FLSD Fire Suppression Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which NFPA standard establishes requirements for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems?
- NFPA 13
- NFPA 25 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 72
- NFPA 101
Correct answer: NFPA 25
NFPA 25 is the Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, covering sprinklers, standpipes, and related equipment.
Question 2: How often must a main drain test be performed on a wet pipe sprinkler system per NFPA 25?
- Monthly
- Quarterly
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 25 requires an annual main drain test to verify adequate water supply and detect potential obstructions in the sprinkler system piping.
Question 3: How does a deluge sprinkler system differ from other sprinkler system types?
- It uses dry chemicals instead of water
- All sprinkler heads are open and water flows from every head simultaneously upon activation (Correct answer)
- It activates only in the single zone where fire is detected
- It requires manual activation by the FLSD before water discharges
Correct answer: All sprinkler heads are open and water flows from every head simultaneously upon activation
In a deluge system all sprinkler heads are open (no fusible elements), so when the system activates, water flows simultaneously from every head in the protected area.
Question 4: Per NFPA 13, what is the minimum required clearance between sprinkler head deflectors and the top of stored materials?
- 6 inches
- 12 inches
- 18 inches (Correct answer)
- 24 inches
Correct answer: 18 inches
NFPA 13 requires a minimum 18-inch clearance between sprinkler deflectors and the top of storage to allow proper water distribution pattern below the heads.
Question 5: When a sprinkler system must be taken out of service for maintenance, what must the FLSD implement per NFPA 25?
- Notify building management only and document in the logbook
- An impairment program that includes a fire watch (Correct answer)
- Shut down all building operations on affected floors
- Evacuate all non-essential personnel from the entire building
Correct answer: An impairment program that includes a fire watch
NFPA 25 requires a formal impairment program when a water-based fire suppression system is out of service, which must include a fire watch to compensate for the loss of automatic protection.
Question 6: What color coding indicates a sprinkler head rated for ordinary temperature service (135–170°F)?
- Red band
- Yellow or green band
- Uncolored (natural brass) (Correct answer)
- Blue band
Correct answer: Uncolored (natural brass)
Sprinkler heads in the ordinary temperature range (135–170°F) have no color coding and appear as natural brass or uncolored, per NFPA 13 color coding standards.
Question 7: In New York City, when must the FDNY be notified that a sprinkler or standpipe system is out of service?
- Within 24 hours of any impairment
- When the system is out of service for more than 4 hours (Correct answer)
- Only when the entire system is impaired, not individual zones
- At the start of every business day during any impairment
Correct answer: When the system is out of service for more than 4 hours
NYC Fire Code requires the FDNY to be notified whenever a sprinkler or standpipe system will be out of service for more than 4 hours so they can respond appropriately.
FLSD Fire Suppression Systems 2
Which NFPA standard establishes requirements for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems?