Standpipe systems are pipe assemblies connecting a water supply to hose connections. Standpipe systems are designed to provide a piped water system for building occupants and/or the fire department. Older buildings will usually have only standpipe systems while newer buildings will have a combination system, supplying the fire sprinkler system and the standpipe system. Standpipe systems are designed to provide water for fire protection hose lines in strategically placed locations inside a building. Standpipe systems are most common in large floor area buildings where most of the facility exists a fair distance from an outside entrance, and in multistory buildings to prevent long lengths of hose from running through stairwells and along the ground.
Class I Standpipe System
Provides a 2 1/2" hose connection for use by trained personnel or by the fire department during initial response. A Class I Standpipe System has no hose attached. The fire department will carry hose packs to the floor level, typically a stairwell, where they will start their operations and connect to the standpipe system. These connections must match the hose thread used by the fire department.
Class II Standpipe System
Provides 1 1/2" hose stations to supply water for use by trained personnel or by the fire department during initial response. These are typically found in cabinets with 100' of hose.
Class III Standpipe System
Provides 1 1/2 inch hose stations to supply water for use by trained personnel and a 2 1/2" hose connection to supply a larger volume of water for use by fire departments and those trained in heavy fire streams. These connections will usually provide a 2-1/2" reducer/adapter to a 1-1/2" hose connection.
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