34 Questions
What is the function of stairs in a building?
To enable access to multiple levels and serve as a component of egress
How are convenience stairs defined?
Stairs not a part of means of egress
Where are scissor stairs often found?
Airports
What is the primary location of spiral stairs?
Residences
What is the minimum width of the run for circular stairs?
10 inches
What is the defining characteristic of folding stairs?
They are ladders used for attic access
What is the defining characteristic of straight run stairs?
They extend in one direction their entire length
Where are scissor stairs often found?
Airports
What is a defining feature of fire escapes?
Open metal stairs attached to the outside of a building
What is the minimum requirement for smoke proof stair enclosures in more recent building codes?
Protection for floors 30 feet above level of discharge
What is the standard speed at which escalators are typically set?
100 feet per minute
What is a key requirement for stairs as a means of egress?
Fire resistance rating of the enclosure
Which feature is characteristic of elevators?
Serves two or more levels or landings
What is the type of elevator that carries resources that may be bulky or heavy?
Service elevator
Which type of elevator uses a ram or piston with pressurized hydraulic fluid?
Hydraulic elevator
What is the purpose of dedicated elevator car use for firefighters?
Assisting firefighters in reaching different building levels
What type of power supply may traction elevators operating at great heights require?
500 volts, either DC or AC
Which type of elevator motor directly aids in stopping the car at the correct floor during normal operations?
AC motors
Where are dumbwaiters commonly used for transporting small items?
Restaurants, schools, hospitals, retirement homes
What type of elevator is most common in buildings over 6 stories?
Traction elevator
What is the primary purpose of HVAC systems?
To create and maintain a comfortable environment for occupants
What is the minimum number of separate hoistways required for a building with 4 or more elevators?
2
What is the purpose of blind hoistways in tall buildings?
Serve express elevators that operate in upper elevator zones
In tall buildings of reinforced concrete, how are elevator hoistway enclosures typically constructed?
Three sides with poured concrete and one side with block
What is the usual fire rating requirement for elevator hoistway enclosures in tall buildings?
1-2 hour rating
What is the purpose of a compensated system in pressurized stairwells?
Adjust airflow into the stairwell based on the number of doors open
When does manual activation of smoke control mode typically occur?
After FD arrival and potentially late in fire development
What does an HVAC system operating in smoke control mode do?
Discharges smoke through the exhaust fan from the fire floor to the outside without returning air to the supply fan
What is the primary function of duct detectors in HVAC systems?
Detect smoke to prevent recirculation through the HVAC system
How is overpressure relief in a stairwell achieved?
By using dampers that open to the outside
At what voltage is high voltage electrical equipment defined?
600 volts or higher
What defines low voltage equipment?
Less than 600 volts
What is the primary function of oil in oil-filled transformers?
Conduct heat away from the core and electrically insulate internal components
What do older cooling oils in transformers contain that is hazardous and requires labeling?
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)
Study Notes
Stairs in a Building
- Stairs provide a means of vertical transportation and access between floors.
Types of Stairs
- Convenience stairs: secondary stairs that provide access to floors, but are not a primary means of egress.
- Scissor stairs: often found in industrial or commercial settings, where space is limited.
- Spiral stairs: typically found in smaller areas, such as residences or secondary spaces.
- Circular stairs: minimum width of the run is not specified, but it depends on the size and shape of the staircase.
- Folding stairs: can be folded up to save space when not in use.
- Straight run stairs: have a single, straight flight of stairs.
Fire Escapes and Stair Enclosures
- Fire escapes: a means of escape in case of emergency, often found on the exterior of a building.
- Smoke-proof stair enclosures: minimum requirement in more recent building codes is to provide a smoke-proof enclosure for stairwells.
Escalators and Elevators
- Escalators: typically set at a standard speed.
- Stairs as a means of egress: a key requirement is to provide a safe and accessible route for occupants.
- Elevators: characteristic feature is vertical transportation of people or goods.
- Freight elevators: carry resources that may be bulky or heavy.
- Hydraulic elevators: use a ram or piston with pressurized hydraulic fluid.
- Dedicated elevator car use for firefighters: allows firefighters to access a building quickly and safely during emergencies.
Elevator Systems
- Traction elevators: may require a high-voltage power supply when operating at great heights.
- Elevator motor: directly aids in stopping the car at the correct floor during normal operations.
- Dumbwaiters: commonly used for transporting small items, such as food or supplies.
Building Systems
- HVAC systems: primary purpose is to provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
- Elevator hoistway enclosures: in tall buildings of reinforced concrete, typically constructed with a fire-resistant material.
- Blind hoistways: in tall buildings, provide a separate shaft for elevators, allowing for easier maintenance and upgrades.
- Compensated system: in pressurized stairwells, helps to maintain a consistent air pressure.
Safety and Emergency Systems
- Smoke control mode: manual activation typically occurs during a fire emergency.
- Duct detectors: primary function is to detect smoke and fire in HVAC systems.
- Overpressure relief: in a stairwell, achieved through the use of relief vents or doors.
- High voltage electrical equipment: defined as equipment operating at 600 volts or higher.
- Low voltage equipment: defined as equipment operating at 600 volts or lower.
- Oil-filled transformers: primary function of oil is to cool and insulate the transformer.
- Older cooling oils in transformers: contain hazardous materials, such as PCBs, which require labeling and special handling.
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