CodesNotecards - Exam 3 Flashcards
To react when a fire is detected. A fire protection system is directly tied to the plumbing, mechanical or electrical systems of a building.
What is the overall aim of fire protection system?
Smoke detector
This is especially effective in detecting smoldering fires that do not produce enough heat for sprinkler activation. It is typically tied into the fire alarm system and into the building’s power source.
4-12” from the ceiling
How high should a smoke detector be mounted on a wall?
Single station smoke detector
This type of smoke detector sounds alone when it senses smoke, without ringing the general alarm.
Multiple station smoke detector
This type of smoke detector interconnects all the detectors so that when one goes off, a general alarm will sound.
Clear floor space: 30”x48”, height of 44”-48”
What are the accessibility standards of a fire alarm in regards to clear floor space and height?
Audible (alarm) and visual (strobe light)
A fire alarm must have these to provide more universal design aspects.
5’
What is the maximum length that a fire alarm should be away from an exit or entrance?
An intercom system that directs occupants out of the building. It typical alerts occupants to other types of emergencies such as weather, chemical spill, or terrorist attack.
What is an audio system?
These can be portable, making for easy fire suppression and can be specified by a designer since they are portable and not connected to plumbing. They are usually surface mounted or recessed within a wall using a special cabinet. Have been tested and approved.
Fire extinguishers
75’
What is the maximum distance a person can be away from a fire extinguisher in a room?
Max height: 48” to pull - 42” if over 40 lbs.
What are the accessible measurements for a fire extinguisher in regards to height?
1 1/2”- 2 1/2”
What is the common diameter of a fire hose hookup?
Number of occupants, Mobility of occupants, types of hazards present
What are the three determining factors of requiring an automatic sprinkler system?
When there is new construction, when a building addition is made, and when an occupancy classification changes.
When should plumbing systems be considered?
On occupancy classification and occupant load
How are the number of plumbing systems calculated?
Fixtures
What determines the total number of facilities and how many () are accessible?
Durable, finished with a smooth, nonabsorbent material, meets water consumption standards
What is common for all plumbing fixtures?
34”AFF
What is the typical height of a counter?
1 per 75 occupants
What’s the ratio of water fountains to occupants?
1 per 20 units
How many washer connections are required in a multi-family building?
5’x5’ or 5’x8’
What are the dimensions of an accessible stall?
How much energy is required to cool a space.
What is cooling load?
Size of exterior windows, glazing type, lighting fixtures, equipment, number of people, size of space
What are the six influences of cooling load?
Whenever air is removed from a building or space.
What is exhaust?
Restrooms and kitchens with cooking appliances
What rooms are required to have an exhaust system?
Smokes, germs, chemicals, odors, and unhealthy contaminates
What do exhaust systems remove?
Whenever outside air is added to the building.
What is ventilation?
Occupancy and area, operable windows, vents, louvers, mechanical system, and typically required in computer/telephone rooms
What are the codes for ventilation based on?
1/8” larger than the diameter of the wire, cable, or conduit.
What size should the hole for a wire, cable or conduit be?
Fire-rated plastic/metal piping used to house and protect conductors or cables. The wiring is run through it. It grounds and protects surrounding building materials should a wire overheat. Length maybe limited by code.
Conduit
This is created by wiring that branches from the main electrical source to a different areas of the building or space that feeds to a series of light fixtures, outlets, equipment, or appliances.
Circuitry
220
How many volts does a washing machine require?
Minimum of one regulated exterior exit door in each residence (3’ wide by 80” high)
Means of egress elements in a family residence.
3’
What is the minimum width of a corridor in a family residence?
One emergency means of egress such as an operable window, which the bottom of can’t be more than 44” above the floor
What is the code for a residence sleeping area?
Stairs and ramps are regulated - tread sizes can be smaller and riser sizes are allowed to be higher, only one handrail is required.
What are the differences between stairs in residence areas and commercial areas?
1 hour
What type of assembly must separate any part of the garage from the residence?
40000
How many fires are attributed to home electrical wiring?
AFCI-protected unit
What rating do outlets in new homes need to have?
Arc-fault circuit interrupter
What does AFCI mean?
Suspended ceiling systems and coverings
Examples of Interior Ceiling Finishes
Paint and wood paneling
Examples of interior wall finishes
Draperies and Blinds
Examples of window treatments
Decorative moldings and baseboards
Examples of trim and decorative materials
Wood laminates in systems, furniture and foam in seating
Examples of furnishing finishes
Whole pieces such as seating and panel systems
Furniture
Flame spread index
This indicates the speed at which the fire may spread across the surface of a material (compared to glass & oak, given a rating of 0)
Smoke development index
This determines how much visibility there is in a given access route when a material is on fire and creating smoke.
Radiant Panel test
This test is for floor finishes. It measures the minimum energy required to sustain flames on the floor veering (higher the value the more heat energy to ignite the finish). It is typically done for exit and exit access corridors.
Pill test
This test is for all carpets manufactured in the US for sale are required to meet the Federal Flammability Standard. A pill-like object is used to ignite the carpet. It simulates a slow-burning cigarette or a glowing ember. Used for wall to wall carpeting and area rugs. Is a pass/fail test.
Vertical flame test
This tests vertical treatments such as curtains, draperies, window shades, large hangings or tapestries, & plastic films. Is pass/fail.
Room corner test
This tests napped, tufted, or looped textiles or carpets used on walls and ceilings. An entire room is used with one corner being set on fire. It is pass/fail.
Smolder resistance test
A test the simulates a cigarette ignition and is pass/fail. It measures char marks (usually not over 1.5-2”). Applied to specific seat cushions and armrests.
Toxicity test
This text measures the amount of toxicity a material omits when burned (subjects a small finish sample to a n ignition source and exposes it to radiant heat lamps for 15 minutes). It is relatively new and not included in all codes.
Upholstered seating test
This tests whole pieces of furniture/mattresses. It is state regulated and aimed to eliminate flashover in second phase of fire. It is pass/fail.
Steiner tunnel test
This is used to determine both flame spread and smoke developed ratings of interior wall/ ceiling finishes and other structural elements such as columns. Finishes are tested in tunnel-like apparatus that is 25’ in length. It is the oldest and most widely used test.
Standpipe and horehoses
These are found in stairwells that are manually fixed.
Romex
What is the most common wire use in residential housing?
Twisted wire
What is the most popular cabling?
6’
What is the maximum distance a GFI must be installed within a sink?
