NFPA and NICET test 101

Fire Sprinkler - Deluge Fire Sprinkler System

2012-04-08T16:28:00.002-07:00

A deluge fire sprinkler system works similar to a wet pipe system, however, the deluge system uses open fire sprinkler head or nozzles that do not operate individually. The pipes are dry in normal operation and the water is held back by an electronic solenoid. The solenoid is connected and control by a compatible releasing fire control panel. An initiating device such as a smoke detector or heat detector sends a signal to the releasing panel which in turn energizes the releasing circuit and opens the solenoid.

These types of deluge systems are typically installed in high hazard areas such as power generating stations, aircraft hangers, chemical plants, and other areas that main contain chemicals and or flammable liquids. Water is not always adequate to control fires in areas where chemicals and flammable liquids are stored. Often you will find that a foam concentrate is mixed with the water in a part of the system known as the proportioner. The foam is known as Aqueous Fire Fighting Foam or better known as AFFF. This foam when mixed with water causes expansion when released through the sprinkler head which in turn deprives the fire of oxygen.

Read more about dry fire sprinkler systems here.

Fire Sprinkler - Dry Pipe Systems

2012-04-08T15:57:00.001-07:00

A deluge and pre-action fire sprinkler system are both part of the dry pipe family. Dry pipe systems are typically installed in areas where water is subject to freezing such as unheated facilities and parking garages. Unlike the wet pipe fire sprinkler system (filled with water) a dry pipe system is filled with compressed air from a source such as an electric compressor or nitrogen bottle.

Like wet pipe fire sprinkler systems, dry pipe systems also have a valve clapper and alarm port. The dry pipe valve clapper is held closed by a pressure differential between air pressure and water pressure. Supervisory pressure switches are typically used to measure the pressure on the system side. These pressure switches can send either a low or high pressure signal to the panel. The fire alarm control panel or pre-action panel will then turn on a pump or release pressure depending on the signal (low or high pressure). This ensures that the correct amount of pressure is present in the system at all times.

In the event of an actual fire and a fire sprinkler head activates, the air pressure in the system is released. When the air pressure drops to the trip point (usually around 10 psi below normal), the dry pipe valve opens and allows water to flow in from the main source to fill the distribution pipes and out of the activated fire sprinkler head. Once the water is flowing through the clapper valve, the alarm port is exposed to the water. At this time a pressure switch senses the increase in pressure and sounds an alarm.

Dry Pipe Valve

A dry pipe valve is located above the main system control valve and must be installed in areas not subject to freezing. The whole purpose of the dry pipe valve is to ensure water does not enter the distribution piping and freeze. It is a one way clapper that has a small amount of water covering it known as the priming water. This priming water helps to seal the valve seat and has an immediate chamber that connects the valve to the alarm line.

Pressure Switches

There are alarm pressure switches and supervisory pressure switches both used in dry pipe fire sprinkler systems. Both of these pressure switches monitor air pressure on the system side of the dry pipe valve. The alarm pressure switch measures pressure change within a system and sends alert signals the the main fire control panel or pre-action system panel. The supervisory air pressure switches monitor air on the system side of the dry pipe valve and perform two different functions.

1. Monitor low air pressure and prevents accidental operation of the dry pipe valve due to low air pressure from an air compressor failure or leaks in the system.

2. Monitor high air pressure to prevent damage to the clapper and gaskets in the dry pipe valve.

Fire Sprinkler - Wet Pipe Systems

2012-04-07T13:58:00.001-07:00

With fewer components and less installation time, a wet pipe fire sprinkler system is the most common system you will come across. A wet pipe fire sprinkler system has a series of piping systems or branches that are fed from the main riser. The term wet pipe system comes from the fact that the fire sprinkler system is always filled with water. Behind each sprinkler head is water waiting to be released upon activation. With that said, you will not typically see wet pipe fire sprinkler systems in areas exposed to freezing temperatures such as parking garages, etc.

