High-Rise Standpipe Systems

Fire Cadet
Training Module
High-Rise Fire Suppression

Water Systems
Fire Cadet Program

Calgary Fire Department
Updated: May 2012
Copyright 2011 The City of Calgary. All rights reserved. Use subject to license.
Calgary Fire Cadets
High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems
DOCUMENT REVISION LOG

Revision
Number
1
May 2012
Revision Date
Subject Matter Expert,

Instructional Designer,
and Editor
Description
May 16
Ashton Sykes
First publication
Calgary Fire Cadets
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DOCUMENT REVISION LOG ...............................................................................2
OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................4
EQUIPMENT .........................................................................................................5
High-Rise Bag ................................................................................................5
Hose Bundles .................................................................................................5
Irons ...............................................................................................................7
WATER SUPPLY ..................................................................................................7
Basic Standpipe Systems ..............................................................................7
Combination Sprinkler-Standpipe Connections ..............................................8
Standpipe Connection Classes ....................................................................11
Water Sources .............................................................................................11
FIRE DEPARTMENT CONECTIONS .................................................................11
Troubleshooting Connection Problems ........................................................11
Low-rise versus High-rise Connections ........................................................14
MAINTAINING THE REQUIRED PUMP PRESSURE ........................................15
Operating Pressures of Nozzles...................................................................15
Determining Required Pump Pressure.........................................................16
Determining Which Pump is Supplying Water ..............................................17
Advantages of Relay Pumping .....................................................................17
CONNECTING ATTACK LINES TO A STANDPIPE ..........................................17
Before Connecting Attack Lines ...................................................................17
Common Standpipe Connections.................................................................18
Alternative Procedures .................................................................................21
EXTRA PRACTICE .............................................................................................21
Connecting to a Fire Engine .........................................................................21
Laying Hose .................................................................................................21
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Calgary Fire Cadets
OBJECTIVES
After you have completed this module, you will be able to: Identify and connect to Fire
Department Connections, Connect attack lines to a standpipe in a high-rise building and
pump water into an FDC.
INTRODUCTION
Fire suppression requires the efficient and reliable application of water. High-rise buildings
present unique concerns related to identifying and connecting to the water system. It is
important that you know how to troubleshoot Fire Department Connection (FDC) problems,
maintain the required pump pressure, and connect attack lines to a standpipe in a high-rise
building.
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Calgary Fire Cadets
EQUIPMENT
Pump crews responding to high-rise incidents must ensure that they have the equipment
required to employ the water system.
Three groups of equipment are required:
high-rise bag
hose bundles
irons
High-Rise Bag
The high-rise bag contains:
a 65 mm in-line pressure gauge with the pressure displayed in bars
a 65-38 mm gated wye
two 65 mm 60 degree elbows
two 65 mm spanners
an 18 inch aluminum pipe wrench
ten door wedges
ten doorkeepers
two sprinkler wedges
a 10 inch crate bar
side cutters
two door marker crayons
Hose Bundles
Two types of hose bundles are required:
15 m of 65 mm hose
30 m of 44 mm hose
With the 44 mm hose, the nozzle is attached to the male coupling, and the female end is left
unattached on the outside. With the 65 mm hose, the female coupling is attached to the male
coupling. For ease of carrying, the hose is folded at approximately 32 inches from the tip of the
male coupling.
The three straps serve two purposes:
They secure the couplings to the pack.
They provide quick identification of the coupling side.
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Calgary Fire Cadets
Figure 1: Three-Strap Loads

2009 The City of Calgary
May 2012
Calgary Fire Cadets
Completing Three-Strap Loads

1. Mark 32 inches from the tip of the coupling.
2. Connect the nozzle.
3. Make a horseshoe fold until the hose is even with the middle of the nozzle.
4. Double back the hose and continue folding until you reach the end of the hose.
The female coupling should be on the same side as the nozzle. You may have to adjust
the hose to even out the folds or have to tuck extra hose into the pack.
5. Attach the straps.
NOTE:
The only difference when loading a 65 mm hose is that you should connect
the male and female couplings to prevent damage to the male threads.
With the three-strap load, its easier to access the nozzle and extend the hose. The nozzle is
within reach of the firefighters hand. After connecting the hose, all the firefighter has to do is
walk forward to extend the rest of the line.
Irons
In addition to the high-rise bag and hose bundles, pump crews responding to high-rise incidents
must ensure that they have the Irons Kit, which includes a Halligan and sledge axe.
WATER SUPPLY
In order to respond effectively to a high-rise incident, you need to be able to identify:
basic standpipe systems
combination sprinkler-standpipe systems
classes of standpipe systems
water sources
Basic Standpipe Systems

