During fire emergencies, what is the role of the fire department connection (FDC)?

The fire department connection (FDC) serves a crucial function during fire emergencies by providing a connection point for firefighters to supplement the water supply of the existing fire protection system, such as standpipe and sprinkler systems. When a building's internal water supply is insufficient to combat a fire, firefighters can connect hoses from fire engines to the FDC. This allows them to introduce additional water directly into the fire protection system, enhancing its capacity and effectiveness in extinguishing the fire.

The significance of this system lies in its ability to provide immediate access to high-pressure water, which is essential during critical moments when a fire is rapidly spreading or when the existing water supply is inadequate. Through the FDC, fire departments can quickly augment water resources, ensuring that they can effectively manage and suppress the fire.

Other functions related to fire protection systems, such as monitoring the integrity of the system, increasing water pressure, or draining non-useable water, do not represent the primary role of the FDC. These functions are handled by different components and systems within the fire protection infrastructure.