How much pressure must a fire pump deliver at the highest line of sprinkler heads in a standpipe system?

In a standpipe system, it is essential for the fire pump to deliver adequate pressure to ensure that water reaches the topmost line of sprinkler heads effectively. The required pressure is typically calculated based on the elevation to the highest sprinkler head, along with the need to overcome friction losses in the piping system.

The correct pressure that a fire pump must deliver to the highest line of sprinkler heads is 25 psi. This is grounded in the standards set by various fire safety codes, which dictate that a minimum pressure of 25 psi must be maintained at the most remote or highest point of the system. This ensures that there is enough pressure to not only reach the sprinklers but also to provide them with sufficient flow to extinguish or control a fire.

Achieving this pressure level is vital for optimal performance during fire suppression scenarios, as inadequate pressure could result in ineffective sprinkler operation and potentially severe repercussions during a fire emergency. Thus, having the fire pump deliver 25 psi at the highest sprinkler head is a critical requirement in standpipe systems to ensure safety and functionality.