Piping Arrangements Flashcards

1
Q

Explain how each sprinkler system component works and how they all tie together.

A

The system riser connects the underground piping and is what initially supplies the entire sprinkler system network. The feed main is a transfer main that is supplied by the riser to feed another area of the building. The cross main provides water to the branch lines from the system riser. Other components include branch lines, drops, sprigs(candles).

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2
Q

What are the 3 different categories of piping systems?

A

tree system, grid system, and loop system.

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3
Q

How does a tree system work?

A

Water goes from the system riser to the cross and feed main piping to the branch lines, and finally to the sprinkler head. Water only ever comes from one direction.

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4
Q

How does a grid system work?

A

Grid systems have parallel mains that are connected through branch lines. Allows water from either direction to supply the sprinkler head. Makes design easier.

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5
Q

Can you use a hydraulically calculated grid design for a dry system?

A

No, because too much air can remain trapped in the grid system. Trapped air can slow down the water. The use of relief valves is necessary for pressure build-up in grid systems.

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6
Q

What is a loop system?

A

A loop system is where multiple cross mains are tied together but the branch lines aren’t like in a grid system.

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7
Q

Compare a tree system to loop and grid systems.

A

Loop systems could be sized smaller with hydraulic calculations, but were still on the expensive side; alternatively, grid and loop systems could achieve better hydraulic calculations and have the benefit of more than one path of flow.

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8
Q

How many major classifications of fire protection systems are there?

A
  1. The 4 most common are wet, dry, pre-action, deluge systems.
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9
Q

What are the three types of pre-action sprinkler systems?

A

Single interlock system - detection device
Non-interlock system - either detection device or sprinklers
double interlock system - Needs both detection devices and sprinklers to trigger.

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10
Q

What is a deluge system?

A

A deluge system has open sprinkler heads. When the valve opens water discharges from every sprinkler head connected to that system.

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11
Q

What is the largest hose that can be used for hand hose connection?

A

1 1/2 inch hose. Hose connections cannot exceed 100 psi or else a pressure regulating device will have to be installed. 100 psi for residual pressures. 175 psi for static pressures.

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12
Q

Are hose connections allowed on dry systems?

A

Not usually, because inexperienced people may trip the system opening the valve expecting water to come out immediately. It is the AHJ decision though.

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13
Q

What are the other 5 less common fire protection systems?

A

Exterior fire exposure sprinkler systems, foam systems, carbon dioxide (C02) and other gas extinguishing systems, dry chemical, and water mist systems.

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14
Q

What kind of system would you most commonly see in an aviation hanger?

A

Foam-water deluge sprinkler systems. Normally used in special hazard occupancies with high challenge fires.

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15
Q

What is the most commonly used gas extinguishing system?

A

CO2 system.

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16
Q

What are the four gas extinguishing system?

A

CO2, FM 200, inergen, and sapphire.

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17
Q

What gas extinguishing agent has a more environmentally friendly composition?

A

FM-200 systems. Total flooding fire suppression system

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18
Q

What are the three types of systems relating to the distribution of gas extinguishing systems?

A

Local application system - discharges directly on burning material
Total flooding system - discharges into enclosed space or enclosure around a hazard and fills to the proper concentration.
Hand hose line system - hose and nozzle assembly.

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19
Q

Inergen is a mix of what elements?

A

nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide. Inergen is a total flooding system. Protects against class A, B and C

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20
Q

Sapphire systems extinguishing agent is stored in a ___ form that is pressurized with ____. It turns into a ___ when discharged.

A

Stored in a liquid form. Pressurized with nitrogen. Turns into a gas when discharged. It is a total flooding system.

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21
Q

What are the three types of dry chemicals?

A

Sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate

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22
Q

What are the four types of systems through which dry chemicals can be distributed?

A

Total flooding systems, local application systems, hand hose line systems, and a combination of local application and total flooding.

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23
Q

Dry chemicals are effective against what classes of fires?

A

flammable liquid and electrical. B and C

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24
Q

What are the three mechanisms a water mist system uses to fight fires?

