What is the maximum distance between a fire department connection and the nearest hydrant connected to an approved water supply?

• A. 50 ft
• B. 100 ft
• C. 200 ft
• D. 75 ft

Answer: (B)

The distance is limited to 100 feet to ensure the fire department can quickly establish a reliable water supply when connecting to the building’s standpipe or sprinkler system. Shorter hose runs from the hydrant to the fire department connection minimize friction losses and pressure drop, so the flow coming into the standpipe remains ample for effective firefighting. Measuring is done along the practical route a pumper crew would use to reach the FDC, not through walls or obstacles. If no hydrant is within that 100-foot reach, designers typically add another hydrant or adjust the FDC placement to maintain rapid hookup and adequate flow.