What is the function of a fire department connection (FDC) as described in NFPA 13E?

• A. To regulate the pressure of the municipal water main.
• B. To provide an additional water supply to a standpipe or sprinkler system during firefighting operations.
• C. To monitor for gas leaks.
• D. To automatically shut down electrical systems.

Answer: (B)

The fire department connection is an external point that allows firefighters to pump additional water into a building’s standpipe or sprinkler system, increasing the available water during firefighting operations. This helps overcome limitations of the building’s internal supply, especially when demand is high or pressure is insufficient. It’s typically implemented with two inlets so pumper operations can feed water into the system quickly. This feature is not meant to regulate municipal water main pressure, monitor gas leaks, or automatically shut down electrical systems.