A

cooling, radiant heat blocking and local oxygen inerting. They’re effective against mot fires and are considered a clean agent

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25
Q

A water mist system must have these 4 parameters, what are they?

A

system application, nozzle type, system operational method, system media type.

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26
Q

There are three types of water mist systems applications, what are they?

A

Local, total compartment, and zoned.

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27
Q

What are the three nozzle types? Water mist systems

A

Automatic, non-automatic, and hybrid

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28
Q

Water mist systems must operate through which systems?

A

Wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action or a deluge system.

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29
Q

There are two types of media used to extinguish a fire, what are they?

A

Single fluid and twin fluid

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30
Q

Water mist systems can be ___ pressure systems

A

Low 1- 200 psi
Intermediate 201-500 psi
High 501 psi and up

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31
Q

Hose stations should not be installed on any __ tree system smaller than 2 1/2 inches, why?

A

Not on any wet tree system smaller than 2 1/2 inches because the branch lines are designed to only feed the number of sprinkler heads they are supplying. Loop and grid systems the source can be 2 inches.

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32
Q

What are the rules for pipe run length and size?

A

1” up to 20ft. W/ no heads in can supply one hand hose station.
1 1/4” for 20ft to 80ft
1 1/2” for runs < 80ft

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33
Q

Hoses should not exceed ___ ft

A

100ft

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34
Q

Hose valves are prefferably what type of valve?

A

Globe valve with a removable disc.

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35
Q

The occupancy classification will determine the minimum acceptable ___ per minute to flow at the base of the riser, and the minimum residual ____ required at the highest elevated sprinkler.

A

minimum acceptable gallons at the riser and minimum pressure at the furthest away sprinkler head.

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36
Q

Light hazard occupancy it is required to have ___ to ___ gpm at the base of the riser and __ psi at the highest elevated sprinkler.

A

500 to 750 gpm. 15 psi at sprinkler head.

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37
Q

The smallest steel pipe size acceptable in light hazard is ___

A

1 inch steel pipe

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38
Q

True or false. You can supply more heads in a copper system compared to a steel system.

A

True. Copper has more favourable flow characteristics.

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39
Q

In Ordinary hazard group 1 sprinkler heads cannot be more than ___ ft apart from each other

A

15ft in OH 1

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40
Q

In Ordinary hazard group 2 sprinkler heads cannot be more than ___ ft apart from each other

A

15ft in OH 2

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41
Q

OH 1 and OH 2 use the same schedule for the amount of heads on specific sizes and maximum spacing between heads. True or false.

A

True

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42
Q

Extra hazard occupancies have to be _____ calculated and not pipe scheduled.

A

Hydraulically calculated. Cannot be pipe scheduled.

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43
Q

Explain why deluge systems cannot be pipe scheduled.

A

Since every head goes off at the same time the water demand is so high.

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44
Q

What are the 3 basic principles of hydraulic calculations?

A
  1. sufficient water flow
  2. adequate pressure to all sprinklers.
  3. minimize cost
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45
Q

What is a good 7 step procedure to follow for a hydraulically calculated system design?

A
  1. Select hazard occupancy
  2. Determine head spacing
  3. Piping arrangement
  4. Water demand at each sprinkler
  5. Determine the number and location of the most demanding sprinklers that are likely to open if there is a fire.
  6. Start at the most remote sprinkler
  7. Compare demand calculated with available water supply.
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46
Q

When are return bends used?

A

When the water supply comes from a raw source. Helps mitigate sediment buildup on the sprinkler seat.

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47
Q

What is the minimum size of a flushing connection?

A

1/ 1/4”

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48
Q

What is the minimum size a hand hose connection can be made to?

A

2”

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49
Q

What is the first necessary to start a fire?

A

Ignition

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50
Q

When was the NFPA standard first introduced?

A

1896

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51
Q

You can only pipe schedule if you’re using ___ or ____ pipe

A

steel or copper pipe

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52
Q

Pipe scheduled systems are generally for small or large systems?

A

Small sprinkler systems unless high residual pressures are available.

