Fire Protection and Prevention Quiz

A chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizing agent that produces energy, typically heat and light.

The amount of heat (in calories) released when 1 gram of a substance burns completely.

A liquid with a flash point between 140°F and 200°F. It can ignite if heated to its flash point.

A liquid with a flash point below 140°F and a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psia at 100°F. Very easy to ignite.

The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough flammable vapors to ignite in air.

The highest concentration of a flammable substance in air that will still support combustion. Above this, the mixture is too rich to burn.

The lowest concentration of a flammable substance in air that will still support combustion. Below this, the mixture is too lean to burn.

The lowest temperature at which a substance will ignite in a normal atmosphere without an external source of ignition.

Describes the density of a liquid compared to water. Liquids with a specific gravity of less than one are lighter than water, and those with a specific gravity greater than or equal to one are heavier than water.

The measure of the density of a substance compared to air. Gases and vapors heavier than air will sink, and those lighter than air will float.

The maximum amount of a substance that can dissolve in water at equilibrium at a given temperature and pressure.

The rate at which a liquid is converted to vapor at a given temperature and pressure.

A fire extinguisher class for fires involving energized electrical equipment. Think of wires, motors, and computers.

A fire extinguisher class for fires involving combustible metals like magnesium and sodium.

A fire extinguisher class for fires involving combustible cooking oils and grease.

A type of fire extinguisher that holds water in the pipes at all times, ready to be released in case of fire.

A type of fire extinguisher system that keeps the pipes dry to prevent freezing in cold areas, and only fills with water when triggered by a fire.

A test conducted on fire extinguishers to check their structural integrity and ensure they can withstand pressure.

Circumstances where a hydrostatic test on a fire extinguisher should be skipped. For example, when the extinguisher has been heavily repaired or damaged.

A rating on fire extinguishers indicating their size and the area of fire they can effectively handle.

Pictures on new fire extinguishers that indicate the types of fires they can be used on and those they shouldn't be used on.

A fire suppression system that keeps water out of the pipes until a fire alarm is triggered. This allows the system to function in freezing temperatures without freezing.

A sprinkler system in which water is not present in the distribution system until the system is activated by a fire alarm or detection system. It acts like a quick-release mechanism to combat fast-spreading fires.

A sprinkler system specially designed for spaces with unique fire hazards. It releases water in specific, pre-determined patterns to protect three-dimensional objects or equipment.

A type of sprinkler system designed to handle high-challenge fires involving flammable liquids. It discharges a mixture of water and foam to create a barrier against flames.

Sprinkler systems that combine features from both dry and deluge systems by having water supplied to the pipes by an additional valve. This valve is triggered by a fire detection system, such as a fire alarm or smoke detector. They are often used where accidental discharges of water would cause damage.

Sprinkler systems that always have water filled in the pipes. They respond quickly to fire events due to the constant presence of water.

The point at which the sprinkler head opens and begins to release water for fire suppression.

The network of pipes through which water travels in a fire sprinkler system.

The physical mechanism that stops water from flowing through a sprinkler system in a dry pipe system. It is designed to break under the pressure of water when the system is triggered, allowing water to flow into the system.

A valve in a deluge system that controls the release of water into the distribution system. It is typically activated by a fire alarm system or other detection systems.

The maximum allowable spacing between sprinklers in a light-hazard occupancy area. Light-hazard areas have low combustibility and fires with low heat release, like offices.

The maximum allowable spacing between sprinklers in an ordinary-hazard occupancy area. These areas have a higher risk of fire than light-hazard areas.

The maximum allowable spacing between sprinklers in an extra-hazard occupancy area. These areas have the highest risk of fire and require the closest sprinkler spacing.

The pressure that vapor molecules from a liquid exert on the air above the liquid's surface. It increases as temperature increases.

The temperature at which a liquid produces enough flammable vapor to sustain a continuous fire after ignition. It's usually higher than the flash point.

The range of concentrations of a flammable substance in air that can cause a fire or explosion. It is between the lower flammable limit (LFL) and the upper flammable limit (UFL).

The lowest concentration of a flammable substance in air at which a flame will propagate (spread). Below this limit, the mixture is too lean to burn.

The highest concentration of a flammable substance in air at which a flame will propagate (spread). Above this limit, the mixture is too rich to burn.