Fire Detection Systems Overview

Only multiple-station smoke detectors are required by the codes to be tied into the building's power source, but single-station smoke detectors are not.

The decision to use an automatic sprinkler system, fire detection system, or smoke detection system is mostly based on budgetary concerns.

The codes do not allow the connection of fire and smoke alarm systems to the building's security system.

When a fire occurs, a detection system only detects the presence of smoke.

An alarm can be activated both manually and automatically.

Manual Fire Alarms must typically be placed within 5 feet (1524 mm) from the latch side of an exit door.

Fire extinguishers must be in a glass case mounted on the wall.

A detection system is required in all new buildings unless specifically exempted.

If an active fire protection is used, it must be installed throughout the building.

Fire detection systems recognized in the codes must be automatic.

A manual fire alarm is only required when an automatic sprinkler system is not provided.

A manual fire alarm will set off an alarm to notify the occupants of a problem; but it will not activate the extinguishing system.

When provided, manual fire alarms must be available to all occupants.

Carbon monoxide detectors are only required in residential occupancies with dwelling and sleeping units.

If a fire alarm is activated on one floor, it will signal on all floors of the building to notify occupants of the fire.

Automatic sprinkler systems are required in one- and two-family homes by the codes.

Smoke detectors are required in many commercial occupancies; smoke alarms are more common in residential occupancies.

A heat detector in a fire protection system activates only if there is a rise in temperature in a certain area to indicate a fire.

Most alarms must be audible and __________.

When required in a Class A space, how far must no occupant be from a fire extinguisher?

Match the following fire-related codes and their purposes:

What type of system directs occupants out of the building during an emergency by verbal command?

When specifying a visual alarm, which of the following are regulated by the codes and the ADA standards?

Which of the following is NOT considered a detection system?

Which of the following statements about detection systems is correct?

Which of the following is NOT considered an alarm system?

Which of the following statements about an EVACS is NOT correct?

Which class of standpipe is designed for use by building occupants?

Which of the following is NOT typically used by the codes to determine if a standpipe is required in a building?

Which of the following would affect the need for a sprinkler system?

Which type of sprinkler system would typically be used where the system would be exposed to freezing temperatures?

Which of the following is NOT typically allowed by the codes because a sprinkler system is provided?

Which of the following is NOT a type of sprinkler head?

How much clearance is typically required below the head or deflector of a sprinkler?

Which of the following statements about fire-related codes is NOT correct?

Which of the following specialty types of rooms or areas is the most likely to use a non-water-based fire extinguishing system?

Which of the following sprinkler head orientations are available recessed and surface-mounted?

What are the three components of an active fire protection system?

What are the initiating signs that detection systems can be activated by?

More people are killed by the exposure to what rather than fire?

What is the most common active fire protection initiating device?

What device is essentially a smoke detector that both detects smoke and sets off an integral alarm as a self-contained device?

What alarm device detects the fire and warns the occupants in the immediate area?

What alarm device is interconnected with a set of devices?

What device is initiated by the detection of smoke, fire, heat, or a combination or a manual pole station?

What system indicates the existence of an emergency and provides information to occupants?

What system lets people know that there is an emergency other than a fire and provides real-time information and instruction as to what to do?

What are three basic types of substances that fire extinguishers contain to put out a fire?

What are two things that must be specified in a project to determine the type of portable extinguisher?

What is Class A fire extinguisher used for?

What is Class B fire extinguisher used for?

What is Class K fire extinguisher used for?