58 Questions
What is a potential safety concern when dealing with clogged connections?
Biohazardous materials
What tool can be used to clear debris from a clogged connection?
Needle nose pliers
What is the purpose of using a Double Female adapter in a hose connection?
To connect to an interior standpipe valve
What may happen if you pump into an FDC or an interior standpipe connection at a lower pressure than the building fire pump is producing?
The water will remain static in the hose line and may cause the apparatus fire pump to overheat.
Why might a 38mm female to 65mm male Increaser not connect in a hose cabinet?
Proximity to the cabinet wall
What is the maximum apparatus pump pressure allowed when pumping into an FDC?
1400 kPa
What problem can a seized female swivel cause during a hose setup?
Connection issues
In a Class 2 system, what adapter is required to connect to a 65mm connection?
38mm female to 65mm male
What is the primary reason why TFS apparatus may not be able to pump the pressures required to reach upper floors in tall buildings?
Elevation gain and excessive head pressure.
Why are crews heavily reliant on building systems when pumping into an FDC?
Because of both the 1400 kPa maximum apparatus pump pressure and the installation of PRVs in standpipe systems.
What must be done before connecting to an FDC?
Remove the caps covering the connections.
Who makes the decision to charge the FDC at 1400 kPa?
The incident commander.
What is the minimum number of 65mm hose lengths required from the floor below the fire floor to achieve proper flow rates with a nozzle pressure of 350 kPa?
3
What is the friction loss per 15m length of 65mm hose?
50 kPa
What is the purpose of connecting to the Fire Department Connection (FDC) at every confirmed fire?
To pump into the building's standpipe system
What is the maximum distance allowed between a hydrant and a Fire Department Connection (FDC)?
45m
What happens when the hose lines to the FDC are charged?
Nothing, water does not automatically flow into the building
What is a potential issue when trying to supply a building's standpipe system via the FDC?
The building's fire pump may interfere with the supply
What is the primary function of a Pressure Restricting Device (PRD)?
To reduce water pressure in flowing conditions
What is the minimum rated flow required for a Class 3 Standpipe System according to NFPA 14?
1892 L/min
What is the purpose of the 38mm outlet on a standpipe?
For occupant use only
What is the residual pressure requirement for buildings in Ontario?
450 kPa
What is a safety concern related to the hose and nozzle present in Class 2 and 3 systems?
They are unreliable and for occupant use only
What is the minimum rated flow that a Class 1 standpipe system is required to deliver at the two uppermost or hydraulically most remote outlets?
1892 L/min
What is the residual pressure requirement for a Class 1 standpipe system in Ontario, as per the Ontario Building Code?
450 kPa
What is the primary location of a Class 1 standpipe system?
Stairwells
What is a characteristic of a Class 2 standpipe system?
38mm hose connection at standpipe equipped with hose
What is the difference in residual pressure requirement for a Class 1 standpipe system pre-1993 and post-1993?
250 kPa increase
What is a critical factor in determining the type of standpipe system required for a building?
The height and occupancy of the building
What is the primary purpose of a pressure reducing valve (PRV) in a standpipe system?
To reduce the pressure in the system
What is unique about a Class 1 standpipe system?
It is connected to a fire pump
What is a common issue that may occur when connecting to a standpipe system?
Clogged connections
What is a key consideration when operating a standpipe valve?
Ensuring the valve is fully open
Under what pressure conditions are PRDs installed?
When pressures exceed 690 kPa but do not exceed 1225 kPa
What is a characteristic of most PRDs?
Most PRDs can be removed
What type of valve is designed to actively regulate outlet pressures in both static and flowing conditions?
PRV
What is a characteristic of some PRVs?
Some PRVs can be adjusted with the proper tools
What term is applied to PRVs that can be easily adjusted?
Fireground Adjustable
When dealing with a drained standpipe system, what may be utilized to obtain a water supply to upper floors?
An improvised standpipe system
What is the purpose of removing PRDs in PRD equipped buildings?
To allow for maximum volume to be obtained when pumping into the system
What is the minimum vertical height that can be covered by one length of hose in a residential occupancy?
15m
What is the recommended pressure for pumping into an improvised standpipe system?
1400 kPa
What type of standpipe system is designed to be filled quickly?
Dry standpipe system
What can be used to clear debris from a clogged FDC connection?
Needle nose pliers
What is the purpose of using a Double Female adapter in a hose connection?
To connect to an interior standpipe valve
What issue can arise if a seized female swivel is not addressed?
Connection issues
What equipment is required when connecting to a 65mm connection on the main floor in a Class 2 system?
A 38mm female to 65mm male Increaser and a 65mm yellow elbow
Where is the 65mm connection typically located in a Class 1 standpipe system?
In a stairwell
What is the correct order of attachment for a Class 2 Standpipe System?
65mm Gate Valve, 65mm In-Line Pressure Gauge, 65mm elbow with drain, 65mm hose
What is the purpose of the 65mm (forty five degree) elbow with drain in a Class 2 Standpipe System?
