Fire Protection Systems Flashcards

What is the minimum water supply duration required for a high-rise sprinkler system under NFPA 13?

Answer: 60 minutes

NFPA 13 requires a minimum water supply duration of 60 minutes for high-rise sprinkler systems.

A dry-pipe sprinkler system is most appropriate for which of the following environments?

Answer: An unheated parking garage in a cold climate

Dry-pipe systems use pressurized air instead of water, preventing pipe freezing in unheated spaces.

Which component in a wet-pipe sprinkler system prevents water from flowing backward into the public water supply?

Answer: Backflow preventer

A backflow preventer stops contaminated water from re-entering the potable water supply.

In a fire alarm system, what does a 'supervisory signal' indicate?

Answer: A system component is impaired but no fire exists

A supervisory signal alerts personnel to an off-normal condition that could affect system performance, such as a closed sprinkler valve.

When a sprinkler system control valve is closed for maintenance, the Fire and Life Safety Director must:

Answer: Implement a fire watch and notify the AHJ and fire department

Closing a sprinkler control valve impairs fire protection, requiring an immediate fire watch and notification to the AHJ and fire department.

A pre-action sprinkler system requires which TWO conditions before water is released?

Answer: Smoke detection AND sprinkler head activation

Pre-action systems require both detection device activation and sprinkler head fusing before water discharges, providing double-interlock protection.

The fire pump starts automatically when system pressure drops to what condition?

Answer: When a sprinkler head opens and pressure falls below the pump churn pressure

The fire pump starts automatically when system pressure drops below its cut-in pressure, typically triggered by sprinkler head opening.