Standpipe systems are engineered and installed by several different authorized sprinkler and
standpipe companies. There are many different designs because each system is engineered for
a particular building. Standpipe systems can be complicated, especially in high-rises. For the
purpose of this module, we will simplify the explanation.
All Calgary buildings receive their water from the municipal water system. The same water used
to supply fire hydrants also supplies domestic consumption. When a standpipe system is
installed, it is supplied with municipal water. If the municipal water provides the proper pressure
and volume to the top floor, a building fire pump is not required. This is usually the case for
buildings up to three stories. A fire pump is required as the height of the building increases past
three floors. Floors above the third and up to the thirteenth are zoned separately and have a
separate main riser supplying them. Buildings exceeding thirteen floors will have a third zone
with another riser supplying it. In Calgary, the third zone will supply water to the rest of the
upper floors.
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Calgary Fire Cadets
Figure 2: Basic Standpipe System

Combination Sprinkler-Standpipe Connections

A combined standpipe and sprinkler system employs a common fire pump and main risers. As
the main riser goes up the building stairwell, the standpipe valves branch off on each floor at
approximately waist height; while the sprinkler lines connect to the riser at ceiling height. The
sprinkler branch at each floor level uses a pressure reducing device to prevent overpressurization of the sprinkler system on that floor.
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Calgary Fire Cadets
Figure 3: Combination Sprinkler-Standpipe System

Normal water is supplied to the standpipe system through the municipal water supply. If a
standpipe connection is used or a sprinkler head is activated, water is delivered to that point
from the municipal water system.
Figure 4: Standpipe Supplied by Municipal Water System

A jockey pump is employed to keep the standpipe system at a constant pressure that is higher
than the domestic pressure. This minimizes false alarms that occur when domestic water
pressure fluctuates.
A check valve stops water from back flowing into the municipal water line. If a sprinkler head or
standpipe valve is opened and the system pressure decreases to a predetermined amount, and
the jockey pump cannot keep up to the pressure loss; then the fire pump engages and boosts
the pressure to the pre-set pressure that enables 700 kPa at the top floor.
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Calgary Fire Cadets
Figure 5: Fire Pump Boosting Pressure

Once activated, the fire pump will not automatically shut off. It will need to be manually shut off
by a firefighter, a building operator or the standpipe company. If the fire pump is working and
supplying adequate water volume and pressure for suppression activities, let it continue.
Connect the fire engine to the FDC line and hydrant, and standby in case the building fire pump
fails. If the fire pump fails due to mechanical or electrical problems, the fire engine and operator
will need to supply water to the building for suppression activities.
Figure 6: Engine Supplying Water

NOTE:
May 2012
Some buildings may have multiple FDCs. Check valves are installed to
prevent backflow.
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Calgary Fire Cadets
Standpipe Connection Classes

The three classes of standpipe connections are summarized in the following table.
Table 1: Purpose of Connection Classes
Connection
Used By
Purpose
Class 1
65 mm outlets
Fire Department in all

stages of response
Supplies 65 mm attack lines

or master streams (possibly a
Blitzfire)
Class 2
38 mm outlets
May include a single,
cotton-jacketed hose, and
small volume nozzle
Building occupants
Fire Department during
initial response
Performs a quick knock-down

(if possible)
Class 3
38 mm outlets
Building occupants
Performs a quick knock-down

(if possible)
65 mm outlets
Fire Department in all

stages of response
Supplies 65 mm attack lines

or master streams (possibly a
Blitzfire)
Water Sources
The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) has access to two sources of municipal water in high-rise
buildings:
Standpipe System: The standpipe system consists of a connection from the water
mains, a building fire pump, and standpipe connections on every floor.
Hydrant Water: The hydrant is often the preferred source of water because it is the
most secure. There are two ways of connecting to the hydrant: a forward lay and a
reverse lay
FIRE DEPARTMENT CONECTIONS

Incident command determines when the crew should connect the hose to the FDC. In order to
do this, the crew must be able to identify the type of hose to be used and troubleshoot FDC
problems.
The type of hose connected to the FDC varies, depending on what is available. Currently, all
CFD engines have a bed of high-pressure 65 mm hose for connection to the standpipe system.
All low-pressure 65 mm hoses are being phased out and replaced with high-pressure hose.
However, there may still be some low-pressure hose on CFD engines. Before connecting to a
standpipe, make sure that you are using high-pressure hose.
Troubleshooting Connection Problems

