Everything You Always Wanted to Know about FDCs
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) tracks fire statistics annually. In 2019, there were 1,291,500 fires in the U.S., and 3,704 people lost their lives. Fires cost more than $14 billion each year.
One fire is too many, but there are tools and guidelines designed to help mitigate the risk of fire. Your business fire safety systems start with sprinklers, and these systems receive a critical boost — and increase the fire department’s ability to fight a fire — from FDCs.
What is an FDC?
A fire department connection (FDC) is infrastructure piping that allows fire and rescue to pump water directly into the standpipe or sprinkler system of your building. With FDCs, your fire suppression system works more effectively. Most businesses have no idea of the positive impact an FDC can have on the success of first responders in fighting a fire.
In the event of a crisis, your local fire department can connect its truck’s pump hose to the FDC, which is connected to your sprinkler system. Most of the time, the FDC has a Y-shaped pipe (i.e., an inlet valve) with two 2.5-inch female fittings. The inlet then connects to a 5-inch outlet pipe directly behind the wall of the building. That pipe connects to your sprinkler system and includes a check valve to prevent backflow.
The FDC is typically located on or around the exterior of the building. It should be clearly marked with a sign indicating to the fire department whether the unit supplies a standpipe or a fire sprinkler system. It should also list the maximum pressure allowed and what section of the building is covered by the FDC equipment.
Pumping water into the FDC, and into your sprinkler system, can keep water pressure flowing smoothly and act as a backup in case of:
A closed valve between the domestic water supply your sprinkler system normally draws from; if this occurs, the sprinklers will activate without the water necessary to quench the fire. The FDC bypasses this issue by sending water directly where it needs to go for sprinklers to work effectively.
A building occupancy increase since the sprinkler infrastructure was originally installed.
FDCs are required for any commercial building and its fire sprinkler systems under NFPA 13 and 14. Without these critical tools for fire safety, your building and its occupants are at higher risk.
Why do FDCs matter to your business?
FDCs are an important part of your overall fire protection safety net. An effective sprinkler system is only the first line of defense against a commercial building fire. While a sprinkler system initiates the fire suppression response, the FDC allows the fire department to add its support and suppress flames more rapidly with an additional water supply.
Maintain your FDC by having it inspected along with your sprinkler system. Keep the connection point clear of landscaping and other debris. Have the unit flushed every few years to ensure it’s free of blockages. Make sure the FDC is well away from traffic to avoid damage, and reach out to your fire department for a visual inspection of your FDC. Finally, work with a qualified fire, life, safety company to regularly inspect and maintain your sprinkler system.
Contact TRL Systems for all your fire, life, safety needs at fire@TRLsystems.com or 1-800-266-1392.