To relieve pressure in case the hose is caught under a door or railing
What is the recommended method for connecting the 38mm hose to the outlet in a Class 2 Standpipe System?
Using the 38mm female to 65mm male Increaser
What is the primary concern when the outlet does not allow clearance for the 38mm female to 65mm male Increaser?
The proximity to the cabinet wall may prevent proper clearance
What is the function of the 65mm In-Line Pressure Gauge in a Class 2 Standpipe System?
To monitor the pressure in the system
What is the purpose of removing the 65mm outlet cap PRV in a Class 2 Standpipe System?
To inspect the outlet for debris
What is the correct procedure for attaching the 65mm hose to the 65mm (forty five degree) elbow with drain?
Attach the 65mm hose to the 65mm (forty five degree) elbow with drain directly
What is the primary reason for inspecting the outlet for debris in a Class 2 Standpipe System?
To ensure the outlet is free of debris
What is the function of the 65mm Gate Valve in a Class 2 Standpipe System?
To control the flow of water in the system
What is the purpose of attaching the 65mm (sixty degree) yellow elbow before or after the Gate Valve in a Class 2 Standpipe System?
To provide additional clearance for the hose
Study Notes
Standpipe Systems
- Standpipe systems are found in high-rise buildings, low-rise buildings, tunnels, and other occupancies
- The system consists of a network of pipes, valves, and outlets that supply water to various floors and areas of a building
Types of Standpipe Systems
-
Class 1 Standpipe System:
- Required to deliver a minimum rated flow of 1892 L/min at the two uppermost or hydraulically most remote outlets at 450 kPa residual pressure pre-1993 and 700 kPa residual pressure post-1993
- Typically located in stairwells and equipped with 65mm hose connection and FDC
- Found in high-rise buildings
- Ontario only requires minimum pressure of 450 kPa and 30 litres/second (1800 L/min)-OBC
- FDC and fire pump
-
Class 2 Standpipe System:
- Required to deliver a minimum rated flow of 380 L/min at the two uppermost or hydraulically most remote outlets at 450 kPa residual pressure pre-1993 and 700 kPa residual pressure post-1993
- Fed by domestic city water pressure
- Equipped with only 38mm hose connection and may not have a FDC or fire pump
-
Class 3 Standpipe System:
- Required to deliver a minimum rated flow of 1892 L/min at the two uppermost or hydraulically most remote outlets at 450 kPa residual pressure pre-1993 and 700 kPa residual pressure post-1993
- Typically found in high-rise buildings
- Equipped with both 38mm and 65mm hose connections
- Ontario only requires minimum pressure of 450 kPa and 30 litres/second (1800 L/min)-OBC
- Do not use 38mm hose in cabinet
Pressure Restricting Devices (PRD) and Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV)
-
Pressure Restricting Devices (PRD):
- Designed to reduce, regulate, and control or restrict water pressure in flowing conditions only
- Operate in a manner similar to a pump operator gating down at the pump panel
- Do not compensate for changes in input pressure to maintain a constant discharge pressure and do not control pressure in static conditions
- May be brazed into place- can't remove or Orifice plates not brazed- removed easily by hand
- Limiting devices:
- Pin type- removed (allen key) or sheered with pipe wrench
- Metal clip- remove by pulling with hand
- Mechanical- By hand or hose spanner
-
Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV):
- Active valves that regulate outlet pressures in both static and flowing conditions
- Required for outlets where static pressures exceed 1225 kPa
- Some PRVs are factory pre-set and cannot be adjusted while others can be adjusted with the proper tools
- PRV types:
- Field Adjustable- 75 lbs of torque required
- Fireground Adjustable- 15 lbs o torque required
Fire Department Connection (FDC)
- Typically found on the exterior of buildings equipped with standpipe systems
- Consists of two 65mm female swivel connections (Siamese connection)
- Connection must be labelled as to whether it supports the standpipe system or the sprinkler system
- Must be located within 45m of a hydrant and have an unobstructed view to the hydrant
Connecting to Standpipe Systems
-
Class 1 Standpipe:
- Connect 65mm hose to 65mm outlet
- Use 65mm Gate Valve and 65mm In-Line Pressure Gauge
-
Class 2 Standpipe:
- Remove 38mm hose from outlet and remove debris
- Attach 38mm female to 65mm male Increaser and 65mm (sixty degree) yellow elbow
- Connect 65mm Gate Valve and 65mm In-Line Pressure Gauge
Troubleshooting FDC Problems
-
Clogged Connection:
- Debris can be found inside the FDC and shall be removed prior to connecting hose lines
- Use needle nose pliers or a similar tool to clear the connection
-
Seized Cap:
- If one threaded cap is seized, utilize the other connection
- Use a Double Female adapter to connect another hose line to an interior standpipe valve (non-PRV) 65mm connection
-
Seized Female Swivel:
- Present connection issues
- Use a 38mm female to 65mm male Increaser and 65mm (sixty degree) yellow elbow
Learn how to overcome common problems that firefighters may encounter, including clogged connections and debris in hose lines. Understand the safety concerns and solutions to ensure effective water flow and pressure.
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