Fire Department connection according to NFPA 13

Fire Department Connection (FDC)

Fire Department Connection according to NFPA 13

What is Fire department connection (FDC)?!

A connection through which the fire department can pump supplemental water into the sprinkler system, standpipe, or other water-based fire protection systems, furnishing water for fire extinguishment to supplement existing water supplies.

Purpose of FDC:

To supplement the water supply but not necessarily provide the entire sprinkler system demand, Fire department connections are not intended to deliver a specific volume of water.

When FDC is required:

FDC is required for all building except the followings:

1. Buildings in remote areas inaccessible for fire department.
2. Large-capacity deluge systems exceeding fire department pumping capacity.
3. Single-story buildings not exceeding 185 m2 in area.

Location of FDCs:

At nearest point of fire department apparatus accessibility, or at a location approved by the AHJ.

Installation Height of FDC:

Not less than 500 mm and not more than 1200 mm above grade.

Valves on FDC piping:

• Shutoff valves shall not be permitted in fire department connection piping.
• A listed check valve shall be installed in each fire department connection and shall be located in an accessible location with automatic drain valve where subject to freezing.

Sizing of fire department connection:

The size of the pipe for the fire department connection shall be in accordance with one of the following:

• Pipe size shall be a minimum of 4 in. (100 mm) for fire engine connections.
• Pipe size shall be a minimum of 6 in. (150 mm) for fire boat connections.
• For hydraulically calculated systems, the pipe size shall be permitted to be less than 4 in. (100 mm), but not less than the largest riser.

No. of 2.5” inlets:

• For riser 3” or smaller: Single 2.5” outlet

• For riser larger than 3”: Two 2.5” outlets

Attachments to FDCs:

Approved plugs or caps, properly secured and arranged for easy removal by fire departments.

To know the requirements of fire department connections to be installed for stand pipe system according to NFPA 14, please Click here.

References of this article:

NFPA 13 - 2019 edition (Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems)

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