What is the purpose of the Fire Department Connection (FDC) in sprinkler systems?

• A. To connect to municipal water supply and enable external water delivery when needed
• B. To drain the system
• C. To regulate water temperature
• D. To house electrical equipment

Answer: (A)

The Fire Department Connection is an external hook-up that lets firefighters add water into the building’s sprinkler or standpipe system from the municipal supply or their pump trucks. It’s typically a Siamese-style inlet on the outside of the building, designed so two or more hoses can feed water into the system. This setup is used when the building’s internal water supply or pumps aren’t enough to meet the demand of a large fire, ensuring sufficient water flow and pressure reaches the sprinklers. It’s kept accessible and capped when not in use, and is not intended for draining, regulating temperature, or housing electrical equipment.