Probationary Firefighters Manual

Chapter 13

STANDPIPES & SPRINKLERS

To introduce members to the auxiliary fire protection equipment

installed in some buildings which is utilized by the FDNY.

Standpipes
Sprinklers

SOURCE:

FDNY Firefighting Procedures, Vol. 2, Book 1 Engine Co. Ops.

Chapter 9,10

FDNY REFERENCE:

FDNY Firefighting Procedures, Vol. 2, Book 1 Engine Co. Ops.

OBJECTIVE:

CONTENTS:

13

PART ONE
STANDPIPES
Section

Title

Page

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................1

TYPES OF STANDPIPE SYSTEMS..........................................1

SUPPLYING STANDPIPE SYSTEMS ......................................3

OPERATING FROM STANDPIPE SYSTEMS .........................5

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STANDPIPES AND SPRINKLERS

PART ONE: STANDPIPE OPERATIONS

1.

INTRODUCTION
1.1

1.2

The City of New York is the Nation's foremost "vertical" city with over one
thousand high rise buildings. Firefighting in these buildings is challenging and
success depends upon both the condition of the standpipe system and our skill and
efficiency in using it. Tall buildings, however, are not the only structures
equipped with standpipes. Requirements for the installation of standpipe systems
are predicated on several factors. The primary factors are the height and area of
the structure. Standpipe systems are often installed in locations with no access for
fire department vehicles (such as parking garages) or where excessive distance
precludes the stretching of hoselines directly from engine apparatus (such as on
bridges).As such, standpipes may be found in any of the following places:

High Rise Residential and Office Buildings

Large Area Buildings such as Hospitals, Terminals, Warehouses, and

Industrial Buildings

Enclosed Shopping Malls

Theaters, Stadiums, and Arenas

Parking Garages

Bridges and Tunnels

Limited Access Highways

Piers and Wharves

Pre-incident Planning
Engine and ladder companies should be familiar with the standpipe
systems found in their response areas and any special characteristics or
problems with these systems. Many buildings and other structures
equipped with standpipes are already included in CIDS for various
reasons, but CIDS information related to the standpipe system itself may
not be available. Buildings that require a stretch of more than three
lengths of hose should be included in CIDS for this specific reason.
Engine company chauffeurs should pay particular attention to the location
and condition of siamese connections and nearby hydrants.

2.

TYPES OF STANDPIPE SYSTEMS

2.1

Standpipe systems can be categorized in one of two ways:

A.

By whether or not the system riser contains water.

Standpipe systems can be broadly classified as wet, dry, or combination.

Wet systems contain water in the riser at all times supplied by city
main, gravity tank, pressure tank, and/or fire pump (see Fig.17-1).
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B.

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STANDPIPES AND SPRINKLERS

Dry systems may be equipped with an automatic source of supply,

but many contain no water and the only supply is from fire
department pumpers. This latter type is called a "manual dry"
standpipe system.

Combination systems consist of sprinklers interconnected with a

standpipe system. Most of these systems are "wet" and are of
special concern because the water flow demands of both sprinkler
heads and hose lines attached to the standpipe system requires
prompt augmentation by fire department pumpers.

By the size (diameter) of the hose outlets.

Standpipe systems may contain only 2 1/2" outlets, both 2 1/2" and
1 1/2" outlets, or 2 1/2" outlets reduced to 1 1/2" with a removable
fitting. In many cases, 1 1/2" unlined, linen hose designed for
"occupant use" will be encountered.

Fig. 17-1

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2.2

3.

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STANDPIPES AND SPRINKLERS

Engine companies shall utilize only Department issued hose for standpipe
firefighting. Engine companies shall not attempt to use the "occupant use" hose
sometimes provided with these systems, even in those instances when the hose is
2 1/2" in diameter. Occupant use hose may not be maintained properly, is often
old, and may fail under Department operating pressures. If a reducer is
encountered, it must be removed to permit attachment of our 2 1/2" hose to the
standpipe outlet. (The stretching of occupant use hose by ladder and rescue
companies operating remotely from an engine company while performing
searches, may be justified in an attempt to save lives.)

SUPPLYING STANDPIPE SYSTEMS

3.1

Standpipe systems may be supplied through siamese connections and/or floor

outlets. Floor outlets are often used when siamese connections are vandalized or
to reinforce augmentation with additional supply lines.

