Fire Department Connections Archives

#448 – Why Ball Drip Valves Don’t Totally Seal During Hydrostatic Tests

March 28, 2024March 27, 2024

Some water leaks out of the ball drip valve under an FDC while doing a hydrostatic test. Is this normal? Learn why it is and what to do.

#444 – Wall Hydrants vs Fire Department Connections: What’s the Difference?

February 2, 2024January 31, 2024

Wall hydrants look similar to FDCs but flow water the other way. Learn how each works, when they’re needed, the maintenance requirements, and more.

#439 – How to Replace an FDC Cap or FDC Plug

November 29, 2023November 22, 2023

Fire department connections must remain covered to protect the system’s pipe and water supply. Here’s how to replace FDC plugs and caps.

#377 – 3 Essential Firefighter Tools That Get the Job Done

February 4, 2021February 2, 2021

Learn about glow-in-the-dark rope, a sprinkler shutoff multitool, and FDC connections in this rundown of essential firefighter tools.

#292 – You (Probably) Don’t Have a 3” FDC: Sizing FDC Fire Equipment, Caps, & Plugs

November 6, 2019

Countless consumers order the wrong fire department connection caps and plugs. Choose the right size and thread for your FDC fire equipment with this guide.

#249 – Choosing a Replacement Fire Department Connection (FDC): Frequently Asked Questions

November 23, 2022August 14, 2019

Building owners and facility managers often find the process of replacing a fire department connection, or FDC, confusing. QRFS looks at FDCs from a buyer’s perspective, answering frequently asked questions about this important piece of fire protection equipment.

#218 – Comparing Harrington, Fyrelane, and Kochek Storz Connections

July 2, 2019

QRFS looks at three manufacturers of Storz products for fire protection: Kochek, Harrington, and Fyrelane USA, introducing their experience in the fire protection industry and comparing their Storz hydrant converters, fire department connections, and more.

#178 – Fire News Round-Up: Rural Fire Departments and Wildfire Prep

May 3, 2019May 3, 2019

A look at news with an impact on fire professionals at work outside of America’s urban areas. From irreverent approaches to firefighter recruitment to mergers between small-town fire departments and wildfire preparation, here’s the news worth knowing.

#170 – Storz Blind Caps for Storz FDCs and Fire Hydrant Storz Connections

April 22, 2019April 19, 2019

A Storz fire hydrant or a Storz fire department connection without a cap or plug is a rare sight—and cause for concern. QRFS takes a look at Storz blind caps, explaining what they are, what they’re made of, and what they do for an FDC or fire hydrant connection.