The operation of a wet pipe fire sprinkler system is rather simple. The sprinkler heads contain either a fusible glass bulb or metallic heat sensor. Heat from a fire will cause the fusible glass bulb to burst or the metallic heat sensor to separate which then opens the small valve on the fire sprinkler head causing water from the piping to discharge and extinguish the fire.

Wet pipe fire sprinkler systems are a fixed temperature type installation, meaning each sprinkler head is is activated only if exposed to a predetermined temperature as low as 155 degrees F or as high as 286 degrees F.

Below are three types of wet pipe fire sprinkler systems with additional information on their operation.

Wet pipe fire sprinkler system with and Alarm Check Valve

When water enters the fire sprinkler system it becomes non-potable and unsuitable for drinking. To keep this water from entering back into the city water system, an alarm check valve is used. An Alarm Check Valve is a small and simple device consisting of a spring, valve clapper and an alarm port.

Withing the alarm check valve, the spring holds the valve clapper closed allowing water to flow in only one direction. Once the system is filled, the water remains in the piping until an individual or multiple sprinkler heads are activated. Once a sprinkler head is activated, water is discharged and needs to be replaced within the piping. In order for this to happen, the valve clapper opens allowing the water to flow in to the system and out of the activated sprinkler head. As the alarm port becomes exposed to water pressure, it causes a water motor gong, mechanical horn or audible/visual device to sound. A more common way to initiate an electric bell or fire alarm horn/strobe, is a water flow device.

To prevent city water surges from causing false alarms, a retard chamber is used. A retard chamber is a metal reservoir that holds the water during a brief city water surge. A drip valve at the bottom side of the reservoir allows the water from the surge to slowly drain out. If a true fire activates a sprinkler head, the drip valve is unable to drain the water fast enough causing the flapper on the water flow device to move thus activating an alarm condition.

Wet pipe fire sprinkler system with Maintained Excess Pressure

In this type of wet pipe fire sprinkler system, excess pressure is pumped in just above the alarm check valve to hold the clapper down even during a city water surge. This type of wet pip fire sprinkler system eliminates false alarms caused by city water surges.

There are two ways to measure pressure loss in this type of system.

1. Connect a pressure switch to the system above the alarm check valve. If as sprinkler head is activated, the pressure switch will detect a loss in pressure and sends an alarm. Usually a supervisory pressure switch is used to monitor if there are leaks within the system.

2. Connect a pressure switch to the alarm port on the alarm check valve. If a sprinkler head is activated, the alarm check valve opens. When the valve opens, the alarm port is exposed to the incoming water supply. The pressure switch will detect a change in pressure and will send an alarm.

Wet pipe fire sprinkler system with a straight pipe riser

This type of system will have a straight pipe riser located downstream from the check valve or backflow preventer and are the most common type of wet pipe system. The vertical supply pipe or riser, does not have a retard chamber or alarm port like others. Instead you will find a riser check valve.

A riser check valve utilizes a vane type water flow switch to monitor water flowing within the wet pipe fire sprinkler system. When continuous flow of water equal to 10 gallons per minute occurs, the water flow switch activates an alarm condition after a predetermined amount of time. This time delay can be selected on the actual water flow device. This time delay is to help eliminate false alarms caused by city water surges.

NICET Facebook Answers From 4/02/12 - 4/06/12

2012-04-06T18:38:00.000-07:00

Okay here are the first two answers from this weeks Facebook group questions. Make sure to join our Facebook Group to get the questions.

Answer #1: 1 year thereafter

NFPA 72, 2007 edition. 4.5.3.1 A complete record of the tests and operations of each system shall be kept until the next test and for 1 year thereafter.

Answer #2: 4.04 Ohms

NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2008 Edition.
Chapter 9, Table 8.
Conductor Properties. #18 AWG Solid Copper Coated = 8.08 Ohms per 1000 feet.
500 / 1000 x 8.08 = 4.04 Ohms.

NICET Facebook Answers From 3/25/12 - 3/30/12

2012-03-30T08:07:00.001-07:00

Okay here are the first two answers from this weeks Facebook group questions. Make sure to join our Facebook Group to get the questions.

Answer #1: 4700 Ohms

Using the standard Resistor Color Code, begin reading the color bands from left to right starting with the band that is nearest to the end of the resistor.
Yellow = 4
Violet = 7
Red = 2 (The 2 indicates that you multiply by 100)
47 x 100 = 4700 Ohms

Answer #2: Two Detectors or more on each initiating circuit.

NFPA 72, 2007 edition. 10.4.4 Testing Frequency 10.4.4.4.1 Two or more detectors shall be tested on each initiating circuit annually

NICET Facebook Answers from 3/19/12 - 3/23/12

2012-03-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Okay here are the first two answers from this weeks Facebook group questions. Make sure to join our Facebook Group to get the questions.

Answer #1: AWG No. 26 and AWG No. 18

NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2008 edition.
760.142. Conductors of 26 AWG shall be permitted only where spliced with a connector listed as suitable for 26 AWG to 24 AWG or larger conductors that are terminated on equipment or where the 26 AWG conductors are terminated on equipment listed as suitable for 26 AWG conductors. Single conductors shall not be smaller than 18 AWG.

Answer #2: 15 and 5

NFPA 72, 2007 edition. 7.4.2 Public Mode Audible Requirements. 7.4.2.1* To ensure that audible public mode signals are clearly heard, unless otherwise permitted by 7.4.2.2 through 7.4.2.5, they shall have a sound level at least 15 dB above the average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level having a duration of at least 60 seconds, whichever is greater, measured 1.5 m (5 ft) above the floor in the area required to be served by the system using the A-weighted scale (dBA).

Silent Knight releases new 2 input 2 relay output module

2012-03-18T20:55:00.001-07:00

Nick's Fire - Electrical- Safety & Security Blog: Silent Knight releases new 2 input 2 relay out mo...: The good folks at Silent Knight have come out with a unique module that fits the bill for remotely controlling Doors, Fans and other ancill...

NICET CBT Exam Practice Questions

2012-03-17T21:53:00.001-07:00

We are going to start placing NICET CBT Exam practice questions on our Facebook Group page. Make sure to join our Facebook Group here:

You don't want to miss out on this! We are going to try a place at least three questions per week to keep you guys interested. Let us know what you think!!

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

2012-03-17T21:30:00.001-07:00

Automatic Fire Alarm Association: Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips: WASHINGTON - DC Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe joined us with carbon monoxide safety tips. Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is...

Fire Prevention Tips #2

2012-03-14T22:48:00.002-07:00

Smoke Detectors

place smoke detectors near each bedroom on every floor
test the batteries monthly
keep smoke detectors away from air vents
place smoke detectors at least four to six inches away from walls and corners

Electrical Wiring

check appliances for frayed or cracked electrical cables
do not place electrical cables under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas
avoid overloading outlets. make sure they stay cool to the touch
keep covers over electrical plates and avoid exposed wiring.

Electric Space Heaters

plug directly into the wall outlet not an extension cord
unplug heaters when they are not being used

Children and Fire Prevention

keep matches and lighters away from children
teach kids how to dial 911
place safety plugs in all unused electrical outlets

Safe Smoking Habits

never smoke in bed
keep ashtrays away from combustible material
do not leave burning cigarettes unattended

Fire Safety Devices

keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen
consider installing residential fire sprinklers

Home Fire Escape Plan

Make evacuation plans from your home and your neighborhood
plan several routes in case the fire blocks others
develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated from one another during the fire
ask an out of state friend or family member to be the emergency contact. make sure everyone knows the name, phone number and address of this contact
make sure all family members know these plans
practice the plan every six months
identify an outside meeting place, never return to a burning building
keep emergency numbers, a whistle and a flashlight near the phone
have a disaster kit made up.

to continue to Fire Prevention Tips #3 click here

To return to Fire Prevention Tips #1 click here

Fire Prevention Tips #1

2012-03-14T22:33:00.002-07:00

Portable Heaters

Use heaters only in well ventilated rooms.
Use heaters in areas where they cannot be knocked over easily
Do not use heaters to dry clothes or other items
Keep the heater away from any combustible items such as sheets, drapes and table clothes.