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53
Q

What is the acceptable flow rate at the base of the riser and the minimum residual pressure required at the highest elevated sprinkler head in a light hazard occupancy?

A

500-750 gpm and 15psi

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54
Q

What is the acceptable flow rate at the base of the riser and the minimum residual pressure required at the highest elevated sprinkler head in an ordinary hazard occupancy?

A

850- 1500 gpm and 20psi

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55
Q

For what duration does water need to be able to flow in a light hazard occupancy?

A

30-60 minutes. 30 if the system is electronically supervised 60 if it isn’t

56
Q

For what duration does water need to be able to flow in an ordinary hazard occupancy?

A

60-90 minutes. 60 If the system is electronically supervised 90 if it isn’t

57
Q

Foams can be subdivided into three ranges of expansion, what are they?

A
  1. Low expansion foam up to 20
  2. Medium expansion foam 20 - 200
  3. High expansion foam 200 to 1000
58
Q

Where are foam systems usually installed?

A

Where there are flammable liquids.

59
Q

What are the five types of foam-water systems?

A
foam water deluge system
foam water dry pipe system
foam water pre-action system
foam water spray system
pre primed system(wet pipe system) fastest, most realiable.

Can be proportioned in 1,3,6,10% solutions

60
Q

What are four types of foam concentrates?

A

alcohol-resistant foam concentrate
aqueous film-forming foam concentrate (AFFF)
film-forming fluoroprotein foam concentrate(FFFP)
fluoroprotein foam concentrate

61
Q

Foam systems can use what 4 types of heads?

A

regular heads, aspirating heads, spray nozzles, and hose nozzles.

62
Q

Foam generators are used in what type of foam system.

A

Total flooding applications

63
Q

What is the main purpose of using a gas extinguishment system?

A

Gas extinguishment systems won’t do any damage to the contents they’re protecting. Ex. server rooms, computers,etc.

64
Q

Clean agents do not work on what type of fires?

A

Certain chemicals, combustible metals(class d)

65
Q

C02 is an ___ gas. What does it do?

A

C02 is an inert gas which replaces oxygen

66
Q

CO2 is can be either stored in __ or ___ pressure containers.

A

high or low pressure containers.

67
Q

CO2 can be distributed in three types of systems?

A

Local application, total flooding system, and hand hose line systen.

68
Q

Clean agents can be used against what classes of fires?

A

Class A,B,and C

69
Q

What is a common trait between clean agent systems?

A

They shut down air handling units and disconnect power from the protections equipment

70
Q

____ systems flood an entire room

pre-____ systems do not flood an entire room

A

engineered systems flood entire rooms.
Pre-engineered systems do not. Designed to protect smaller enclosures and special hazards. Generally come pre-installed on the equipment. Ex. Kitchen equipment.

71
Q

Dry chemical systems are for what classes of fires?

A

Class B and C. Flammable liquids and electrical fires.

72
Q

How do dry chemical extinguishers work?

A

They put out the fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust, separating the fuel from the oxygen in the air. The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction.

73
Q

What are three types of dry chemicals?

A

sodum bicarbonate
potassium bicarbonate
ammonimum phosphate

74
Q

The four types of systems through which dry chemicals can be distributed are?

A

total flooding
local application systems,
hand hose line systems
and a combination of total flooding and local application.

75
Q

Wet chemical systems are used for what type(s) of fires?

A

Kitchen/Class K fires.

Smothers the fire.

76
Q

Water mist systems can be found in NFPA ___

A

NFPA 750

77
Q

Inerting means…

A

purging oxygen from the space.

78
Q

Underground piping for sprinklers is the jurisdiction of NFPA ____

A

NFPA 24

79
Q

Aboveground piping and materials fall under the jurisdiction of ___ and ____

A

ASTM and ANSI

80
Q

ASCE

A

American society civil engineers

81
Q

ASME

A

American society of mechanical engineers

82
Q

ANSI

A

American national standard institute

83
Q

ASTM

A

American society for testing and materials

84
Q

AWWA

A

Am,erican

85
Q

AWWA

A

American water works association

86
Q

AWS

A

American welding society

87
Q

FM

A

Factory mutual global

88
Q

UL or ULC

A

Underwriters laboratories

89
Q

Where is the fire department connection located in a wet sprinkler system?

A

After the wet pipe valve

90
Q

What components are used in the making of the fire department connection?

A

Check valve, siamese connection, and ball drip

91
Q

What is the purpose of the ball drip in the fire department connection?

A

It is connected to the dry side of the fire department connection to collect any moisture.

92
Q

What does a check valve do?

A

A check valve is a device that only allows fluid to flow in one direction

93
Q

What does a control valve do?

A

A control valve controls the flow of water in the fire protection system.

94
Q

What does the alarm valve do?

A

The alarm valve works in conjunction with the pressure switch. The alarm valve has a clapper with two seats in it. The space in between those two seats is called the intermediate chamber. When water flows through the clapper and into the intermediate chamber it will then go through a length of pipe leading to the pressure switch. The pressure switch is what sends the alarm to the panel.

95
Q

What does the pressure switch/flow alarm switch do?

A

If it senses water it sends a signal to the panel which raises the alarm/bells.

96
Q

Control valves have ____ switches in them which will trigger the alarm

A

Tamper switches. Alarm usually activates after a couple of turns.

97
Q

What is the purpose of inspecetors test?

A

Tests how long it takes for the fire alarm to go off.

98
Q

What is the purpose of the inspector’s test?

A

Tests how long it takes for the fire alarm to go off. Typically at the end of the system/the furthest away point. Simulates a sprinkler head going off.

99
Q

What is the retard chamber? (optional) Wet pipe system

A

It is used when variable pressure is anticipated in the system. It is a holding tank to prevent activation of sprinkler alarm during water pressure surge but permits the activation of the alarm on sustained flow.

100
Q

Why use a retard chamber? (optional) Wet pipe system

A

The use of a retard chamber prevents the false alarm in variable pressure systems. It is an option that can be added to the alarm line.

101
Q

Where is the fire department connection located in a dry system?

A

After the system check valve and before the dry valve.

102
Q

Do dry systems consist of an inspector’s test valve?

A

Yes. Dry systems have an inspector’s test valve.

103
Q

Why are their two gauges on wet/dry valves?

A

Bottom gauge measures pressure on supply side.

Top gauge measures pressure on the system side.

104
Q

What is the purpose of an accelerator in a dry system?

A

It speeds up the expelling of the air so that water can reach the open head quicker. Gets the dry valve to open earlier so their is a faster response time.

105
Q

Where is the fire department connection in a pre-action system?

A

After the pre-action valve before the riser check valve.

106
Q

Where is the incoming water supply control valve in a dry system?

A

In the dry pipe valve trim. In most other systems in the control valve would be after the system check valve but before the valve trim.

107
Q

What is the bell the rings in a fire protection system called?

A

Mechanical alarm (water motor gong)

108
Q

How does the clapper on a dry valve stay closed?

A

Pressurized air in the system keeps the dry pipe valve closed.

109
Q

All new extra hazard systems must be ____ ____.

A

Hydraulically calculated

110
Q

True or false? You can add or modify existing pipe-scheduled systems. Including extra hazard pipe scheduled systems

A

True

111
Q

When revamping existing pipe scheduled systems to accommodate added ceilings,sprinkler outlets, utilitized, for new armover or drop nipples you should remove ___ when present

A

Hexagonal bushings

112
Q

When pipe scheduled systems are revamped, a nipple not exceeding ___ inches in length shall be permitted to be installed in the branch line fitting

A

4 inches. Just the nipple riser is allowed to be 1/2 inch.

You can pull two heads off of it but it would then have to be hydraulically calculated to ensure design flow rate will be achieved.

113
Q

What is the pressure at the base of a 40’ riser?

A

40 x .433 = 17.3 psi

114
Q

Calculate the pressure required for 4892sqft OH2 elevation change = 35’ and BF friction loss = 8psi

A

20 + 35 x 0.433 + 8 = 44
Always round up.
Refer to the pipe schedule pressure and flow chart

115
Q

How much pressure do you lose per foot of elevation

A

0.433 psi per foot

116
Q

What is the correct procedure for designing a hydraulically calculated system?

