Which type of standpipe must be divided into sections?

The correct answer is that a Class 2 standpipe must be divided into sections. Class 2 standpipes are intended primarily for use by trained personnel or firefighters and serve as a source of water for firefighting in buildings that may have some specific hazards or complexities.

Dividing Class 2 standpipes into sections allows for more manageable access and better flow control, particularly in larger structures or high-rise buildings where issues such as pressure loss or water supply limitations may arise. This division ensures that firefighters can more effectively utilize the standpipe system to combat fires in different zones of a building, facilitating life safety efforts and improving operational efficiency during emergencies.

Other types of standpipes, such as Class 1 and Class 3, serve different purposes and have unique design criteria that do not require this sectional division. Class 1 standpipes are primarily aimed at providing water for trained firefighters' use with a 2.5-inch outlet, while Class 3 combines the features of both Class 1 and Class 2, catering to both trained firefighters and building occupants, but does not specifically mandate the need for sections like the Class 2 standpipe does.