Fire Protection (C-16) · Lesson 4 of 6

Standpipe Hose Connections and Fire Department Connections

"Standpipe Hose Connections and Fire Department Connections" is lesson 4 of 6 in the Fire Protection (C-16) Learning Hub. It opens with "Where Standpipes Are Required (CFC 905.3)" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. Where Standpipes Are Required (CFC 905.3)
  2. Class I Hose Connection Locations (905.4)
  3. Class II and Class III Connections, and Cabinets
  4. Fire Department Connections (CFC 912)
  5. Tie It Together: Hydrant, Valves and Standard

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 5 steps, from "Is a standpipe required?" through "Check hydrant distance".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Standpipe Hose Connections and Fire Department Connections" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Class II and Class III Connections, and Cabinets".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Fire Department Connections (CFC 912)".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Tie It Together: Hydrant, Valves and Standard".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Standpipe Hose Connections and FDCCLASS I STAIR HOSE CONNECTIONSStair AStair B5 storiesabove gradeGradeBasementFDC85 ftHydrantGold dot = Class I hose connection (12 total)STANDPIPE AND FDC CHECKS905.3.1: top floor 52 ft above FD accessis over 30 ft; 5 stories is 4 or moreClass III required; Class I allowed here(sprinklered, Group B: Exceptions 1, 2)905.4: 2 stairs x (5 + 1) levels = 12Remote corner 165 ft path is over 150 ft:official may require more connections912.4.2: FDC clear 36 x 36 x 78 in.912.5.4: 175 psi is over 150, so theFDC sign must also state the pressure507.5.1.1: 85 ft is within 100 ftHeight and story count trigger the standpipe; stairs, roof and reach place the hose connectionsFDC: clear space, sign letters 1 in. or more, hydrant within 100 ft12 stair hose connections; FDC sign states 175 psiHydrant 85 ft from FDC meets the 100 ft limitSource: 2025 CFC 905.3.1, 905.4, 912.2 to 912.5, 507.5.1.1CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: Where Standpipes Are Required (CFC 905.3)

CFC 905.3.1 requires Class III standpipes at each floor, in other than Group R-3 and R-3.1, where any one of these occurs: the floor of the highest story is more than 30 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access; the building is four or more stories; the floor of the lowest story is more than 30 ft below the highest level of fire department vehicle access; or the building is two or more stories below that level. The exceptions allow Class I standpipes in buildings sprinklered throughout under 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, in Group B and E occupancies, in parking garages, in sprinklered basements, and where occupant-use hose lines will not be used. Standpipes are not required in Group R-3 occupancies or Group R-2 townhouses. Non-sprinklered Group A buildings over 1,000 occupants need Class I automatic wet standpipes (905.3.2), and underground buildings need Class I automatic wet or manual wet (905.3.4).

Step 2: Class I Hose Connection Locations (905.4)

Class I hose connections are required in every required interior or exterior exit stairway, one for each story above and below grade plane, at the main floor landing unless the fire code official approves otherwise. They are also required on each side of the wall adjacent to a horizontal exit opening, at each exit passageway entrance, and, where the roof slope is less than 4 units vertical in 12 horizontal (33.3 percent), at the roof or the highest landing of an interior exit stairway with roof access. For horizontal exits and exit passageways, an exception omits the connection where the adjacent floor area is reachable by a 30 ft hose stream from a nozzle attached to 100 ft of hose from a stair connection, measured along the path of travel. If the most remote portion of a floor is more than 150 ft from a hose connection, measured along the path of travel, the fire code official may require additional connections (905.4 item 6).

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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