Alarms & Sprinklers

Question 1

List (4) types of spinkler systems?

Answer 1

1. Wet pipe (constantly
   contain pressurised water)
2. Dry pipe (found where pipework is regularly exposed to temperatures below
   freezing point)
3. Alternate wet and dry pipe
4. Pre-action/dry pipe (combination of a standard sprinkler system and an independent
   system of heat or smoke detectors)
5. Residential (simplified form of a
   wet pipe system)
6. Deluge (used in high hazard locations)

Question 2

Label the (20) components of a wet pipe sprinkler system diagram?

Answer 2

1. Main stop valve
2. Non-return valves
3. Alarm valves
4. Local alarm device (LWG)
5. Transponder (ASE)
6. Retard chambers (see alarm valve operation)
7. Pressure gauges
8. Anti-tamper devices (VMA)
9. Pressure switches/ flow switches
10. Jacking pumps

Question 3

List (5) common causes of FIP false alarm?

CRIBB

Answer 3

1. Construction (eg. welding, cutting, grinding)
2. Rainwater in detector
3. Improper installation or maintenance
4. Battery failure
5. Broken sprinkler heads

Question 4

What does VESDA stand for?

Answer 4

Very
Early
Smoke
Detection
Apparatus

Question 5

What is the function of the Fire Indicator Panel (FIP)?

Answer 5

Controls and indicate which fire detectors & suppression systems are activated in a structure.
1. Isolate ‘plant’ specific areas (e.g. air conditioning system)
2. Indicate ‘pumps running’
3. Isolate external public warning bell

Question 6

What is an EWIS? And how is it activated?

Answer 6

An Emergency Warning Intercommunication System is an enhanced fire alarm system used in complex structures.

• Incorporates an evacuation, warning, and PA system.
• Is activated by the FIP.
• Has ability to communicate with remotely located Warden Intercommunication Point (WIP).

Question 7

What are the (4) smoke detectors types?

Answer 7

1. Point type (Ionisation & Photoelectric)
2. Beam type
3. Air sampling type
4. Household type

Photoelectric is PREFERRED type

Question 8

What are the (3) types of detectors?

Note: NOT types of smoke detectors

Answer 8

1. Heat
2. Smoke
3. Flame

Question 9

What are (5) water sources that supply sprinkler systems?

Answer 9

1. Reticulated water supply
2. Gavity tank
3. Ground reservoirs
4. Elevated private reservoirs
5. Pressure tanks

Question 10

There are four (4) causes of alarm activation?

Answer 10

1. The opening of a sprinkler head.
2. The opening of a drain or test valve.
3. Damage to any part of the installation which leads to an outflow of water.
4. A rise in the pressure of the water being supplied to the installation, thus lifting the alarm valve and allowing water to pass to water turbine, operating the LWG and the Direct Brigade Alarm.