Are valves on fire department connections required for manual dry standpipe systems?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only on high-rise buildings
• D. Depends on local code

Answer: (B)

The thing being tested is how a fire department connection is used with a manual dry standpipe and where the control valve actually sits. In a manual dry standpipe, the piping is kept dry until water is introduced by the standpipe main valve, which is located on the riser or at the system’s main. The fire department connection is an inlet used by pumpers to supply water to the standpipe; it is not required to have its own shutoff valve for the system to function. (Backflow prevention or cross-connection protection may be required by code, but that is separate from a shutoff valve on the FDC.) So valves on the fire department connection are not required for manual dry standpipe systems.