What is a fire department connection (FDC) for?

A fire department connection (FDC) is primarily used to provide firefighters with an additional water supply when responding to a fire. This connection allows firefighters to tap into a pressurized water source, typically the municipal water supply, and augment the water flow available for firefighting efforts. It offers a reliable way to ensure that enough water is available in situations where building systems may not supply adequate pressure or flow.

When firefighters engage the FDC, they can connect hoses to it and draw extra water directly from the municipal water system, which is crucial in emergency situations. Given that fire departments often encounter scenarios where high volumes of water are needed quickly, the FDC serves as a vital tool to enhance their firefighting capabilities, especially in large commercial buildings or complexes.

Other options provided do not accurately reflect the primary function of an FDC. The connection does not serve to integrate alarms with fire departments, nor does it facilitate the independent operation of sprinklers, nor does it relate to preventing access to the building. The FDC's main purpose is about ensuring that firefighting efforts have adequate water supply when needed most.