Author: Eddie Jett
I’m writing this article, not out of obligation, but because of my desire to see someone do a better job than I did. You see, I was an Inspector for 17 years before I accepted my current position and if I had a dollar for every standpipe and hose valve that I passed by with no regard, I’d be driving a very nice “paid off” vehicle right now.
I ask myself, “how did you not know more about standpipes and hose valves?” You are a graduate from the Department of Defense Fire Academy, and on top of that, you are a NICET III in water-based inspections and testing! I’m human, so naturally I want to pass the buck and blame someone else for my own shortcomings… but not today! It is MY fault that I didn’t know more about many things in this field because I depended on (and relied on) someone else to tell me what I thought I needed to know. I know, I know, I can’t change the past, but I can surely change the future! My wish is that you read this article and take it upon yourself to step up, be a leader and take it upon yourself to dig into codes and standards and educate yourself!
So, it’s a standpipe with some hose valves on it, what’s the big deal? It’s a HUGE deal! The automatic standpipe system in a multi-story building is the lifeline of the fire protection system. It brings water to every floor of the building for the installed fire sprinkler systems as well as the water supply for the installed hose valves to be used by firefighters.
Here are a few facts about standpipes and hose valves that you need to be aware of!
Standpipes NFPA 25, Chapter 6
- Class I & III automatic standpipes are required to be flowed from the hydraulically most remote hose valves on a 5-year basis (Generally a roof manifold) to verify that the required flow and pressure are available while flowing the standpipe system demand.
- The hydraulically most remote hose valves are required to flow a minimum of 500 GPM
- Each additional standpipe must be flowed simultaneously at 250 GPM
- Flow from additional standpipes can be flowed from the most convenient hose valves
- Class II standpipes must flow 100 GPM from the most remote standpipe connection
Class I, Class II & Class III? What’s the difference? Go find out! (NFPA25, Chapter 3)
Hose Valves NFPA 25, Chapter 13
- Hose valves SHALL be inspected quarterly for:
- Hose caps are in place and not damaged.
- Hose threads are not damaged.
- Valve handles are present and not damaged.
- Gaskets are not damaged or show signs of deterioration.
- No leaks are present.
- Valves are not obstructed or otherwise not capable of normal operation.
- Class I & III hose valves SHALL be tested annually by fully opening and closing the valve
- Class II hose valves SHALL be tested every 3 years by opening and closing the valve
- Hose valves with a pressure regulating device SHALL be inspected annually for the following:
- The handwheel is not broken or missing.
- The outlet hose threads are not damaged.
- No leaks are present.
- The hose adapter and the cap are not missing.
- Hose valves with a pressure regulating device SHALL be tested at full flow every 5 years and results compared to previous tests
- Hose valves with a pressure regulating device SHALL be partially flow tested annually enough to move the device from its seat
I hope you enjoyed this article and there is much more to learn about standpipes and hose valves but remember, your education and knowledge of the fire sprinkler industry all depends on one person… YOU! Educate yourself and your customers, then take your knowledge and pass it on to the next generation! Have a great day!
At International Fire Protection, we take training seriously. If you want to expand your fire protection knowledge, checkout our International Fire Protection University (IFPU) training courses and register for one today! Classes are open to APi members as well as anyone who wishes to learn more about fire protection & fire alarm systems.
