What is a fire department connection used for?
When a sprinkler system activates, the fire department connects hose lines from a pumper truck to the fire department connection. This connection allows the fire department to supplement the fire protection system in the event of a fire.
Is a fire department connection a standpipe?
The Fire Department Connection, also commonly known as the siamese connection, is an important component found on most sprinkler and standpipe systems. When a fire sprinkler system activates, the FDC provides a means for firefighters to connect hose lines to supplement the fire sprinkler system’s domestic water supply.
What size and type of connections are found on a fire department connection?
Often, the answer is 2.5 inches. That’s because most Class I and Class III standpipe systems feature 2.5-inch hose connections. New York, NY and San Francisco, CA, which commonly use 3-inch FDCs, are exceptions to this rule.
What are Siamese hoses?
A siamese connection or splitter in fire protection engineering is a pipe fitting that allows two or more fire hoses to be connected to a single standpipe riser at the same general location. It is so-called due to the visual similarity to siamese twins.
Which is the most common type of FDC connection?
One of the most common FDCs, known as a Siamese or two-way connection, has two 2 1/2-inch female swivel connections. NFPA requires that all fire department connections use 2 1/2″ National Hose (NH) threaded female couplings unless the authority having jurisdiction designates another specific connection type.
Is FDC required?
A fire department connection (FDC) is required for most NFPA 13 and 13R automatic sprinkler systems and standpipe systems. They are not required for automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes.
What size is a standard fire hydrant connection?
2.5 inch
A standard fire hydrant has two 2.5 inch- hose connection nozzles with 7.5 threads per inch, and one 4.5 inch-pumper connection nozzle with 4 threads per inch. The hose connection nozzle, compared to the pumper connection nozzle, has a lower discharge pressure and can be used directly to fight fires.
What is the difference between a wye and a Siamese?
What is the difference between a Wye and a Siamese? A wye is an appliance that flows from one line into two. A siamese is an appliance that flows 2 or more lines into one.
What is a wall fire hydrant?
Wall hydrant connections are designed for use as a hydrant, roof manifold, or test header. When used as a hydrant or roof manifold, it acts as an auxiliary outlet connection for use by the fire department. When used as a test header, it provides a way to flow test a fire pump or backflow preventer.
Is a standpipe a fire hydrant?
Within the context of a building or bridge, a standpipe serves the same purpose as a fire hydrant. The bar is used to lift a cover in the road, exposing the hydrant. The standpipe is then “sunk” into the hydrant, and the hose is connected to the exposed ends of the standpipe.
How does a fire riser work?
Fire sprinkler risers are, in a sense, where the plumbing outside a building ends and a fire sprinkler system begins. Each riser taps into a permanent source of water, such as a pipe connected to the city water system, a water tank, or reservoir. Sounding the alarm when sprinkler heads activate.
