Date of Publication: January 21, 2026 [2023.21.V-02.C]
Subject: Protection of Standpipe Risers 2024 OBC UPDATE
Summary of updates: New references, new recommendation.
Subject/Incoming Request:
What portions of a standpipe system require protection, as described in sentence 3.2.9.2.(9)?
Executive Summary:
The above sentence has been removed from the OBC. Under the 2024 OBC, protection of aboveground standpipe system piping is governed by the referenced edition NFPA 14 standard.
Considerations:
OBC Article 3.2.9.2.(9) and the rest of the standpipe system design requirements have been moved to Article 3.2.5.9. for the 2024 OBC. However, the article has been reduced and no longer contains requirements for protection of standpipe risers, therefore protection of aboveground piping falls under the requirements found in the appropriate edition (2013) of the NFPA 14 standard. NFPA 14 (2013) splits protection requirements between sprinklered and non-sprinklered buildings, and uses more consistent terminology in describing which portions of a system need protection. Additionally, the 2024 OBC requires hose connections to be placed in exits, which may result in less standpipe system piping being located outside of protected exits.
The City of Kitchener Building Division has produced an excellent document detailing the requirements. Sprinkler Age magazine also has an excellent article giving extensive background on the subject. It is also worth noting that later editions of NFPA 14 (not referenced in the OBC as of this writing) have varying requirements for protection of standpipe system piping, including allowance of “Listed fire wrap or other insulating materials”.
Risk/Benefit Analysis:
Building officials and designers should refer to the referenced version of the NFPA 14 for direction on protection of aboveground standpipe system piping.
Final Recommendation(s):
The referenced edition of NFPA 14 (2013) contains the enforceable provisions for protection of aboveground standpipe system piping.
Recommendation to Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing:
None at this time.
Referenced Documents:
2024 Ontario Building Code [O.Reg 163/24 Amended to 5/25]:
OBC Article 3.2.5.9. of Div. B.
NFPA 14,(2013) Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems
Standpipe Protection- Guide to Protection of Above Ground Piping (NFPA 14 - 2013 Edition) City of Kitchener, Building Division July 10, 2023 Revised July 2025
https://www.kitchener.ca/media/01xa5kgu/dsd_build_protection_of_standpipe.pdf
“Protecting Horizontal Pipes” by Roland J Huggins, PE. Published Oct 30, 2019 in Sprinkler Age (American Fire Sprinkler Association publication):
https://www.sprinklerage.com/standpipes-protecting-horizontal-pipe-2/
Disclaimer:
This guidance document is intended to assist building officials by gathering relevant information to interpret the OBC Act and the prescriptive requirements of the Ontario Building Code, and is intended to be a best practice aid for building officials.
The views expressed within this guidance document should not be considered as the official interpretation of legislated requirements based on the Ontario Building Code, as the final responsibility for interpretation rests with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction. The views of this advisory committee should not be construed as legal advice.