PHOTO SHOWS → SEVERELY DEFICIENT FDC
→ Missing caps → Painted/rusted threads → No visible signage → Debris contamination risk → Immediate fire-suppression impairment
What You Are Looking At
- Exterior Fire Department Connection (FDC), typically:
- 2 × 2½-inch female swivels or
- Single 4-inch Storz inlet.
- Allows firefighters to pump water into a fire sprinkler or standpipe system to maintain/boost pressure during a fire.
Why This Is a Serious Concern
- Missing caps allow debris, insects, rocks, trash, and vandalism → obstructs sprinkler/standpipe pipework.
- Painted-over or corroded threads prevent hose attachment → delays fire department operation.
- No FDC signage = wasted time during smoke/low visibility.
- Impaired FDC = fire cannot be controlled, even if sprinklers exist.
Good Condition (Acceptable)
- Breakable, threaded, or listed protective caps installed on every inlet.
- Reflective FDC sign (red letters on white background), mounted 5–7 ft above the inlet.
- Swivels/threads clean, unpainted, lubricated, and able to rotate freely.
- No debris visible inside the female swivels.
- Current annual inspection tag attached; no physical damage.
Fix Needed – HIGH PRIORITY (Life-Safety / Total-Loss Hazard)
- Caps missing, broken, or mismatched (as shown).
- Swivels frozen, painted, rusted, or physically damaged.
- No visible “FDC – FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION” signage.
- Debris, leaves, or foreign material inside inlet.
- FDC obstructed by landscaping, vehicles, or building alterations.
Corrective Actions & Proper Recommendation
Immediate
- Install approved FDC caps on both inlets.
- Mount reflective “FDC – FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION” signage 5–7 ft above the connection.
Within 7 Days
- Brush and clean threads to remove rust/paint; lubricate swivels.
- Remove debris from inlet; verify unobstructed piping.
Within 30 Days
- Schedule licensed fire sprinkler contractor to perform:
- annual FDC check per NFPA 25,
- flow test and functional verification,
- 5-year obstruction investigation as required.
- Attach updated inspection/service tag.
Exact Report Wording Suggestions
“Good”
“FDC equipped with intact caps, reflective signage visible, swivels clean and functional, and current NFPA 25 test tag.”
“Fix Needed – HIGH RISK”
“Fire Department Connection missing caps, threads rusted/painted, and no signage. System impairment—fire department cannot supply water. Recommend installing caps and sign today, cleaning/lubricating threads, and scheduling annual NFPA 25 inspection within 30 days.”
LCA Certified Inspector Motto
“Cap it. Sign it. Clean it. Tag it. Rec it.”
Disclosure
This card highlights common impairment issues for Fire Department Connections. Requirements for FDC signage, caps, inspections, accessibility, and testing vary by NFPA 25 (2023 ed.), NFPA 13, NFPA 14, and local fire-marshal requirements. Always confirm local code adoption and consult a licensed fire-protection contractor when an FDC is missing caps, signage, or shows thread damage.
© 2026 SpotRisk, Inc.