July 8th, 2019
by Chris Reeves

Want to know more about roof truss failures? Have a question about fire-rated assemblies? Confused about safety glazing on windows and door? In our monthly column — Talking in Code — International Code Council code experts will address some of the typical questions asked of our technical services team regarding current code issues. This feature is not an ICC code opinion, nor is it a committee interpretation, but it is intended to provide clarification of code text for adopting jurisdictions, design professionals and members of the construction industry.

 

International Code: 2015 International Fire Code
Section: 905.4

Question: If a standpipe system is not required by Section 905.3, are Class I standpipe hose connections still required at horizontal exits in accordance with Item #2 of Section 905.4?

Answer: The standpipe hose connection requirements of Section 905.4 are not required unless a standpipe system is required by one of the conditions in Sections 905.3.1 through 905.3.8. The intent of Section 905.4 is to simply specify where hose connections should be located for required standpipe systems. For example, if a Class I standpipe system was required due to building height in accordance with Section 905.3.1, standpipe hose connections in accordance with Section 905.4 would be required. However, for buildings not requiring a standpipe system the provisions of Section 905.4 would not be applicable.

While Item #2 of Section 905.4 requires a standpipe hose connection on each side of the wall adjacent to the exit opening of a horizontal exit, the need for such hose connections is dependent on whether a standpipe system is required in the first place. Therefore, if a standpipe system was not required for the building, compliance with Item #2 of Section 905.4 for horizontal exits would not be required.

 

As always, code opinions issued by International Code Council staff are based on published Code Council codes and do not include local, state or federal codes; policies; or amendments. This opinion does not imply approval of an equivalency, specific product, specific design or specific installation and cannot be published in any form implying such approval by the International Code Council. As this opinion is only advisory, the final decision is the responsibility of the designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code. All code citations reference the 2015 and 2018 International Codes unless otherwise specified.

About the Author
Christopher R. Reeves, P.E., is the director of Architectural & Engineering Services for the International Code Council. He is responsible for the administration of plan review services in all three regional offices: Chicago, Birmingham and Los Angeles. He is also responsible for monitoring the code interpretation service for the Code Council as well as conducting building and sprinkler system plan reviews. In additional to conducting building and fire code related seminars, Reeves also served as the staff liaison for an Ad Hoc Committee on hazardous materials. Reeves is a graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering.