A fire department connection to a sprinkler system enables firefighters to

• A. Increase the pressure of the primary water supply
• B. Maintain the pressure of the primary water supply
• C. Provide fire alarm signaling
• D. Vent the system

Answer: (B)

Fire department connections are a way to introduce additional water into a building’s sprinkler or standpipe system so the system can keep its pressure and flow during firefighting. When the sprinkler system is in use, demand can drop the pressure from the building’s own supply; firefighters can connect pumps or supply lines through the connection to deliver more water and sustain the needed pressure. It doesn’t raise the city main’s pressure by itself, nor does it provide alarms or vent the system. The purpose is purely to supplement water to maintain the required system pressure for effective operation.