Single Building - Multiple Services and FDCs
Single Building - Multiple Services and FDCs
(OP)
I am looking for another opinion on whether the Fire Department Connections need to be "interconnected" when a large building is supplied by more than one underground service/riser. The case I have in mind is a large warehouse (200,000 sq ft) with risers at opposite ends as was commonly done in the past. Is there a code requirement or good practice recommendation?
NFPA 13-2010 paragraph 8.17.2.4.5 states "Where a fire department connection services only a portion of a building, a sign shall be attached indicating the portions of the building served."
Is section intended to apply to a partially sprinklered buildings to advise that the entire building is not protected? Or is it intended to permit multiple FDCs as long as you clearly indicated which portion of the building it protects?
I am aware that NFPA 14 paragraph 7.5.1 states "Where two or more standpipes are installed in the same building or section of building, they shall be interconnected." But for this specific case there would be no standpipes.
NFPA 13-2010 paragraph 8.17.2.4.5 states "Where a fire department connection services only a portion of a building, a sign shall be attached indicating the portions of the building served."
Is section intended to apply to a partially sprinklered buildings to advise that the entire building is not protected? Or is it intended to permit multiple FDCs as long as you clearly indicated which portion of the building it protects?
I am aware that NFPA 14 paragraph 7.5.1 states "Where two or more standpipes are installed in the same building or section of building, they shall be interconnected." But for this specific case there would be no standpipes.





RE: Single Building - Multiple Services and FDCs
With that said, remember that the purpose of the FDC is to supplement the automatic sprinkler system. As someone who spent a few years fighting structure fires while getting my degree, such a FDC arrangement is putting a lot of faith on the back of the firefighters assuming they will connect to the correct FDC. The cost of the added pipe is incidental in my mind versus the potential loss if an Engine company doesn't selecting the correct FDC.
The proposed design in your post meets the minimum NFPA 13 requirements. However, the owner should understand the ramifications of assuming that the firefighters on Engine Company XX will select the correct FDC, especially if the fire occurs at the boundary of the 2 sprinkler systems at 3:30 AM.
RE: Single Building - Multiple Services and FDCs
Also, you can bring all the FDC's back to a locations and put the alarms/strobes there as well. that way if the FD wants to hook up to more than one FDC - they are able to do so without having to travel the distance of the building.
RE: Single Building - Multiple Services and FDCs
Yea BUT when the pump operator puts more pressure into the FDC then what he/she has coming into the pump they are in fact supplying ALL the water to the sprinkler system. By increasing the pressure they are shutting off the supply of water from the underground water main via the backflow preventor and or check valve that will close. Until the pressure is lower on the sprinkler/standpipe side of the check valve it will not open. I never understood the position of NFPA 13 on this.
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Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters' Lives Too!
RE: Single Building - Multiple Services and FDCs
That is my take on the intent as an engineer, not a firefighter, and based on input from fellow FPEs and AHJs. Stookey can provide better insight than me to that end.
Real world knowledge doesn't fall out of the sky on a parachute, but rather is gained in small increments during moments of panic or curiosity.
RE: Single Building - Multiple Services and FDCs
Good luck gouveia. We answered your question.
RE: Single Building - Multiple Services and FDCs