N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC Q105: Section BC Q105: Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems

Q105.1 General.

Standpipe and hose systems, where required by this code, shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2016 edition, modified for New York City as follows. Refer to the rules of the department for any subsequent additions, modifications or deletions that may have been made to this standard in accordance with Section 28-103.19 of the Administrative Code.

Chapter 1 Administration No changes.

Chapter 2 Referenced Publications

2.1 Add at end the following: "Where a referenced publication has been modified for the City of New York by the New York City Building Code or the rules of the Department of Buildings, every reference to such publication shall be deemed to include all such modifications. Where the edition of a publication referenced within this standard differs from the edition provided for the same standard in Chapter 35 of the New York City Building Code, the edition provided for in Chapter 35 of the New York City Building Code shall govern."

Chapter 3 Definitions

3.3.3.1 Delete and replace with the following: "Fire Department Connection (FDC)."

3.3.3.1.1 Delete and replace with the following: "Standpipe System Fire Department Connection (Standpipe FDC). A connection through which the fire department can pump water to a standpipe system at the required system demand. Supplemental water can also be provided into the sprinkler system or other system furnishing water for fire extinguishment to supplement existing water supplies. Unless otherwise allowed in the New York City Building Code, FDCs shall be 2-way connections."

3.3.3.1.2 Delete.

3.3.5.1 Delete the words ‘NFPA 101' and replace with ‘the New York City Building Code'.

3.3.6 Delete and replace with the following: "Fire Department. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY)."

3.3.7 Add at end the following: "For the purposes of this section, a penthouse of any area with an occupant load greater than 10 shall be considered a story."

3.3.8 Delete the words "or reel".

3.3.9.1.1 Delete.

3.3.18 Delete.

3.3.19.2 Delete the words "trained personnel" and replace with "building occupants".

3.3.19.3 Delete the words "trained personnel" and replace with ‘"building occupants". Add at end the following: "The hose stations shall be attached to the hose connections by a reducing coupling."

3.3.21 Delete the words ‘and exclusive of pressure from the fire department connection'.

Add 3.3.24 to read as follows: "3.3.24 Zones"

Add 3.3.24.1 to read as follows: "Standpipe System Zone. A vertical subdivision of a standpipe system limited or determined by the pressure limitations of the system components. Standpipe System Zones shall not exceed 300 feet (91.4 m) in height."

Add 3.3.24.2 to read as follows: "Fire Department Connection (FDC) Zone. A vertical subdivision of a standpipe system in buildings with more than two standpipe system zones arranged so that the Fire Department will pump through express FDC risers to upper zones."

Chapter 4 System Components and Hardware

4.2.2 Delete and replace with the following: "Pipe for buried portions of the standpipe system, whether inside or outside of the building, shall be red brass, ductile iron, hard tempered type "K" copper tubing, galvanized steel or other approved corrosion resistant material. All such pipe, other than ductile iron, shall be adequately wrapped or otherwise protected against corrosion."

Add 4.2.2.1 as follows: "Where ductile iron pipe is installed in accordance with Table 4.2.1, it shall be lined in accordance with AWWA C 104, Cement-Mortar Lining for Ductile-Iron Pipe and Fittings."

4.2.3 Add at end the following: "Piping conforming to the specifications contained in this section may only be used in buildings with floor heights not exceeding 300 feet (91.4 m) above grade plane or in the highest 300 feet (91.4 m) portion of other buildings. Otherwise, piping conforming to the wall thicknesses specified in 4.2.4 shall be used."

4.4.1.2 Delete.

4.4.2.2.2 Replace "NFPA 51B" with "the New York City Fire Code".

4.4.2.2.3 Replace "NFPA 51B" with "the New York City Fire Code".

4.5.1 Add at end the following: "6 inch (152 mm) and larger sectional and riser control valves shall have a minimum 3/4 inch (197 mm) valved bypass."

4.6.2.1 Delete and replace with the following: "Class III Standpipe Hose Stations. Class III standpipe systems shall have 2 1/2 in. (64 mm) hose connections located as required for Class I standpipes. At each hose connection there shall be a hose station. The hose stations shall be equipped with a minimum of 125 feet (38.1 m), or a maximum of 150 feet (45.7 m), of 1 1/2 in. (38 mm) fire hose, connected to an adjustable fog nozzle. The hose shall be attached to the hose connection by a 2 1/2 in. x 1 1/2 in. (64 mm x 38 mm) non-swivel reducing coupling. A pressure restricting device shall be installed on the 2 1/2 in. hose connection when required by Appendix Q of the New York City Building Code. The hose shall be mounted on a rack and may be located in a cabinet, in accordance with Section 905.7 of the New York City Building Code. The hose, pressure restricting device (when required) and reducing coupling shall be installed in such a manner that they can be readily removable by the Fire Department."

4.6.2.2 Delete.

4.6.3.2 Delete.

4.6.4 Delete "for Class II service".

4.6.5 Delete and replace with the following: "Label. Each rack or storage facility for 1 1/2-in. (40 mm) hose shall be provided with a label that shall include operating instructions."

4.7.2 Delete and replace with the following: "Hose connections shall have nominal 2 1/2 inch (64 mm) threads conforming to FDNY standards."

4.7.3 Add at end the following: "Caps are not required to be listed and shall be brass upon completion of construction and are permitted to be impact-resistant plastic during construction."

4.7.4 Delete.

Add 4.7.6 to read as follows: "Pressure-reducing valves shall not be installed as hose valves or installed downstream of hose valves."

