Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Can You Meet the Challenge?
Each issue, AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department presents technical challenges. Besides testing yourself and your co-workers, these exercises are excellent preparation for professional certification tests and also may count as continuing education hours. Check with your certification organization.
To participate, carefully read through and work the problems. Then submit your answers on the appropriate website by December 15, 2021:
• www.firesprinkler.org/ahjchallenge
• www.firesprinkler.org/designerchallenge
• www.firesprinkler.org/fitterchallenge
• www.firesprinkler.org/itmchallenge
AHJ Challenge
The following questions are based on NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019 edition.
1. Hose connections shall have external threads, for the valve size specified, in accordance with NFPA standard?
A. NFPA 14
B. NFPA 750
C. NFPA 101
D. NFPA 1963
2. In an 80-story building, what types of Class I standpipes are permitted? Select all that apply.
A. Automatic wet
B. Manual dry
C. Semiautomatic wet
D. Semiautomatic dry
3. When installing a hose valve inside of a hose cabinet what is the minimum required clearance between the hose connections and any part of the cabinet?
A. 6 inches
B. 8 inches
C. 4 inches
D. 2 inches
4. What is the maximum pressure at any point on a standpoint system where hose valves are present?
A. 200 psi
B. 300 psi
C. 400 psi
D. 500 psi
Designer Challenge
The following questions are based on NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019 edition.
1. In a building with a perimeter exceeding 900 ft, how many fire department connections (FDCs) must be provided for each standpipe system zone?
A. None
B. One
C. Two
D. Three
2. Which of the following characteristics would define a structure as a high-rise building?
A. Building height exceeds 75 ft from the lowest level of the fire department access
B. Building height exceeds the pumping capabilities of the fire department
C. Building height exceeds 60 ft from the lowest level of fire department access
D. Floor of an occupiable story exceeds 75 ft from the lowest level of fire department access
3. When calculating the friction loss through a Class I hose valve in a dry standpipe, what primary value for equivalent length is required to be used in the hydraulic calculations?
A. 20 ft
B. 22.1 ft
C. 31 ft
D. Based on the manufacturer’s published data
4. Which of the following devices is pilot operated and reduces the static and residual (flowing) pressure?
A. Pressure-Control Valve
B. Pressure-Regulating Device
C. Pressure-Reducing Valve
D. Pressure-Restricting Device
Fitter Challenge
The following questions are based on NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019 edition.
1. True or False: A Class II system provides 11/2-in. hose stations to supply water for use primarily by trained personnel or by the fire department during initial response.
2. True or False: Horizontal pipe for dry standpipe pipe systems in refrigerated areas shall be pitched to drain at least 1/4 in. per 10 ft.
3. True or False: The T-wrench for an approved roadway box shall be located within the riser or pump room closest to the roadway box.
4. True or False: Premixed antifreeze is permitted to be used to protect the standpipe system from freezing.
ITM CHALLENGE
The following questions are based on NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2020 edition.
1. What is the minimum test interval for listed corrosion resistant sprinklers installed in a corrosive environment?
A. 3 years
B. 5 years
C. 10 years
D. 15 years
2. Which system type is involved in the majority of obstructed sprinkler fire losses?
A. Wet pipe
B. Dry pipe
C. Water mist
D. Foam water
3. During an inspection, you discover concealed sprinkler coverplates caulked to the ceiling, how would you classify your finding in your inspection report?
A. Non-critical deficiency
B. Critical deficiency
C. Impairment
D. Classification of this finding is not addressed in NFPA 25
4. During a test of a diesel-driven fire pump, you discover the pump does not reach its rated speed within 20 seconds. How would you classify your finding in your inspection report?
A. Non-critical deficiency
B. Critical deficiency
C. Impairment
D. Classification of this finding is not addressed in NFPA 25
ENTER TODAY!
Don’t forget: to participate in these challenges, work through the problems, then submit your answers online on the appropriate website by December 15, 2021:
• www.firesprinkler.org/ahjchallenge
• www.firesprinkler.org/designerchallenge
• www.firesprinkler.org/fitterchallenge
• www.firesprinkler.org/itmchallenge
Answers for each challenge will be posted on SprinklerAge.com after the deadline. One winner will be pulled at random from those who answer correctly to receive some industry swag! Test your knowledge and that of your co-workers today!
