For FDC piping of 3 inches or smaller, how many inlets are required?

For Fire Department Connection (FDC) piping that is 3 inches in diameter or smaller, the requirement is to have one inlet. This standard is based on fire protection guidelines which streamline the connection process for fire services, ensuring they can efficiently connect their hoses to the system. The design is focused on practicality, as having a single inlet for smaller diameter pipes simplifies the layout, reduces potential leak points, and avoids unnecessary complexity in the fire protection system. With one inlet, firefighters can effectively utilize the available flow without the complications that come with multiple inlets, which are generally reserved for larger diameter piping systems where higher water demands and flow rates necessitate additional connections.