CFPS Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Questions and Answers

According to NFPA 72, the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) for a fire alarm system is 110 dBA at the minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance 1 . However, this limit can be exceeded if the sound pressure level measured 2 000 mm above floor level is not more than 100 dBA 2 . Sound pressure level is a measure of the intensity of sound at a given point in space, expressed in decibels (dB). The higher the SPL, the louder the sound. For comparison, a normal conversation is about 60 dB, a jet engine is about 140 dB, and a gunshot is about 160 dB 3 . References : Sound Pressure Levels - NFPA ; NFPA fire alarm sound level - EntirelySafe.com ; Subsection 907.5 - Occupant notification systems - Casetext ; How Loud Is a Fire Alarm In Decibels (dB)? With Noise Comparison Chart ; The Ontario Building Code | Audibility of Alarm Systems .

The safety class for propane refrigerant R-290 is A3, which means it has no toxicity but high flammability. The safety class is determined by the ASHRAE Standard 34, which assigns a capital letter (A or B) for the toxicity level and a number (1, 2, or 3) for the flammability level of a refrigerant. Propane has a very low global warming potential and ozone depletion potential, but it also has a very low flash point and high auto ignition temperature, which make it highly flammable in the presence of ignition sources. References : Propane R-290 | Copeland US ; R-290 Propane Refrigerant Fact & Info Sheet ; Safety Data Sheet - Refrigerants ; NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 21st Edition, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.4.

According to NFPA 13, Table 17.4.2.1 (a), the maximum distance between hangers for an automatic fire sprinkler system for a threaded lightwall steel pipe of 2 in. diameter is 10 ft. This is done to ensure that there are not long stretches of unsecured piping that could sag, leak, or break. The distance between hangers may vary depending on the type of pipe, the type of hanger, and the seismic design category of the building. References : NFPA 13, Table 17.4.2.1 (a) ; Hangers and Support of Sprinkler System Piping | NFPA | NFPA .

Standpipe

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175 psi (1207 kPa).

For standpipe systems containing 11/2 - 21/2 in. (40 - 65 mm) hose connection outlets without preconnected hose, a pressure regulating device is required when the pressure exceeds 175 psi (1207 kPa), according to NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019 edition. This requirement applies to Class I and Class III standpipe systems, which are intended for use by fire department personnel or trained occupants. A pressure regulating device is a device that automatically reduces and controls the pressure of the water flowing through the hose connection outlet to a predetermined value. This device helps to prevent excessive pressure that could damage the hose, nozzle, or fittings, or cause difficulty in handling the hose stream 1 2 3

References :

NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems 1

Standpipe System Design and Calculations | NFPA | NFPA 2

ENGINE COMPANY STANDPIPE OPERATIONS:PRESSURE-REGULATING DEVICES 3

Fire alarm visible appliance source intensity is measured in candela, which is the unit of luminous intensity in a given direction. Candela is defined as the amount of light emitted by a single candle in a specific direction. The intensity of a strobe light depends on the candela rating, the flash rate, and the flash duration. The higher the candela rating, the brighter the light. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have established minimum and maximum candela ratings for fire alarm visible appliances in different locations and applications. References : Strobe Light Requirements: Proper location of visible notification … ; Handbook of Visual Notification Appliances for Fire Alarm Applications ; Audible Visible Appliance Reference Guide - Fire - studylib.net

When magnesium shavings or chips come in contact with water, they react to produce magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The chemical equation for the reaction is: 2 Mg (s) + 2 H2O (l) → 2 Mg (OH)2 (aq) + H2 (g). This displacement reaction is characterized by effervescence, a vigorous reaction, and the formation of a white precipitate of magnesium hydroxide.

References :

Reactions of Group 2 Elements with Water - Chemistry LibreTexts 1

Magnesium (Mg) and water - Lenntech 2

The type of property classifications that experience the majority of fire deaths in the United States are one- and two-family dwellings . According to the NFPA, one- and two-family dwellings accounted for 64 percent of all civilian fire deaths in 2021, followed by apartments with 11 percent, and other residential properties with 1 percent 1 . One- and two-family dwellings are more vulnerable to fire fatalities because they often lack adequate fire protection systems, such as smoke alarms and sprinklers, and have more potential sources of ignition, such as cooking, heating, and smoking 2 . Additionally, one- and two-family dwellings may have less escape routes, longer response times, and more occupants, especially children and elderly, who are at higher risk of fire death. References:

