FST Fire Detection & Suppression Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of smoke detector is most effective at detecting slow, smoldering fires?
- Ionization detector
- Photoelectric detector (Correct answer)
- Duct smoke detector
- Beam detector
Correct answer: Photoelectric detector
Photoelectric detectors use a light beam and sensor to detect the larger particles produced by slow, smoldering fires more effectively than ionization detectors.
Question 2: A wet pipe sprinkler system differs from a dry pipe system primarily because:
- Wet pipe uses a deluge valve
- Wet pipe pipes are filled with pressurized water at all times (Correct answer)
- Wet pipe requires a heat detector to activate
- Wet pipe operates only in freezing conditions
Correct answer: Wet pipe pipes are filled with pressurized water at all times
In a wet pipe sprinkler system, the pipes are constantly filled with pressurized water, allowing immediate discharge when a sprinkler head fuses.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a fire alarm control panel (FACP)?
- To suppress fires automatically
- To monitor initiating devices and control notification appliances (Correct answer)
- To pressurize stairwells
- To activate the sprinkler system
Correct answer: To monitor initiating devices and control notification appliances
The FACP monitors all initiating devices such as detectors and pull stations, and controls notification appliances like horns and strobes.
Question 4: In a pre-action sprinkler system, water enters the pipes when:
- Any sprinkler head fuses
- A detection device activates AND a sprinkler head fuses (Correct answer)
- Only the fire alarm activates
- The system pressure drops below a set point
Correct answer: A detection device activates AND a sprinkler head fuses
Pre-action systems require both a detection event and a fused sprinkler head before water discharges, providing double confirmation to prevent accidental discharge.
Question 5: What does the acronym 'PASS' refer to in fire extinguisher operation?
- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (Correct answer)
- Point, Activate, Spray, Scan
- Prepare, Aim, Squeeze, Secure
- Pull, Alert, Spray, Sweep
Correct answer: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.
Question 6: Which NFPA standard governs the installation of sprinkler systems in the United States?
- NFPA 72
- NFPA 10
- NFPA 13 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 25
Correct answer: NFPA 13
NFPA 13 is the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, covering design and installation requirements.
Question 7: A heat detector set to activate at 135°F (57°C) is classified as which type?
- Rate-of-rise detector
- Fixed-temperature detector (Correct answer)
- Combination detector
- Restorable detector
Correct answer: Fixed-temperature detector
A fixed-temperature heat detector activates when the ambient temperature reaches a specific pre-set threshold, such as 135°F.
FST Fire Detection & Suppression Systems 2
Which type of smoke detector is most effective at detecting slow, smoldering fires?