4.02 Fire Department Connection Omission

Reference: 2007 C.B.C. Section 903

In the past, it was the Fire Department's position to allow the omission of a Fire Department Connection in buildings with fewer than 20 sprinkler heads per floor. This was allowed by N.F.P.A. 13, as it left the decision up to the Authority Having Jurisdiction. However, due to Standard changes, the 2002 edition of NFPA 13 section 8.17.2 no longer allows the omission of an FDC except in the following circumstances:

Exception 1. Buildings located in remote areas that are inaccessible for fire department support.

Exception 2. Large-capacity deluge systems exceeding the pumping capacity of the fire department.

Exception 3. Single-story buildings not exceeding 2,000 sq. ft. in area.

Furthermore, the 2002 edition of NFPA 13R section 6.6.4 requires an FDC except in the following circumstances:

Exception 1. Buildings that do not exceed 2000 square feet.

Exception 2. Buildings with only 1 story.

It is the Fire Department's position that an FDC will be required except in the instances outlined above.