Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
CAN YOU MEET THE CHALLENGE?
AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department staff present technical challenges here for you and your co-workers. These exercises are also excellent preparation for professional certification tests and may count as CEUs. Check with your certification organization. Answers to this issue’s questions will be presented in the next issue.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER QUESTIONS
The following questions are based on hazard classification.
1. What is the occupancy classification of a typical office space that does not contain machines or storage, and in which the quantity and combustibility of contents is low?
A. Light hazard occupancy
B. Ordinary hazard occupancy
C. Residential occupancy
D. Extra hazard occupancy
2. An elementary school classroom is a typical example of a(n) __________ hazard classification.
A. Residential hazard occupancy
B. Light hazard occupancy
C. Ordinary hazard, Group 1 occupancy
D. Ordinary hazard, Group 2 occupancy
3. A typical hotel room in a 16-story building is classified as a(n) __________ hazard classification.
A. Residential hazard occupancy
B. Light hazard occupancy
C. Ordinary hazard, Group 1 occupancy
D. Ordinary hazard, Group 2 occupancy
4. A fire pump room containing a diesel driven fire pump is classified as a(n) __________ hazard classification.
A. Ordinary hazard, Group 1 occupancy
B. Ordinary hazard, Group 2 occupancy
C. Extra hazard Group 1 occupancy
D. Extra hazard Group 2 occupancy.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ANSWERS
With these questions, we challenged your knowledge of NFPA 13, 13D, and 13R standards.
1. True or False? NFPA 13D requires a local alarm anytime a sprinkler operates if working smoke alarms are not installed in accordance with NFPA 72.
A. True
B. False
NFPA 13D-2025 7.6* Alarms. Local waterflow alarms shall be provided on all sprinkler systems in homes not equipped with smoke alarms or smoke detectors in accordance with NFPA 72.
2. A sprinkler system in a four-story apartment building is typically installed per the requirements of which standard?
A. NFPA 11
B. NFPA 13D
C. NFPA 13R
D. NFPA 15
NFPA 13R-2025 1.1 – Scope. This standard shall cover the design and installation of automatic sprinkler systems for protection against fire hazards in residential occupancies up to and including four stories in height that are located in buildings not exceeding 60 ft in height above grade plane.
3. For a sprinkler system designed in accordance with NFPA 13R, 2025 edition, which statement is true regarding water supplies?
A. Any water supply that meets NFPA 13-2025 edition is acceptable. This means if a fire pump system is needed, the fire pump systems must fully comply with NFPA 20-2023 edition. Outside hose allowance or domestic demand must be added as required.
B. Any water supply that meets NFPA 13-2025 edition is acceptable. However, if a fire pump system is needed, the fire pump systems must be listed only as a NFPA 13R fire pump system.
C. Water supplies must have a minimum duration of 90 minutes.
D. The minimum static pressure is 50 psi and the minimum water flow rate is 250 gpm at 25 psi residual.
NFPA 13R-2025 All of Chapter 9, Water Supplies
4. For a sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13D, 2025 edition, which statement is correct?
A. All components essential to sprinkler performance must be listed.
B. Pumps, gauges, valves, tanks, and hangers do not have to
be listed.
C. All components essential to sprinkler performance must be listed except backflow prevention devices approved by the water authority.
D. All components essential to sprinkler performance must be listed except water supply pipe and fittings, water meters, and tanks.
NFPA 13D-2025 5.1.2 Except as permitted by 5.1.2.1, devices and materials used in sprinkler systems shall be listed. 5.1.2.1 The following devices and components shall not be required to belisted: (1) Water supply pipe and fittings. (2) Tanks. (3) Expansion tanks and expansion chambers. (4) Connections up to 5 ft (1.5 m) between a tank and pump. (5) Pumps. (6) Valves. (7) Gauges. (8) Waterflow detection and notification devices. (9) Hangers. (10) Backflow prevention devices approved by the water authority. (11) Water meters.
