Hose Connections & Standpipes
Manual Attack

The classes of standpipe system, what a 2½-inch hose valve actually connects to, and why the fire department cares more about these than you do.

By Samektra · April 2026 · 7 min read

The Three Classes

Class I

Fire department only

2½-inch hose valves at each floor for use by trained firefighters. No hose is stored on the building side. Minimum 500 gpm at 100 psi residual at the topmost outlet.

Class II

Occupants (where approved)

1½-inch hose valves with occupant-use hose in a cabinet. Intended for incipient-fire attack by building occupants. Largely being phased out of new construction.

Class III

Either

Both 2½-inch and 1½-inch connections. Combination system — firefighter and occupant use at each location.

Automatic vs. Manual Standpipes

Independent of class, a standpipe is either automatic-wet (always pressurized with water), automatic-dry (pressurized with air and flooded automatically on hose valve operation), semi-automatic dry (water admitted by remote control), or manual (requires the fire department to pump through the FDC to pressurize).

In high-rise buildings, NFPA 14 requires automatic standpipes for all Class I and III systems. Manual-dry standpipes are only allowed in specific low-hazard situations like parking structures where freeze protection matters more than instant pressure.

NFPA 25 Test Schedule

QuarterlyInspect hose connections, caps, gaskets, and valves. Verify accessibility and no obstructions.§6.2.1

AnnualOperate each hose valve through its full range of motion.§6.3.1.1

5-YearFlow test — prove required flow and pressure at hydraulically remote hose connection. Hydrostatic test of manual and semi-auto dry standpipes.§6.3.1 / §6.3.3

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References

1. NFPA 14 (2024), §7.2 — Classes of standpipe systems.

2. NFPA 25 (2023), Ch. 6 — Standpipe and hose systems.

3. IFC §905 — Standpipe systems (Georgia adopts the 2024 edition effective 2026).

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Discussion (2)

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Mike R.Fire Inspector· 3 days ago

Great breakdown of the technical details. The NFPA 25 maintenance table is exactly what I needed for my ITM schedule.

▲ 8Reply

Sarah L.Safety Officer· 1 week ago

Really clear explanation. Would love to see a companion video walkthrough of the inspection process.

▲ 5Reply