CH.
5 fire protection systems
Challenging questions
1. What measurable characteristics of a water supple must be deemed sufficient before a
fire protection system can adequately protect a hazard?
Before a fire protection system can adequately protect a hazard, there must be sufficient
water supply for the demand needed by the protection system.
2. Discuss the different water supply systems that provide water to the supply network.
There are three different water supply systems that provide water to the supply
network. These are gravity- fed water distribution system, direct pump water
distribution system, and combination gravity- pumped water distribution system.
3. Why is it so important to ensure that fire mains only supply water to fire protection
systems and fire hydrant?
It is important that fire mains only supply water to fire protection systems for multiple
reasons. One is because the water in the system is left stagnant and you do not want to
contaminate the drinking water supply.
4. Why is it important that fire mains are correct size?
The line size must be large enough to meet the demands of the water- based fire
protection systems. Connecting other systems will deplete the water supply for the fire
protection system.
5. Discuss the different types of control valves found on private water systems.
On private water systems the different control valves used are post indicator valves (PIV)
or outside screw and yoke (OS&Y). PIV’s can be gate or butterfly type valves, and
OS&Y are only gate valves.
6. Name and describe the different types of valves used to control the water flow in a
water supply network?
To control the direction of water flow in a water supply network check valves and back
flow prevention devices are used. The type of back flow prevention devices are the
clapper, double check valve assembly, and a reduced pressure principle/ zone device.
7. Compare and contrast the different types of hydrants.
The different types of hydrants are dry barrel and wet barrel. Dry barrels are commonly
found where the temperature drops below freezing and dry barrel hydrants are in places
where it is warm enough for water not to freeze.
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8. Why is it important to perform periodic water flow testing one water based fire
protection system after the systems installation?
It is important to perform periodic water flow testing because it ensure the adequacy of
the water supply to meet the demands of water- based fire protection system designs.
9. What role do static and residual water pressures play in the design of a water based fire
protection system?
Depending on the static or residual water pressure the design may need to be changed to
ensure that the fire protection system is receiving enough supply.
10. What options are available to a fire protection system designer when it is determined
that the water pressure is inadequate to support the design?
When it is determined that the water pressure is inadequate to support the design
installation of gravity tanks, pressure tanks, or stationary fire pumps may need to be
added.
11. What are 2 types of fire pumps listed and approved fir fire service duty? How do they
differ?
There are two types of fire pumps approved for fire service duty the centrifugal pump,
and the positive displacement type
12. Why is it important to have a data plate attached to a fire pump?
The data plate that is attached to a fire pump displays all the important pump
performance information so it is available when evaluating the performance of the pump.
13. When a fire pump is running at a peak performance, how much flow and pressure
relative to the relative to the related performance should it be able to generate?
When a fire pump is running at peak performance a fire pump can realistically generate at
150% of the rate flow and 65% of the rate pressure.
14. What are the major components of a fire pump assembly besides the fire pump?
The major components of a fire pump assembly are a network of piping, control valves,
check valves, air and water relief valves, and gauges.
15. Why do some insurance companies prefer a diesel driver to an electric driver?
Many insurance companies consider diesel drivers as the most reliable type of driver
because they are self contained units.
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16. What is the purpose of a pressure maintenance pump?
The purpose of the pressure maintenance pump is to maintain the pressure level in a
water- based fire protection system.
17. Why is it so important to have relief valves on a fire pump?
relieve excessive system pressure and stabilize the system output pressure.
18. What is the purpose of a fire pump bypass?
the bypass requires water control valves and a check valve that prevent water from
flowing back into the water supply system.
19. When determining the water supply demand for a water based fire protection system at
a particular location, what role does the fuel load play?
20. How does friction loss affect a water supply and what are some of the ways to overcome
it? The pressure will be reduced. Making sure the pipe is the correct size.
21. Why is it so important to have an accurate water flow test when designing a water
based fire protection system? To ensure the water pressure is strong enough.
22. What is the purpose of calculating fire flow for a particular location? Should reductions
in a calculated fire flow be permissible if a partial or full fire sprinkler system protects a
structure?
The calculations resulting from the needed fire flow formula is just another tool
to help the fire department.
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