F02 Sprinkler Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What color coding indicates a sprinkler head with a 200°F activation temperature?
- Uncolored/black
- White
- Green (Correct answer)
- Blue
Correct answer: Green
Green-colored sprinkler heads or green glass bulbs indicate a 200°F (93°C) activation temperature, which is classified as intermediate temperature rating.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the main drain test on a sprinkler system?
- To empty the system for maintenance
- To verify adequate water supply and detect obstructions (Correct answer)
- To test individual sprinkler heads
- To check the fire alarm connection
Correct answer: To verify adequate water supply and detect obstructions
The main drain test evaluates the water supply conditions by checking water pressure and flow, and can help detect any significant obstructions in the water supply piping.
Question 3: What is an obstruction investigation in a sprinkler system?
- Checking for furniture blocking sprinkler heads
- An internal inspection of sprinkler pipes for blockages from debris, corrosion, or foreign materials (Correct answer)
- Inspecting exit routes for obstructions
- Checking fire doors for proper closure
Correct answer: An internal inspection of sprinkler pipes for blockages from debris, corrosion, or foreign materials
An obstruction investigation involves opening and inspecting the interior of sprinkler piping to check for debris, corrosion, scale, or other materials that could restrict water flow.
Question 4: What is the minimum clearance required between stored materials and sprinkler deflectors?
- 6 inches
- 12 inches
- 18 inches (Correct answer)
- 24 inches
Correct answer: 18 inches
NFPA requires a minimum 18-inch clearance between the top of stored materials and sprinkler deflectors to ensure proper water distribution and spray pattern development.
Question 5: What component prevents water from flowing backward from the sprinkler system into the public water supply?
- Gate valve
- Check valve or backflow preventer (Correct answer)
- Pressure relief valve
- OS&Y valve
Correct answer: Check valve or backflow preventer
A check valve or backflow preventer is installed to prevent potentially contaminated water from the sprinkler system from flowing back into the public water supply.
Question 6: When should spare sprinkler heads be kept on the premises?
- Only during fire watches
- At all times, with at least 6 spare heads of each type installed in the building (Correct answer)
- Only when the system is more than 10 years old
- Spare heads are never required
Correct answer: At all times, with at least 6 spare heads of each type installed in the building
NFPA 25 requires buildings to maintain a supply of spare sprinkler heads on the premises at all times, with a minimum of 6 heads for systems with under 300 heads.
F02 Sprinkler Systems 2
What color coding indicates a sprinkler head with a 200°F activation temperature?