I85PREP
⌘ K
CO Fire Sprinkler study materials
CO Fire Sprinkler study resources

CO Fire Sprinkler practice questions

One question at a time. Build your CO Fire Sprinkler understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Fire Sprinkler Systems

According to NFPA 13, what is the minimum design density for a light hazard occupancy when using the density/area method?

  1. 0.20 gpm/ft² over 2,500 ft²
  2. 0.10 gpm/ft² over 1,500 ft² Correct answer.
  3. 0.15 gpm/ft² over 1,500 ft²
  4. 0.05 gpm/ft² over 3,000 ft²

Explanation

NFPA 13 density/area curves for light hazard start at a minimum density of 0.10 gpm/ft² over a 1,500 ft² design area. Higher densities are permitted only with correspondingly smaller design areas per the curve.

Question 2Fire Sprinkler Systems

In a wet-pipe sprinkler system, what component opens to discharge water when a fusible element reaches its rated temperature?

  1. The check valve
  2. The sprinkler head Correct answer.
  3. The alarm valve
  4. The main drain

Explanation

Each sprinkler head has a heat-sensitive element that fails at its listed temperature, releasing the cap and allowing water to flow from that individual head. The other listed components serve system-level control or testing functions.

Question 3Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the standard color code for a sprinkler head with a temperature rating of 155°F to 175°F?

  1. Red Correct answer.
  2. Green
  3. Orange
  4. Yellow

Explanation

Per NFPA 13 color coding, ordinary-temperature sprinklers rated 155°F to 175°F use red bulb fluid or a red frame marking. This color identifies the temperature rating at a glance.

Question 4Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the primary purpose of a fire department connection (FDC) on a sprinkler system?

  1. To provide a test point for the inspector's test valve
  2. To drain the system after hydrostatic testing
  3. To allow the fire department to supplement the system water supply Correct answer.
  4. To vent trapped air from dry-pipe systems

Explanation

The FDC lets responding fire department pumpers boost pressure and flow into the sprinkler or standpipe system when the primary supply is inadequate. It is a supplemental supply connection, not a testing or venting device.

Question 5Fire Sprinkler Systems

In a dry-pipe system, what is the maximum allowable air pressure maintained above the trip pressure of the dry valve for a typical installation?

  1. 5 psi
  2. 50 psi
  3. 20 psi Correct answer.
  4. 100 psi

Explanation

NFPA 13 limits the air pressure above the dry valve trip point to 20 psi to reduce the delay in water delivery after a sprinkler operates. Excess air pressure lengthens the time to discharge water.

Question 6Fire Sprinkler Systems

A sprinkler is installed 12 inches below a smooth, flat ceiling with a maximum ceiling temperature of 100°F. What is the maximum allowable temperature rating for that sprinkler?

  1. 135°F
  2. 155°F
  3. 200°F Correct answer.
  4. 286°F

Explanation

NFPA 13 requires sprinkler temperature ratings to be at least 20°F above the maximum expected ceiling temperature but not more than 50°F above it for ordinary situations. With a 100°F ceiling, ratings between 120°F and 150°F apply, but the maximum permitted rating is 200°F only in specific high-temperature allowances; for standard spacing the practical upper limit is set by the 50°F rule, so 200°F is the highest listed option consistent with the ceiling allowance.

Question 7Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the minimum required clearance between the deflector of a standard spray sprinkler and a combustible ceiling?

  1. 18 inches
  2. 6 inches
  3. 12 inches
  4. 1 inch Correct answer.

Explanation

NFPA 13 requires a minimum 1-inch clearance between the sprinkler deflector and the ceiling for standard spray sprinklers, though specific listings may require more. This clearance allows the spray pattern to develop properly.

Question 8Fire Sprinkler Systems

Which type of sprinkler system is designed to keep water out of the piping until a sprinkler operates, using air pressure to hold a valve closed?

  1. Pre-action system
  2. Deluge system
  3. Dry-pipe system Correct answer.
  4. Wet-pipe system

Explanation

A dry-pipe system maintains pressurized air or nitrogen in the piping, holding the dry valve closed until a sprinkler operates and releases the air. Water then enters the piping and flows from the opened head.

Question 9Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the minimum spacing between sprinklers on a branch line for a light hazard occupancy with standard spray upright sprinklers?

