Chapter 7 Fire Protection Systems

Question 1

If the building or area that is on fire is equipped with an automatic fire suppression system, the primary tactic is to __________________.

Answer 1

support the system and let it do its job.

Question 2

The fire death rate in homes protected by a WET pipe sprinkler system is ________ lower than in non-sprinkler-protected homes.

Answer 2

83%

Question 3

The fire damage in homes with wet pipe sprinkler systems is ______ lower than in nonsprinkler-protected homes.

Answer 3

69%

Question 4

The primary purpose of a sprinkler system in a home is to do what?

Answer 4

Allow additional escape time

Question 5

What are three principal causes of unsatisfactory sprinkler performance?

Answer 5

1. A closed valve in the water supply line
2. The delivery of an inadequate water supply to the sprinkler system
3. Occupancy changes that render the installed system unsuitable.

Question 6

What is the type of sprinkler system most often encountered as well as most reliable in fire suppression?

Answer 6

The wet pipe spinkler

Question 7

The dry pipe system is used in areas that might be subjected to _______________.

Answer 7

Freezing temperatures

Question 8

A preaction sprinkler system is also filled with air that may or may not be under pressure. The one difference is that a _________________________;

Answer 8

A sensing device, such as a smoke or heat detector, opens a valve, flooding the piping with water.

Question 9

The most common operational error at properties protected by automatic sprinkler systems is ________________.

Answer 9

shutting down the system prematurely

Question 10

Most departments provide a pressure of _______ to the FDCs.

Answer 10

150psi

Question 11

Many sprinkler systems are designed and tested to a maximum of ______.

Answer 11

175psi

Question 12

Potential problems needing to be addressed when using large-diameter hose to supply a sprinkler or standpipe system.

Answer 12

1. The weight of the hose and water bearing on the intake is significant
2. Kinks are more likely
3. The unisex connection can accidentally disconnect
4. There is no redundancy
5. Standard large-diameter hose is generally tested at a lower pressure than 2 1/2 or 3 inch hose
   - Large-diameter hose is typically tested to 200 psi.

Question 13

Male threads on an FDC are commonly used to ____________ or as a wall hydrant.

Answer 13

test the system (test headers)

Question 14

Deluge systems often protect what?

Answer 14

Highly flammable materials or other high hazard materials.

Question 15

Many facilities that are protected by deluge systems are such that total loss has already occurred in the area of operation. The deluge system is merely for what?

Answer 15

Preventing extension.

Question 16

NFPA 14 lists the 6 types of standpipe systems.

Answer 16

1. Automatic dry
2. Automatic wet - this is the most common type
3. Semiautomatic dry
4. Manual dry
5. Manual wet
6. Combined system

Question 17

System has pressurized air/nitrogen but is connected to a water supply that automatically fills the pipes when a discharge is opened.

Answer 17

Automatic Dry

Question 18

The piping is filled with water and water is provided when a discharge is opened.

Answer 18

Automatic Wet

Question 19

In this system, a dry standpipe admits water into the system piping upon activation of a remote-control device located at a hose connection.

Answer 19

Semiautomatic Dry

Question 20

System is filled with air and does not have a water supply; relies entirely on water provided by the FDC.

Answer 20

Manual Dry

Question 21

System is filled with water connected to a water supply that maintains water in the system, but it is not capable of providing water for FF use unless supplied by the FDC.

Answer 21

Manual Wet

Question 22

This system supplies both sprinklers and standpipes.

Answer 22

Combined System

Question 23

Three classes of standpipes?

Answer 23

Class I, Class II, Class III

Question 24

Class I standpipe

Answer 24

Provides 2 1/2” hose connection to suppluy water for FD use

Question 25

Class II standpipe

Answer 25

Provides 1 1/2” hose connections and hose stations for use primarily by trained personnel

Question 26

Class III standpipe

Answer 26

Provides 1 1/2” hose for trained personnel and 2 1/2” hose connections to supply a larger volume of water for use by FDs.

Question 27

Older codes generally specify _______ at the standpipe outlet, whereas modern codes usually require ______.

Answer 27

65 psi / 100 psi

Question 28

Preincident plan information about the standpipe should include:

Answer 28

1. Standpipe location(s)
2. Location of FDC and hydrant closest to the FDC
3. Special hydraulic considerations
4. Location of fire pump and valves
5. Maximum and minimum pressures
6. Pressure at standpipe outlets
7. Maximum flow

Question 29

Some FDCs have more than two intakes. In most cases, this indicates what?

Answer 29

That a flow greater than 500 gallons per minute may be required. (It is best to supply all intakes to the system being used)

Question 30

Pressure requirements for a standpipe system include:

Answer 30

1. Elevation loss
2. Friction Loss in hose
3. Friction loss in standpipe
4. Nozzle pressure

Question 31

In most operations, an allowance of _____________ of friction loss is adequate for the standpipe system piping.

Answer 31

10 - 15 psi

Question 32

The laws of hydraulics tell us that there is __________ of backpressure for every 1 foot of elevation.

Answer 32

0.434 psi

Question 33

Different extinguishing agents

Answer 33

1. Foam
2. Halon
3. Carbon Dioxide
4. Dry chemical
5. Other inerting systems

Question 34

What is the number one defense against flammable liquid fires but is nearly useless on pressurized liquids or gases?

Answer 34

Foam

Question 35

Will foam suppress a 3-dimensional fire?

Answer 35

No.

Question 36

What increases the effectiveness of water and adheres well to exposed structures?

Answer 36

Class A Foam

Question 37

What are the two types of automatic carbon dioxide systems?

Answer 37

1. Total flooding
2. Local application

Question 38

What is the range of carbon dioxide concentrations if it is being used to suppress a fire?

Answer 38

34-75%

Question 39

Halon is not considered toxic, but the products of decomposition are harmful to humans and might damage some electronic components.

Answer 39

Products of Decomposition: Hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, and hydrogen bromide)

Question 40

Dry chemical systems are used in many other applications such as dip tanks and gasoline dispensing facilities. However _______________ are the predominant application.

Answer 40

Kitchen hood systems