National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 14
NFPA 14 governs standpipe systems — the risers and hose connections that put water where a hose crew needs it on the upper floors and in the stair. The class of system sets who the connections serve and what pressure they must hold. Flow testing is witnessed work, run with the AHJ, and the field role is to observe and document.
Adoption varies by jurisdiction. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
What it covers
- System classes and the hose connections each class provides
- Hose valve locations at floor landings and in the stair
- Residual and static pressure at the connections
- The fire department connection and its supply to the riser
- Riser piping, control valves and their supervised position
What the evidence looks like
- Photograph each hose connection at its landing with cap and threads shown, so the class and completeness can be read from the record.
- The fire department connection captured with its signage and check that caps are in place and the intake is clear.
- Control valves documented in their open, supervised position rather than described as such.
- Flow-test readings recorded on the gauge in frame; the test itself is witnessed with the AHJ and its result attached, not restated.
- Any temporary blind flange or capped outlet from construction flagged so it does not survive into occupancy.
Checklists that verify work against NFPA 14
2 free checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Standpipe system QuarterlyStandpipe system quarterly maintenance checklistHose valves, caps, FDC and control-valve position checked at the risers and cabinets each quarter6 items8 photosStandpipe system AnnualStandpipe system annual maintenance checklistPeriodic flow test witnessed with the AHJ, observed and recorded, with the deeper valve and gauge checks4 items5 photos
Common questions
- What is NFPA 14?
- Standpipe systems: classes, hose connections, pressure and the fire department connection. It is published by the National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 14 governs standpipe systems — the risers and hose connections that put water where a hose crew needs it on the upper floors and in the stair. The class of system sets who the connections serve and what pressure they must hold. Flow testing is witnessed work, run with the AHJ, and the field role is to observe and document.
- What does NFPA 14 cover?
- System classes and the hose connections each class provides; Hose valve locations at floor landings and in the stair; Residual and static pressure at the connections; The fire department connection and its supply to the riser; Riser piping, control valves and their supervised position.
- What does a field inspection against NFPA 14 look at?
- Photograph each hose connection at its landing with cap and threads shown, so the class and completeness can be read from the record. The fire department connection captured with its signage and check that caps are in place and the intake is clear. Control valves documented in their open, supervised position rather than described as such. Flow-test readings recorded on the gauge in frame; the test itself is witnessed with the AHJ and its result attached, not restated. Any temporary blind flange or capped outlet from construction flagged so it does not survive into occupancy.
- Which edition of NFPA 14 applies to my project?
- Adoption varies by jurisdiction. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
- Which checklists verify work against NFPA 14?
- 2 free checklists in the RTI library reference this family. Each is listed on this page with the photo evidence every item needs before it can be submitted.
A standard is only met if the evidence exists
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.