4.8 Delete entire section, including all subsections and replace with the following: "Fire Department Connections (FDCs). (See Figure A.6.4.)"

Add 4.8.1 to read as follows: "FDCs shall be listed or approved for a working pressure equal to or greater than the pressure requirement of the system demand."

Add 4.8.2 to read as follows: "Each FDC shall have at least two 3-inch (76 mm) internally threaded swivel fittings having threads conforming to FDNY standards and be of a minimum size of 5 inches (127 mm) except where supplying a single 4-inch (102 mm) standpipe riser, in which case the minimum size shall be 4 inches (102 mm)."

Add 4.8.2.1 to read as follows: "FDCs shall be provided as follows:"

"(a) One FDC shall be provided for each 300 feet (91.4 m) of exterior building wall or fraction thereof facing upon each street or public space."

"(b) Where buildings face upon two parallel streets or public spaces without an intersecting street or public space, one FDC shall be provided for each 300 feet (91.4 m) of exterior building wall or fraction thereof facing upon each such parallel street or public space."

"(c) Where a building faces upon two intersecting streets or public spaces and the total length of the exterior building walls facing upon such streets or public spaces does not exceed 300 feet (91.4 m) only one FDC need be installed provided the FDC is located within 15 feet (4.6 m) of the corner and on the street with the longest building frontage."

"(d) Where a building faces on three streets or public spaces, one FDC shall be provided for each 300 feet (91.4 m) of building wall or fraction thereof facing upon such streets or public spaces provided that at least one FDC is installed on each of the parallel streets or public spaces, and further provided that the FDCs shall be located so that the distance between them does not exceed 300 feet (91.4 m)."

"(e) Where a building faces upon four streets or public spaces, at least one FDC shall be provided on each street front or public space; however, only one FDC need be provided at the corner of two intersecting streets or public spaces if the FDC is located within 15 feet (4.6 m) of the corner and on the street with the longest building frontage or public space, and if the distances between FDCs, in all cases, do not exceed 300 feet (91.4 m)."

"(f) In any case where the exterior building walls of a building facing a street or public space are obstructed in part by another building, one FDC shall be provided for each clear three hundred feet of exterior building wall or fraction thereof facing upon such street or public space."

"(g) High-rise buildings shall have at least two remotely located fire department connections. In high-rise buildings with multiple FDC zones, each FDC zone shall have two remotely located fire department connections."

"(h) Location."

"(1) FDCs shall be placed between 18 inches (457 mm) and 36 inches (914 mm) above the sidewalk level."

"(2) FDCs shall be of the flush, free standing or exposed type, and with the exception of the swivels, caps, and plugs, shall not project beyond the street property line. The riser pipe to a free standing FDC shall be red brass. When FDCs are installed in wall recesses, the recesses shall be of ample size to permit convenient hose attachment."

"(i) Check valves. Each FDC shall be provided with a swing-type check valve inside of the building or in a valve pit outside of the building."

"(j) FDC Express Riser Check Valves. In addition to the check valve required in (h), each FDC express riser supplying an upper FDC zone shall be provided with a swing-type check valve located at the connection between the express riser and the high zone standpipe system and located at the level of such connection."

"(k) Drip valves. A 3/4 inch (19 mm) automatic ball drip valve shall be placed between the FDC and the check valve, except that on a fireboat FDC, a 1/2 inch (13 mm) open drip without a shutoff may be used. Automatic ball drips shall be placed in the horizontal position."

"(l) Fire Department Connection Zones. FDCs shall be arranged in maximum FDC zone heights of 600 feet (15 240 mm), supplying no more than two standpipe system zones. A normally closed valved interconnect shall be provided at the highest point between each FDC zone interconnecting the zones. FDC express riser piping shall not be installed in stairway enclosures but may be installed in any other protected shaft."

"(m) Sectional Valves. Sectional valves shall be provided in all standpipe risers at 100 foot (30 480 mm) vertical intervals. This does not apply to FDC express risers."

Add 4.8.3 to read as follows: "FDCs shall be equipped with approved plugs or caps, properly secured, and arranged for easy removal by fire departments. Caps shall be painted red, except that the caps for combination standpipe and sprinkler systems shall be painted yellow, and caps for sprinkler systems only shall be painted green."

Add 4.8.4 to read as follows: "FDCs shall be of an approved type."

4.10 Add at end the following: "All interior signage shall have a red background with minimum 1-inch high white letters. All exterior signage shall have a white background with minimum 1 inch (25 mm) high red letters."

Chapter 5 System Requirements

5.1.3 Add at end the following: "and Section 905 of the New York City Building Code."

5.3.2.1 Delete and replace with the following: "Class II systems are not allowed."

5.3.2.2 Delete.

5.3.3 Delete and replace with the following: "Class III Systems. Class III standpipe systems shall have 2 1/2 in. (64 mm) hose connections located as required for Class I standpipes in Section 905.4 of the New York City Building Code. At each hose connection there shall be a hose station. The hose stations shall be equipped with a minimum of 125 feet (38.1 m), or a maximum of 150 feet (45.7 m), of 1 1/2 in. (38 mm) fire hose, connected to an adjustable fog nozzle. The hose shall be attached to the hose connection by a 2 1/2 in. x 1 1/2 in. (64 mm x 38 mm) non-swivel reducing coupling. A pressure restricting device shall be installed on the 2 1/2 in. hose connection when required by Appendix Q of the New York City Building Code. The hose shall be mounted on a rack, and may be located in a cabinet, in accordance with Section 905.7 of the New York City Building Code. The hose, pressure restricting device (when required) and reducing coupling shall be installed in such a manner that they can be readily removable by the Fire Department."

5.3.3.1 Delete.

5.3.3.2 Delete.

5.3.3.2.1 Delete.

5.4.1.1 Delete the words "automatic dry," and delete the words "semiautomatic dry, manual dry," and add at end the following: "unless otherwise permitted in the code."

5.4.1.2 Delete the words "automatic or semiautomatic" and replace with "automatic wet".

5.4.2.1 Delete.

5.5.2.1 Add at end the following: ", except for pressure-restricting devices supplying hose outlets."

5.5.2.2 Add at end the following: ", except for pressure-restricting devices supplying hose outlets."

Chapter 6 Installation Requirements

6.1.2.1 Add at end the following: "and in accordance with the requirements of Section 905 of the New York City Building Code."

6.1.2.2 Delete the words "in accordance with Table 6.1.2.2" and replace with "in accordance with the requirements of Section 905 of the New York City Building Code."

6.1.2.2.4 Add the following at the end: "in accordance with the New York City Building Code."

Table 6.1.2.2 Delete.

6.1.2.3.1 Add at end the following: "All parts of the standpipe systems that may be exposed to frost shall be protected from freezing by any one of the following methods:"

"(1) The piping shall be frost proofed with insulation having a thermal conductance of 0.1 Btu/hr. per square foot of surface per degree F at a mean temperature of 70 to 75 degrees F (21°C to 24°C). Insulation shall be protected to prevent water infiltration, and when exposed to the weather the insulation shall be covered with a 45-pound (20 kg) roofing felt jacket or equivalent."

"(2) Steam or listed heat tracing may be used in conjunction with the insulation."

"(3) Tanks subject to freezing temperatures shall be protected."

6.2 Delete the words "NFPA 24" and replace with "the New York City Building Code".

6.3.1.1 Add at end the following: "Check valves other than those in Fire Department and fire pump line shall be provided with an O.S.&Y. or indicating shutoff valve (with indicator readily visible from the floor) that is flanged, mechanically coupled or wafer type and connected to the inlet and outlet of such check valves. The valves on the suction and discharge of the fire pump, in accordance with NFPA 20, shall be deemed to comply with this requirement when the discharge valve is placed on the discharge side of the check valve. One of the shutoff valves placed on each side of the tank check valve may be of the remote-control type, and when used, shall be on the downstream side of such check valve."

6.3.2 Add at end the following:

"(1) "Riser control valves. Riser control valves shall, where practical, be located within a required stair enclosure serving the entrance floor. Where the stair enclosure extends to the basement or cellar, the riser control valve may be located within the stair enclosure at or in the basement or cellar ceiling, providing that a sign indicating the valve location is installed within the stair enclosure at the entrance floor. The hose outlet valve for the entrance floor shall be located on the riser side of the riser control valve. Riser control valves shall not be required on a standpipe that supplies only one or two hose outlet valves."

"(2) Sectional valves. Sectional valves shall be provided in all standpipe risers at 100 foot (30.5 m) vertical intervals. This does not apply to FDC express risers."

"(3) Operation. Each valve shall be so designed and installed as to permit its manual operation at the valve location. Pressure ratings and the name of the manufacturer shall be cast raised or depressed on each valve used in the system."

"(4) Remotely Controlled Valves. Where riser control or section valves are located outside of a required stair enclosure, the valves shall be of such type and so installed so as to be remotely operated by either electric motors or hydraulic means. The remote control shall be from either the entrance floor or from a fire pump room. Operating devices shall be grouped, suitably housed, and kept locked with a Fire Department lock and key. The door of the housing shall be embossed to indicate the purpose of the device. Instructions for operating the remote valves by the control device shall be legible, detailed, and complete, and shall be permanently secured to the inner face of the door. The position of each remotely controlled valve, whether opened or closed, shall be indicated at its remote-control point and also at the valve."

"(5) Access. Valves shall be readily accessible for inspection, repair, and use. If the valve is placed so that its operating mechanism is more than 7 feet (2.1 m) above a floor or stair landing, a 12 inch (305 mm) wide wrought iron, steel or equivalent ladder securely fastened shall be provided for access to the valve. In lieu of a ladder, chain operated mechanisms are permissible and shall be padlocked securely in place."

"(6) Marking. Each control valve shall be conspicuously marked with the number assigned to it on the riser diagram for the standpipe system. Metal numbered tags at least 2 inches (51 mm) in diameter shall be securely attached to the valve. Each valve shall have a metal sign stating "STANDPIPE CONTROL VALVE" securely hung from the valve."

"(7) Supervision. Each control valve not remotely controlled shall be electrically supervised in its normal position. If the normal position is the closed position, a metal placard stating such fact shall be conspicuously attached to the valve."

6.3.4 Add at end the following: "Wafer type control valves may not be used in pump suction piping."

6.3.7.1 Replace the words "isolation control valves'" with "sectional valves".

6.3.7.1(3) Add at end the following: "only permissible when no fire alarm system is present."

6.3.7.1(4) Delete.

Add 6.4.2.3 to read as follows: "In addition, each high zone FDC zone shall be provided with a swing-type check valve located at each connection between the high zone FDC express riser and the high zone standpipe system and located at the level of such connection."

