Onsite (exterior) Standpipe Questions

[Hoagie]

I am trying to get fire approval for an existing apartment complex--the owner needs to update their facilities--the facility was built the late 70s.

I will be specifying multiple, new onsite fire lines with hydrants and wet standpipes about the property. In some locations, there isn't any vehicle access, hence, the standpipes. Should the standpipes be specified with a dedicated hose? or is it (still?) okay for the firemen to carry a hose to the source?

Anything else that I should know/watch out for?

H.

 

[stookeyfpe]

The firefighters aren't going to use the hoses if you specify them. Thiefs will steal the nozzles. The tenants will tear the heck out of hoses and use them for dog leashes or jump ropes. Specify class I standpipes and let the firefighters bring their own equipment.

I noticed your specifying wet standpipes. Is the apartment in the Southwest where you don't need to worry about freezing? If so, I would recommend pre-priming the standpipe so that you can slow the corrosion rate inside the pipe.

The only other issue for me would be a proof calculation demonstrating your standpipe can supply 500 GPM @ 100 PSI at the most remote hose valve and the location and ID of the fire department connection.

 

[cdafd]

How about retro fitting with sprinkler systems???
Is it cosmetic work or are they converting these to something else or are they remodeling/ moving walls inside the units??? why does the owner have to update the fire protection??

 

[Hoagie]

Thanks for responding Stookey and Cdafd....

Your comments were helpful. FYI, Cdafd, the site is a condo-convert, so we need to bring some of the facilities up to spec--fire protection being one of them.

You both nailed it. I met with the official yesterday and he prefered that we sprinkle the buidling rather than install a standpipe. He claims that standpipes get vandalized or misused. He also mentioned that they allow standpipes as the last choice, usually.

Thanks, again.

h.