S-13 Water Supply and Pressure Requirements 2

Question 1

When a standpipe system relies solely on a roof gravity tank, what is the minimum acceptable water volume that tank must contain dedicated to standpipe use?

Accepted Answer

3,500 gallons

Answer

NYC Building Code requires a minimum of 3,500 gallons in a gravity tank dedicated exclusively to standpipe use when no other supply is available.

Question 2

What pressure should the standpipe system be maintained at during normal non-fire conditions?

Accepted Answer

At the operating pressure established during the hydraulic design

Answer

Wet standpipe systems are maintained at the system's designed operating pressure at all times so water is immediately available when an outlet is opened.

Question 3

What is the primary function of an automatic air release valve installed at the top of a standpipe riser?

Accepted Answer

To purge trapped air from the riser to prevent water hammer and ensure full water delivery

Answer

Automatic air release valves at riser tops purge trapped air that would otherwise create air pockets reducing flow capacity and causing water hammer when outlets are opened.

Question 4

If a building standpipe water supply pressure drops below the minimum required, what action must the certificate of fitness holder take?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the FDNY and post an out-of-service notice

Answer

A pressure drop below required minimums renders the system impaired; the COF holder must immediately notify FDNY and post out-of-service notices as required by FDNY regulations.

Question 5

What device automatically starts the standpipe fire pump when system pressure falls below a preset level?

Accepted Answer

Pressure switch (pressure transducer)

Answer

A pressure switch or pressure transducer monitors standpipe system pressure and automatically starts the fire pump when pressure drops to the preset start pressure setpoint.

S-13 - Certificate of Fitness for Citywide Standpipe Systems Practice Test

S-13 - Certificate of Fitness for Citywide Standpipe Systems Practice Test

S-13 Water Supply and Pressure Requirements 2