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Probationary Firefighters Manual Chapter 13 STANDPIPES &
SPRINKLERS
OBJECTIVE: To introduce members to the auxiliary fire protection
equipment installed in some buildings which is utilized by the
FDNY.
CONTENTS: 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.
13
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PART ONE
STANDPIPES Section Title Page
1 INTRODUCTION
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2 TYPES OF STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
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3 SUPPLYING STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
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4 OPERATING FROM STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
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FDNY Probationary Firefighters Manual Chapter Thirteen
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PART ONE: STANDPIPE OPERATIONS
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 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 1.2 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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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.
B. 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 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.)
3. 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 Standpipe Green Automatic Sprinkler System Aluminum
Non-automatic Sprinkler or Perforated Pipe Yellow 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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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. 17-2A to 17-2D illustrates various solutions to the
problem of caps stuck in place, defective threads, and frozen
female swivels.
Fig. 17-2A Fig. 17-2B
Fig. 17-2C Fig. 17-2D
Tap swivels to loosen paint, polish, dirt etc.
Twist hose 4-5 left turns, insert, and turn to the right
Insert siamese 3"x3"x3", insert hose.
Insert double 3" male, attach 3" double female swivel, and
insert.
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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 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.
4. OPERATING FROM STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
4.1 Required Equipment
A. 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.
B. 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.
4.2 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.
Fig. 17-3
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4.3 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 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
Fig. 17-5
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4.7 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
Three types of PRDs Fig. 17-7B
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 in-line 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
1 INTRODUCTION
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2 TYPES OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
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3 AUGMENTING SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
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4 OPERATING IN SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS
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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.
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."
2.2 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.
3. 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 Automatic Sprinkler System Red Standpipe System Aluminum
Non-automatic Sprinkler or Perforated Pipe Yellow 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.
4. 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 Fig. 17-9B Fig. 17-9C Fig. 17-9D
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 re-open 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.
OS&Y OUTSIDE
STEM & YOKE
PIV POST
INDICATOR VALVE
WALL PIV WALL POST INDICATOR
VALVE
UNDERGROUND BUTTERFLY
VALVE
PART ONESection Title Page1 INTRODUCTION 12 TYPES OF STANDPIPE
SYSTEMS 1PART TWOSection Title Page1 INTRODUCTION 132 TYPES OF
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS 13