Are Fire Department Connections (FDCs) required for NFPA 13R systems?

Fire Department Connections (FDCs) are an essential part of fire protection systems, particularly in buildings where they may assist firefighters in quickly connecting and accessing water supply for firefighting efforts. When considering NFPA 13R systems, which are designed for residential occupancies and focus on life safety rather than property protection, the regulations dictate specific criteria for the installation of FDCs.

The correct choice indicates that FDCs are indeed required except for single-story buildings that are under 2000 square feet. This is rooted in the principle that smaller, single-story structures generally have less risk and complexity associated with firefighting operations, making the immediate need for an FDC less critical. For larger and multi-story buildings, the risk increases, and having an FDC provides a more reliable way for firefighters to access a supplementary water supply for extinguishing potential fires. In contrast, buildings that do not meet the criteria of reduced risk based on size or occupancy type necessitate the installation of FDCs as a part of the fire safety strategy outlined in NFPA 13R.

Understanding these requirements helps ensure that sprinkler systems are adequately designed to meet safety standards based on the type and size of the building, thereby protecting lives and property more effectively.