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Fire department connections provide firefighters with a critical access point to provide or augment the water supply to a building’s fire protection system, making proper protection of FDCs essential. FDC caps and plugs help keep the inlets and system pipes clear, protect threads, and reduce exposure to debris and vandalism.
QRFS offers a complete range of fire department connection caps and plugs designed to protect FDCs from damage while ensuring firefighters can quickly connect fire hoses to the system during an emergency. Various cap-and-plug options are available in plastic, aluminum, brass, and cast iron to match system requirements, jurisdictions, and preferences.
FDC caps are installed over the fire department connection inlet to prevent debris and various objects from entering the connection. Because FDCs are vulnerable to damage when left exposed, caps help protect the thread and internal components while maintaining proper access for fire crews. QRFS offers breakable caps that break away easily when firefighters need to connect to a fire sprinkler or standpipe system.
Caps are often installed by building owners to deter theft, which is more common with brass FDC plugs. Available options include aluminum and plastic FDC caps.
FDC plugs are commonly used on many standalone and wall-mounted connections. Like caps, plugs help protect FDCs from debris and vandalism, keeping the inlets clear and ready for use. QRFS offers multiple plug styles, including brass FDC plugs, iron FDC plugs, aluminum options, and adjustable plastic designs.
Many models include chains to prevent loss after someone removes the plug for an inspection or service. QRFS plugs are also available in various sizes and thread standards, including NST, NPSH, and NYFD.
Selecting the correct fire department connection caps and plugs helps protect inlets, prevent blockages, and support reliable operation of a fire protection system. With multiple sizes, thread types, and materials available, QRFS makes it easy to find the right solution for new installations or replacements.
Keeping FDCs in good condition helps ensure uninterrupted access to the water supply and reduces the risk of damage that could delay or even prevent emergency response.
Need different fire protection equipment? Check out our selection of:
You can also return to the QRFS home page to view our full inventory.
What is an FDC cap or plug, and why is it important?
An FDC cap or plug covers the inlet of a fire department connection to keep debris, dirt, and objects out of the system piping. Without a proper cap or plug in place, foreign materials can block the FDC and impede water flow during an emergency, potentially causing failures in fire sprinkler and standpipe systems.
What’s the basic difference between an FDC cap and an FDC plug?
An FDC cap typically sits over the inlet, attaches with eye bolts, and is typically breakable for quick emergency access, while a plug threads directly into and out of the inlet.
How do I replace a missing or damaged FDC cap or plug?
Replacing an FDC cap or plug starts by ensuring the FDC is clean and free of obstructions, then removing the old cap or plug by breaking it off or unscrewing it. After removal, you simply install a new cap over the inlet and secure it with eye bolts or thread a new plug into place, making sure it fits snugly and securely.
How do I know which FDC cap or plug size I need?
The key to sizing is measuring the inside diameter of the FDC waterway, not the outside of the swivel/inlet. Most commercial FDCs have an inside diameter of 2-1/2 in., while some jurisdictions use 3 in., and residential connections may be 1-1/2 in.—accurate measurement ensures you order the correct cap or plug size. Read this blog for an in-depth guide to FDC cap and plug sizing.
Can an FDC cap or plug help prevent theft or vandalism?
Yes. Plugs made of aluminum or plastic are often less attractive to thieves than those made of brass, and aluminum or plastic breakable caps have little scrap value, also reducing the risk of theft.
Will installing a cap affect firefighter access?
No—caps designed for FDC use, especially breakable caps, are intended to be easily removed by firefighters using standard tools like a wrench or ax if needed. Cap designs balance protection with accessibility so firefighters can quickly connect hoses and begin pumping water in an emergency.
