ME 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

Design and installation standard for automatic sprinkler systems in commercial, industrial, and institutional occupancies. It sets hazard classification, density/area criteria, pipe sizing, and acceptance testing requirements.

Light hazard density

Design density of 0.10 gpm/ft² over a 1,500 ft² remote area, applied to occupancies such as offices, schools, and churches where fuel load and heat release are low.

Ordinary Hazard Group 2

Occupancy classification requiring 0.20 gpm/ft² over 1,500 ft² at the low end of the curve. Examples include mercantile, parking garages, and moderate-hazard manufacturing.

K-factor formula

Sprinkler discharge follows Q = K times the square root of P, where Q is gpm and P is psi. A K=5.6 head at 7 psi flows about 14.8 gpm.

Minimum sprinkler pressure

The hydraulically most remote sprinkler must have at least 7 psi (0.5 bar) residual pressure. Lower pressure is not permitted even if the calculated flow still meets density.

Sprinkler spacing limits

Maximum spacing is 15 ft for light and ordinary hazard and 12 ft for extra hazard. Maximum protection area per head is 225, 130, and 100 ft² respectively.

Hanger spacing rule

Hangers are required at intervals not exceeding 12 ft for pipe 1 inch and smaller, and 15 ft for larger pipe, with support near the end of each pipe section.

NFPA 13R limits

Residential sprinkler standard limited to occupancies four stories or fewer above grade. Buildings exceeding that height require full NFPA 13 design.

NFPA 25 purpose

Inspection, testing, and maintenance standard for water-based fire protection systems. It governs ongoing upkeep of a system installed under NFPA 13, not its original design.

NFPA 1 Fire Code role

Umbrella fire code that references NFPA 13, 14, 20, 24, 25, and 72. It sets the occupancy-level requirement for sprinklers and defers technical detail to those standards.

NFPA 72 scope

National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. It covers waterflow switch and valve tamper switch monitoring, alarm transmission, and notification appliance requirements for sprinkler systems.

NFPA 20 scope

Standard for the installation of stationary pumps for fire protection. It governs fire pump sizing, driver selection, controllers, and acceptance flow testing.

NFPA 24 scope

Standard for private fire service mains and their appurtenances. It covers underground piping, hydrants, gate valves, and the water supply connection to the sprinkler riser.

NFPA 14 scope

Standard for standpipe and hose systems. Combined standpipe and sprinkler systems must be hydraulically calculated for both demands at the same time.

Adopted edition rule

The NFPA edition cited in the State Fire Marshal's adopted rule governs a project, even if a newer edition has been published. Always confirm the edition in force.

NFPA 13D scope

Limited-drawing standard for one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes. It permits omission of sprinklers in certain small spaces such as some closets and bathrooms.

State Fire Marshal authority

Maine's Fire Marshal, within the Department of Public Safety, administers fire prevention, cause-and-origin investigation, plan review, and licensing of sprinkler-related work statewide.

Fire hazard correction order

Statutory power of the State Fire Marshal to order abatement of a fire hazard. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action, penalties, or closure of the premises.

Licensed sprinkler contractor

Installation, alteration, and maintenance of sprinkler systems in Maine is regulated work. Contractors must hold the license issued through the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Occupancy permit linkage

Approval to occupy a building depends on completion and acceptance of required fire protection, including sprinklers. Unprotected required systems block lawful occupancy.

Plan submission requirement

Plans and specifications for required sprinkler systems must be submitted to the State Fire Marshal or designated authority for review before installation begins, with fees set by rule.

Fire investigation duty

The Fire Marshal investigates cause and origin of fires, with heightened authority for fatal, suspicious, or large-loss fires. Findings may support enforcement or criminal referral.

Local versus state authority

Municipal fire departments handle scene control and pre-incident planning. Code adoption and statewide enforcement rest with the State Fire Marshal unless a town has its own ordinance.

License discipline process

Suspension or revocation of a sprinkler contractor license follows statutory due process through the Fire Marshal's Office, including notice and an opportunity to be heard.

Hydrostatic test requirement

System piping is tested at 200 psi for two hours, or at 50 psi above working pressure when working pressure exceeds 150 psi, before acceptance.

Main drain flow test

Acceptance and annual test confirming water supply adequacy. Static and residual pressure readings at the riser are compared against the hydraulic calculation to detect supply degradation.

Waterflow alarm test

Verifies that a sustained flow equivalent to one sprinkler activates the waterflow switch and transmits an alarm within the required time delay, typically 30 to 90 seconds.

Spare sprinkler stock

At least six spare sprinklers plus a wrench must be kept on site, or the number on any single floor if greater, stored in a cabinet near the riser.

Impairment notification

Before shutting down a system, notify the authority having jurisdiction, building owner, and fire department. Document the impairment and post a fire watch if protection is lost.

Shutdown permit content

A shutdown or hot work permit records the reason, affected area, start and end times, assigned fire watch, and verification that protection was restored afterward.

Gauge replacement interval

NFPA 25 requires gauges to be replaced or recalibrated every five years. Gauges are also compared during inspections to detect a failed or drifting gauge.

Record retention rule

Inspection and test records must be retained at least one year, and the most recent records must be available on site for review by the authority having jurisdiction.