Which NFPA standard addresses pressure-relief devices for standpipes?

Which NFPA standard addresses pressure-relief devices for standpipes?

• A. NFPA 14
• B. NFPA 25
• C. NFPA 20
• D. NFPA 101

Answer: (C)

When a standpipe is fed by a fire pump, the system pressure can rise rapidly and exceed what the piping and fittings are designed to handle. A pressure-relief device is used to limit that pressure and protect the system from overpressure conditions. The standard that covers how a stationary fire pump is installed and how protective devices—like pressure-relief valves on the pump discharge—are used to control and limit system pressure is NFPA 20. This standard sets the requirements for pump pressure, relief devices, and how they integrate with the standpipe system to maintain safe, operating pressures. In contrast, NFPA 14 focuses on the design and installation of standpipe systems themselves, NFPA 25 on inspection and testing, and NFPA 101 on life safety; none of those specifically mandate the pressure-relief provisions tied to pump-fed standpipes in the way NFPA 20 does.

When a standpipe is fed by a fire pump, the system pressure can rise rapidly and exceed what the piping and fittings are designed to handle. A pressure-relief device is used to limit that pressure and protect the system from overpressure conditions. The standard that covers how a stationary fire pump is installed and how protective devices—like pressure-relief valves on the pump discharge—are used to control and limit system pressure is NFPA 20. This standard sets the requirements for pump pressure, relief devices, and how they integrate with the standpipe system to maintain safe, operating pressures. In contrast, NFPA 14 focuses on the design and installation of standpipe systems themselves, NFPA 25 on inspection and testing, and NFPA 101 on life safety; none of those specifically mandate the pressure-relief provisions tied to pump-fed standpipes in the way NFPA 20 does.