Chapter 7 Flashcards
Fire Protection Systems (24 cards)
Define
Acceptance test
Operational testing of all installed fire protection systems by the installation contractor that is usually witnessed by the approving authority.
Define
Active fire protection system
A system that uses moving mechanical or electrical parts to achieve a fire protection goal
Define
Compartmentalization
A term used to describe separation of building areas to prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and gases.
Define
Fire classification system
A method of matching the appropriate fire protection system and extinguishing agents to fire hazards by using letters from the alphabet to designate the classification
Define
Outside screw and yoke valve (OS&Y)
A fire protection system water control valve in which the stem protrudes from the valve body when the valve is open and the stem retracts into the valve body when the valve is closed.
Define
Passive fire protection
Any component of a building or structure that provides protection from fire or smoke without any type of system activation or movement
Define
Post and wall indicator valve (PIV/WIV)
Fire protection system water control valves in which a post that extends above the ground (PIV) or a valve that is attached to the wall of a building (WIV) contains the valve actuator and displays either the word open or shut.
Define
Smoke control system
An engineered system that includes all methods that can be used singly or combination to modify smoke movement
Define
Smoke management
A smoke control method that utilizes natural or mechanical systems to maintain a tenable environment in the means of egress from a large-volume space or to control and reduce the migration of smoke between the fire area and communicating spaces
Define
Define
Define
Trade-off incentives
Code provisions that permit the reduction of certain construction requirements (generally passive fire protection elements and features) when installing fire sprinkler systems.
What are the three main types of Active Fire Protection Systems?
Fire suppression, fire alarm and detection, and smoke control and management systems.
What is an example of a Passive Fire Protection System?
Fire resistance–rated walls or floors.
What four elements determine the reliability of an active fire protection system?
Design, equipment, installation, and maintenance.
Why do modern fire departments have a vested interest in the reliability of active fire protection systems?
Unreliable systems can negatively impact public safety and property preservation through false function or failure during a fire.
What are “trade-off incentives” in model building codes related to active fire protection?
Provisions that allow a reduction in certain building requirements (like structural ratings or height restrictions) in exchange for installing systems like fire sprinklers.
According to the text, who has traditionally been responsible for the inspection and approval of new fire protection systems in many jurisdictions?
The building official. (Note: Fire department involvement is a more recent development).
What were the primary causes for unsatisfactory fire sprinkler system performance identified in statistics from the 1800s to 1960s?
Issues that could be readily identified by inspection and testing.
Since the 1970s, what have model fire codes mandated for required fire suppression and alarm systems?
An acceptance test and a contractor’s certification of completion.
What are benefits of fire department personnel witnessing acceptance tests for new fire protection systems?
Promotes safer structures, increases understanding/cooperation between fire and building departments, and provides valuable training opportunities for fire personnel.
What specific standard covers the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems like sprinklers?
NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
What is the code official’s primary job during the testing and inspection of fire protection systems?
To ensure the contractor performs the job in accordance with the code.
What key points should be considered before implementing a fire protection system acceptance testing program?
Identifying oversight agency (per local code), scope/number of systems installed annually, and personnel/resource availability.
