What is the purpose of fire department connections (FDC) in a fire protection system?

Fire department connections (FDC) are specifically designed to enable firefighters to quickly access an external water supply for the purpose of combating a fire in or near the structure. When firefighters arrive at an emergency scene, they may need additional water to supplement the existing water supply in a building's sprinkler system or standpipe.

The FDC provides a point where firefighters can connect their hoses to draw water from a pressurized source, typically a hydrant or a tanker, directly into the fire protection system. This access can be crucial in effectively mitigating the spread of fire and protecting lives and property.

While increasing pressure in the sprinkler system is important at times, the primary function of the FDC centers around allowing direct access for firefighters. Furthermore, while monitoring for leaks is a critical part of fire protection maintenance, it is not a function of the FDC. Lastly, although FDCs can act as a supplementary water source, they do not serve exclusively as a backup to the municipal supply; instead, they are intended to enhance the available resources in emergency situations.