ICC Commercial Building Inspector Practice Test

Which of the following is a function of a fire department connection sign?

1. To identify fire lane locations

2. To alert for fire hydrant conditions

3. To facilitate fire department access

4. To mark electrical panels

The correct answer is: To facilitate fire department access

The correct answer highlights the primary purpose of a fire department connection (FDC) sign, which is to facilitate fire department access to water supplies during an emergency. FDCs are critical components in fire protection systems, allowing firefighters to quickly connect hoses to an additional water source, typically when the building's sprinkler system needs more pressure or water supply than is available from local hydrants. By identifying the FDC location, the sign ensures that emergency responders can swiftly find and utilize these connections when every moment counts. Effective visual markers are essential in emergency situations to reduce response time and improve the overall effectiveness of firefighting efforts. The other choices involve important aspects of fire and safety management but do not pertain directly to the specific function of an FDC sign. For instance, identifying fire lane locations and alerting for hydrant conditions relate to general fire safety but do not address the specific intent of the FDC sign. Marking electrical panels, while important for overall building safety, is unrelated to fire department connections.