Standpipe systems are permanent piping systems, and associated equipment, that transports water from a reliable water source to designated areas of a building where hoses can be deployed for fire- fighting. (NFPA Fire Protection Handbook 20th Edition)
Standpipe systems are typically designed and installed according to NFPA 14 (National Fire Protection Association) and local jurisdiction requirements.
There are three classes of standpipes:
Piping and 2-1/2” hose connections at designated locations within a building for fire department use.
Piping and 1-1/2” hose connections for trained occupant use as well as fire department use. Systems utilizing 1-1/2” hose valves rely on trained occupants to operate and not on fire-fighting personnel. Due to safety and training concerns, these systems have largely been disabled or the tenant hoses have been removed.
Piping, 1-1/2” hose connections as well as 2-1/2” hose connections for trained occupant use as well as fire department use. Systems utilizing 1-1/2” hose valves rely on trained occupants to operate and not on fire-fighting personnel. Due to safety and training concerns, these systems have largely been disabled or the tenant hoses have been removed.
A “Class I” standpipe is the most common type of fire protection standpipe system today. Class I standpipes are required due to the International Building Code, Chapter 9 requirements. The code specifically states in [F] 905.3.1 Height: “Class III standpipe systems shall be installed throughout buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, or where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.”
Exceptions: Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1or 903.3.1.2. (Generally speaking, most buildings over 10,000 square feet must be fully sprinkled.)
In summary, if a building is required to be equipped with a fully automatic sprinkler system, and it is more than 30 feet from surrounding grade to the highest or lowest story, a Class I standpipe system is likely required. There are exceptions to this rule, so it is prudent to thoroughly research the building code, fire code and local jurisdictional requirements early in the design process, for every project, to ensure the design is both code compliant and is safe for its occupants.
Photo by Jclemens / CC BY-SA 4.0
WGI is a national design and professional services firm leading in technology-based solutions for the construction of public infrastructure and real estate development. At WGI, we’re providing Tomorrow’s Infrastructure Solutions Today.
Of all the contingencies facility owners and managers planned for in 2020, a global pandemic was probably pretty low on the list. WGI has some key strategies that facility owners and managers leverage to keep your operations functioning effectively and safely amid this global pandemic.
The process of obtaining gas service in The City of Austin can be a long process. Here are some tips on how to obtain your gas service before it affects your construction schedule.
In this second episode of a four-part series, we discuss how power design and controls will affect building designers and developers in Austin, TX.
In this first episode of a four-part series, we discuss how key changes in lighting design and controls will affect building designers and developers in Austin, TX.
We recently celebrated the groundbreaking of Travis Flats, a 146-unit affordable housing project in Austin, Texas. It is part of a project that will also include an 80,000+ SF office component.
In this third episode of a four-part series, we discuss how mechanical & plumbing code updates will affect building designers and developers in Austin, TX.
You’ve been searching for a place like WGI. We look forward to meeting you soon.
Sign up to receive emails to hear our latest news and achievements in our monthly newsletter.
Enter your zip code, and we’ll personalize your experience with local projects, office locations, team members, and more.
WGI supports its associates with meaningful opportunities for growth, strong benefits and perks, while we work collaboratively with clients and co-consultants to shape and improve communities.
WGI is a dynamic organization with opportunities nationwide for engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, environmental scientists, and architects.
