What must all fire department connections be equipped with?

All fire department connections must be equipped with a listed check valve to ensure that water can flow into the sprinkler system from the fire department without the risk of backflow. This is critical in maintaining the integrity of the water supply in emergency situations. The check valve prevents water from flowing back into the fire department’s water system, which could potentially contaminate the water supply or diminish the effectiveness of the firefighting efforts.

While other components such as manual valves or pressure gauges may be useful in some contexts, they are not universally required for all fire department connections. The presence of a listed check valve is essential for the safe and efficient operation of fire sprinkler systems. This regulation helps ensure that once firefighters connect to the system, their water supply remains uncontaminated and effective during a fire response.