Fire Safety Sprinkler Systems and Suppression Equipment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the role of the fire department connection (FDC) on a building's sprinkler system?
- It drains the sprinkler system after a fire
- It allows firefighters to pump additional water into the sprinkler system (Correct answer)
- It connects the sprinkler system to the building alarm
- It controls which floors receive water during a fire
Correct answer: It allows firefighters to pump additional water into the sprinkler system
The FDC (siamese connection) allows the fire department to supplement the building's water supply by pumping directly into the sprinkler system.
Question 2: What does a supervisory alarm on a sprinkler system control panel typically indicate?
- A fire has been detected
- A component of the sprinkler system is in an abnormal condition, such as a closed valve (Correct answer)
- The system has been successfully tested
- Water pressure is at normal levels
Correct answer: A component of the sprinkler system is in an abnormal condition, such as a closed valve
A supervisory alarm signals that a system component is out of its normal position or condition — most commonly a control valve that has been closed.
Question 3: How far below a sprinkler head must storage and materials be kept to ensure proper water distribution?
- 6 inches
- 12 inches
- 18 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
Correct answer: 18 inches
A minimum clearance of 18 inches must be maintained below all sprinkler heads to allow water to distribute properly and not be blocked by obstructions.
Question 4: What is a pre-action sprinkler system designed to prevent?
- Fires in high-rise buildings
- Accidental water discharge caused by mechanical damage to sprinkler heads (Correct answer)
- Smoke from spreading through ductwork
- Electrical fires in panel rooms
Correct answer: Accidental water discharge caused by mechanical damage to sprinkler heads
Pre-action systems require both a fire detection signal and a sprinkler head activation before water flows, preventing accidental water damage from inadvertent sprinkler discharge.
Question 5: Which device on a sprinkler system provides a visible and/or audible alert when water begins flowing through the system?
- Pressure gauge
- Water flow alarm (water motor gong) (Correct answer)
- Supervisory switch
- Backflow preventer
Correct answer: Water flow alarm (water motor gong)
A water flow alarm, such as a water motor gong or electronic flow switch, activates when water moves through the system, alerting occupants and the fire department.
Question 6: Under NYC Fire Code, who must be notified when a sprinkler system is taken out of service for planned maintenance?
- Only the building owner
- The FDNY and the building occupants (Correct answer)
- Only the building management company
- No notification is required for planned work
Correct answer: The FDNY and the building occupants
NYC Fire Code requires that the FDNY be notified when a sprinkler system or portion thereof is impaired, and building occupants must also be informed of the impairment.
Fire Safety Sprinkler Systems and Suppression Equipment 2
What is the role of the fire department connection (FDC) on a building's sprinkler system?