What is the purpose of a fire department connection (FDC) to a building’s sprinkler or standpipe system?

• A. To supply water into or boost pressure to the building’s water system for suppression
• B. To drain the system
• C. To monitor temperature
• D. To measure flow

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the fire department connection provides a ready entry point to get water into the building’s sprinkler or standpipe system when the building’s own water supply isn’t enough or the pressure is too low for effective suppression. On scene, firefighters attach their pumpers to the FDC and pump water into the system, boosting both the flow and pressure so water reaches all parts of the system, especially higher floors or distant sections. The FDC is typically externally mounted with multiple inlets and is connected into the standpipe or sprinkler main, often with a check valve to protect the public water supply. It isn’t used for draining the system, monitoring temperature, or measuring flow.