Question

What tests should be performed on a standpipe system after its installation is complete?

What is the purpose of a standpipe pack or high-rise pack?

What factors influence the water supply requirements for standpipes?

What are the location requirements of standpipes in high-rise buildings?

Answer 1

What tests should be performed on a standpipe system after its installation is complete?

There are two categories of test that should be done:

• Acceptance test: An acceptance test is done when a standpipe system is installed pr portion of the system is installed.
• Ongoing testing: Ongoing test includes maintenance tests that have to perform at regular intervals after installation.

Acceptance test :

The acceptance test includes underground tests followed by tests of the components above the ground. The reason for sequential testing is that the underground tests will be spotted in the early phase of construction so that the contractor can repair or fix the damages, leakages and the deficiencies. Tests above the ground could also be compromised if below the ground have not been checked thoroughly.

An important factor is when the underground test is being performed the above ground contractor should be present to verify the results of the underground contractor.

The main underground tests are as follows:

• Underground standpipe acceptance test: Flush test

A flush test will clear the underground pipes of any dust and debris before it is connected to the above-ground system

• Underground standpipe acceptance test: Hydrostatic test

This will check the underground piping is put together correctly, unblocked and undamaged.

• Underground standpipe acceptance test: additional tests

This includes Private fire hydrants should be checked, control valves must b opened and closed, the backflow preventer must be forward flow tested.

The above ground tests to be performed include as follows:
• Above ground standpipe acceptance: Flush test: The fire department connection pipe should be flushed for debris and dust.
• Above ground standpipe acceptance: Hydrostatic test: The above ground system has to be hydrostatically tested at 200psi or 50 psi and above then system working pressure, whichever is greater.
• Above ground standpipe acceptance: Hose threads: To ensure that the connections are compatible with the equipment used.
• Above ground standpipe acceptance: Flow test: It must check that enough pressure can be achieved at the most remote hose connection.
• Above ground standpipe acceptance: Pressure-reducing devices: This will ensure all devices are performing as designed.

What is the purpose of a standpipe pack or high-rise pack?

Standpipe pipe pack or a high-risk pack are a series of pipe which connects a water supply to hose connections, it is an extension of the fire hydrant system. They are designed to provide a pre-piped water system for the building residents or the fire department. They will provide water for protection with hose lines strategically installed inside buildings or a structure. In a structure fire fighting the high rise, the pack is used in conjunction with standpipes to quickly deploy hose on the multistory buildings and apartments.


What factors influence the water supply requirements for standpipes?

The key factors influencing the water supply requirements for standpipe are as follows:

• The water pressure and flow must overcome pressure loss due to the change in elevation
• The water supply tanks are at the right level.
• There should be a source that provides water pressure and flows as required by the water-based system at all times in the pipe
• There should be water in the pipe at all times
• Any part of the standpipe system that is exposed to freezing temperature should be insulated.


What are the location requirements of standpipes in high-rise buildings?

All high rise buildings must have two exit routes for each floor, keys to the locked stairwell doors, a means of ventilating the structure, a class I and class II standpipe system, a class III standpipe system or a combined system.
All portions of the high-rise building must be able to be reached by a thirty-foot stream from a nozzle attached to a hose which is not more than 100 feet.
The standpipe is usually located near the entrance of the driveway so that a fire engine can supply water to the system. The standpipe extends to the interior of the structure via hose outlets located between pair of floors in stairwells in high rise buildings. This reduces the time to take a hose up a stairwell as there are preinstalled fixed hose outlets.