912 Fire Department Connections — 2025 California Building Code

[F] 912.1 Installation. Fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with the NFPA standard applicable to the system design and shall comply with Sections 912.2 through 912.6.

[F] 912.2 Location. With respect to hydrants, driveways, buildings and landscaping, fire department connections shall be so located that fire apparatus and hose connected to supply the system will not obstruct access to the buildings for other fire apparatus. The location of fire department connections shall be approved by the fire code official.

[F] 912.2.1 Visible location. Fire department connections shall be located on the street side of buildings or facing approved fire apparatus access roads, fully visible and recognizable from the street, fire apparatus access road or nearest point of fire department vehicle access or as otherwise approved by the fire code official.

[F] 912.2.2 Existing buildings. On existing buildings, wherever the fire department connection is not visible to approaching fire apparatus, the fire department connection shall be indicated by an approved sign mounted on the street front or on the side of the building. Such sign shall have the letters “FDC” not less than 6 inches (152 mm) high and words in letters not less than 2 inches (51 mm) high or an arrow to indicate the location. Such signs shall be subject to the approval of the fire code official.

[F] 912.3 Fire hose threads. Fire hose threads used in connection with standpipe systems shall be approved and shall be compatible with fire department hose threads.

[F] 912.4 Access. Immediate access to fire department connections shall be maintained at all times and without obstruction by fences, bushes, trees, walls or any other fixed or moveable object. Access to fire department connections shall be approved by the fire code official.

Exception s : 1. Fences, where provided with an access gate equipped with a sign complying with the legend requirements of Section 912.5 and a means of emergency operation. The gate and the means of emergency operation shall be approved by the fire code official and maintained operational at all times. 2. When acceptable to the fire authority having jurisdiction, fire department connections for Group I-3 detention facilities may be located inside all security walls or fences on the property.

[F] 912.4.1 Locking fire department connection caps. The fire code official is authorized to require locking caps on fire department connections for water-based fire protection systems where the responding fire department carries appropriate key wrenches for removal.

[F] 912.4.2 Clear space around connections. A working space of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width, 36 inches (914 mm) in depth and 78 inches (1981 mm) in height shall be provided and maintained in front of and to the sides of wall-mounted fire

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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

department connections and around the circumference of free-standing fire department connections, except as otherwise required or approved by the fire code official.

[F] 912.4.3 Physical protection. Where fire department connections are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312 of the California Fire Code .

[F] 912.5 Signs. A metal sign with raised letters not less than 1 inch (25 mm) in size shall be mounted on all fire department connections serving automatic sprinklers, standpipes or fire pump connections. Such signs shall read: “AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS,” “STANDPIPES,” “TEST CONNECTION,” “STANDPIPE AND AUTOSPKR” or “AUTOSPKR AND STANDPIPE,” or a combination thereof as applicable.

[F] 912.5.1 Lettering. Each fire department connection (FDC) shall be designated by a sign with raised letters not less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in height. For manual standpipe systems, the sign shall also indicate that the system is manual and that it is either wet or dry.

[F] 912.5.2 Serving multiple buildings. Where a fire department connection (FDC) services multiple buildings, structures or locations, a sign shall be provided indicating the building, structures or locations served. Where the FDC does not serve the entire building, a sign shall be provided indicating the portions of the building served.

[F] 912.5.3 Multiple or combined systems. Where combination or multiple system types are supplied by the fire department connection, the sign or combination of signs shall indicate both designated services.

[F] 912.5.4 Indication of pressure. The sign also shall indicate the pressure required at the outlets to deliver the standpipe system demand.

Exception: Where the pressure required is 150 pounds per square inch (1034 kPa) or less.

[P] 912.6 Backflow protection. The potable water supply to automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be protected against backflow as required by the Health and Safety Code Section 13114.7.