The Disrespected FDC Building Connection You need to make sure there working

At left is a Typical Y hose connection you might find on the outside of a building Known as a Fire Department Connection or FDC it is used to supply either a Dry Pipe run inside a multi story building which has no water in it, which feeds outlets on each floor to allow Firefighters to hook up a hose from there High Rise Pack to fight a fire instead of having to drag hoses all the way thru a building and they are also used on Fire Protection Sprinkler System in case pressure is low in the system to boost the pressure up.

In either case a Fire Engine which is attached to a hydrant for water supply
is hooked to the FDC connection which allows firefighters to fight the fire.

it is absolutely critical that no debris be allowed to block the FDC inlet pipes but all to often caps are removed by vandals and pipes stuffed with debris or scrap thieves have stolen the caps even the whole Y connection.

Because of these actions should this connection be needed there is no way to hook up to the system which could prevent bringing the fire under control and the building lost.
This is why when Sprinkler systems and dry stand pipes are inspected annually they should also be inspected and repaired and cleaned if required and checked to make sure no threads are busted.

They also need clearly marked with signs if needed and Fire codes require either a Bell or strobe/horn put near there location to help fire depts find them, and no debris etc around them so they can be quickly gotten to just like a Fire Hydrant.

The other unfortunate problem with FDC is many depts do not get a lot of practice time with these connections and there have been cases where the sprinkler company installed the wrong thread Say Pittsburgh 6 or 8 Instead of National Pipe Standard. In which case unless you have an adapter you can not connect .

There is also the problem where if you have an inexperienced pump operator hooking into the connection they drive in to much water pressure and can bust the pipes.

As critical as these connections are they are often overlooked and neglected. This is why they should be part of the regularly scheduled things you check as you go about your property doing routine maintenance. These connections my never be needed the entire life of the building but it only takes the one time it is needed and not available to bring tragedy.