It may be necessary for the crew to troubleshoot when connecting to the FDC. There are
several ways in which an FDC can fail:
clogged connection
seized cap
seized female swivel
missing clapper
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Calgary Fire Cadets
inoperable connection
Clogged Connection
If the FDC is clogged, clear it with needlenose pliers or a similar tool to avoid sharps and/or
biohazardous materials.
Figure 7: Clogged Connection

Seized Cap
If one cap is seized, use a wye with double male and double female adapters. If both caps are
seized, take the hose inside to a standpipe valve on the main floor.
NOTE:
May 2012
In buildings that include both high-rise and low-rise sections, you may need
to go to the first floor above the low-rise to access a standpipe valve that can
supply water to floors above the top floor of the low-rise. For more
information, refer to the Low-Rise Versus High-Rise Connections section
later in this manual.
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Calgary Fire Cadets
Figure 8: Seized Cap

Seized Female Swivel

If one female swivel is seized, twist the hose counter-clockwise and turn the hose to make the
connection. If both female swivels are seized, you may consider taking the hose to the
standpipe.
Figure 9: Seized Female Swivel

Missing Clapper
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Calgary Fire Cadets
If the clapper is missing, use a hydrant gate. This allows you to connect one line and pressurize
the system, while still having the ability to connect a second line later.
Figure 10: Missing Clapper

Inoperable Connection
If the FDC is inoperable, hook up to the inside of the building. Use twin 65 mm hoses to connect
to the standpipe system on the first floor, or use a 125 mm hose connected to a 65 to 125
adapter.
Figure 11: Inoperable Connection

Low-rise versus High-rise Connections

Most buildings that include both high-rise and low-rise sections have two standpipe systems and
two FDCs. The standpipe system for the low-rise is used for the lower floors in the high-rise.
However, the other standpipe system must be used on floors above the top floor of the low-rise.
One FDC is for the low-rise and equivalent floors in the high-rise section. The other FDC is for
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high-rise floors above the top floor of the low-rise section.
Figure 12: Typical Low-Rise/High-Rise FDC Labelling

Its important that you know which standpipe connection should be used to bring water to a
specific floor. For example:
The standpipe for the first floor in the low-rise also supplies the first floor in the high-rise.
However, if the low-rise is three stories and there is a problem with the FDC for the high-rise
and you need to make a direct connection to a standpipe, the standpipe on the fourth floor must
be used. Do not connect to the main floor standpipe if the floor that requires water is above the
top floor of the low-rise section.
High-Rise Section
Figure 13: Low-Rise Versus High-Rise Connections

MAINTAINING THE REQUIRED PUMP PRESSURE

Operating Pressures of Nozzles
Two types of nozzles are used at high-rise incidents:
44 mm smooth bore with 24 mm tip
Blitzfire nozzle with stackable smooth bore tips
The operating pressure of a 44 mm smooth bore nozzle, which is used at all high-rise incidents,
is
350
kPa.
This
pressure
results
in
a
minimum
flow
of
500 lpm. The operating pressure of a Blitzfire nozzle with smooth bore tips is 550 kPa.
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Calgary Fire Cadets
Figure 14: 44 mm Smooth Bore with 24 mm Tip

Figure 15: Blitzfire Nozzle with Stackable Smooth Bore Tips

Determining Required Pump Pressure

The formula for calculating the pump pressure of a combined system is:
PP = 800 +BP
= 800 + (Number of Floors x 30 kPa)
where PP is pump pressure and BP is back pressure
For example, if a crew uses 30 m 44 mm hose with a 24 mm smooth bore nozzle and pumps to
the 32 floor:
PP = 800 + (81 floors x 30 kPa)
= 800 + 930 kPa
= 1730 kPa
Modifying the Formula (If Required)

The formula is based on a rule of thumb that assumes each story is 3 m (10 ft) high. When
determining the required pump pressure in a building that has higher stories, the rule of thumb
value for the number of floors will have to be modified.
For example, The Bow building in Calgary will be 58 stories and approximately 247 m (810 ft)
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Calgary Fire Cadets
high. Therefore, the formula for calculating the pump pressure should be modified as follows:
PP = 800 + BP
= 800 + (Total Height/10 x 30 kPa)
= 800 + (810 ft/10 x 30 kPa)
= 800 + (81 x 30 kPa)
= 3230 kPa
Determining Which Pump is Supplying Water