Kerosene Heaters

Be sure kerosene heaters are legal in your area
fill only with K-1 Kerosene. Never use gasoline or camp stove fuel
It is recommended that you refill kerosene heaters outside and when they are cool

Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

Use only seasoned firewood, never use green wood, artificial logs, or trash
Always use a protective screen
Store your ashes in a metal container and only empty when cold
Clean interiors, hearths and chimneys annually

Safe Kitchen Practices

don't leave food unattended on the stove
keep hanging clothing away from the burners
keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen
keep baking soda on hand to extinguish stove top grease fires
make sure the electrical outlets are designed to handle appliance loads
keep appliances clean and free of food particles
keep curtains and other combustibles away from the burners
make sure the stove and other small appliances are off before going to bed

Gas & Electrical Appliances

make sure stoves and heating appliances are off when not in use
turn off electrical blankets when not in use
disconnect curling irons and hair dryers when done and place them in a safe place once they are cool
allow all hot tools to fully cool before storing

continue to Fire Prevention Tips #2 here.

Fire Test Made Easy

2012-03-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

When you are performing a fire test or fire alarm pre test, make sure to check every fire alarm device. This includes audible visual, smoke detectors, heat detectors, pull stations, Ansul (hood systems), door holders, and the one everyone skips, duct smoke detectors.

When checking these devices it may become a burden to write down the exact location of a fire alarm device that did not function correctly. This really applies to non addressable devices as these devices have a location/description programmed into the fire alarm control panel. Devices such as strobes, horns and speakers are harder to keep track of.

Here is a little trick that will help shave time off your fire test. Use small bright yellow colored stickers to
mark the fire alarm devices that did not function correctly. This will make it easy to come back and check or note deficiencies.

With door holders, you can mark the actual magnetic holder if it did not release, or you can mark the hardware mounted on the door if the door did not close and latch. It makes it easy to come back and accurately make notes on your fire test form.

You can also get creative and use different colors for different scenarios. For example, lets say you have a duct smoke detector that went into alarm but did not shut down the air. Use a green sticker for HVAC shutdown.

Try it out and let us know what you think.

Elevator Shunt Trip the Correct Way

2012-03-12T22:23:00.000-07:00

These are some really nice elevator shunt trip diagrams made up by my close friend Frank Giustino. Take a look and see which way you and your company have been connecting your elevator shunt trip circuits.

Double Action Pull Station with Stopper ALLOWED?

2012-03-12T22:00:00.001-07:00

New York Firemaster's Blog: Double Action/Triple Action: Are double action manual pull stations with stopper covers allowed? I seem to recall at one point in time that I read somewhere that there ...

This is a wonderful article. I suggest using a single action pull station behind the STI Stopper. This will give you a total of two actions to initiate an alarm.

The Cost of Not Receiving 'Proper' Training

2012-03-12T21:56:00.001-07:00

Industrial Skills Training: The Cost of Not Receiving 'Proper' Training: Another major, yet elusive cost of not training is downtime (especially when you look at " True Downtime Cost " TDC). Take PLC (Programmab...

A Fire Chiefs concern over False Alarm Prevention...

2012-03-11T18:03:00.001-07:00

Nick's Fire - Electrical- Safety & Security Blog: A Fire Chiefs concern over False Alarm Prevention...: Safety Technology International Inc. has for many years now made an excellent line of products to help prevent False Fire alarms and Protect...

A stand alone Smoke Detector that Notifys Authorit...

