NFPA 14 - Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019

The NFPA 14 – Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019 edition, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), provides the comprehensive requirements for the design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of standpipe and hose systems used in buildings to ensure effective fire protection and fire department operations. This standard, referenced by the Florida Building Code and required for contractor licensing and fire protection exams, is an essential part of the CILB and NICET certification preparation materials offered through 1 Exam Prep. It aligns with the Florida Contractors Exam scope and supports candidates seeking fire protection and mechanical contractor licensing by emphasizing hydraulic design principles, pressure limitations, and system component specifications.

NFPA® 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, is an industry essential when it comes to the proper design and installation of standpipe and hose systems. With chapters addressing system components and hardware, plans and calculations, water supply testing, buildings under construction, and system acceptance testing, NFPA 14 is a must-have standard for designers, installers, insurance professionals, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and anyone else responsible for standpipe and hose systems.

Updates in the 2019 edition include:

• New requirements for distance monitoring and use of components to achieve automated inspection and testing, reflecting technology that allows for monitoring of certain conditions as well as inspecting and testing standpipe systems from a remote location
• New requirements permitting manual standpipes in open parking garages under a certain height
• All-new Chapter 13 covering maritime standpipe and hose systems
• Terms and definitions revised for consistency and clarified based on their use in the field
• An updated required number of fire department connections
• Signage for pressure requirements no longer required when the pressure is 150 psi or less to align with NFPA 13E and maximum pressure permitted at any point in the system increased from 350 psi to 400 psi
• Revised criteria clarifying that the required pressure is to be calculated at the outlet of the hose valve
• Clarified hydraulic calculation procedures specifying that additional standpipes should be calculated at the point of connection rather than at the topmost outlet
• Revised provisions to delineate between a standpipe system main drain and individual standpipe drains