6.4.5.2 Delete and replace with the following: "Marking. Each fire department connection shall be marked as follows:"

"(1) Each FDC shall be provided with caps painted red, and shall have the word "STANDPIPE" in letters 1 inch (25 mm) high and 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) deep cast in the body or on a nonferrous metal plate secured to the connection or mounted on the wall in a visible location."

"(2) Caps of each FDC used for combination standpipe and sprinkler systems shall be painted yellow and the words shall read "COMBINATION STANDPIPE AND SPRINKLER SYSTEMS"."

"(3) Where FDCs serve other than the entire building, the connections shall be marked in accordance with the specifications of this section "LOW ZONE" or "HIGH ZONE" and indicate the floors served. If there are more than two FDC zones, the marking shall be approved by the Fire Department."

"(4) For manual systems, the sign shall also indicate that the system is manual and that it is either wet or dry."

6.4.5.2.1 Delete.

6.4.5.2.2 Delete.

6.4.6 Delete "48 in. (1219 mm)" and replace with "36 in. (914 mm)."

Chapter 7 Design

7.1.1 After the word "used," insert the following: "in accordance with 7.9.3.1."

7.2.1 Add at the end the following: "Maximum height of each standpipe system zone is limited to 300 feet (91.4 m)."

7.2.2 Delete and replace with the following: "FDC express riser piping shall be permitted to be designed with pressures in excess of 350 psi (24 bar) in accordance with their materials listings or as approved."

7.2.2.1 Delete.

7.2.3.1 Delete and replace with the following: "Where the residual pressure at the 1 1/2 in. outlet of a Class III hose station exceeds 100 psi (6.9 bar), an approved pressure restricting device shall be provided to limit the residual pressure at the flow required by Section 7.10 to 100 psi (6.9 bar). This pressure-restricting device shall be installed on the 2 1/2 in. hose connection outlet between the connection and the hose."

7.2.3.1.1 Delete and replace with the following: "7.2.3.1 shall not apply to Class I outlets without hose installed."

7.2.3.2 Delete and replace with: "Reserved."

7.2.3.3 Delete the words "pressure-regulating device" and replace with "pressure-restricting device".

7.2.4 Delete and replace with the following: "Hose connections shall not be located downstream of pressure-reducing valves, except when allowed by Section 7.9.3.1 or when approved by the commissioner."

7.3.2 Delete and replace with the following: "Class I Systems. Where required to be provided, hose connections shall be located in accordance with the requirements of Section 905 of the New York City Building Code. Class I standpipe hose connections shall be provided in all of the following locations:"

"(1) In every required stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for each floor level. Hose connections shall be readily accessible and located at the riser on each floor-level landing and on the entrance floor above the standpipe riser control valve. Nonrequired enclosed stairways that do not serve as a means of egress are not required to have hose connections. Stairways without hose connections shall have a sign on the door to the stairway stating, "No standpipe connections in stairway."

"(2) On each side of the wall adjacent to the exit opening of a horizontal exit."

"Exception: Where floor areas adjacent to a horizontal exit are reachable from exit stairway hose connections by a 30-foot (9144 mm) hose stream from a nozzle attached to 100 feet (30 480 mm) of hose, a hose connection shall not be required at the horizontal exit."

"(3) In every exit passageway at the entrance from the exit passageway to the other areas of a building."

"Exception: Where floor areas adjacent to an exit passageway are reachable from exit stairway hose connections by a 30-foot (9144 mm) hose stream from a nozzle attached to 100 feet (30 480 mm) of hose, a hose connection shall not be required at the entrance from the exit passageway to other areas of the building."

"(4) In covered mall buildings, in accordance with Section 905.3.3.2."

"(5) Where the roof has a slope of less than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3-percent slope), each standpipe shall be provided with a hose connection located either on the roof or at the highest landing of stairways with stair access to the roof. An additional hose connection shall be provided at the top of the most hydraulically remote standpipe for testing purposes. This additional hose connection shall be not be required when a roof manifold is installed in accordance with 7.3.2.1."

"(6) Where the most remote portion of a floor or story is more than 150 feet (45 720 mm) from a hose connection, additional hose connections shall be provided in approved locations. For the purposes of this section, a penthouse with an occupant load greater than 10 shall be considered a story."

"(7) In any staircase where the change in elevation between floor landings is more than 25 feet (7.6 m), in addition to the hose connections required by paragraph 1, a hose connection shall be installed at the first intermediate stair landing below the higher floor level."

7.3.2.1 Delete and replace with the following: "Roof Manifold. At the top of the highest riser there shall be provided, above the main roof level, a three-way manifold equipped with three 2 1/2 inch (63.5 mm) hose valves with hose valve caps. The lowest valve shall be located with the hose end at least 18 inches (457 mm) above the roof and the highest valve with the hose end not more than 60 inches (1524 mm) above the roof. The manifold may be set in a horizontal or vertical position, provided the hose outlets are set back between 18 inches (457 mm) and 60 inches (1524 mm) above the roof level. Where the manifold is located other than within a heated stair enclosure, the control valve shall be located in a horizontal run of piping below the roof, with a long stem extending through the roof and equipped with a wheel handle at its upper end at least 12 inches (304.8 mm) above the roof. Between the control valve and the manifold there shall be provided within the heated space a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) open drip or a 3/4 inch (19 mm) automatic ball drip, with the drip pipe extended to spill over a plumbing fixture or drain."

7.3.2.1.1 Delete.

7.3.2.2 through 7.3.2.12 Delete.