2012-03-11T09:26:00.001-07:00

Nick's Fire - Electrical- Safety & Security Blog: A stand alone Smoke Detector that Notifys Authorit...: A new stand alone Smoke Detector which Utilizes Cellular Communication and costs $9.99 a month for service is available from Direct C...

Rectifier to Convert AC to DC

2012-03-09T22:21:00.001-08:00

Sometimes in our industry, there is a need to convert volts AC (alternating current) to volts DC (direct current). You may run into this scenario when using a CCTV power supply with an AC (alternating current) output but yet you have DC (direct current) cameras. Instead of replacing the power supply you can make a diode rectifier.

Please note that you can purchase these pre-made from stores like ADI.

A diode rectifier is a simple contraption made up of 4 diodes placed in a specific order. This will allow you to connect an AC source on one end yet get a DC source out of the opposite. In the picture below you will see how to place the diodes in order to achieve this.

Another simple way to think of it is the transformer that comes with your typical fire alarm control panel is rectified. You connect 120 volts AC (alternating current) to the input and get 24 volts DC (direct current) out of the output. The transformer is stepping the voltage down from 120 to 24 and the rectifier is converting the AC voltage to DC voltage.

Pretty slick right?

California Fire Alarm System Sales Checklist

2012-03-06T20:08:00.000-08:00

When getting ready to price out a fire alarm system, keep the following in mind:

Check with you local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) and local ordinances for their codes and regulations.
Define the Occupancy Use Group - Found in CBC California Building Code section 302.
Determine if the building is sprinklered - CFC California Fire Code section 903.
Define Special Occupancies, if any. - Found in CBC California Building Code section 402.
Define mixed uses and separation, if any. - Found in CBC California Building Code section 508.
Evaluate Fire and Smoke Protection - Found in CBC California Building Code section 701.
Determine Fire Alarm Requirements. - Found in CFC California Fire Code section 907.2.
Determine Occupant Load. - Found in CBC California Building Code.

This list should help you acquire the necessary information to start putting a fire life safety system bid together.

Elevator Shunt Trip with Sprinkler Heads

2012-02-26T22:01:00.001-08:00

A big part of the elevator recall and control functions is Shunt Trip. Elevator Shunt Trip is a function that involves the fire alarm system via heat detectors, shunting the breaker that controls the elevator equipment (typically set to activate 5 degrees before the actual automatic sprinkler head pops.). This in turn powers down the elevator equipment before any automatic sprinkler water is released.

Not just any heat detector within the facility activates the elevator shunt trip. The only heat detectors that will tell the fire alarm control panel to shunt the elevator breaker are the ones located in the elevator shaft and elevator equipment room. REMEMBER: when testing or installing these devices make sure to note if the heat detectors are located within 2 feet of each automatic sprinkler head.

Notifier by Honeywell

2012-02-25T20:44:00.000-08:00

Notifier offers a great arrangement of fire alarm and life safety products. Be sure to check out this

video courtesy of www.notifier.com. At www.notifier.com you will also be able to locate cutsheets, data sheets, calculations, specifications and other documentation for their product line.

Hyper Terminal Commands for FCI 7100

2012-02-22T13:44:00.001-08:00

Here are some of the Hyper Terminal commands for the Fire Control Instruments FCI 7100 series fire control panel. Look here for the FCI E3 Hyper Terminal Commands.

FCI-7100 Hyper Terminal Commands

Password Access - [P22] [22] [22] You replace the 2's with whichever level you're needing to access with the correct level's password.

Version - [V]

Report - [R] This will print out loop device configuration, loop, address, and device type for all devices.

Test - [T] [Loop #] [Device Address] This will perform a self-test of the device you choose as long as it is testable then it will report its findings.

Monitor - [M] [0] [SLC Loop# = 0 for loop one or 1 for loop two] [Device Address #] This will begin monitoring of the chosen device on the selected loop.

Stop Monitor - [M] [0] [0] [0] or just by Reseting the FACP.

