NICET ITWBS Level I flashcards
NICET ITWBS Level I · Build recall with a focused review session.
33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- NFPA 25 purpose
- It sets the minimum inspection, testing, and maintenance frequencies and acceptance criteria for water-based fire protection systems, so that systems remain reliable over their service life.
- Inspection versus testing
- Inspection is a visual or mechanical check of condition and configuration. Testing measures actual performance such as flow, pressure, or alarm time. Maintenance corrects deficiencies found by either.
- Wet pipe waterflow alarm
- Opening the inspector's test connection simulates sprinkler flow. The alarm must sound within 90 seconds for a wet system, and the test also confirms the alarm valve and pressure switch operate.
- Dry pipe trip test
- Air pressure holds the dry pipe valve closed. The trip test confirms the valve opens and water reaches the test connection within 60 seconds, with air pressure and time recorded.
- Dry pipe valve priming
- A priming water level above the clapper seals the valve and helps it open. The level must be maintained per the manufacturer, because a low prime is a common cause of failure to trip.
- Inspector's test connection
- A valve at the end of the system piping that simulates a single sprinkler operating. Opening it confirms waterflow alarm activation and verifies the alarm valve and switch function.
- Fire pump churn test
- A no-flow run of the pump, typically weekly, with suction and discharge pressure, speed, and noise recorded. Churn pressure is the shutoff pressure on the pump curve.
- Fire pump flow test points
- Annual testing compares churn, 100 percent, 150 percent, and overload flow points against the manufacturer's curve. Results show whether the pump still meets its rated performance.
- Pitot flow formula
- Q equals 29.83 times c times d squared times the square root of p, giving flow in gpm from the discharge coefficient, orifice diameter in inches, and pitot pressure in psi.
- Hydrant flow test
- Static, residual, and pitot pressures are recorded at a hydrant. The results estimate available flow at 20 psi residual and reveal whether the water supply is restricted.
- Gauge accuracy check
- A gauge is compared against a calibrated reference or a second gauge. Gauges are replaced every 5 years or when accuracy is in doubt, and readings outside tolerance are not accepted.
- Preaction system test
- Detection operates first, then the solenoid valve opens and water enters the piping. The test confirms the sequence and that the waterflow alarm activates after the valve opens.
- Deluge valve test
- Opening the detection circuit or manual release must fully open the deluge valve and admit water to all open sprinklers. The test verifies full travel and alarm activation.
- Sprinkler head replacement
- Heads that are painted, corroded, damaged, obstructed, or have operated must be replaced with the same type and temperature rating. Spare heads and a wrench must be stocked.
- Impairment tag
- A written tag placed on a system taken out of service, showing the time, reason, and person responsible. The authority having jurisdiction and occupants are notified.
- Test record content
- Each record lists the device identifier, the date, the measured value, the acceptance criterion, and the pass or fail result, and is retained for the period the standard requires.
- Standpipe system test
- A flow test at the hydrant or hose connection confirms the required pressure and flow at the topmost outlet, and checks that the pressure-regulating device performs as designed.
- Pressure-reducing valve test
- The valve is flowed at its design rate and the outlet pressure is compared against the required range. A valve that cannot hold the range is repaired or replaced.
- Main drain test
- A full-flow test through the main drain records static and residual pressure. A significant change from the baseline indicates a change in the water supply or a closed valve.
- Alarm valve test
- Water is flowed through the alarm valve to confirm the clapper opens, the retard chamber fills, and the water motor gong or pressure switch activates within the required time.
- Antifreeze system check
- The solution concentration is tested to confirm the freeze point is adequate for the expected low temperature, and the system is refilled with the correct solution after any draining.
- Water mist system basics
- NFPA 750 covers water mist, which uses fine droplets and small flows. Inspection confirms nozzle type and spacing, pressure at the nozzle, and that the pump or supply meets design.
- Acceptance test purpose
- The acceptance test proves the installed system meets the approved design before it is placed in service, using measured flow, pressure, and time against the design values.
- Authority having jurisdiction
- The official with legal authority to approve installations and enforce the code. The AHJ reviews test records, witnesses acceptance tests, and must be notified of impairments.
- Deficiency documentation
- A deficiency is recorded with its location, the criterion it fails, and the corrective action taken. Critical deficiencies are reported immediately to the owner and the AHJ.
- Static versus residual pressure
- Static pressure is measured with no flow. Residual pressure is measured while water is flowing. The difference shows the pressure lost to friction and supply limitations.
- Churn pressure definition
- The discharge pressure of a fire pump at zero flow, corresponding to the shutoff point on the pump curve. It is recorded during the weekly no-flow run.
- Hose valve inspection
- Hose valves and connections are checked for caps, threads, gaskets, and free operation. A valve that cannot be fully opened or closed is a deficiency requiring repair.
- Riser check valve
- A check valve on the riser prevents water from flowing back into the supply. Its condition is confirmed during the main drain and alarm tests on a wet system.
- Flow switch test
- The switch is actuated by simulated flow and the alarm time is measured. It must activate at the flow rate and within the time the design and standard require.
- Valve supervision check
- Control valves must be open and supervised. The check confirms the valve is fully open, sealed or locked, and that the supervisory switch reports an off-normal condition.
- Freeze protection inspection
- The inspector confirms that heated enclosures, antifreeze, and dry or preaction piping protect against freezing, and that valves and gauges are not exposed to freezing temperatures.
- Test frequency source
- NFPA 25 tables set the interval for each device, such as weekly churn, annual flow test, and quarterly or annual alarm tests. The interval is taken from the table, not from habit.