The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
How To Design And Install Plumbing
Fire insurance underwriters realize the advantages of standpipe installations and when a proper installation is provided the insurance rate becomes materially less. This economy reduces the cost and maintenance of a fire system over a period of years; thus the installation becomes an asset to the building.
Larger cities having local fire ordinances generally demand this form of fire protection, and most buildings used for commercial or industrial purposes provide it.
TYPES OF FIRE LINE INSTALLATION
The construction of a fire line installation is not difficult and does not require extended knowledge of engineering. There are a few simple rules established by fire protection agencies which must be observed, but beyond this, any mechanic with a background of pipe fitting can produce an effective installation. As was previously stated the construction of a fire standpipe is under the jurisdiction of the plumber. This is because of his knowledge of the water distribution system and his awareness of the serious effects which may develop from cross-connection with a contaminated source of water.
Three types of systems are in common use, namely:
1. Dry standpipe.
2. Wet standpipe.
3. Wet standpipe with Siamese connection.
Dry Standpipe. Dry standpipe installations were common a few years ago, but they have become obsolete and are seldom installed except on buildings erected for emergency purposes only.
The dry standpipe offers a means for the local fire department to attach pumping equipment and quickly deliver a flow of water at the upper floors of a building. However, no water is available until the fire department arrives, and usually the time element is important in controlling the spread of fire.
The dry pipe installation, Fig. 275, consists of an arrangement of pipe having a connection on the outside wall of the building, to which the fire department may attach its equipment. From the connection a main is suspended from the basement ceiling to locations of the fire standpipes. The standpipes are run vertically through the upper floors of the building and are generally exposed in corridors, stairways, or places where they may be seen readily. Hose racks or stations are provided on each floor.
The number of standpipes is determined by the size of the building. Each rack is provided with from 50 to 100 feet of hose and serves an area which can be reached with a stream of water through this amount of equipment.
The diameter of the standpipe varies from 2 inch for buildings two to three stories in height to 6 inch for buildings more than six stories tall. For definite information as to the required diameter of dry standpipe installations, local fire control agencies should be consulted, because standards vary.
The standpipe is installed in much the same manner as the riser of the water distribution system. The same principle of support, change of direction, and general workmanship is applied.
