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 20^th 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:

Class I Systems:

Piping and 2-1/2” hose connections at designated locations within a building for fire department use.

Class II Systems:

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.

Class III Systems:

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.

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Photo by Jclemens / CC BY-SA 4.0