Standpipe Systems - Testing per NFPA 25

Fp service technician

Standpipe systems consist of piping and hose connections installed throughout a building to provide reliable water for the manual suppression of a fire by either the fire department or trained personnel.

Minimum requirements for standpipe inspections and testing are found in chapter 6 of the NFPA 25 2017. The annual inspection of the standpipe is to check the condition of the standpipe that could affect the system operation. Below is a quick summary of what to look for on an annual inspection:

Summary of Standpipe Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

Graphic source: NFPA

Hose connections are the first items we look at for standpipe inspections. Hose connections and their components are tested annually to ensure they are not damaged or leaking. This is important to make sure the connections work properly when needed (in a fire situation).

We also need to be aware of standpipe testing requirements. Two of those requirements are hydrostatic testing and flow testing. This testing is conducted every 5 years to ensure all system components are in proper working order. These will verify the integrity of the piping and flow capability to ensure that the system will be ready when needed.

Hydrostatic testing is done on manual standpipe systems and semi-automatic dry standpipe systems, including the fire department connections. The FDCs are tested mainly because they are not under pressure in normal conditions. They are only pressurized in fire situations and testing these will avoid failure when needed.

Flow testing standpipes are also conducted every 5 years: 

6.3.1.1   A flow test shall be conducted every 5 years on all automatic standpipe systems to verify that the required flow and pressure are available at the hydraulically most remote hose valve outlet(s) while flowing the standpipe system demand. 

6.3.1.1.1   Where a flow test of the hydraulically most remote outlet(s) is not practical, the authority having jurisdiction shall be consulted for the appropriate location for the test. 

6.1.1.2 Summary of Standpipe Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

Graphic source: NFPA

Overall, standpipe systems are a crucial component to fire protection systems. Testing these systems accurately will ensure they operate properly in an emergency. Contact us to learn more about standpipe testing requirements.

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