A
  1. Select appropriate hazard category(usually determined by the AHJ)
  2. Determine the piping arrangement
  3. Determine the amount of water that will be needed to discharge from each sprinkler.
  4. Determine the number and location of the most demanding sprinklers(hydraulics)
117
Q

Where is the best place to start when designing a pipe scheduled system?

A

Start at the most remote sprinkler and size piping backwards towards the water supply

118
Q

Where is the best place to start when designing a hydraulically calculated system?

A

Start at the most remote sprinkler and work backwards towards the water supply, calculating the flows and pressures necessary to make sure that each open sprinkler releases a sufficient amount of water

119
Q

What are the flange and spigot?

A

The flanged supply that terminates the underground supply pipe inside the building

120
Q

Can schedule 10 pipe be bent?

A

True

121
Q

Brazed joints can be used on any sprinkler system for any ____ , both ___ and dry

A

Any hazard. Both we and dry systems

122
Q

Soldered joints are allowed for any __ pipe system that is ___ hazard where ordinary or intermediate sprinklers are used

A

wet pipe system in light hazards. Ordinary when the sprinkler pipe is not exposed.

123
Q

Branch line should not exceed ___ sprinklers on either side of the cross main.
Exception 1: Branch lines with 9 sprinklers - if the end pieces are ___ and __ respectively.
Exception 2: Branch lines with 10 sprinklers - the starter has to be ___ and the end pieces are ___ and ___ respectively.

A

Branch line should not exceed 8 sprinklers on either side of the cross main.
Exception 1: Branch lines with 9 sprinklers - if the end pieces are 1 1/4” and 1” respectively.
Exception 2: Branch lines with 10 sprinklers - the starter has to be 2 1/2” and the end pieces are 1 1/4” and 1” respectively.

124
Q

Flushing requires flows of at least ___ feet per second as a standard minimal flow rate

A

10ft per second standard minimal flow rate

125
Q

___ can be used as flushing connections.

A

caps

126
Q

Flushing starts with the ___ water supply piping. Must be flushed till the water to flow ___. Must be done before the ___ riser is connected.

A

Starts with the underground piping. Water must be clear. Done before the system riser is connected. Periodic flushing for the rest of the system.

127
Q

An internal inspection of the pipe must be done every ___ years

A

Every 5 years minimum. Can be done earlier.

128
Q

Flushing tests should include flows through ___ in fire hose directly from ___ mains.

A

2 1/2 fire hose. Connected to a cross main.

129
Q

There are ___ methods commonly used for flushing sprinkler pipes.

A
  1. Hydraulic method - just water

2. Hydropneumatic method - water + air

130
Q

When are return bends used? There are 2 occasions.

A
  1. When water supply is derived from a raw source.

2. Using pendants on a dry system; in a heating location.

131
Q

On the supply side to a sprinkler system, the water is filtered using mainline ___

A

Mainline strainers.

132
Q

You can only use pendants on a dry system when the space is ___

A

Only when the space is heated.

133
Q

___ systems usually get more build-up of sediment.

A

dry systems

134
Q

If in a non-seismic area and revamping a system, a __” outlet is allowed; rise up max __” with __” piping then increases to __”

A

If in a non-seismic area and revamping a system, a 1/2” outlet is allowed; rise up max 4” with 1/2” piping then increases to 1”

135
Q

What are 6 commonly used materials for sleeving?

A

Fibre cement, pvc, steel, on wall-face sleeve. sleeve with fixed/loose flanges, interga-pipe.

136
Q

If ___ sleeves are used, they will have to be removed prior to installing pipe.

A

Plastic sleeves.

137
Q

Seismic location sleeve clearances :
2” pipe __” hole
3” pipe __” hole
4” pipe or bigger __“hole needs to be __” bigger than the pipe

A

2” pipe 4” hole
3” pipe 5” hole
4” pipe and larger the hole needs to be 4” larger than the pipe size. Ex. 6” pipe = 10” hole