IL Fire Sprinkler flashcards

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

Light hazard density

The minimum design density for light hazard occupancies is 0.10 gpm/ft² over a 1,500 ft² remote area, per the NFPA 13 density/area curves.

Ordinary Group 1 density

Ordinary Group 1 occupancies require a design density of 0.15 gpm/ft² over a 1,500 ft² remote area under the NFPA 13 density/area curves.

Hazen-Williams formula

Head loss per foot of pipe equals 4.52 times Q to the 1.85 power divided by C to the 1.85 power times diameter to the 4.87 power, with C typically 120 for steel.

Sprinkler K-factor equation

Flow from a sprinkler equals the K-factor times the square root of the discharge pressure, so a K-5.6 head at 7 psi flows about 14.8 gpm.

Maximum light hazard spacing

Light hazard sprinklers may be spaced no more than 15 feet apart and may cover no more than 225 square feet each, unless a calculated design permits otherwise.

Deflector distance below ceiling

Standard spray sprinkler deflectors must be positioned 1 to 12 inches below combustible ceilings and 1 to 18 inches below noncombustible ceilings per NFPA 13.

Dry-pipe area increase

Dry-pipe and preaction systems require a 30 percent increase in the hydraulically calculated design area to account for delayed water delivery to the remote heads.

Minimum remote head pressure

The pressure at the hydraulically most remote standard spray sprinkler must be at least 7 psi to produce the required discharge density and pattern.

Main drain test frequency

NFPA 25 requires an annual main drain test, and the test must also be repeated after any water supply change or valve closure to confirm supply adequacy.

Waterflow alarm test interval

Vane-type and pressure-switch waterflow alarms must be tested quarterly; the device must activate within 90 seconds at a flow equal to one sprinkler.

Dry-pipe valve trip time

The dry-pipe valve must deliver water to the test outlet within 60 seconds of the trip test, and a full-flow trip test is required every three years.

Sprinkler head inspection frequency

Sprinkler heads are inspected annually from floor level, and any head with corrosion, paint, damage, or loading must be replaced with a matching spare.

Five-year internal pipe inspection

An internal inspection or flushing of piping is required every five years for dry systems, galvanized pipe, and systems where obstruction is suspected.

Standpipe hydrostatic test

Standpipe and hose system piping must be hydrostatically tested at 200 psi, or 50 psi above the maximum working pressure, for two hours every five years.

Antifreeze concentration limits

Antifreeze solutions must be tested annually and kept between the minimum freeze-protection concentration and a maximum of 30 percent propylene glycol or 40 percent glycerin.

Gauge inspection frequency

Gauges on wet-pipe systems are inspected monthly to confirm normal supply pressure, and gauges must be replaced or recalibrated every five years.

Valve tamper switch testing

Supervisory valve tamper switches are tested semiannually, while main control valves are operated annually to verify they open and close fully.

Illinois contractor license requirement

Under 225 ILCS 317, any entity that designs, installs, repairs, alters, or maintains fire sprinkler systems must hold an OSFM-issued contractor license.

Responsible managing employee

Each licensed contractor must designate an RME who holds NICET Level III certification in water-based systems layout or an equivalent OSFM-approved qualification.

Installer certification

Individual sprinkler installers must be certified by the OSFM or hold NICET Level II certification, and must work under a licensed contractor.

License renewal cycle

Illinois fire sprinkler contractor licenses are renewed annually, and the OSFM may require continuing education as a condition of renewal.

Unlicensed work penalties

Performing sprinkler work without a license subjects the person to civil penalties and cease-and-desist orders, and local permits may be denied.

RME change notification

The contractor must notify the OSFM when its designated RME changes; failure to maintain an RME can result in suspension of the license.

OSFM Fire Prevention Code

41 Ill. Adm. Code 141 adopts NFPA 13, 13D, 13R, 14, 20, and 25 by reference, giving those standards the force of Illinois regulation.

Local amendment authority

Municipalities may adopt stricter amendments to the state code, but a state contractor license is still required regardless of local permit requirements.

NFPA 13D design basis

One- and two-family dwelling systems must flow at least two sprinklers simultaneously, provide a 10-minute supply, and maintain no more than 7 psi at the remote head.

NFPA 13R scope

NFPA 13R applies to residential occupancies up to and including four stories, allowing omission of sprinklers in closets, bathrooms, and certain concealed spaces.

Water supply flow test

NFPA 13 requires a flow test within the prior 12 months, or a documented municipal supply curve, adjusted for seasonal and daily fluctuations.

Hydrostatic acceptance test

Before being placed in service, system piping must be hydrostatically tested at 200 psi, or 50 psi above working pressure, for two hours without leakage.

Plan review requirement

Installation requires plan review and approval by the OSFM or a delegated local authority, with hydraulic calculations and drawings submitted before work begins.

NFPA 20 scope

NFPA 20 governs the selection and installation of stationary fire pumps, including drivers, controllers, and the required pump performance and acceptance tests.