FDC / sprinkler

Sprinkler FDC Supply Drill

Practice identifying the sprinkler FDC, supplying according to department policy, and avoiding confusion with standpipe operations. This is an original FireOps Calc drill organizer for NFPA 1410-style training and department-level practice.

Use local standards: Set staffing, time benchmark, PPE, water flow, hose load, and pass/fail criteria from your department SOP and official NFPA documents. This page does not reproduce the official NFPA standard.

Objective

Separate sprinkler FDC support from standpipe attack-line operations and reinforce department policy pressure.

Setup

  • Marked sprinkler FDC prop
  • Engine and supply line
  • Building placard or scenario card
  • Evaluator with policy pressure prompt

Evolution flow

Crew identifies the sprinkler FDC and announces objective.
Engineer spots engine and lays supply line to FDC.
Use department policy for target pressure.
Charge supply line and verify no kinks/closed valves.
Discuss sprinkler system support vs handline supply.
Record final pressure and any access issues.

Engineer focus

  • Identify correct FDC type
  • Use department/SOP pressure
  • Keep FDC connections visible and accessible
  • Avoid confusing sprinkler FDC with standpipe FDC
  • Watch for multiple FDCs on the same building

Common mistakes

  • Supplying the wrong FDC
  • Assuming standpipe and sprinkler pressures are identical
  • Failing to remove caps/check swivels
  • Poor hose layout blocking access
Evaluator sheet

Score and debrief

Use this as a printable quick score sheet. Add department-specific time targets and safety requirements before the drill.

Evaluation item
Result
Notes
Water established
Yes / Needs work
 
Line/device deployed safely
Yes / Needs work
 
Target pressure selected correctly
Yes / Needs work
 
Communication clear
Yes / Needs work
 
Kinks/hazards corrected
Yes / Needs work
 
Debrief completed
Yes / Needs work
 

After-action questions

  • What was the first delay in the evolution?
  • Was water available before the crew needed sustained flow?
  • Was the pump pressure chosen from a known source or guessed?
  • What did the engineer have to correct during the drill?
  • What will the crew do differently on the next repetition?