NICET WBSL Level I case studies
NICET WBSL Level I · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The NICET Water-Based Systems Layout (WBSL) credential is one of the Fire Protection/Building Systems certification programs listed on nicet.org, alongside Fire Alarm Systems, Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems, Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems, and Special Hazards Systems. It is aimed at technicians who lay out water-based fire protection systems - the people who translate design criteria into working sprinkler and piping drawings and calculations. The NICET WBSL Level I case studies are 5 cases and about 3,925 words.
1Light Hazard Grid at the Limit - Then the Ceiling Comes Out
An office tenant improvement covers one open floor area measuring 60 ft east-west by 45 ft north-south (2,700 ft²) under a 12 ft lay-in acoustical ceiling. The space is classified light hazard, and the contractor proposes standard spray pendant sprinklers, K = 5.6, rated 155°F, in a 4-by-3 grid: branch lines at 7.5, 22.5, 37.5, and 52.5 ft from the west wall, with sprinklers on each line at 7.5, 22.5, and 37.5 ft from the north wall.
782 words, about 4 min2Static Pressure Is Not Available Pressure
A 180,000 ft² warehouse is protected as Ordinary Hazard Group 2 with a wet system: 0.20 gpm/ft² over a 1,500 ft² remote area plus a 250 gpm hose allowance. The layout is complete, and the calculated demand at the base of the riser is 550 gpm at 68 psi, with the highest sprinkler 45 ft above that point.
811 words, about 4 min3Hanger Spacing, Ceiling Grids, and Missing Bracing
Working plans for a new light hazard office building show a 4 in riser and main and 2 in branch lines on 1 in drops, suspended from steel bar joists spaced 8 ft on center. The hanger schedule lists 3/8 in rods with hangers at 13 ft on center on the 4 in main and 14 ft on center on the 2 in branch lines.
744 words, about 4 min4Selecting a Fire Pump From Its Curve, Not Its Nameplate
A fire pump is being added to an existing Ordinary Hazard Group 2 warehouse that is currently fed directly from the city main. At the calculated demand of 1,050 gpm, the required pressure at the pump discharge flange is 72 psi.
778 words, about 4 min5Hydrostatic Test Submitted After the Fact
A five-story light hazard office building has a new wet sprinkler system fed by a fire pump. The pump churn pressure measured at the base of the riser is 165 psi, and the highest sprinkler is 62 ft above that point.
810 words, about 4 min