CBI Fire Protection & Life Safety Systems 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to NFPA 13, what is the minimum water supply duration required for a light hazard sprinkler system?
- 15 minutes
- 30 minutes (Correct answer)
- 60 minutes
- 90 minutes
Correct answer: 30 minutes
NFPA 13 requires a minimum 30-minute water supply duration for light hazard occupancies.
Question 2: Which type of sprinkler system is most appropriate for a building where pipes may be subject to freezing temperatures?
- Wet pipe system
- Dry pipe system (Correct answer)
- Deluge system
- Preaction system
Correct answer: Dry pipe system
A dry pipe system keeps the pipes filled with pressurized air rather than water, making it suitable for unheated spaces subject to freezing.
Question 3: Under the International Building Code (IBC), what is the maximum travel distance to an exit in a fully sprinklered business occupancy?
- 200 feet
- 250 feet
- 300 feet (Correct answer)
- 350 feet
Correct answer: 300 feet
The IBC allows a maximum travel distance of 300 feet in sprinklered business occupancies, increased from the 200-foot unsprinklered limit.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a fire department connection (FDC) on a sprinkler system?
- To drain the system after use
- To allow firefighters to supplement system water supply (Correct answer)
- To test the flow alarm
- To connect the system to the city main
Correct answer: To allow firefighters to supplement system water supply
The FDC allows fire department pumper trucks to inject additional water pressure and volume into the sprinkler system during a fire.
Question 5: Which NFPA standard governs the installation of fire alarm systems in buildings?
- NFPA 10
- NFPA 13
- NFPA 72 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 101
Correct answer: NFPA 72
NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, governs the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems.
Question 6: A building inspector finds that the exit signs in a corridor are not illuminated. Which code primarily addresses this requirement?
- NFPA 10
- NFPA 13
- IBC Chapter 10 (Correct answer)
- IBC Chapter 4
Correct answer: IBC Chapter 10
IBC Chapter 10 (Means of Egress) contains requirements for exit sign illumination, including continuous illumination at not less than 5 foot-candles.
Question 7: What minimum fire-resistance rating is required for exit enclosures (stairwells) in buildings four or more stories above grade in accordance with the IBC?
- 1 hour
- 2 hours (Correct answer)
- 3 hours
- 4 hours
Correct answer: 2 hours
The IBC requires exit enclosures in buildings four or more stories above grade plane to have a minimum 2-hour fire-resistance rating.
CBI Fire Protection & Life Safety Systems 1
According to NFPA 13, what is the minimum water supply duration required for a light hazard sprinkler system?