Fire Protection Systems Flashcards

What is the purpose of a waterflow alarm switch on a sprinkler system?

Answer: To send an alarm signal when water flows through the sprinkler piping

A waterflow alarm switch (paddle-type or vane-type) detects movement of water in the piping and transmits an alarm signal to the fire alarm panel.

Which condition would most likely cause a dry-pipe sprinkler system to have a prolonged water delivery time to an open sprinkler head?

Answer: Excessive air pressure maintained in the system piping

Excessive air pressure in a dry-pipe system delays valve tripping and increases the time for water to travel from the valve to the open sprinkler head.

Under NFPA 72, a fire alarm system in a building must transmit a signal to the supervising station within how many seconds of alarm activation?

Answer: 60 seconds

NFPA 72 requires that a fire alarm signal be received at the supervising station within 60 seconds of initiation at the protected premises.

What is the function of a tamper switch installed on a sprinkler system control valve?

Answer: To send a supervisory signal when the valve is moved from the full-open position

A tamper switch monitors the position of control valves and transmits a supervisory signal to the fire alarm panel if a valve is moved from its normal fully-open position.

A building's sprinkler system riser has a pressure gauge reading of zero on both the supply side and system side. The most likely cause is:

Answer: The main control valve is closed and must be restored

Zero pressure on both sides of the riser most likely indicates the main control valve is closed, cutting off the water supply to the entire system.

Which extinguishing agent is considered environmentally safe and is commonly used as an alternative to halon in clean agent fire suppression systems?

Answer: FM-200 (HFC-227ea)

FM-200 (HFC-227ea) is a widely used halon replacement that is effective for fire suppression, safe for occupied spaces at design concentration, and has zero ozone depletion potential.

During an impairment to a fire protection system, what document must be completed and posted to notify building management and occupants?

Answer: An impairment tag or out-of-service notice

An impairment tag (or out-of-service notice) must be posted at the affected system and at the fire alarm panel to notify all responsible parties of the system's impaired status.