NICET Water-Based flashcards
NICET Water-Based · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- NFPA 13
- Primary standard for design and installation of automatic sprinkler systems in commercial, industrial, and storage occupancies; it sets hazard, hydraulic, spacing, and acceptance requirements.
- NFPA 13R
- Residential sprinkler standard for multifamily and residential occupancies up to four stories; fewer sprinklers and different hydraulic rules than NFPA 13.
- NFPA 25
- Standard for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems after installation; covers gauges, valves, alarms, and main drains.
- Design density
- The minimum water flow rate per square foot, in gpm/ft², applied over the remote area; selected from NFPA 13 based on occupancy hazard classification.
- Remote area
- The hydraulically most demanding area of sprinkler operation used to calculate system demand; its size depends on hazard class and sprinkler type.
- Hazard classification
- NFPA 13 categories light, ordinary, and extra hazard that determine design density, sprinkler spacing, and hose allowance; storage uses separate storage criteria.
- Shop drawing review
- AHJ review of scaled plans, hydraulic calculations, and details before installation; checks compliance with code, water supply, and coordination requirements.
- Temperature rating
- Sprinkler activation temperature range; ordinary is 135–170°F, intermediate 175–225°F, high 250–300°F, selected relative to maximum ceiling temperature.
- Hazen-Williams formula
- Empirical friction-loss equation for water in pipes: p = 4.52 Q^1.85 / (C^1.85 d^4.87), with p in psi per foot.
- K-factor
- Discharge coefficient relating sprinkler flow to pressure by Q = K√P; a higher K-factor delivers more flow at the same operating pressure.
- Hose stream allowance
- Water flow added to sprinkler demand to account for fire department hose use; included at the base of the riser, not in remote-area flow.
- Elevation pressure
- Pressure change due to height: 0.433 psi per foot of rise, or 2.31 feet per psi; added when demand is above the supply.
- Most remote sprinkler
- The sprinkler expected to have the lowest residual pressure and highest friction loss; its flow typically starts the hydraulic calculation.
- Residual pressure
- Pressure remaining at a test hydrant while water flows; used with static pressure and flow to construct the water supply curve.
- Water supply curve
- Graph of available pressure versus flow from a flow test; the system demand point must fall below the curve with an acceptable safety margin.
- Equivalent pipe length
- Method of converting fittings and valves into added pipe length using NFPA tables for friction-loss calculations.
- Light hazard spacing
- Standard spray sprinklers: maximum 15-foot spacing and 225 square feet per sprinkler; maximum distance from wall is half the spacing.
- Ordinary hazard spacing
- Standard spray sprinklers: maximum 15-foot spacing and 130 square feet per sprinkler; wall distance is limited to half the allowable spacing.
- Extra hazard spacing
- Standard spray sprinklers: maximum 12-foot spacing and 100 square feet per sprinkler; higher density and often special protection are required.
- Deflector position
- Pendent and upright deflectors are typically 1 to 12 inches below the ceiling; sidewall deflectors are typically 4 to 6 inches below the ceiling.
- Obstruction clearance
- Deflectors must maintain at least 18 inches of clearance from obstructions unless the sprinkler listing permits a closer distance for spray development.
- Standpipe classes
- Class I provides 2.5-inch fire department hose valves; Class II provides 1.5-inch occupant hose valves; Class III provides both types.
- Branch line
- Pipe feeding sprinklers along a single line; its size and length affect friction loss and must match hydraulic calculations and approved layout.
- Sidewall sprinkler
- Sprinkler mounted on a wall or side of a beam that discharges horizontally; spacing and deflector position follow the listing and NFPA 13 rules.
- Hydrostatic test
- Pressure test of piping, typically 200 psi for two hours or 50 psi above maximum working pressure; verifies leaks before acceptance.
- Flushing
- Passing water through piping before testing to remove debris; required for underground and aboveground pipe to prevent clogging sprinklers and valves.
- Material and Test Certificate
- Contractor's record documenting flushing, hydrostatic test pressure and duration, and results; submitted to the authority having jurisdiction.
- Main drain test
- Flow test at the riser main drain; compares static and residual pressure to detect supply degradation or closed valves.
- Inspector's test connection
- Valve and orifice at the end of the most remote branch line used to test waterflow alarm activation and simulate sprinkler flow.
- Impairment procedure
- Steps taken when a system is out of service: notify AHJ, fire department, and owner; post signs; restore and test before returning to service.
- As-built drawings
- Final drawings showing installed pipe routing, valve and sprinkler locations, and deviations from approved shop drawings; delivered to owner and AHJ.
- Hot work permit
- Written authorization for welding, cutting, or grinding near sprinkler systems; includes fire watch and precautions to prevent ignition.