What defines a standpipe system in a building or structure?

A standpipe system is primarily defined as an arrangement of piping designed for the discharge of water for firefighting purposes. This system allows firefighters to connect hoses and access water directly from the piping network within a building, making it crucial for effective fire suppression. Standpipes can be located in stairwells or other accessible areas and are strategically installed to provide water to various floors of a building during an emergency.

While other options relate to different systems or functions within fire protection and building safety, they do not accurately describe what a standpipe system is. For example, the prevention of backflow is related to cross-connection control in plumbing but does not specifically pertain to the definition of a standpipe. Similarly, a network of automatic sprinkler heads describes a different fire suppression system that operates independently of standpipe systems. Air pressurization methods may be part of smoke control strategies in high-rise buildings, but they also do not define a standpipe system. Thus, the defining characteristic of standpipes lies in their role as a water conveyance system for fighting fires.