7.3.3.1 Delete and replace with the following: "Class II systems are not permitted."

7.3.3.2 Delete.

7.3.4 Delete and replace with the following: "Class III Systems. Class III systems shall be provided with hose connections as required for Class I systems."

7.3.4.1 Delete and replace with the following: "Where a building is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 or NFPA 13R, hose stations shall not be required provided that the requirements of Section 905.3 of the New York City Building Code are complied with."

7.3.4.1.1 Delete.

7.3.4.1.2 Delete.

7.4 Replace the words "Separate standpipes" with "Separate standpipe risers".

7.5.1 Delete and replace with the following: "Where two or more standpipes are installed in the same building or section of building, they shall be interconnected as follows:"

"(1) Standpipe systems that include more than one riser shall have all risers cross-connected at, or below, the lowest level of fire department access, except as otherwise provided in this section.

"(2) Standpipe systems that have one or more standpipe system zone shall be so designed and installed that the risers supplied from each zone will be cross-connected below, or in, the story of the lowest hose outlets from the water source in each zone. Horizontal intermediate check valves shall be installed in the run of each riser continuing into a higher zone in such manner as to permit all upper zones of the system within each FDC zone provided in accordance with 4.8.2.1 to be fed through one riser from the zone below and to prevent any lower zone of the system from being supplied from a zone above, except as otherwise required by this referenced standard. FDC zones shall be interconnected in accordance with 4.8.2.1(l)."

"(3) Risers supplied by an upper level cross connection shall be provided with manual control valves or remote-control valves, so arranged that risers supplied by the upper level cross connections may independently be shut off from the tank supplies."

"(4) Cross connections shall be at least as large as the largest riser supplied by the cross connection. However, when supplying two, but not more than four 4-inch (102 mm) risers, the cross connection shall not be less than 5 inches (123 mm). The cross connection shall not be less than 6 inches (152 mm) for all other riser combinations."

"(5) Where there is no cellar, cross connections may be hung from the ceiling of the lowest story."

"(6) Each FDC shall be connected to a riser or to a cross connection connecting other Fire Department hose connections or risers within each Fire Department zone provided in accordance with 4.8.2.1. The pipe from the FDC to the riser or cross connection shall be 5-inch (123 mm) I.P.S., except that a 4-inch (102 mm) pipe shall be sufficient when such pipe supplies a single 4-inch (102 mm) riser system. The pipe from the FDC shall be run as directly as practicable to the riser or cross connection."

"(7) When tanks are used for the primary water supply, the standpipe systems may use separate riser systems serving, respectively, low and high parts of the building. Separate gravity tanks or pressure tanks may supply each zone, but in every case the standpipe system shall be so designed that every hose outlet of the entire system can be supplied through the required cross connections from every FDC within each FDC zone provided in accordance with 4.8.2.1."

7.5.3 Delete.

7.6.1 Delete and replace with the following: "Class I and Class III standpipes in buildings with floor heights less than 150 feet (45.7 m) above grade plane shall be at least 4 inches (100 mm) in size. All standpipes in buildings with floor heights greater than 150 (45.7 m) feet above grade plane shall be no less than 6 inches (150 mm) in diameter."

7.6.2.1 Delete and replace with the following: "In fully sprinklered buildings having a combined standpipe system that is hydraulically calculated, the minimum standpipe size in buildings with floor heights less than 150 feet (45.7 m) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access shall be at least 4 inches (102 mm)."

7.7.2* Delete and replace with the following: "Where an automatic water supply is required for a Class I or Class III standpipe system by 5.4, the standpipe system shall be designed so that the system demand can be independently supplied by the attached water supply and each fire department connection provided on the system."

7.7.4 Delete.

7.8.1 Replace the words "100 psi (6.9 bar)" with "65 psi (4.5 bar)".

7.9.1 Delete and replace with the following: "Maximum Standpipe System Zone Height. The maximum standpipe system zone height for any building shall be 300 feet (91.4 m). In the lowest zone in a building, such height shall be measured from grade plane, provided that the maximum FDC zone height for the FDC zone that includes the lowest zone is not exceeded. FDC zones shall be arranged in accordance with 4.8. Each standpipe system zone requiring pumps or tanks, shall be provided with a separate pump or tank. The maximum hose connection outlet pressure in the lowest standpipe zone shall not exceed 210 pounds per square inch."

7.9.1.1 Delete.

7.9.1.2 Delete.

7.9.2 Delete and replace with the following: "Building Height 300 Feet or Less. In buildings with occupied floors less than 300 feet (91.4 m) in height above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access, water supplies shall be provided by a public waterworks system in accordance with 9.1.4(1), by automatic fire pumps in accordance with 9.1.4(2), or by gravity tanks in accordance with 9.1.4(4)."

7.9.2.1 Delete.

7.9.3 Delete and replace with the following: "Building Height More Than 300 Feet (91.4 m). All standpipe system zones servicing occupied floors located higher than 300 feet (91.4 m) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access shall be equipped with a water supply provided by gravity tanks supplemented by pumps where necessary in accordance with 9.1.4."

Add 7.9.3.1 to read as follows: "Building Heights More Than 300 Feet (91.4 m) but No More Than 500 Feet (152.4 m). All standpipe system zones servicing occupied floors located higher than 300 feet (91.4 m) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access but not higher than 500 feet (152.4 m) above grade plane, shall be supplied by a gravity tank equipped with a special service fire pump, in accordance with 9.1.4(4)(l), to boost supply to pressures as required by 7.8. This tank shall also be used to supplement the water supply in the lower standpipe system zone in the building. A pressure-reducing valve bypass shall be provided, where necessary, and arranged to provide water supply from the upper zone to the lower zone at the required pressures. Where a pressure-reducing valve is not necessary to provide required pressures, a normally open bypass shall be provided. Where a pressure-reducing valve is necessary, an additional pressure-reducing valve shall be provided, in parallel, with isolation valves located on the inlet and outlet of each pressure-reducing valve."

