Water Systems (pt 1)

Question 1

Sprinkler are designed for what?

And flow what?

Answer 1

1. designed to prevent flashover and to preserve life (typically they put out the fire, though)
2. 15-40gpm depending on occupancy

Question 2

Residential sprinkler system considerations?

Answer 2

1. A lot have 1 1/2 connections (that is our 1 3/4 coupling size) and have only a single hook up
2. If 1 1/2 connection, use 2 1/2 w/ reducer
3. This is usually near hose bib with a riser inside the garage (secure by 1/4 turn ball valve)
4. (This actually might be in utility box by house) Can close water valve at the street if necessary, sprinklers branch off before the main turn off to the house

Question 3

What are different types of standpipes?

Answer 3

1. Wet: water in system and uses city pressure (60-70psi) unless a pump is present; usually seen in enclosed buildings; 3 or more will be wet
2. Dry: open/exposed buildings (parking garages); no water in system; prone to failure; need to close all valves when ascending stairs
3. Combination: connects to sprinklers and standpipe; common in complexes over 3 stories [above 8-13 floors they will begin to separate these systems]
4. Yard Pipe: dry standpipe; located in yard of large occupancies that are spread out; not recommended to use [can even look like fire pump connection because of hand wheels]

Question 4

Locating FDC’s

Answer 4

1. Requested that they are located on address side on natural approach (but not always followed)
2. Should be 150 feet from hydrant (this is code post-2000)
3. Some have horn/strobe at FDC
4. They can be by buildings or out in parking lot / curbs
5. Double blue reflector
6. Probably (?) by tbe fire riser room

Question 5

Os&Y considerations

Answer 5

1. Will often be by the FDC and can control sprinkler system to shut it down;
2. If there is no riser room; will likely be by FDC or further out?

Question 6

Fire Pump Considerations?

Answer 6

1. most 300psi
2. Jockey pumps maintain pressure at 150 psi; once that pressure drops the main pump kicks in
3. Riser room will typically have pump and generator

Question 7

FACP (fire alarm control panel)

Answer 7

1. main control panel and maybe a remote control location
2. Try to get to master panel first; remote panels only give limited info
3. Typically will have a password written down somewhere