A standpipe system is a system of pipes, hose connections, valves and accessories used to supply water for manual fire fighting. Before we review the requirements, let's differentiate between a standpipe system and a hose station system.
A standpipe system is required by one of the model building codes or NFPA 101 based on the height and occupancy of a building. It can be used by the building occupants for incipient level fire fighting, by the fire department or a combination of both. The required water flow is determined by the system classification in NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems.