
- Gauge Test
- On-site water supply
Testing shall be in compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as well as the State Fire Marshal and the Authorities having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
The state of California requires testing to be based on Title 19 and NFPA 13, 13A, 14, 20, and 25.
It is mandatory to have your standpipe systems tested.
Regular testing of these systems:
Depending on the local codes include…
quarterly test – inspection
bi-annual test – inspection
annual test – inspection
5 year test – inspection
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