FST Inspection Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which test method involves introducing smoke or aerosol into a smoke detector to verify its operational response?
- Lamp test
- Functional test (Correct answer)
- Sensitivity test
- Walk test
Correct answer: Functional test
A functional test uses smoke or listed aerosol to verify the detector will respond and trigger an alarm signal.
Question 2: A dry pipe valve accelerator is found to be leaking. What does this condition indicate?
- Normal priming water overflow
- Possible system actuation or air pressure loss (Correct answer)
- Over-pressurization of the water supply
- Defective clapper seal only
Correct answer: Possible system actuation or air pressure loss
An accelerator leak may indicate the system has tripped, air pressure is dropping, or the accelerator itself is defective — all requiring immediate investigation.
Question 3: When inspecting portable fire extinguishers, what condition requires the extinguisher to be removed from service?
- Pressure gauge needle in the green zone
- Missing inspection tag only
- Broken or missing tamper seal (Correct answer)
- Extinguisher located within 10 feet of hazard
Correct answer: Broken or missing tamper seal
A broken or missing tamper seal indicates possible unauthorized discharge or tampering and requires the extinguisher be removed from service for inspection.
Question 4: Under NFPA 72, how often must automatic smoke detectors in non-healthcare occupancies be tested?
- Monthly
- Semi-annually
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every 2 years
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 72 requires automatic smoke detectors in most occupancies to be tested annually using an approved method.
Question 5: A technician inspects a kitchen hood suppression system and finds the fusible links have been painted. What action is required?
- Document and retest at next annual inspection
- Replace the fusible links immediately (Correct answer)
- Clean the paint off with solvent
- No action if links move freely
Correct answer: Replace the fusible links immediately
Painted fusible links must be replaced because the coating can prevent proper melting at the rated temperature, delaying system activation.
Question 6: During inspection, a fire pump is found to run but delivers no water pressure. The most likely cause is:
- Clogged pressure gauge only
- Pump running in reverse rotation (Correct answer)
- Excessive suction pressure
- Over-sized impeller
Correct answer: Pump running in reverse rotation
A pump running in reverse rotation due to incorrect wiring will spin but produce little or no pressure, a common cause of this symptom.
Question 7: What is the purpose of the annual 'trip test' performed on a dry pipe sprinkler system?
- To verify the alarm sounds correctly
- To verify the dry pipe valve operates properly and system drains within required time (Correct answer)
- To test water supply pressure only
- To check for corrosion on pipe interiors
Correct answer: To verify the dry pipe valve operates properly and system drains within required time
The annual trip test verifies the dry pipe valve trips properly and that the system delivers water to the inspector's test connection within 60 seconds.
FST Inspection Procedures 3
Which test method involves introducing smoke or aerosol into a smoke detector to verify its operational response?