Once the fire engine is connected to a building, you need to determine whether water is being
supplied by the fire engine or the buildings fire pump. Open both discharges to the FDC and
increase the pump pressure to 1,000 kPa.
Gate back one of the discharges connected to the FDC. If the corresponding gauge does NOT
show a drop in pressure, you can reasonably assume that the fire engine is not flowing
water to the standpipe system. Continue pumping at 1,000 kPa in standby mode with one
discharge gated back halfway. Calculate the required pressure just in case the building pump
fails or water flow demand exceeds the capacity of the building fire pump.
When in standby mode, a sudden increase in the fire engines RPMs or a decrease in the gated
discharge pressure indicates that the fire engine is now supplying water.
If when one of the discharges is gated back, the corresponding pressure gauge decreases; you
can assume that the fire engine is supplying water to the buildings standpipe system. Calculate
the required pump pressure to support suppression activities to the fire floor and adjust the
pump pressure accordingly.
Advantages of Relay Pumping

Relay pumping may be employed when subsequent rigs arrive. Do not relay into the attack
pump at pressures exceeding 800 1000 kPa, depending on the current setting of the inlet
relief valve. One advantage of relay pumping is that it spreads the workload. Just compare the
discharge pressure and RPM with one pump to that with two pumps. Another advantage of relay
pumping is that it provides a redundancy system.
CONNECTING ATTACK LINES TO A STANDPIPE

Before Connecting Attack Lines
Below the Fire Floor
1. Arrive two floors below the suspected fire.
2. Walk up one flight of stairs. Open the stairwell door to check the layout and see whether
there is any visible smoke.
3. If there is visible smoke, investigate before proceeding.

OR
If there is no smoke or other signs of fire, one firefighter remains at the floor below the
fire to prepare the standpipe, while the other crew members leave their hose packs and
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Calgary Fire Cadets
high-rise bag, and go to the fire floor.
4. Remove the cap on the standpipe and ensure that the standpipe can be tied into if
needed. You may need to look inside the connection to ensure nothing has been stuffed
inside and is creating a blockage.
5. Open the standpipe valve and flow to clear the discharge.

6. Engage the fire pump.
At the Fire Floor
1. Look for signs of heat and smoke by feeling the door and scanning it with a thermal
imaging camera (TIC) if available. Determine the swing of the door and get into a
protected position behind the door.
2. If the door swings away, take steps to control the door. Open the door slightly and
observe the smoke conditions. While opening the suspected fire floor door, remember
that you do not have a charged hose line.
3. If the fire is on that floor, close the door. If possible, a member of the crew remains at the
fire floor to monitor the door while the others return to the floor below the fire where they
make the standpipe connection.
NOTE:
The Nozzleman does not bring a charged hose to the suspected fire floor. If
the Nozzleman were to hook into the standpipe and bring up the charged
hose line, and then later discover that the fire isnt on that floor, there
wouldnt be enough hose to mount an effective fire attack from even one floor
higher.
Common Standpipe Connections

The following evolutions are commonly used in a high-rise:
Connecting a 44 mm hose from a standpipe connection in a stairwell
Connecting a 44 mm hose from a standpipe connection in a hallway
Extending a 44 mm handline
Connecting a 65 mm attack line with a Blitzfire nozzle
Connecting a 44 mm Hose from a Stairwell Standpipe

1. Clear any obstructions at the standpipe and test the water flow.
2. Advance the 44 mm hose to the fire floor:
a. Keep the primary attack line on the inside of the stairwell and the backup line on
the outside of the stairwell.
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Calgary Fire Cadets
Figure 16: Attack Line on Inside and Backup Line on Outside of Stairwell
b. Flake the remaining uncharged hose on the landing above the fire floor.
Figure 17: Uncharged Hose on Landing above Fire Floor

3. Attach the in-line pressure gauge and gated wye to the standpipe.
4. Connect the 44 mm hose to the gated wye. Rotate the gauge and gated wye so that the
pressure gauge is visible and the gate is at the 10 oclock and 4 oclock positions. This
allows for easier hose connections and line identification.
5. Call for water.
6. Open the standpipe valve and gated wye. Then adjust the pressure.
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Calgary Fire Cadets
7. Straighten any kinks in the hose.
Figure 18: Straightening Kinks

Connecting a 44 mm Hose from a Hallway Standpipe

2. Attach the in-line gauge to the hallway standpipe.
3. Attach the 65 mm hose to the in-line gauge.
4. Advance the 65 mm hose to the stairwell leading to the fire floor.
5. Attach the gated wye to the 65 mm hose.
6. Advance the 44 mm hose to the fire floor.
7. Attach the 44 mm hose to the gated wye.
8. Call for water.
9. Open the standpipe valve and adjust the pressure
Extending a 44 mm Handline
1. Shut off the nozzle.
2. Remove the tip.
3. Connect the female coupling of the additional hose bundle to the ball valve.
4. Extend the line.
5. Call for water.
6. Open the ball valve.
7. Secure the ball valve using a hose strap.
Connecting a 65 mm Attack Line with a Blitzfire Nozzle

