What is a manual dry standpipe system?

A manual dry standpipe system is one that primarily depends on the fire department connection for water supply. This type of system does not contain an internal water supply; instead, it requires firefighters to connect hoses to a connection point on the standpipe, bringing in water from an external source, often a fire hydrant or a municipal water supply. This setup is crucial in high-rise buildings or structures where automatic sprinkler systems may not be feasible or effective.

The reliance on the fire department connection means that the system is designed to be utilized when firefighters respond to an emergency, ensuring they have a readily available water source to combat fires. The layout of a manual dry standpipe system typically includes vertical pipes that reach various floors and horizontal piping to distribute water on those floors.

This function of depending solely on fire department access distinguishes it from other systems, which may incorporate built-in water storage or automatic activation features. This specificity is what makes understanding the nature of a manual dry standpipe system important for fire protection professionals, as it influences how they develop their response strategies during a fire emergency.