3.2

Siamese connections are color coded for ease of identification. Either the caps or
the entire siamese connection may be painted. Standpipe siamese connections are
painted red. For reference, the other colors used and what they indicate are as
follows:
Red
Green
Aluminum
Yellow

Standpipe
Automatic Sprinkler System
Non-automatic Sprinkler or Perforated Pipe
Combination Sprinkler/Standpipe

If no color coding is present, each siamese connection should be identifiable as to

the type of system it supplies. This information is usually embossed or stamped
on a plate or the siamese connection itself.
3.3

Standpipe systems should always be supplied with 3 1/2" hose.

3.4

Whenever possible, standpipe systems should be supplied by at least two different

pumpers.

3.5

Whenever possible, standpipe systems should be supplied through at least two

independent siamese connections. If there is only a single siamese connection, a
second supply line can be attached to the first floor outlet. Additional floor
outlets can be supplied if required.

3.6

If a standpipe system is to be supplied via a floor outlet, proper fittings must be

employed to attach the 3 1/2" hose to the 2 1/2" outlet threads. In addition, if a
pressure reducing/restricting device (PRD) is found on the standpipe outlet, it
should be removed. If the PRD cannot be removed, and there is no other outlet
available without a PRD, than it is permissible to use an outlet with a PRD.

3.7

As a general rule, there should be a separate engine company supplying the

standpipe system for each hoseline placed in service.

3.8

If a building is equipped with both a standpipe system and automatic sprinklers,

the first supply line must be attached to the standpipe siamese. The ECC
supplying the system must verify that it is attached to the correct siamese
connection. If the first due engine is supplying both the standpipe and sprinkler
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STANDPIPES AND SPRINKLERS

systems, the second and third due engine companies must stretch additional lines
to augment both systems.
3.9

Difficulties may be encountered with siamese connections. These difficulties

include missing caps, defective threads, debris stuffed into the connection, tight
caps, female swivels out-of-round, frozen female swivels, and clappers either
broken or jammed open. Never insert any part of your hand inside the connection
to clear debris. In addition to broken glass and sharp metal edges, junkies have
been known to store or discard hypodermic needles inside siamese connections.
A spare 3" male cap should be carried by all engine companies in the event it
becomes necessary to cap one side of the siamese connection to prevent an
outflow of water due to a malfunctioning clapper valve. Immediately stretching
and connecting a second 3 1/2" line is another remedy for this problem. Fig. 172A to 17-2D illustrates various solutions to the problem of caps stuck in place,
defective threads, and frozen female swivels.

Tap swivels to loosen

paint, polish, dirt etc.

Twist hose 4-5 left turns, insert,

and turn to the right

Fig. 17-2A

Fig. 17-2B

Insert double 3" male, attach 3"

double female swivel, and insert.

Insert siamese
3"x3"x3", insert hose.
Fig. 17-2C

Fig. 17-2D

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3.10

Many siamese connections are equipped with

either metallic or plastic vandal proof caps.
These caps are usually attached with screw
eyes placed over the pin lugs on the female
swivel (see Fig. 17-3 ). Both metal and plastic
caps are removed by striking the center of the
cap with a tool. Caps can also be removed by
prying one of the screw eyes off the pin lug.

3.11

Fig. 17-3
The pump discharge pressure for each
hoseline attached to a standpipe system is 100
psi plus 5 psi for each floor above grade. This assumes two lengths of 3 1/2" hose
between the pumper and the siamese, three lengths of 2 1/2" hose attached to the
standpipe outlet, and the use of a controlling nozzle with a 1 1/8" MST.

3.12

High-pressure pumping operations are described in Firefighting Tactics and

Procedures, High Rise Office Buildings, Section 5.

OPERATING FROM STANDPIPE SYSTEMS

4.1

Required Equipment
A.

B.

4.2

Standpipe Kit. Each engine company shall carry a "standpipe kit" with the
following minimum basic complement of tools:

2 1/2" controlling nozzle with 1 1/8" main stream tip and 1/2"
outer stream tip.

Hand control wheel(s) for outlet valve.

2 1/2" x 2 1/2" in-line pressure gauge.

Pipe wrench (minimum 18" in length).

Spanner wrenches.

Door chocks.

Special adapters as required. For example, some buildings may

contain floor outlet valves with non-New York City threads.
Adapters for connecting FDNY 2 1/2" hose to National Standard
Thread or National Pipe Thread may be required.

Four lengths of folded 2 1/2" hose. In most instances, three lengths will
be brought into the building by each engine company. Some companies
may opt to keep a 2 1/2" controlling nozzle pre-connected to one of the
folded lengths as this is an acceptable practice.

Due to the complexity of supplying and stretching from standpipe systems, the
first and second due engine companies will always operate together in order to
ensure prompt and efficient placement of the first hoseline.

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4.3

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STANDPIPES AND SPRINKLERS

All hoselines stretched from standpipes shall be 2 1/2" diameter hose with
controlling nozzle and 1 1/8" Main Stream Tip. All hoselines stretched from
standpipes shall be connected to outlets on floors below the fire floor (see Fig.17-4).

Fig. 17-4

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4.4

The officer and control firefighter

from the second due engine
company should relieve the first
due control firefighter at the hose
outlet and communicate with the
first due engine officer to ensure
that adequate pressure is supplied
to the nozzle. It remains the first
due engine control firefighter's
responsibility to ensure a proper
hook-up to the hose outlet,
including connection of any
necessary fittings and adapters, as
well as removal of the PRD. The
Fig. 17-5
in-line pressure gauge should
always be used to ensure correct nozzle pressure and a good fire stream (see Fig.
17-5).

4.5

If a second line is required on the fire floor, it may have to be stretched from a
hose outlet two (2) floors below the fire or from another standpipe riser. Both of
these situations often require at least four lengths of hose.

4.6

Scissor stairs create additional complexities and will usually require the stretching
of four or more lengths of hose (see Figure 17-6). This information should be
included in CIDS.

Figure 17-6
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4.7

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STANDPIPES AND SPRINKLERS

In tall buildings, PRDs may be installed. These PRDs are designed to reduce,
restrict, or otherwise control the pressure available at the standpipe hose outlet.
Several types of PRDs produced by various manufacturers may be encountered in
the field. See Fig. 17-7A to 17-7C for several illustrations that are in use within
the City of New York. At fire operations, whether supplying or operating from a
standpipe outlet, the PRD should be removed because of the reduced water flow.
If the PRD cannot be removed, and there is no other outlet available without a
PRD, than it is permissible to use an outlet with a PRD. Due to the potential for
pressure problems when operating from standpipe systems, the FT-2 tip should
not be used because it requires a high nozzle pressure to produce an effective fire
stream.

Fig. 17-7A

Fig. 17-7B

Three types of PRDs

Vane type PRD

Fig. 17-7C
Inside of vane type Pressure
Restricting Device
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4.8

Prior to attaching the in-line pressure gauge, flush the standpipe system
thoroughly through the floor outlet. It is difficult to clog a controlling nozzle, but
rubber balls and soda cans lodged within a standpipe riser or piping certainly can
do it.

4.9

Nozzle pressure is to be adjusted by use of the hand wheel at the hose outlet valve
and by observing the in-line gauge. This requires coordination between the
engine company officer supervising the advance of the nozzle and the officer and
control firefighter of the second due engine company at the hose outlet valve.
Handie-talkie communications are essential. It should be noted here that the inline gauge reading is only accurate when the nozzle is open fully and water is
flowing. If the gauge is read after opening the hose outlet valve, but before the
nozzle is opened, the reading will not be accurate. When the nozzle is finally
opened, there will be a dramatic drop in pressure and an ineffective fire stream
will result. It is important to monitor the in-line gauge closely after the nozzle is
opened and adjust the valve wheel sufficiently to provide the proper pressure. As
a rule of thumb three lengths of 2 1/2" hose requires 70 psi at the outlet and four
lengths of 2 1/2" hose requires 80 psi at the outlet WITH WATER FLOWING.

4.10

When attaching lengths of hose together, especially in a smoke condition, be

careful not to connect the hose in a loop or to create excessive knots or twists in
the line.

4.11

As with the advance of any hoseline, ensure the line is charged and bled before
entering the fire area. Sometimes this may require charging and bleeding the line
in the stairway, such as when an apartment door is left open and high heat
conditions exist in the hallway or at commercial building fires with large, open
floor areas. Other times, the line can be stretched dry to the apartment door, and
charged and bled in the public hallway.

4.12

As the first due engine company begins its advance on the fire, the second due
engine must assist with line movement and be prepared at any moment to relieve
the first engine company. Air conservation is an important consideration for the
second due engine. If it is not possible to conserve air due to smoke and heat
conditions, additional engine companies may be utilized by the Incident
Commander to reinforce the critical position of the first hoseline.

