All Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems Require an FDC?

6/13/2025

Do all wet systems require an FDC?

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10 Comments

Pete H

6/13/2025 06:18:19 am

From NFPA 13 (2016 Edition):

8.17.2.2 The following systems shall not require a fire department connection:
1) Buildings located in remote areas that are inaccessible for fire department support
2) Large-capacity deluge systems exceeding the pumping capacity of the fire department
3) Single-story buildings not exceeding 2000 sq. ft. in area.

Anthony

6/13/2025 08:18:01 am

Pete got the code section right here. I'd also add its a should provide regardless of the the exceptions.

Glenn Berger

6/13/2025 08:22:51 am

The key words in the code is "shallv require." I would still consider providing the FDC in case 3.

Glenn Berger

6/13/2025 08:23:57 am

"Shall not require" -- stupid thumbs!

Todd E Wyatt

6/13/2025 08:25:08 am

The FDC requirements start in the scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2024) which then references the "NFPA standard applicable to the (sprinkler) system design".

If the "wet system" is to meet NFPA 13, review of that standard will provide additional requirements.

IBC-2024
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Section 912 Fire Department Connections
912.1 Installation
Fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with the NFPA STANDARD APPLICABLE TO THE SYSTEM DESIGN and shall comply with Sections 912.2 through 912.6.
912.2 Location
912.2.1 Visible Location
912.2.2 Existing Buildings
912.3 Fire Hose Threads
912.4 Access
912.4.1 Locking Fire Department Connection Caps
912.4.2 Clear Space Around Connections
912.4.3 Physical Protection
912.5 Signs
912.5.1 Lettering
912.5.2 Serving Multiple Buildings
912.5.3 Multiple or Combined Systems
912.5.4 Indication of Pressure
912.6 Backflow Protection

NFPA 13-2022
Chapter 16 Installation of Piping, Valves, and Appurtenances
16.12* Fire Department Connections.
16.12.1*
Unless the requirements of 16.12.2 are met, a fire department connection shall be provided as described in Section 16.12 in accordance with Figure 16.12.1.
16.12.2
The following systems shall NOT require a fire department connection:
(1) Buildings located in remote areas that are inaccessible for fire department support
(2) Large-capacity deluge systems exceeding the pumping capacity of the fire department
(3) Single-story buildings not exceeding 2000 ft2 (185 m2) in area

Wes

6/13/2025 08:25:21 am

The question doesn’t name 13 vs 13R or 13D. NFPA 13D systems do not require FDCs.

Robert Hughes

6/13/2025 09:05:31 am

Though rare, AHJ sanctioned imited area systems, installed extraneously, typically do not have FDCs either.

Ryan Jacob Geer

9/15/2025 10:14:06 pm

Incline village Nevada, North lake Tahoe fire , Douglas county fire all require FDCs on Houses 13 D .
Ahj has the word .

Jack G

6/13/2025 12:47:02 pm

An FDC is always a good idea whether required or not, even a minimal one where they are not required.
I ve installed them ( with an easily swapped out check/ pipe feature) and used them for flushing the mains yearly if the customer desires this feature.

James E Art Fire Protection Engineer (FPE)

6/13/2025 03:42:48 pm

Balance cost with whether it adds safety!
An FDC is usually brass, costly, and then you need the piping,
fittings and labor.
For a small building less than 2000 sq. ft. usually the Fire Dept can access with a hose, perhaps thru the door or windows!

So the savings is a larger proportion of the total cost,
and the benefit may be minor, if at all.

Also there may be a need to train Fire Departments to hook up the FDC, early in the incident. I have responded to fires where this was overlooked.

Have others seen whether this is common?

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All Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems Require an FDC?

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