A fire department connection allows firefighters to maintain the pressure of the primary water supply in a sprinkler system by providing what?

• A. Increase pressure
• B. Maintain pressure
• C. Vent the system
• D. Drain the system

Answer: (B)

The main idea is how a fire department connection supports sprinkler or standpipe pressure by supplying external water to the system. A fire department connection provides a pathway for an engine or other outside source to push water into the building’s piping, allowing firefighters to sustain the water supply during a fire. This added water helps keep the system pressure from falling below what’s needed for effective sprinkler operation, especially when demand is high or the municipal supply can’t meet the momentary needs. The purpose isn’t to vent or drain the system; rather, it’s to maintain the pressure and ensure adequate flow to the sprinklers and standpipes as firefighters work. In practice, when water is pumped into the system through the connection, pressure tends to be kept steady or restored, which aligns with the goal of maintaining system pressure.