Add 7.9.3.2 to read as follows: "Building Heights More Than 500 Feet (152.4 m). Where portions of a standpipe system service floors located higher than 500 feet (152.4 m) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access, each of the building's standpipe system zones shall be provided with dual water supplies consisting of a gravity supply down-feeding from above the highest outlet in the zone and an automatic fire pump up-feeding from below the lowest outlet in the zone. The gravity tanks and automatic fire pumps shall be in accordance with 9.1.4 and the following:"

"(1) Gravity tanks shall serve as the gravity supply for one standpipe system zone only. The gravity tank supply for one standpipe system zone may be used as the automatic fire pump suction supply for no more than one other standpipe system zone."

"(2) Gravity tanks shall be located so as to provide the water supply for its standpipe system zone at the required pressures by gravity only. The pressure from this supply may exceed the minimum pressures required by 7.8.1 at the top hose connection in the zone by up to 15 percent."

"(3) The gravity supply for the topmost standpipe system zone of the building shall be provided by a gravity tank in accordance with 9.1.4(4) and shall be equipped with a special service fire pump, in accordance with 9.1.4(4)(l), to boost supply to pressures as required by 7.8."

"(4) The topmost standpipe system zone shall have a minimum height of 150 feet (45.7 m) so as to provide a water supply to the next lower standpipe system zone at the pressures required by 7.8 by gravity only. Pressures provided by this supply may exceed the minimum pressures required by 7.8.1 at the topmost hose connection in the next lower zone by up to 15 percent."

"(5) Gravity tanks may serve as the suction source for the automatic fire pumps serving the next higher standpipe system zone located above the standpipe system zone served by the gravity tank."

7.10.1.3.1.1 Delete the words "(including any hose stream demand)".

7.11.1 Delete.

7.11.2.4 Delete.

7.11.2.5(3) Delete.

7.12.1 Delete and replace with the following: "Fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with 4.8."

7.12.1.1 Delete.

7.12.2 Delete.

7.12.2.1 Delete.

7.12.3 Delete entire section, including all subsections.

Chapter 8 Plans and Calculations. No changes.

Chapter 9 Water Supply

9.1.1 Delete the words "and semiautomatic."

9.1.2 Add at the end the following: "Where manual combination standpipe systems are provided in accordance with the provisions of 5.4.1.1 of this referenced standard, an automatic water supply sufficient to provide the required sprinkler system demand shall be provided. Where such supply is provided by an automatic fire pump, the minimum pump capacity shall be as required by the sprinkler system demand in accordance with Section 903 of the New York City Building Code and NFPA 13. Where such water supply is provided by pressure or gravity tanks, the minimum water supply shall also be as required in accordance with the above."

9.1.3 Delete the words "and semiautomatic."

9.1.4 Delete and replace with the following: "Water supplies from the following sources shall be permitted:"

"(1) Public Water Connection. A public waterworks system where pressure and flow rate are adequate as confirmed by a statement by the Bureau of Water Supply of the Department of Environmental Protection."

"(a) Each service directly supplying a standpipe system, or a fire pump shall be equipped with a control valve located under the sidewalk in a flush sidewalk box located within two feet (610 mm) of the street line, or in such other locations as may be approved by the Department of Environmental Protection. The purpose of each such control valve shall be clearly indicated by the words. "Standpipe Supply Control" cast in the cover of such flush sidewalk box or, in lieu thereof, a metal sign with 1-inch lettering shall be located on the exterior building wall indicating the use and location of the valve."

"(2) Automatic Fire Pumps. Automatic fire pumps connected to an approved water source in accordance with NFPA 20 and the following:"

"(a) Water Supply. Any required automatic fire pump shall draw from two independent street water mains in different streets, except that:"

"(1) any automatic fire pump serving a building classified in occupancy group R-2 that is fully protected by a system of automatic sprinklers may draw from a single water main; and"

"(2) an automatic fire pump may draw from a single water main if augmented by a suction tank or tanks, and if the valves at the meter and pump are provided with tamper switches that are wired to an approved supervising station of an operating fire alarm company. Where two services are installed, one service from the street water main shall be run directly to the pump, and the other service may be used for domestic water supply. The connection from water to the mains to the pumps shall be at least 6-inch (152 mm) pipe size and shall be flushed before connection is made to the system. Connections shall be in accordance with the provisions of the New York City Plumbing Code and applicable referenced standards."

"(b) In the event that two separate and distinct water mains are not available as a supply or the street mains cannot produce the required supply, there shall be provided a suction tank, or tanks suitably located and of sufficient capacity to furnish the fire pump with at least a one-half hour supply at the rated capacity of such pump. Suction tanks shall be filled by a 6-inch (152 mm) connection to the water main, controlled by an automatic ball float valve in the suction tank. A 6-inch (152 mm) bypass shall be provided so that pumps may be fed directly from the street water main."

"(c) When a water service supplies both the domestic service and the fire pump, a remote-control valve shall be placed on the domestic service connection at the point where such connection is taken from the city supply or service main. Such remote-control valve shall be controlled from a point near the pump control panel. In lieu of a remote-control valve, a manually operated valve may be installed to shut off the entire domestic water supply to the building, provided such valve is located in the fire pump room and is properly tagged for identification."

