S-13 Water Supply and Pressure Requirements

Question 1

What is the minimum residual pressure required at the highest outlet of a Class I or Class III standpipe system in New York City during operation?

Accepted Answer

100 psi

Answer

FDNY and NFPA 14 require a minimum residual pressure of 100 psi at the hydraulically most remote outlet for Class I and Class III standpipe systems.

Question 2

What is the maximum allowable pressure at any standpipe outlet hose connection to prevent hose control problems for firefighters?

Accepted Answer

200 psi

Answer

NFPA 14 limits standpipe hose connection pressure to a maximum of 175 psi without a pressure-reducing device; NYC requires the outlet not exceed 175 psi, and many references cap unregulated flow at 200 psi—but the standard working maximum without PRVs is 175 psi per NFPA 14.

Question 3

Which water supply source is considered the primary supply for standpipe systems in most New York City high-rise buildings?

Accepted Answer

Fire pump drawing from a suction tank

Answer

In most NYC high-rise standpipe systems, a fire pump drawing from a dedicated suction tank provides the primary pressurized water supply to meet flow and pressure demands.

Question 4

What minimum flow rate must a Class I standpipe system be capable of delivering at the two most hydraulically remote 2½-inch outlets simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

500 gpm total

Answer

NFPA 14 requires Class I and Class III standpipe systems to supply a minimum of 500 gpm total (250 gpm per outlet) to the two most remote 2½-inch hose connections simultaneously.

Question 5

A gravity tank used as a water supply for a standpipe system must have its bottom elevation at least how many feet above the highest hose outlet it serves?

Accepted Answer

25 feet

Answer

New York City Building Code and NFPA 14 require the bottom of a gravity tank to be at least 25 feet above the highest standpipe outlet it supplies to develop sufficient static pressure.

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