BCAB #1315R - Standpipe System, Sentence 3.2.5.10.(6)

August 19, 1993

BCAB #1315R   

Re: Standpipe System, Sentence 3.2.5.10.(6)

Project Description

The project in question is a four storey wood frame residential building over a single level parking structure. The building incorporates a Class 1 standpipe system with 2 1/2 inch connections in the stairwells and an NFPA 13R sprinkler system. Both systems are designed in conformance with the requirements of the 1992 B.C. Building Code.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.2.5.10.(6) of the 1992 B.C. Building Code permits a residual water pressure at the topmost outlet of a standpipe system of less than 450 kPa providing the following conditions are met:

• The building is sprinklered
• The water supply at the base of the sprinkler riser can meet the design flow and pressure demand of the sprinkler system and
• Fire protection equipment is available to deliver the full demand flow rate at a residual pressure of 450 kPa at the topmost outlet through the fire department connection for the standpipe system.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that the residual water pressure at the topmost outlet of the standpipe system in this building can be less 450 kPa because fire department pumper trucks are available to boost the pressure to the required level as permitted by Sentence 3.2.5.10.(6).

Building Official's Position

The building officials carried out a flow test at the parkade level with results "...substantially less than 500 GPM..." and rejected the system. They maintain that the system must comply with NFPA 14, "Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems," and this standard requires a flow of 500 USGPM (30 L/S) at the most remote outlet. Their position is that this flow rate must be attained during an actual flow test at city pressure.

Appeal Board Decision #1315R

It is the determination of the Board that the flow rate (L/S) must meet the level required by NFPA 14 but Clause 3.2.5.10.(6)(c) permits the residual water pressure at the topmost outlet of a standpipe system to be less than the 450 kPa required by NFPA 14 provided that fire protection equipment, such as a fire department pumper truck, is available to boost the pressure.

George R. Humphrey, Chair