"(d) Building Groups. Where a group of two or more buildings, whether connected or separated, are operated under a single ownership, one fire pump may be accepted as the water supply for the group. The pump shall be installed in the building where the maintenance personnel are located, and a metal sign with 1-inch (25 mm) lettering shall be installed in each building at all of the hose outlets on the entrance floor indicating the location of the fire pump."

"(3) Pressure Tanks. Pressure tanks installed in accordance with NFPA 22 and the following:"

"(a) Tank Size. The tank volume shall be the water storage quantity required and an additional air space volume equivalent to one-half of the required water storage space."

"(b) Air-To-Water Ratio. Air-to-water ratio shall be 1 to 2 by volume and may be maintained by automatic electrical controls."

"(c) Air Pressure. An air compressor is provided with suitable automatic control and of sufficient capacity to build up air pressure of at least 75 psig (517 kPa) in the tank within three hours and to maintain thereafter an air pressure between 70 and 80 psig (482 to 552 kPa) The automatic control shall also maintain the proper air-to-water ratio in the pressure tank."

"(d) Water Supply. Pressure tanks shall be supplied with water through a fixed pipe, independent of the standpipe riser and at least two inches (51 mm) in size. The water supply and connection shall be capable of supplying the tank at a rate of at least 75 gpm (5 L/s) without reducing the pressure in the tank. The tank shall have a fixed water level plate on the end opposite the gauge glass, or other equivalent indicating device."

"(e) Level Supervision. All pressure tanks used to provide the required primary water supply of a standpipe system shall be equipped with a high and low air pressure and a high and low water level electrical alarm system."

"(4) Gravity Tanks. Gravity tanks installed in accordance with NFPA 22 and the following:"

"(a) Construction and support of tanks. Tanks for the standpipe system supply shall be constructed and supported in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 22 and applicable provisions of the New York City Building Code for loads and structural work. Tanks with a total capacity of 15,000 gallons (56 775 L) or greater shall be multi-compartment type such that no compartment is larger than one half of the required standpipe water supply reserve plus the domestic water reserve in combination tanks. In the alternative, multiple tanks may be provided, provided that the above criteria are met."

"(b) Combination tanks. Gravity tanks may be used to provide the required primary water supply to the standpipe system and may also be used to supply automatic sprinkler and/or domestic water in a building provided all the following conditions are met:"

"(1) The connections to the tank are made in such a manner as to provide the required sprinkler and/or fire standpipe reserve. The domestic supply is above the sprinkler and/or standpipe reserve. Where a standpipe riser is used to supply water to a combination sprinkler and standpipe system as permitted, the connection to the tank shall be made in such a manner as to provide the required sprinkler or standpipe reserve, whichever is greater."

"(2) The connections to the system are made outside of the tank. When connections or piping are installed inside the tank, the piping shall be assembled without couplings and shall be of red brass or approved equivalent material in accordance with the New York City Plumbing Code and applicable referenced standards."

"(3) The tank is filled by means of an automatic pump at a rate of not less than 65 gpm (4 L/s)."

"(c) Filling of tanks."

"(1) Gravity tanks shall be filled at the rate of at least 65 gpm (4 L/s). Pipes used to fill the tanks shall not be used for any other purpose; nor shall required fire pumps be used for filling purposes."

"(2) Where there is sufficient pressure in the city water main to fill tanks at the required rate during all hours of each day, and a filling pump is not provided, the connection to the city water supply shall be made near the point where the city water service enters the building."

"(3) A combined fire standpipe reserve and domestic water tank shall only be filled by direct public water connection or separate fill pumps, or direct connection to equipment, or pumps used to supply domestic water systems in accordance with the New York City Plumbing Code and applicable referenced standards."

"(d) Emergency drains on tanks. Each tank shall be provided with a drain of at least 4 inches (102 mm). National Pipe Thread. Each drain pipe shall be controlled by a manually operated gate valve located so as to be readily accessible. The drain shall be installed in accordance with the New York City Plumbing Code and applicable referenced standards."

"(e) Heating of tanks."

"(1) Where the water in the tank is subject to freezing, the tank shall be equipped with a tank heater in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 22."

"(2) Where the standpipe supply and domestic water supply are combined in a single tank, heating of such tank shall not be required in hotels, multiple dwellings, hospitals, or other occupancies where the domestic supply is drawn upon during all hours of every day of the week."

"(f) Strainer."

"(1) Every standpipe gravity or suction tank shall be provided with a brass or bronze strainer at the discharge to risers or to pump supply lines."

"(2) Each strainer shall have clear openings with an aggregate area equal to, or more than, the required area of the pipe into which the tank discharges. Openings shall be not more than 1 in. (25 mm) nor less than 1/2 in. (13 mm) in diameter."

"(g) Overflow pipe for tanks. Each gravity tank shall be provided with an overflow in accordance with the New York City Plumbing Code and applicable referenced standards."

"(h) Access to tanks. Access to the top of each gravity tank shall be by means of a steel, wrought iron or approved equivalent material gooseneck ladder, constructed of flat side bars at least 2 in. by 3/8 in (51 mm by 10 mm), or equivalent, spaced at least 14 in. (356 mm) apart, with round or square rungs at least 5/8 in. (16 mm) thick spaced not more than 12 in. (305 mm) on centers. The ladder shall be rigidly braced and shall not tip outward from the vertical at any point. When ladders exceed 25 ft. (6.1 m) in height, body irons spaced not more than 2 ft. (610 mm) on center and a metal platform at least 14 in. (356 mm) square, rigidly secured to the stringers of the ladder or other type of enclosed safe access, shall be provided near the top of the tank."