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PART TWO
SPRINKLERS
Section

Title

Page

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................13

TYPES OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS .........................................13

AUGMENTING SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.................................14

OPERATING IN SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS .......................15

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PART TWO: SPRINKLER SYSTEM OPERATIONS

1.

INTRODUCTION
1.1

The first line of defense against fire in many occupancies is an automatic

sprinkler system. Properly operating sprinkler systems have a success record of
better than 96%. Most automatic sprinkler system failures can be traced to human
error, sabotage, vandalism, or explosions which knock out sprinkler system
piping. It is essential that all firefighters have a sound, working knowledge of
automatic sprinkler systems and the specific tasks required of the engine company
to support them.

1.2

Automatic sprinkler systems are found in many types of occupancies including

mercantile, commercial, industrial, warehousing and assembly. Increasingly,
sprinkler systems are being installed in residential occupancies--both permanent
(multiple dwellings) and transient (hotels and motels).

1.3

Pre-incident Planning
Engine and ladder companies should be familiar with automatic sprinkler systems
found in their response areas and any special characteristics or problems with
these systems. Many buildings equipped with automatic sprinkler systems are
already included in CIDS for various reasons, but CIDS information related to the
sprinkler system itself may not be available. Engine company chauffeurs should
pay particular attention to the location and condition of siamese connections and
nearby hydrants.

2.

TYPES OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

2.1

There are several types of automatic sprinkler systems found in New York City.
Water supplies for automatic sprinkler systems include city main and usually one
other source--gravity tank, pressure tank, cistern or suction tank.
A.

WET PIPE: Wet pipe sprinkler systems contain water in the riser and
piping at all times. As soon as a sprinkler head activates due to the heat of
a fire, water is immediately discharged through the open head.

B.

DRY PIPE: Dry pipe sprinkler systems contain air (or sometimes
nitrogen) in the riser and piping at all times. The air (or nitrogen) is under
pressure and this pressure maintains a "differential dry pipe valve" in the
closed position. When a sprinkler head activates, the air (or nitrogen) is
exhausted through the open head, thus allowing the differential dry pipe
valve to open and water to be admitted to the riser and piping. Some dry
pipe systems are equipped with quick opening devices (QOD's) which
assist in exhausting the air or nitrogen from the system thus allowing
water to reach the open head more quickly. Dry pipe systems are installed
where there is a danger of freezing.

C.

DELUGE: Deluge type sprinkler systems are equipped with a "deluge"

valve which opens upon an electrical signal received from a smoke, heat,
or infrared (flame) detector. In a deluge system, all sprinkler heads (or
nozzles) are open and will flow water simultaneously. Deluge systems are
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often found in aircraft hangars or where large quantities of flammable
liquids are used in industrial processes.

2.2

3.

D.

PRE-ACTION: A pre-action type of sprinkler system consists of fusible

sprinkler heads, dry piping, and a valve which is opened upon an electrical
signal from a smoke, heat, or infrared (flame) detector. Pre-action systems
are most often found in computer rooms or where other sensitive
electronic equipment is used. The idea is that once a fire is detected, the
valve opens admitting water to the piping. If manual fire control efforts
are unsuccessful, the sprinkler system actuates and will quickly control the
fire. By maintaining the piping dry during normal operations, the danger
of a large water damage loss due to a break in the piping or accidental
damage to a sprinkler head, is avoided.

E.

COMBINATION: A combination sprinkler system or combination

sprinkler-standpipe consists of sprinkler heads and standpipe hose outlets
attached to a common riser. Combination systems may be either "wet" or
"dry."

Non-automatic sprinkler systems are also encountered. They are usually found in
cellars and sub-cellars of older commercial buildings. Non-automatic sprinkler
systems depend solely upon the fire department to supply water for firefighting.
These systems may contain fusible sprinkler heads, open sprinkler heads, or even
perforated pipes.

AUGMENTING SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

3.1

Siamese connections are color coded for ease of identification. Either the caps or
the entire siamese connection may be painted. Sprinkler siamese connections are
painted green. For reference, the other colors used and what they indicate are as
follows:
Green
Red
Aluminum
Yellow

Automatic Sprinkler System

Standpipe System
Non-automatic Sprinkler or Perforated Pipe
Combination Sprinkler/Standpipe

If no color coding is present, each siamese connection should be identifiable as to

the type of system it supplies. This information is usually embossed or stamped
on a plate or the siamese connection itself.
3.2

Sprinkler systems should always be supplied with 3 1/2-inch hose.

