IA Fire Sprinkler flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

NFPA 13 scope

NFPA 13 is the installation standard for automatic sprinkler systems in commercial, industrial, and storage occupancies; it establishes design, installation, and acceptance requirements referenced by the adopted fire code.

NFPA 25 scope

NFPA 25 sets inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for water-based fire protection systems after installation, including sprinklers, standpipes, fire pumps, and private water mains.

Authority having jurisdiction

The AHJ is the organization or individual responsible for approving equipment, installations, and procedures under the adopted code, such as a fire marshal or building official.

Hazard classification

Occupancies are classified as light hazard, ordinary hazard Group 1 or 2, extra hazard Group 1 or 2, or special occupancy; the classification determines density, area of operation, and hose allowance.

Hazen-Williams formula

Friction loss per foot equals 4.52 times flow to the 1.85 power divided by the product of the C factor to the 1.85 power and internal diameter to the 4.87 power.

Elevation pressure loss

Each foot of elevation rise reduces available pressure by 0.433 psi; equivalently, 1 psi corresponds to about 2.31 feet of rise in a water-filled pipe.

Hose stream allowance

Hose allowance is water flow reserved for fire department hose use and added to the sprinkler demand at the base of the riser; it is not part of the density calculation.

Flow test adjustment

Flow test results are adjusted to seasonal low static pressure conditions using the N1.85 relationship so the design accounts for worst-case supply conditions.

Wet pipe system

A wet pipe system keeps water under pressure in the piping at all times; it responds fastest and is the simplest to maintain but is unsuitable where piping may freeze.

Dry pipe system

A dry pipe system holds pressurized air or nitrogen in the piping and uses a dry pipe valve that opens on air pressure loss, allowing water to flow to fused sprinklers.

Pre-action system

A pre-action system requires detection system operation to open a pre-action valve before water enters the piping; single- and double-interlock versions differ in required trip logic.

Deluge system

A deluge system uses open sprinklers or nozzles and a deluge valve opened by detection, discharging water over an entire area simultaneously for high-hazard or exposure protection.

ESFR sprinkler

Early suppression fast response sprinklers are listed to suppress high-challenge storage fires without in-rack sprinklers when installed within the listing's height, clearance, and density limits.

Quick-response sprinkler

Quick-response sprinklers have a low response time index and are required in certain light-hazard and residential applications to limit fire growth before flashover.

Main drain test

The main drain test compares static and residual pressure at the riser; a significant change from prior results indicates a closed valve, obstruction, or degraded water supply.

Dry pipe trip test

The annual dry pipe valve trip test verifies the valve opens and delivers water to the inspector's test connection within the time limit; the system is then drained and restored.

Gauge replacement interval

Non-hydraulic gauges must be replaced every 5 years, and any gauge reading more than 5 percent from a calibrated reference must be replaced.

Spare sprinkler cabinet

The spare head cabinet must contain heads matching the installed type and temperature rating plus a sprinkler wrench, and must be accessible and labeled.

Fire pump 150 percent rule

A fire pump must deliver at least 150 percent of rated flow at not less than 65 percent of rated head, and churn pressure typically may not exceed 140 percent of rated head.

Fire pump churn test

Weekly no-flow churn tests verify automatic starting and controller function; annual flow tests document pressures at churn, 100 percent, and 150 percent of rated flow.

Standpipe classes

Class I provides 2½-inch fire department outlets, Class II provides 1½-inch occupant hose, and Class III combines both; Class I and III systems require a fire department connection.

Fire department connection

The FDC is the exterior connection where the fire department pumps water into the sprinkler or standpipe system; it must be accessible, unobstructed, marked, and within code distance limits.

Hanger spacing limits

Hanger spacing depends on pipe size and schedule, commonly 12 feet for 1-inch and smaller, 15 feet for 1¼-inch through 2-inch, and 12 feet for 2½-inch and larger.

Sway brace intervals

Lateral sway braces are typically required at intervals not exceeding 40 feet and longitudinal braces at intervals not exceeding 80 feet along the pipe run, per adopted seismic provisions.

Seismic separation assembly

A seismic separation assembly uses flexible couplings and sufficient clearance to allow piping to move independently where it crosses building expansion joints or seismic separations.

Riser bracing

Vertical piping and risers require guides and restraints designed to accommodate building drift without transferring seismic loads into the sprinkler piping or its hangers.

Hydrostatic test

Sprinkler piping is hydrostatically tested before concealment, typically at 200 psi for 2 hours, or at 50 psi above working pressure where working pressure exceeds 150 psi.

Plan review checklist

Plan review verifies occupancy classification, density and area selection, hydraulic calculations, water supply adequacy, hanger and seismic details, and coordination with other trades.

Riser diagram contents

A riser diagram shows all valves, check valves, gauges, drains, test connections, and the fire department connection, with pipe sizes and elevations identified.

Impairment procedure

An impairment requires notification of the owner and AHJ, a fire watch where mandated, documented restoration, and verification that the system is back in service.

Inspection report content

Inspection reports must record the system type, components tested, test results, deficiencies found, and the inspector's name and certification, and be retained for AHJ review.

Lockout tagout

Lockout/tagout procedures isolate energy sources before servicing fire pumps, controllers, and valves, and impairment tags remain until the system is restored and verified.