Is a Fire Department Connection (FDC) required for an NFPA 13D type system?

Is a Fire Department Connection (FDC) required for an NFPA 13D type system?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only for commercial use
• D. Only in humid environments

Answer: (B)

A Fire Department Connection (FDC) is not required for an NFPA 13D system primarily because this type of system is designed for residential occupancies and typically utilizes a water supply from the local water system or a storage tank. NFPA 13D systems are intended for the protection of one- and two-family dwellings and are often automated or self-sufficient without reliance on a supplemental fire department connection. While FDCs are essential for larger, more complex systems such as those covered under NFPA 13, which is meant for commercial buildings, the NFPA 13D systems cater specifically to dwellings where fire service involvement and external connections are not part of the required design specifications. Thus, the reliance on a direct water supply rather than an FDC aligns with the purpose and scope of NFPA 13D standards, confirming that an FDC is not necessary for these systems.

A Fire Department Connection (FDC) is not required for an NFPA 13D system primarily because this type of system is designed for residential occupancies and typically utilizes a water supply from the local water system or a storage tank. NFPA 13D systems are intended for the protection of one- and two-family dwellings and are often automated or self-sufficient without reliance on a supplemental fire department connection.

While FDCs are essential for larger, more complex systems such as those covered under NFPA 13, which is meant for commercial buildings, the NFPA 13D systems cater specifically to dwellings where fire service involvement and external connections are not part of the required design specifications. Thus, the reliance on a direct water supply rather than an FDC aligns with the purpose and scope of NFPA 13D standards, confirming that an FDC is not necessary for these systems.