3.3

If a building is equipped with both a standpipe system and automatic sprinklers,

the first supply line must be stretched to the standpipe siamese. If the first due
engine is supplying both the standpipe and sprinkler systems, the second and third
due engine companies must stretch additional lines to augment both systems.

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3.4

If a sprinklered building is not equipped with a standpipe system, the first line
stretched should be a handline (either 1 3/4-inch or 2 1/2-inch, depending upon
fire conditions) and the second line used to augment the sprinkler system.

3.5

In the case of a combination sprinkler-standpipe system, water flow demands will

be great. Every effort must be made to augment the system with additional
supply lines from other first alarm engine companies.

3.6

Difficulties may be encountered with siamese connections. These difficulties

include missing caps, defective threads, debris stuffed into the connection, tight
caps, frozen female swivels, and clappers either broken or jammed open. Never
insert any part of your hand inside the connection to clear debris. In addition to
broken glass and sharp metal edges, junkies have been known to store or discard
hypodermic needles inside siamese connections. A spare 3-inch male cap should
be carried by all engine companies in the event it becomes necessary to cap one
side of the siamese connection to prevent an outflow of water due to a
malfunctioning clapper valve. Immediately stretching and connecting a second 3
1/2-inch line is another potential remedy for this problem. Fig. 17-2A to 17-2D
illustrates various solutions to the problem of caps stuck in place, defective
threads and frozen female swivels.

3.7

Many siamese connections are equipped with either metallic or plastic vandal
proof (break away) caps. These caps are usually attached with screw eyes
placed over the pin lugs on the female swivel (see Fig. 17-3). Both metal and
plastic caps are best removed by striking the center of the cap with a tool. Caps
can also be removed by prying one of the screw eyes off the pin lug.

3.8

Whenever possible, sprinkler systems should be augmented by at least two

different engine companies.

3.9

Supply hose connected to sprinkler systems should be charged when necessary.

The engine company officer should order the sprinkler system
augmented/supplied upon indication of a working fire (smoke, heat, visible fire,
reports from employees or security guards) or based on reconnaissance
information from ladder company personnel indicating same. Water flow alarms
indicate only that water is flowing, but it may be due to reasons other than a fire-such as broken piping or a dislodged sprinkler head.

3.10

Pump discharge pressure for supplying a sprinkler system should start at 150 psi.
This pressure will have to be adjusted accordingly based on reports of sprinkler
system performance received from ladder company personnel, if more than two
lengths of 3 1/2-inch hose are needed to reach the siamese connection and for
fires on upper floors.

OPERATING IN SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS

4.1

Due to the potential danger of high concentrations of carbon monoxide gas being
present where sprinkler heads are operating, masks shall be used and facepieces
properly affixed. (Refer to AUC 220 for SCBA usage policy at fires and
emergency operations.)

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4.2

Both engine company and ladder company personnel should carry wooden
sprinkler wedges or sprinkler tongs to stop the flow of water from a sprinkler head
in order to facilitate operations and reduce water damage.

4.3

The sprinkler system control valve should only be shut down on orders from the
Incident Commander once it is determined that the fire has been controlled and
hoselines are in position.

4.4

Sprinkler system control valves may be one of four basic types:

Outside Stem & Yoke (OS&Y)

Post Indicator Valve (PIV)

Wall Indicator Valve (WIV) or Wall Post Indicator Valve (WPIV)

Butterfly Type Indicating Valve

The Outside Stem & Yoke (sometimes called an Outside Screw & Yoke) and Post
Indicator Valve are the most commonly encountered. See Fig. 17-9A to 17-9D
for illustrations of each type of valve. The OS&Ys and PIVs may also be found
in standpipe systems for use as section or zone control valves.

Fig. 17-9A
OS&Y
OUTSIDE
STEM & YOKE

Fig. 17-9B
PIV
POST
INDICATOR
VALVE

Fig. 17-9C
WALL PIV
WALL POST
INDICATOR
VALVE

Fig. 17-9D
UNDERGROUND
BUTTERFLY
VALVE

4.5

The member assigned to the sprinkler system control valve (oftentimes a ladder
company chauffeur) must be equipped with a handie-talkie and prepared to reopen any shut valve immediately on orders of the Incident Commander.

4.6

Chief officers are reminded of the fact that the New York Fire Patrol possesses
specialized equipment in order to protect commercial property from unnecessary
water damage.
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