"(i) Level Supervision. Gravity tanks shall be equipped with a high and low water level electrical alarm system."

"(j) Where a group of two or more buildings, connected or separated, is operated under a single control, a single gravity tank may be accepted as the primary water supply for the several standpipe systems of such group, provided a dead riser is carried from the bottom of the tank to an underground header or cross connection system and provided each building unit has a post indicator type control valve outside or an O.S.&Y. control valve inside the building at a readily accessible location. The underground cross-connection may not cross any public street without the approval of the city departments having jurisdiction."

"(k) The bottom of the topmost zone gravity tanks shall be located above the highest hose outlet in the zone that such tank supplies, excepting the roof manifold and those hose outlets in a penthouse enclosing mechanical equipment. Pressures may be boosted by use of automatic special service or other fire pump(s) to provide the hose outlet pressures required by 7.8 of this referenced standard. Tanks in intermediate zones may be sufficiently elevated to provide the pressures required by 7.8 provided that they are also installed in accordance with 7.9."

"(l) The special service pump, as required by this standard, may be located anywhere in the zone served, provided that an express piped suction supply is installed from the gravity tank(s) that supply such pump, and such pump is located at a lower elevation than the gravity tank. Special service pumps are to be installed in accordance with the requirements of 9.1.4(2) - (d), (e), (f) and (h)."

9.1.4.1 Delete.

9.1.5 Delete.

9.2 Delete the words "Class II".

9.3 Delete and replace with the following: "Minimum Supply for Group R-2 Occupancies. The water supply servicing standpipe systems in Group R-2 occupancies shall be 500 gpm (32 L/s) per zone. If provided with a stored water supply, any gravity tank or intermediate tank shall be a minimum of 15,000 gallons. Water supplies shall comply with the requirements of 7.9."

Chapter 10 Water Supply Testing No Changes.

Chapter 11 System Acceptance

11.4.1 Delete and replace with: "*General. All new systems, including yard piping and fire department connection piping, shall be tested hydrostatically at not less than 300 psi (20.7 bar) or 50 psi (3.5 bar) in excess of the system working pressure, whichever is greater, for 1 hour."

Add 11.4.1.1 to read as follows: "Individual FDC zones shall be treated as a separate system in determining the hydrostatic test pressures. Standpipe systems being installed in buildings under construction shall be tested in sections up to 100 feet (31 m) in length provided a final test is conducted of the entirely completed system at 115 psi (7.9 bar) at the most remote hose connection."

11.4.2 Delete and replace with: "The 115 psi (7.9 bar) hydrostatic test pressure shall be measured at the elevation of the highest hose valve in the section being tested."

Exception: The 200 psi (13.8 bar) test pressure for the topmost 100 feet (31 m) standpipe section in each FDC zone may be measured at the lowest point of the topmost 100 feet (31 m) section."

11.5.5.1 Delete and replace with the following: "Pressure regulating devices on sprinkler branch line shall be tested according to NFPA 13."

11.5.5.1.1 Delete.

11.5.5.2 Delete.

Chapter 12 Buildings Under Construction

12.1 Add at end the following: "During construction, alteration or demolition operations, standpipe systems shall comply with this section and Chapter 33 of the New York City Building Code."

12.2 Delete and replace with the following: "Fire Department Connections. FDCs shall be provided as per 4.8. The location of the FDC(s) shall be placarded, kept free from obstruction, and identified by a red light."

Add 12.2.1 to read as follows: "Fire Department Connection Zones. FDCs shall be arranged in maximum FDC zone heights of 600 feet (183 m). FDC express risers shall be provided when necessary."

12.3 Delete and replace with the following: "Other System Features. The pipe sizes, hose valves, hose, water supply, and other details for new construction shall be in accordance with this standard and Chapter 33 of the New York City Building Code. Temporary risers shall be at least 4 inches in (102 mm) diameter for structures less than 450 feet high (137 m) and at least 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter for structures 450 feet (137 m) high or more. There shall be as many risers as will be, or were, required for the permanent system. Each such riser shall be connected to a cross connection that is supplied through FDC(s) at the street level and shall be equipped on each floor with a 2 1/2 inch (64 mm) hose outlet valve. The installations shall be made so that each riser, cross connection, and branch line can be plugged or capped when work is not being done on the system."

12.5.1 Delete and replace with the following: "At least one approved 2 1/2 inch (64 mm) hose connection for attaching Fire Department hose shall be provided at each floor level in the exit stairways. In any stairway where the length of travel between floor landings is more than 25 feet (7.6 m), a 2 1/2 inch (64 mm) hose connection shall be installed at the first intermediate stair landing below the higher floor level."

12.5.2 Add at the end the following: "and provided with caps according to 4.7.3."

12.8 Delete entire section, including all subsections.

Chapter 13 System Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance No changes.

ANNEXES

The annexes are not a part of the requirements of this Referenced Standard but are included for informational purposes only. These annexes contain explanatory material, numbered to correspond with the applicable text paragraphs. In the event of any conflict between the Annexes and the body of the Referenced Standard, particularly where modifications have been made for New York City, the body of the Referenced Standard will govern.

Annex A Explanatory Material No changes.

Annex B Informational References No changes.