NY Fire Sprinkler flashcards

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

Design density

The minimum water flow rate in gpm per square foot applied over the hydraulically most demanding area; determined by hazard classification and used in hydraulic calculations.

K-factor

Sprinkler discharge coefficient equal to Q divided by the square root of pressure; a K-5.6 sprinkler at 7 psi flows about 14.8 gpm.

Quick-response sprinkler

Sprinkler with a Response Time Index of 50 or less, using a thin glass bulb or fusible link that activates faster than standard-response heads.

Dry pipe system

A sprinkler system with air or nitrogen under pressure in the piping and water held back by a dry pipe valve; used in spaces subject to freezing.

Pendant sprinkler deflector

Must be positioned at least 1 inch below a noncombustible ceiling and 2 to 12 inches below a combustible ceiling to allow the spray pattern to develop.

Residential sprinkler

Sprinkler listed for dwelling units with a lower design density and faster response, installed per NFPA 13R or 13D criteria.

Class I standpipe

Standpipe with 2½ inch outlets for fire department use, requiring 100 psi residual at the topmost outlet and 250 gpm per riser.

Class II standpipe

Standpipe with 1½ inch hose stations for occupant use, designed for 100 gpm at 65 psi residual pressure at the most remote outlet.

Class III standpipe

Combined system with both 2½ inch fire department outlets and 1½ inch occupant hose stations, sized to Class I hydraulic requirements.

Standpipe hose travel

All portions of a floor must be within 30 feet of a nozzle attached to 100 feet of 1½ inch hose, giving 130 feet total travel.

Fire department connection

Siamese connection allowing pumper apparatus to supplement the system; 3 inch for standpipe-only, 4 inch or larger when combined with sprinklers.

Standpipe pressure regulation

Pressure-reducing valves are required where residual pressure at an outlet exceeds 100 psi or static pressure exceeds 175 psi to protect occupants and equipment.

Manual standpipe

A standpipe system without a permanent water supply, permitted only in limited cases such as buildings under construction; must still deliver 100 psi at the top outlet.

NFPA 13

The standard for installation of sprinkler systems, covering hazard classification, design density, spacing, hydraulic calculation, and acceptance testing.

NFPA 14

The standard for installation of standpipe and hose systems, defining Class I, II, and III systems and their hydraulic requirements.

NFPA 25

The standard for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, establishing intervals for valves, pumps, and gauges.

NYC construction permit

A Department of Buildings permit is required before installing or altering sprinkler or standpipe systems; final sign-off follows witnessed testing.

NYC high-rise sprinkler rule

Buildings 75 feet or more in height require automatic sprinkler protection throughout and a Class I standpipe with fire pump where pressure is insufficient.

Fire pump acceptance test

Test at churn, 100% rated flow, and 150% rated flow to verify the pump curve, suction conditions, and controller operation.

Annual sprinkler inspection

NFPA 25 requires annual inspection of sprinkler heads, pipe, and gauges, with records retained on site and available to the fire department.

Hydrostatic test

New systems are tested at 200 psi for 2 hours, or 50 psi above working pressure when that exceeds 150 psi, witnessed by the authority.

Main drain test

Comparing static and residual pressure at the main drain; a drop greater than 10 percent indicates a closed valve or obstruction in the supply.

Underground flushing

Underground mains are flushed at a velocity of at least 10 feet per second to remove debris before connection to the aboveground system.

Control valve supervision

Sprinkler control valves must be supervised open and inspected monthly, with tamper switches or locks to prevent unauthorized closure.

Obstruction investigation

Required every 5 years or when evidence suggests, by flushing the system and examining a representative pipe section for debris or tuberculation.

Spare sprinkler cabinet

Must contain spare heads of each type and temperature rating plus a wrench, kept in an accessible location per NFPA 13 requirements.

Deflector clearance

A minimum 18 inch clearance must be maintained below sprinkler deflectors to avoid obstruction of the spray pattern by stored materials.

Flow switch test

Annual test confirming the switch activates on water flow and sends an alarm signal to the fire alarm panel within the required time.

Dry pipe valve trip test

Annual test confirming the dry pipe valve opens and water reaches the test outlet within 60 seconds for systems of 750 gallons or less.

Ordinary hazard Group 1

Hazard classification with design density of 0.15 gpm per square foot over 1,500 square feet, covering occupancies such as parking garages.

Extra hazard Group 2

Highest hazard classification, requiring 0.40 gpm per square foot over 2,500 square feet, for occupancies with flammable liquids or severe combustibles.

Sprinkler temperature rating

Color-coded rating: ordinary 135 to 170°F, intermediate 175 to 225°F, high 250 to 300°F, selected to match the ambient ceiling temperature.