What is the purpose of a fire department connection?

The purpose of a fire department connection (FDC) is primarily to supplement the water supply to the sprinkler system or standpipe system during a fire incident. When a fire occurs, the existing water supply from the municipal system may not be sufficient to handle the demands of the fire suppression efforts. The fire department connection provides firefighters with the ability to connect their hoses and use additional water sources to enhance the system's capacity. This connection ensures that adequate pressure and flow can be delivered to effectively combat the fire and protect the structure and its occupants.

The other options, while related to fire operations, do not accurately represent the role of the FDC. Connecting hoses for fire department intervention typically occurs at the scene of a fire but does not specifically capture the purpose of the FDC. Draining excess water or monitoring pressure in the system are functions that might be related to other components of fire protection systems but are not the primary function of the FDC itself. Thus, the correct answer highlights the critical role of FDCs in enhancing water supply during firefighting operations.