What is the primary purpose of a fire department connection (FDC) in a standpipe system?

The primary purpose of a fire department connection (FDC) in a standpipe system is to supply water through the FDC to the standpipe. This allows firefighters to connect their hoses to the standpipe system, providing a rapid and efficient means of delivering water to suppress a fire. The FDC is designed to give access to an external water source, ensuring that the standpipe can be adequately charged with water to assist in firefighting efforts.

By facilitating the addition of water from a hydrant or other external supply, the FDC plays a critical role in enhancing the capabilities of the standpipe system, especially in high-rise buildings or complex structures where internal water supplies may be limited. This ensures that crews have the immediate resources needed to combat fires effectively and can operate efficiently without delays often associated with finding and setting up alternative water sources. Overall, the FDC is vital for ensuring an adequate water supply is available at the standpipe during emergencies.