Firefighter Protection Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sprinkler system uses pipes filled with pressurized air and a dry-pipe valve to prevent freezing?
- Wet-pipe system
- Dry-pipe system (Correct answer)
- Deluge system
- Preaction system
Correct answer: Dry-pipe system
A dry-pipe system keeps pressurized air in the pipes until a head opens, releasing water, which protects unheated spaces from freezing.
Question 2: A fusible-link sprinkler head activates when the link does what?
- Melts at a rated temperature (Correct answer)
- Detects smoke particles
- Senses carbon monoxide
- Loses electrical signal
Correct answer: Melts at a rated temperature
Fusible-link heads contain a solder link that melts at a set temperature, opening the head to release water.
Question 3: What color of sprinkler head glass bulb indicates an ordinary temperature rating (135-170°F)?
- Green
- Orange or red (Correct answer)
- Blue
- Purple
Correct answer: Orange or red
Orange (135°F) and red (155-170°F) bulbs indicate ordinary temperature ratings.
Question 4: A deluge system is BEST suited for which hazard?
- A frozen warehouse
- A high-hazard area needing rapid total water application (Correct answer)
- A residential bedroom
- A computer server room
Correct answer: A high-hazard area needing rapid total water application
Deluge systems have open heads and flood an entire area at once, ideal for high-hazard occupancies like aircraft hangars.
Question 5: What device on a sprinkler system signals the alarm when water begins to flow?
- Water flow switch (Correct answer)
- Pull station
- PIV
- OS&Y valve
Correct answer: Water flow switch
A water flow switch (vane or pressure type) detects flow and activates the alarm.
Question 6: A preaction system requires which two events before water is discharged?
- A detector activation and a sprinkler head opening (Correct answer)
- Two sprinkler heads opening
- A power loss and manual reset
- Smoke and CO detection together
Correct answer: A detector activation and a sprinkler head opening
Preaction systems require both a detection device to trip the valve and a head to open, preventing accidental water damage.
Question 7: Why should firefighters avoid shutting down a sprinkler system too early during overhaul?
- It voids the warranty
- Hidden or rekindling fire may flare up without protection (Correct answer)
- It damages the pump
- It triggers a false alarm
Correct answer: Hidden or rekindling fire may flare up without protection
Premature shutdown removes fire protection while hidden fire may still be active, risking rekindle.
Firefighter Protection Systems 2
Which sprinkler system uses pipes filled with pressurized air and a dry-pipe valve to prevent freezing?