Reset - [Xn] This will reset the FACP as you would via the front panel.

Hyper Terminal Commands for FCI E3

2012-02-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

Okay a lot of people have been asking me for this information. I constantly get asked if I know the Hyper Terminal commands for the Fire Control Instruments (FCI) E3. In this post I have put down a few to get you guys started. I will try to get more and update this list as they are found.

If you know any other ones besides the list I have provided, then please be sure to leave a comment with them.

E3 Hyper Terminal / OTS Commands

Level 2 Password for access - [P22] [22] [22] You replace the 2's with whichever level you're needing to access with the correct level's password.

Reset - [R]

Silence - [S] [1] also there is [S] [0] to unsilence.

Version - [V]

Sensitivity Report - [DS]

History Events: Last 20 events - [LP] [2] Also there is this one, All events - [LP] [1]

This should be good to get you started. I have also put together a small list for the Fire Control Instruments 7100 series fire alarm control panel. See it here.

Why is Copper So Popular in Electronics

2012-02-19T22:45:00.000-08:00

The electron theory is a good way to explain why copper wire is widley used with electronic equipment and in electrical power distribution. Every substance whether in earth or in space is made up of tiny particles called atoms. These atoms are so small that a piece of copper the size of the head of a needle would contain millions of atoms. Each one of these copper atoms could be considered an actual piece of copper. An atom is not a solid piece of material. The atom itself contains a nucleus in the center which has a positive electrical charge. Traveling around the nucleus in elliptical rings are electrons which have a negative electrical charge. Every electron has the same mass and the same negative charge. There will notmally be just enough electrons in the atom to balance the positive charge of the nucleus.

In the diagram below, you will notce that each ring can only contain a certain amount of electrons. The first ring can house 2 electrons, the second ring can hold 8 electrons, the third ring can handle 18 electrons and the fourth ring can hold 32 electrons.

The copper atom's nucleus has a positive charge of 29 in the nucleus. There are typically 29 electrons within the copper atom. With that said, the fourth ring will only house one electron.

When the outer ring of electrons in an atom is filled to the maximum amount possible, that atom will be very stable electronically and chemically. It is almost impossible to remove an electron or to force in an electron. If the outter ring only has one electron in it, than that electron is not held very closely to the atom and can be easily moved out of its position into space or another atom. This will leave the atom short of one electron to neutralize the positive charge of its nucleus. This will leave the atom with a positive charge.

This is the reason copper wire is so widely used in the electronics industry. It is highly conductive due to its makeup.

Hardware Stores Say CO Detection is the LAW

2012-02-19T22:13:00.000-08:00

You may have seen your local hardware store trying to push you on Carbon Monoxide detectors stating its the law. Read below to know for yourself!

The new requirements in the 2012 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC) and the International Building Code (IBC) require the installation of CO detection in new and existing Group-R and Group-I occupancies, such as hotels, dormitories, apartment buildings, hospitals and nursing homes.

Section 908.7 of the 2012 IFC and IBC requires CO detection to be installed in “newly” constructed Group-R and Group-I occupancies if the building contains a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. Also CO alarms shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and
Warning Equipment, and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Section 1103.9 of the IFC covers the requirements for existing Group-R and
Group-I occupancies, these requirements are the same as those in 908.7 for newly
constructed occupancies.

If sleeping units or dwelling units do not contain a fuel-burning appliance or have an attached garage, however are located within a building with a fuel burning appliance or an attached garage, CO detection is not required if any of the following conditions are present:

• The sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located more than one story above or below any
story that contains a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage
• The sleeping unit or dwelling unit is not connected by duct work or ventilation shafts to
an attached garage or any room containing a fuel-burning appliance
• The building is provided with a common area CO alarm system.
Also, Section 908.7.1 of the 2012 IBC and IFC clearly permits system connected
CO detectors to be installed as a primary form of protection if they are
installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 720 and listed as complying
with ANSI/UL 2075.