NICET ITWBS Level II flashcards

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

Hydrostatic test pressure

For new sprinkler piping, 200 psi for two hours, or 50 psi above maximum working pressure if that is higher; no pressure loss is allowed during the test.

Pneumatic test limit

Air testing of sprinkler piping is normally capped at 40 psi unless the piping is approved for higher pressure; the acceptance period is 24 hours.

Main drain test

A flow test through the main drain that records static and residual pressure; a large drop compared with prior results signals a supply or valve problem.

Inspector's test connection

A valve at the hydraulically most remote point that flows about one sprinkler equivalent, confirming waterflow alarm operation and unobstructed piping.

Waterflow alarm timing

On a wet pipe system, opening the inspector's test connection must actuate the waterflow alarm within 90 seconds of flow starting.

Dry pipe valve trip test

Opening the inspector's test connection on a dry system must trip the dry pipe valve and deliver water within 60 seconds; record the trip time.

Priming water level

The water level maintained above the clapper in a dry pipe valve; too little priming water delays or prevents the valve from tripping properly.

Dry pipe air pressure

Air pressure maintained on a dry system per design, commonly 20 to 40 psi, must be high enough to hold the clapper closed but allow timely tripping.

Preaction system test

Detection circuits are tested separately from the discharge valve; the releasing panel and solenoid must open the valve only on the designed detection signal.

Deluge valve operation

A deluge valve opens on detection signal to supply all open sprinklers at once; testing verifies detection, releasing, and full-flow discharge.

Standpipe residual pressure

For a Class I standpipe, the minimum residual pressure at the topmost outlet is 100 psi while flowing the required rate.

Fire pump churn test

Running the pump at zero flow; the pump must produce at least 100 percent of its rated pressure at churn.

Fire pump 150 percent test

At 150 percent of rated flow, the pump must still produce at least 65 percent of rated pressure to satisfy acceptance criteria.

Backflow preventer test

A reduced-pressure zone assembly is tested by measuring differential across the check valves and confirming the relief valve opens at the design differential.

Gauge calibration range

Test gauges must be calibrated and read where the needle sits between 25 and 75 percent of full scale for accurate pressure readings.

Supervised control valve

A control valve that is locked open or electrically supervised so that closure is detected; valve status is recorded at each inspection.

Freeze protection check

Wet pipe systems require heated spaces at 40 degrees F minimum; low-point drains must not hold trapped water in areas subject to freezing.

Obstruction investigation

When main drain or inspector's test flow is weak, a flushing or obstruction investigation is performed before the system returns to service.

Design demand verification

The flow test at the most remote connection must meet or exceed the design density over area plus the required hose allowance at the riser base.

Hydraulic most remote point

The location in the piping with the greatest pressure loss from the supply; test connections and flow measurements are placed there for worst-case verification.

Wet pipe alarm valve test

Flow through the alarm valve must actuate the water motor gong or pressure switch; retest after any adjustment to the alarm devices.

Tamper switch test

A supervisory tamper switch on a control valve must signal closure to the fire alarm panel; the signal is verified during inspection.

Record retention

Inspection and test records are kept on site for the period required by the applicable standard, commonly one year, and made available to the authority.

Pump suction pressure

Suction pressure is recorded during pump flow tests because a dropping suction indicates a supply restriction or a nearly empty suction source.

Churn to overload curve

The pump performance curve is plotted from churn through 100 and 150 percent flow; the curve shape must fall within the acceptable band.

Flow test pitot reading

A pitot tube reading at the test outlet converts to flow in gallons per minute using the orifice coefficient and diameter.

Static versus residual

Static pressure is read with no flow; residual pressure is read while flowing, and the difference characterizes the available water supply.

Two-hour hydrostatic hold

The hydrostatic acceptance test holds pressure for two hours with no loss; visible leaks at joints or fittings constitute failure regardless of gauge reading.

Air compressor test

The dry system air compressor must maintain design air pressure; test verifies the compressor starts and restores pressure within the allowed time.

Accelerator test

An accelerator speeds dry valve tripping; it is tested by opening the inspector's test connection and confirming the valve trips within the allowed time.

Water supply curve

The supply curve plots available pressure versus flow from the flow test; the design point must fall below and left of the curve to be adequate.

Hose allowance

Flow added to the sprinkler demand for hose streams, commonly 100 to 250 gpm depending on hazard, included when verifying the supply.

Valve tamper supervision

Supervisory devices on control valves must report closure to the panel; loss of supervision is itself a deficiency requiring correction.