  1. 8 feet
  2. 6 feet Correct answer.
  3. 10 feet
  4. 12 feet

Explanation

NFPA 13 sets the minimum sprinkler spacing at 6 feet to prevent adjacent heads from wetting each other's fusible elements and to ensure adequate coverage. Maximum spacing for light hazard is 15 feet.

Question 10Fire Sprinkler Systems

A sprinkler is located 18 inches from a wall in a light hazard area. What is the maximum distance a sprinkler may be located from a wall for standard spray sprinklers?

  1. The full maximum spacing
  2. Half the maximum spacing Correct answer.
  3. Twice the maximum spacing
  4. One-third the maximum spacing

Explanation

NFPA 13 requires the distance from a wall to a sprinkler to be no more than half the maximum allowable spacing between sprinklers. This ensures adequate coverage near walls without dry spots.

Question 11Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the purpose of the inspector's test connection on a wet-pipe sprinkler system?

  1. To simulate the flow of a single sprinkler and verify alarm activation Correct answer.
  2. To drain the system for maintenance
  3. To test the fire department connection
  4. To measure the static water pressure at the riser

Explanation

The inspector's test connection is a valve and orifice at the most remote part of the system that simulates one sprinkler operating. It verifies that water flow reaches the alarm valve and activates the water motor gong or alarm within the required time.

Question 12Fire Sprinkler Systems

Which component prevents water from flowing backward from the sprinkler system into the public water supply?

  1. The dry pipe valve
  2. The backflow preventer Correct answer.
  3. The pressure reducing valve
  4. The alarm check valve

Explanation

A backflow preventer is installed to protect the potable water supply from contamination by system water, as required by plumbing codes and NFPA 13. It allows flow into the system but blocks reverse flow.

Question 13Fire Sprinkler Systems

In a deluge system, what type of sprinkler heads are installed?

  1. Quick-response heads
  2. Open nozzles Correct answer.
  3. ESFR heads
  4. Closed fusible heads

Explanation

Deluge systems use open nozzles so that when the deluge valve opens, water discharges from all nozzles simultaneously. Detection is provided by a separate detection system that trips the deluge valve.

Question 14Fire Sprinkler Systems

A pre-action system requires two independent events before water enters the piping. What are those two events?

  1. Loss of air pressure and low water pressure
  2. Manual pull station and water flow
  3. Alarm bell and main drain opening
  4. Detection system activation and sprinkler operation Correct answer.

Explanation

A pre-action system holds water out of the piping until a detection system operates, and water enters the piping only when a sprinkler also opens. This double interlock reduces the risk of accidental water discharge.

Question 15Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the minimum required flow duration for a light hazard sprinkler system design?

  1. 30 minutes Correct answer.
  2. 90 minutes
  3. 120 minutes
  4. 60 minutes

Explanation

NFPA 13 requires a minimum water supply duration of 30 minutes for light hazard occupancies. Longer durations apply to higher hazard classifications based on the density/area method.

Question 16Fire Sprinkler Systems

An ESFR sprinkler system is being designed for a warehouse storing Group A plastics in racks. What is the primary advantage of ESFR sprinklers in this application?

  1. They can be installed at greater spacing than standard sprinklers
  2. They eliminate the need for in-rack sprinklers by suppressing fires at the ceiling level Correct answer.
  3. They require less water pressure than standard spray sprinklers
  4. They operate at lower temperatures than standard sprinklers

Explanation

ESFR sprinklers are designed to suppress high-challenge storage fires using ceiling-level sprinklers, often eliminating the need for in-rack sprinklers. They achieve this through high discharge rates and large water droplets that penetrate the fire plume.

Question 17Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the purpose of a pressure reducing valve in a sprinkler system?

  1. To increase pressure for the fire department connection
  2. To reduce downstream pressure to a safe level for system components Correct answer.
  3. To drain water from the system after testing
  4. To prevent backflow into the public water supply

Explanation

Pressure reducing valves are installed where supply pressure exceeds the rating of system components or where lower pressures are needed for proper operation. They protect piping, fittings, and sprinklers from overpressure.

Question 18Fire Sprinkler Systems

A sprinkler system in a parking garage is classified as what hazard occupancy?

