GA Fire Sprinkler key terms

The minimum water flow rate, in gallons per minute, that must be delivered over each square foot of protected floor area. It is selected from the occupancy hazard curves and drives sprinkler spacing and pipe sizing.

The remote floor area, in square feet, over which design density must be supplied simultaneously. It is adjusted for slope, ceiling height, dry systems, and quick-response sprinklers.

The grouping of a building's contents and processes into light, ordinary Group 1 or 2, or extra hazard Group 1 or 2 categories. The classification sets the density and design area used for hydraulic calculations.

The rating of stored goods by their packaging, material, and heat release, ranging from Class I to Class IV plus plastics groups. It determines storage sprinkler density and protection scheme.

A sprinkler system with water under pressure in the piping at all times, so a fused sprinkler discharges immediately. It is the simplest and most common system type and needs no special activation delay.

A system holding pressurized air or nitrogen in the piping, with water held back by a dry pipe valve. Air must escape through opened sprinklers before water arrives, so the design area is increased.

A dry system in which a detection system must operate before water fills the piping, adding a layer of protection against accidental discharge. Single-interlock, non-interlock, and double-interlock arrangements are used.

A system with open sprinklers or nozzles and a deluge valve that admits water to all heads at once when detection trips. It is used where rapid, total application of water is needed.

A clapper-type valve that uses air pressure on top to hold a water supply below and trips open when air is released. It is located in a heated enclosure and requires a priming charge.

A valve held closed by a trim arrangement and opened by a detection or manual signal to release water to an open-head system. It is common on deluge and preaction systems.

The maximum permitted distance between adjacent sprinklers on a branch line and between branch lines. It varies with hazard and ceiling type and is limited by the sprinkler's listed coverage area.

The greatest floor area a single sprinkler is listed to protect, typically 130, 168, or 196 square feet for standard spray heads depending on hazard and construction. Spacing must not exceed this limit.

The required clearance between the sprinkler deflector and the ceiling or roof above, set by the listing so the spray pattern develops correctly. It is commonly 1 to 12 inches for standard spray sprinklers.

The dimensional criteria that decide whether a structural member, duct, or light fixture blocks sprinkler spray and requires an additional sprinkler beneath or beside it. Distances are measured from the sprinkler deflector.

The hydraulically most demanding portion of the design area, identified by calculation as the set of operating sprinklers requiring the highest pressure at the supply. It is the starting point for pipe sizing.

The step-by-step pressure-loss analysis through pipe, fittings, and devices that proves the supply can deliver design density at the remote area. Results are recorded on a hydraulic calculation plate or form.

The extra pressure or flow required beyond the calculated demand to account for supply uncertainty, meter error, or future changes. It must remain after all losses are deducted from the available supply.

The pipe that carries sprinklers in a row and connects to a cross main. Its size and length limit how many sprinklers may be supplied and affect friction loss.

The main pipe feeding branch lines, running perpendicular to them. It is sized by hydraulic calculation and may be fed by a feed main or riser.

The vertical supply pipe that connects the water supply or riser nipple to the system piping and carries the riser assembly. It usually includes the main control valve, check valve, and alarm devices.

The complete vertical arrangement at the system supply point, including control valve, check valve, gauges, flow switch, drain, and test connections. It is the point where inspectors verify alarms and drains.

The standard for sprinkler systems in residential occupancies up to and including four stories above grade, offering reduced protection in some areas in exchange for full dwelling coverage. It is less restrictive than NFPA 13.

The standard for sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes, focused on life safety and escape rather than property protection. It permits a limited water supply and omits some coverage.

A sprinkler listed for residential use, with a faster response and a specific spray pattern for dwelling spaces. Its listing limits spacing and coverage and it is required by NFPA 13R and 13D.

A flow test at the system's main drain that records static and residual pressure to reveal supply restrictions or closed valves. Results are compared with previous readings to detect deterioration.

A test connection that simulates the flow of a single sprinkler to verify water flow alarms and switches operate. It is opened during routine testing and the alarm response is timed and recorded.

A device that senses water movement in the riser or main and triggers the alarm or supervisory signal. It must be tested to confirm it actuates within the required time.

The documented process for taking a system out of service, including notifying the authority, fire watch, and restoration checks. It protects occupants while protection is reduced.

A temporary patrol or monitoring arrangement required when a sprinkler system is impaired and cannot be restored promptly. It ensures early discovery of fire until protection returns.

A graph of available pressure versus flow at a point in the supply, derived from flow tests or hydrant data. The system demand point must fall below the curve with margin remaining.

A field test using static, residual, and pitot readings to estimate the available water supply at a site. Results are plotted to create the supply curve used in design.

A listed pump that boosts water pressure from a supply to meet sprinkler or standpipe demand. It is sized by flow and head and requires a controller, relief valve, and periodic performance testing.

A no-flow fire pump test that records pressure at shutoff to verify the pump's condition and compare it with the original curve. It is part of routine pump testing.

A fixed piping system with hose connections at various levels for fire department use. Classes I, II, and III describe the intended users and hose sizes.

The state credential issued by the Georgia office regulating fire protection contractors that authorizes a business to install, alter, or service sprinkler systems. Licensing involves a qualifying agent and insurance.

The individual who passes the required examination and holds the technical responsibility for a licensed sprinkler contracting business. The agent must remain actively involved for the license to stay valid.

A personal credential issued by the state to an individual who demonstrates knowledge through examination and experience. It allows that person to serve as a qualifying agent or perform regulated work.

The formal examination of submitted drawings and calculations by the authority having jurisdiction before construction. Approval confirms code compliance and permits installation to begin.

The official authorization issued by the local or state authority to install or modify a sprinkler system. Work must match the approved plans and pass inspections before the permit is closed.

The organization, office, or individual responsible for approving equipment, installations, and procedures under the adopted code. In Georgia this is typically the state fire marshal or a local fire official.

The safety practice of isolating energy sources and applying locks and tags before servicing equipment. It prevents unexpected startup or release of stored energy during maintenance.

A pre-task review that identifies hazards, required controls, and safe work methods for a specific job. It is documented and discussed with the crew before work begins.

The gear worn to reduce injury risk, such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and fall protection. It is the last line of defense after engineering and administrative controls.