Which system supplies water to hose crews on each floor in tall buildings?

• A. Fire alarm system
• B. Sprinkler system
• C. Standpipe
• D. Fire department connection

Answer: (C)

Standpipe systems are built to deliver water to interior firefighting crews on each floor of tall buildings. They run vertical piping with outlets on multiple floors, so hose teams can connect hoses and advance water directly to the fire area without dragging a long line from street level. The water supply for these outlets is provided by a building supply and/or a pump to maintain adequate pressure along the vertical riser. Sprinkler systems are designed to release water automatically through sprinklers when heat is detected, not to provide direct hose streams to crews on every floor. The fire department connection is simply where outside fire crews attach hoses to supply water to the building’s standpipe or sprinkler systems, not the source of water for hose teams on each floor.