Which standpipe type provides a 1½-inch fire hose for use by building occupants and is prohibited in DOD facilities?

• A. Class I Standpipes
• B. Class II Standpipes
• C. Class III Standpipes
• D. Class IV Standpipes

Answer: (B)

Standpipe systems are categorized by hose size and who is intended to use them. Providing a 1½-inch hose for building occupants points to a Class II standpipe. This setup gives occupants a smaller-diameter hose with a nozzle that they can operate to start suppression or aid in evacuation until trained firefighters arrive.

DoD facilities prohibit this class because relying on untrained occupants to handle a fire hose can create safety risks and interfere with coordinated firefighting and evacuation efforts. DoD standards favor configurations that limit operation to trained personnel or that provide an integrated system suitable for both occupants and firefighters, such as firefighter-focused 2.5-inch outlets or a combination arrangement.

The other classes either deliver only firefighter-use outlets (2.5-inch) or include configurations that combine outlets for both occupants and firefighters, so they don’t match the scenario described.