  1. Light hazard
  2. Ordinary hazard Group 2
  3. Ordinary hazard Group 1 Correct answer.
  4. Extra hazard

Explanation

Parking garages are classified as ordinary hazard Group 1 occupancies under NFPA 13 because of the presence of vehicles and moderate fuel loads. This classification determines the design density and area.

Question 19Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the maximum allowable area of coverage per sprinkler for a light hazard occupancy with standard spray sprinklers?

  1. 225 ft² Correct answer.
  2. 200 ft²
  3. 100 ft²
  4. 300 ft²

Explanation

NFPA 13 permits a maximum coverage area of 225 ft² per sprinkler for light hazard occupancies with standard spray sprinklers. This is based on the 15-foot maximum spacing and 1,500 ft² design area provisions.

Question 20Fire Sprinkler Systems

Which of the following best describes the function of a dry pipe valve?

  1. It provides a test point for the inspector's test
  2. It holds back water using air pressure and trips when air is released Correct answer.
  3. It regulates water pressure to the sprinkler heads
  4. It prevents backflow into the municipal supply

Explanation

A dry pipe valve uses air pressure on the system side to hold back water on the supply side. When a sprinkler opens and air pressure drops, the valve trips and allows water to flow into the piping.

Question 21Fire Sprinkler Systems

A sprinkler system design uses a density of 0.20 gpm/ft² over a 1,500 ft² design area. What is the minimum required flow in gallons per minute?

  1. 450 gpm
  2. 600 gpm
  3. 150 gpm
  4. 300 gpm Correct answer.

Explanation

Required flow equals density times design area: 0.20 gpm/ft² × 1,500 ft² = 300 gpm. This is the minimum flow the water supply must provide to the design area.

Question 22Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the required minimum clearance between the deflector of a sidewall sprinkler and the ceiling?

  1. 1 inch
  2. 6 inches
  3. 2 inches
  4. 4 inches Correct answer.

Explanation

NFPA 13 requires sidewall sprinklers to be positioned so the deflector is 4 to 12 inches below the ceiling. This range ensures the spray pattern develops correctly across the protected area.

Question 23Fire Sprinkler Systems

In a hydraulically calculated sprinkler system, what does the term 'safety margin' refer to?

  1. The distance between sprinklers and obstructions
  2. The additional water supply capacity above the calculated demand Correct answer.
  3. The time delay before the alarm sounds
  4. The pressure loss through the backflow preventer

Explanation

The safety margin is the amount by which the available water supply exceeds the calculated system demand, accounting for uncertainties in the calculation. NFPA 13 requires the supply to meet or exceed the demand without a negative margin.

Question 24Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the primary reason NFPA 13 requires sprinklers to be installed in concealed spaces such as combustible concealed attics?

  1. To provide drainage for the system
  2. To satisfy the fire department connection requirement
  3. To protect the concealed space from fire originating within it or spreading into it Correct answer.
  4. To reduce the total water demand of the system

Explanation

Combustible concealed spaces can harbor fire that spreads undetected, so sprinklers are required in certain combustible concealed spaces to control or extinguish fires there. This prevents hidden fire growth that could compromise the structure.

Question 25Fire Sprinkler Systems

Which of the following conditions would require a sprinkler system to be designed as an extra hazard occupancy?

  1. A church sanctuary with wooden pews
  2. A facility handling flammable liquids in open containers Correct answer.
  3. A retail store selling clothing
  4. An office building with paper records

Explanation

Extra hazard occupancies involve severe fuel loads or flammable liquids that can cause rapid fire growth, such as open handling of flammable liquids. NFPA 13 assigns the highest design densities to these spaces.

Question 26Fire Sprinkler Systems

A wet-pipe sprinkler system serves an occupied office building. According to NFPA 13, what is the maximum allowable time between a sprinkler operating and water discharging from that sprinkler?

  1. 120 seconds
  2. 30 seconds
  3. 60 seconds Correct answer.
  4. 90 seconds

Explanation

NFPA 13 requires that wet-pipe systems deliver water to the most remote sprinkler within 60 seconds of operation. This limit keeps fire growth ahead of water delivery from outpacing suppression. Systems that cannot meet it must be redesigned or converted.

Question 27Fire Sprinkler Systems

Which valve type is required at the riser of a wet-pipe sprinkler system to provide a visible indication of open or closed position?

  1. A globe drain valve
  2. A pressure relief valve
  3. A check valve
  4. An indicating control valve Correct answer.

Explanation

NFPA 13 requires an indicating valve on the supply side of the system riser so that its open or closed status is obvious. Common types are outside stem and yoke, post indicator, and wall post indicator valves. Non-indicating valves are not acceptable for this control function.

Question 28Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the function of the alarm check valve in a wet-pipe sprinkler system?

  1. It detects water flow and activates the alarm while allowing supply into the system. Correct answer.
  2. It prevents water from flowing into the city main.
  3. It drains the system after a test.
  4. It reduces system pressure to protect sprinkler heads.

Explanation

An alarm check valve allows water to pass from the supply into the system and, when flow occurs, directs water to a water motor gong or pressure switch to sound an alarm. It also helps hold system pressure and prevent false alarms from surges. It is not a pressure regulator or backflow preventer.

Question 29Fire Sprinkler Systems

In a dry-pipe system, what is the primary purpose of the quick-opening device?

  1. To prevent water from freezing in the supply main
  2. To accelerate the release of air so the dry pipe valve trips sooner Correct answer.
  3. To reduce the system's water demand
  4. To test the inspector's test connection

Explanation

A quick-opening device vents air from the dry system more rapidly when a sprinkler operates, allowing the dry pipe valve to trip and water to arrive sooner. This shortens the delay inherent in dry systems. It does not change hydraulic demand or protect the supply main from freezing.

Question 30Fire Sprinkler Systems

Which sprinkler temperature rating is typically selected for a location where the maximum ambient ceiling temperature is expected to reach 150°F?

  1. 200°F Correct answer.
  2. 155°F
  3. 286°F
  4. 135°F

Explanation

NFPA 13 requires a temperature rating at least 50°F above the maximum expected ceiling temperature for ordinary locations. With a 150°F maximum, a 200°F-rated sprinkler satisfies that margin. A 155°F head provides only a 5°F buffer and is too close.

Question 31Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the required minimum diameter of the main drain connection for a riser serving a sprinkler system with a 4-inch riser?

  1. ½ inch
  2. 2 inches Correct answer.
  3. 1 inch
  4. 1¼ inches

Explanation

NFPA 13 requires the main drain to be at least 2 inches for risers 4 inches and larger, so that the drain can adequately flush and test the system. Smaller risers may use smaller drains. The main drain is used for the main drain flow test and for draining the system.

Question 32Fire Sprinkler Systems

Which type of sprinkler is designed to be installed on a pipe running along a wall or under a ceiling with the deflector directing water outward from the wall?

  1. Upright sprinkler
  2. Sidewall sprinkler Correct answer.
  3. Pendent sprinkler
  4. Concealed sprinkler

Explanation

Sidewall sprinklers are installed on branch lines along walls or beneath ceilings near walls and discharge water outward into the room. Their deflector pattern is designed for this orientation. Pendent and upright sprinklers are installed on overhead branch lines, not wall-mounted.

Question 33Fire Sprinkler Systems

What does the term 'design area' mean in a hydraulically calculated sprinkler system?

  1. The total building footprint
  2. The area covered by a single sprinkler
  3. The area of sprinkler operation used to determine the required flow for the calculation Correct answer.
  4. The floor area of the largest room protected

Explanation

The design area, or remote area, is the assumed area of sprinkler operation used in the hydraulic calculation to determine the required flow. It is not simply the largest room or the building footprint. Multiplying density by design area gives the minimum system flow.

Question 34Fire Sprinkler Systems

A light hazard system uses a design density of 0.10 gpm/ft² over a 1,500 ft² design area. What is the minimum required system flow?

  1. 1,500 gpm
  2. 200 gpm
  3. 100 gpm
  4. 150 gpm Correct answer.

Explanation

Required flow equals density multiplied by design area: 0.10 gpm/ft² times 1,500 ft² equals 150 gpm. This is the minimum demand the supply must satisfy at the base of the riser. The density and area must both meet the applicable occupancy criteria.

Question 35Fire Sprinkler Systems

A sprinkler system protects an ordinary hazard Group 2 occupancy. Which density range best matches the NFPA 13 design criteria for this hazard?

  1. 0.15 to 0.20 gpm/ft² Correct answer.
  2. 0.30 to 0.40 gpm/ft²
  3. 0.05 to 0.10 gpm/ft²
  4. 0.45 to 0.55 gpm/ft²

Explanation

Ordinary hazard Group 2 occupancies are generally designed in the range of about 0.15 to 0.20 gpm/ft² over the corresponding design area. This reflects a moderate fuel load and expected fire growth. Light hazard uses lower densities, while extra hazard uses higher ones.

Question 36Fire Sprinkler Systems

A dry-pipe system in a cold storage area must be designed. How does its design area compare with a wet-pipe system of the same hazard?

  1. It is smaller because air moves faster.
  2. It is increased to account for the slower water delivery through the dry pipe valve. Correct answer.
  3. It is reduced because the piping is empty.
  4. It is the same as the wet system.

Explanation

NFPA 13 requires the design area for dry-pipe systems to be increased relative to wet systems because water delivery is delayed while air is expelled. The increase compensates for the slower trip and fill. The amount of increase depends on the system configuration and number of sprinklers.

Question 37Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the purpose of a backflow preventer on a sprinkler system connected to a public water supply?

  1. To measure the water flow for billing
  2. To boost system pressure
  3. To prevent contamination of the potable supply by reverse flow Correct answer.
  4. To release air from the system

Explanation

A backflow preventer stops water from the sprinkler system or fire department connection from flowing back into the potable water supply. This protects the public supply from contamination. It is a cross-connection control device, not a booster or meter.

Question 38Fire Sprinkler Systems

A sprinkler is located 4 inches below a noncombustible ceiling with a smooth surface. What is the minimum required clearance from the deflector to the ceiling for a standard spray sprinkler?

  1. 1 inch Correct answer.
  2. 6 inches
  3. 12 inches
  4. 2 inches

Explanation

NFPA 13 permits a minimum clearance of 1 inch between the deflector and a noncombustible ceiling for standard spray sprinklers. The clearance allows the spray pattern to develop properly. Combustible ceilings and certain special sprinklers require different clearances.

Question 39Fire Sprinkler Systems

Which condition would require a sprinkler system to be designed as an extra hazard occupancy?

  1. A restaurant dining area
  2. An office with paper records
  3. A retail store with clothing displays
  4. A facility handling flammable liquids in open containers Correct answer.

Explanation

Extra hazard occupancies involve high fuel loads or flammable and combustible liquids that can produce rapid, intense fires. Open handling of flammable liquids is a classic extra hazard condition. Offices, retail clothing, and dining areas are light or ordinary hazard.

Question 40Fire Sprinkler Systems

In a pre-action system, what is the role of the pre-action valve?

  1. It holds back water until a detection signal confirms fire, then admits water to the piping. Correct answer.
  2. It regulates the pressure of the public main.
  3. It releases water directly onto the fire.
  4. It drains the system automatically.

Explanation

The pre-action valve keeps water out of the piping until a fire detection device operates, admitting water to the system so that it becomes essentially wet. A second event, sprinkler operation, then discharges water. This double interlock reduces accidental water discharge.

Question 41Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the purpose of the fire department connection on a sprinkler system?

  1. To drain the system after a fire
  2. To test the alarm check valve
  3. To vent air from dry systems
  4. To allow the fire department to supplement the system's water supply Correct answer.

Explanation

The fire department connection lets responding firefighters pump additional water into the sprinkler system when the primary supply is inadequate. It supplements, rather than replaces, the automatic supply. The connection is typically a siamese fitting on the exterior.

Question 42Fire Sprinkler Systems

A sprinkler system is being installed in a building with a combustible concealed space that contains no fuel load other than the wood framing. According to NFPA 13, what is generally required?

  1. No sprinklers are needed in any concealed space.
  2. Sprinklers are required in the concealed space unless specific omission criteria are met. Correct answer.
  3. Sprinklers may be omitted only if the space is protected by a listed thermal barrier.
  4. Sprinklers are required only if the space exceeds 100 ft².

Explanation

NFPA 13 generally requires sprinklers in combustible concealed spaces, but it provides specific criteria under which they may be omitted, such as certain noncombustible or limited-combustible construction with approved draft stops. The omission must follow those criteria rather than a simple area threshold.

Question 43Fire Sprinkler Systems

What is the function of an inspector's test connection in a dry-pipe system?

  1. To reset the dry pipe valve
  2. To drain the system after a trip
  3. To measure the water supply pressure
  4. To test the operation of the alarm and the dry pipe valve using a single sprinkler-sized orifice Correct answer.

Explanation

The inspector's test connection simulates the operation of a single sprinkler so the alarm and valve trip can be verified. It is located at the most remote point of the system. It is not used for pressure measurement or draining.

Question 44Fire Sprinkler Systems

A sprinkler system uses ½-inch sprinklers on a branch line. What is the maximum spacing between sprinklers on the branch line for a light hazard occupancy?

  1. 20 feet
  2. 15 feet Correct answer.
  3. 12 feet
  4. 25 feet

Explanation

NFPA 13 limits sprinkler spacing on branch lines for light hazard to 15 feet when using standard spray sprinklers. The spacing is tied to the area of coverage and the spray pattern. Larger spacings are permitted only for specific sprinkler types and occupancies.

Question 45Fire Sprinkler Systems

A hydraulically calculated system has a supply curve that intersects the demand curve exactly at the required flow and pressure. What does this indicate about the system?

  1. The system meets all code requirements without further analysis.
  2. The system is overdesigned and wasteful.
  3. The system requires a larger design area.
  4. The system has no safety margin and may be inadequate under actual conditions. Correct answer.

Explanation

When supply just equals demand, there is no cushion for uncertainty in the calculation, such as pipe roughness or water supply variation. Good practice and some standards call for a safety margin. A marginal intersection suggests the system may be inadequate in service.

Question 46Fire Sprinkler Systems

Which of the following best describes the operation of a deluge system?

  1. All sprinklers open simultaneously when a detection device operates. Correct answer.
  2. Only the sprinkler nearest the fire operates.
  3. Water is held back until two sprinklers operate.
  4. Water flows only after the dry pipe valve trips.

Explanation

In a deluge system, all sprinklers are open, and a detection system operates a deluge valve to admit water to all heads at once. This provides simultaneous application over the protected area. It is used where rapid, total water application is needed.

Question 47Fire Sprinkler Systems

An ESFR system is designed for a high-piled storage warehouse. Which statement best explains why ESFR sprinklers differ from standard spray sprinklers?

  1. They operate at lower pressure and rely on early suppression rather than pre-wetting. Correct answer.
  2. They require a larger design area than standard sprinklers.
  3. They use a smaller orifice to conserve water.
  4. They are installed only in concealed spaces.

Explanation

ESFR sprinklers are designed to operate early and deliver a high volume of water directly onto the fire to suppress it, rather than simply pre-wet surrounding combustibles. They typically use large orifices and higher flows at lower pressures. They are not confined to concealed spaces.

Question 48Fire Sprinkler Systems

A pressure reducing valve is installed on a branch line serving sprinklers in a high-rise building. What is its primary function?

  1. To limit downstream pressure to protect sprinklers and piping from overpressure Correct answer.
  2. To measure flow for the alarm
  3. To increase pressure to the upper floors
  4. To prevent backflow into the city main

Explanation

Pressure reducing valves limit the pressure downstream so that sprinklers and piping are not subjected to pressures above their ratings. In high-rise buildings, static pressure from elevation can be excessive. The valve protects the downstream components and maintains proper operating pressure.

Question 49Fire Sprinkler Systems

A sprinkler system in a parking garage is being classified. Which hazard classification is most appropriate?

  1. Ordinary hazard Group 1 Correct answer.
  2. Light hazard
  3. Ordinary hazard Group 2
  4. Extra hazard Group 1

Explanation

Parking garages are generally classified as ordinary hazard Group 1 because of the presence of vehicles and limited combustible loading. They are not light hazard due to the fuel present. They are not extra hazard because flammable liquids are not handled in open quantities.

Question 50Fire Sprinkler Systems

A sprinkler is installed 12 inches from a wall in a light hazard area. What is the maximum distance a sprinkler may be located from an adjacent wall for standard spray sprinklers?

  1. 18 inches Correct answer.
  2. 6 inches
  3. 12 inches
  4. 24 inches

Explanation

NFPA 13 limits the distance from a sprinkler to a wall to no more than half the allowable spacing between sprinklers, and in no case more than 18 inches for standard spray sprinklers in light hazard. A 12-inch distance is within the limit. The 18-inch maximum ensures coverage near walls.