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Calgary Fire Cadets
2. Connect the in-line pressure gauge to the standpipes 65 mm port.
3. Connect the 65 mm hose to the in-line gauge.
4. Attach the Blitzfire nozzle and advance the 65 mm hose with a nozzle into position.
5. Call for water.
6. Open the standpipe valve and maintain the correct pressure.
Alternative Procedures
Sometimes there is not enough room at the standpipe connections or hose cabinets to connect
the in-line pressure gauge and gated wye. When there is not enough room, firefighters may be
required to use a 65 mm 60 degree elbow to make the inline pressure gauge and gated wye
accessible.
Firefighters may even encounter problems attaching the in-line pressure gauge and may only be
able to attach the 65 to 38 mm reducer. If this happens, the firefighters will not be able to gauge
the outlet pressure and will not be able to determine the water flow. Therefore, if the in-line
pressure gauge cannot be attached, it is very important that the firefighters fully open the nozzle
and standpipe connections and then shut down the standpipe valve to a pressure that can be
safely handled. Firefighters will be relying on the building water pressure, building fire pump
pressure, or the water discharge pressure supplied by an engine through the FDC.
EXTRA PRACTICE
Crews who want to gain extra practice hooking into a standpipe and reducing the outlet
pressure can connect to a fire engine. They can also practice laying hose by getting permission
to use a suitable building in their area.
Connecting to a Fire Engine

1. To simulate a standpipe valve, connect a closed hydrant gate to a 65 mm discharge
and increase the pump pressure to 1,000 kPa while in pressure mode.
2. Connect the 65 mm in-line pressure gauge and the closed 65-38 mm gated wye to the
hydrant gate.
3. Open the hydrant gate as you would the standpipe valve to clear debris and engage the
fire pump.
4. Follow up by connecting two attack lines:
one 30 m length of 44 mm hose and a nozzle
two 15-m lengths of 44 mm hose and a nozzle
5. Charge the lines.
6. With the smooth bore nozzles fully open, practice reducing the pressure to 600 kPa or 6
bars by closing the hydrant gate as you would the standpipe valve.
Laying Hose
Hose lays may be a bit more difficult to practice, but the consequences for doing them wrong
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Calgary Fire Cadets
are dire. Lacying two 30 m attack lines can make a huge mess at the fire floor door if done
incorrectly. Contact a business in your area that has six or more floors, and ask if they will allow
your crew to come in and practice laying dry lines. (Most building owners wont mind. If you do
find resistance with a particular building owner, contact another.) Practice tying into the
standpipe and laying hose to the fire floor. Remember to go past the fire floor door to the next
landing and back down.
NOTE:
May 2012
Whenever you plan to practice laying hose, get your probationary firefighter
to help. Fire recruits are trained in this manoeuvre as part of their hose
evolutions.
22

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High-Rise Fire Suppression

Fire Cadet Program

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

DOCUMENT REVISION LOG

Subject Matter Expert,

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

Figure 1: Three-Strap Loads

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

Completing Three-Strap Loads

Basic Standpipe Systems

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

Figure 2: Basic Standpipe System

Combination Sprinkler-Standpipe Connections

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

Figure 3: Combination Sprinkler-Standpipe System

Figure 4: Standpipe Supplied by Municipal Water System

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

Figure 5: Fire Pump Boosting Pressure

Figure 6: Engine Supplying Water

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

Standpipe Connection Classes

Fire Department in all

Supplies 65 mm attack lines

Performs a quick knock-down

Performs a quick knock-down

Fire Department in all

Supplies 65 mm attack lines

FIRE DEPARTMENT CONECTIONS

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

Figure 7: Clogged Connection

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

Figure 8: Seized Cap

Seized Female Swivel

Figure 9: Seized Female Swivel

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

Figure 10: Missing Clapper

Figure 11: Inoperable Connection

Low-rise versus High-rise Connections

Calgary Fire Cadets

High-Rise Fire Suppression Water Systems

high-rise floors above the top floor of the low-rise section.

Figure 12: Typical Low-Rise/High-Rise FDC Labelling

Figure 13: Low-Rise Versus High-Rise Connections

MAINTAINING THE REQUIRED PUMP PRESSURE

Calgary Fire Cadets