US Fire Loss in 2021 NFPA

Home Structure Fires - NFPA

[Fire Death Rate Trends: An International Perspective]

Fire pump

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A suction in-line fire pump has a pressure range that can exceed 300 psi (2,068 kPa). This type of pump is a centrifugal pump that is installed in a vertical position with the suction and discharge connections in the same line. The pump is designed to handle high pressures and flows, and it is suitable for high-rise buildings and other applications that require high head. According to NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, a suction in-line fire pump can have a rated pressure of up to 360 psi (2,482 kPa) 1 . The other types of fire pumps mentioned in the question have lower pressure ranges, as shown in the table below 2 :

Type of fire pump

Pressure range (psi)

Pressure range (kPa)

Horizontal-end suction

40 to 150

276 to 1,034

Split case

40 to 150

276 to 1,034

Vertical turbine

40 to 150

276 to 1,034

Suction in-line

40 to 360

276 to 2,482

References : NFPA 20: Fire pump design | Consulting - Specifying Engineer ; Understanding the Basics of Fire Pumps | Pumps & Systems

Response Time Index (RTI) is a measure of thermal sensitivity of a sprinkler’s activation. It indicates how quickly the sprinkler responds to the heat from a fire. RTI is calculated by using the operating time, operating temperature, air temperature, air velocity, and conductivity factor of the sprinkler. RTI is independent of the gas velocity but depends on the properties of the sprinkler head such as mass, specific heat capacity and surface area of the thermal sensing element. RTI is used to classify sprinklers into fast response or standard response categories.

References : The Basics of Sprinkler Thermal Characteristics | NFPA ; Sprinkler Characteristics According to NFPA 13 - Fire Protection … ; Response time index (RTI) - Oil and Gas Drilling Glossary ; RESPONSE TIME INDEX OF SPRINKLERS - Department of Building Environment …

valve at the inspector’s test connection.

For wet-pipe automatic sprinkler systems, the only proper way to test the operation of a vane-type water flow alarm initiating device is to open the valve at the inspector’s test connection. This is a small valve that is located at the end of a pipe that is connected to the sprinkler system, usually at the most remote or highest point. The inspector’s test connection simulates the flow of a single sprinkler head and activates the vane-type water flow switch, which in turn triggers the fire alarm panel and the external alarm devices. Opening the valve at the inspector’s test connection also allows the water to drain from the system, preventing corrosion and freezing 1 2 3 4

Opening the main (2 in. diameter) drain is not a proper way to test the operation of a vane-type water flow alarm initiating device, because it does not create enough flow to activate the switch. The main drain is used to drain the entire sprinkler system for maintenance or repair purposes, and it is usually located at the main riser or the fire department connection. Opening the main drain may also cause a pressure drop in the system, which could affect the performance of the sprinklers 1 2 3 4

Opening the alarm test by-pass valve at the system’s main riser is not a proper way to test the operation of a vane-type water flow alarm initiating device, because it does not simulate the actual flow of a sprinkler head. The alarm test by-pass valve is used to test the operation of the external alarm devices, such as the water motor gong or the electric bell, without activating the fire alarm panel. The alarm test by-pass valve is usually located near the alarm check valve or the water flow switch, and it allows water to flow through a small orifice to the alarm devices. Opening the alarm test by-pass valve does not create enough flow to activate the vane-type water flow switch 1 2 3 4

Opening the check valve from the city connection is not a proper way to test the operation of a vane-type water flow alarm initiating device, because it does not create any flow in the sprinkler system. The check valve from the city connection is used to prevent the backflow of water from the sprinkler system to the city water supply, and it is usually located at the fire department connection or the main riser. Opening the check valve from the city connection does not affect the water flow in the sprinkler system, and it does not activate the vane-type water flow switch 1 2 3 4

References :

Fire Sprinkler Flow Switch & Tamper Switch Inspection & Maintenance 3

Sprinkler System Water Flow Device Testing - ORR Protection 2

VSR-AT Auto-Test Waterflow Alarm Switch | Potter Electric 4

WFDNA Series Vane-type Waterflow Detectors - Steel Fire Equipment 5

A rate-of-rise heat detector is a type of heat detector that automatically resets after operation, when the ambient temperature drops below the operating temperature.  This is because a rate-of-rise heat detector operates on a rapid rise in element temperature of 6.7° to 8.3°C (12° to 15°F) increase per minute, irrespective of the starting temperature 1  If the temperature rise stops or reverses, the detector will reset itself and stop sending an alarm signal to the control panel 2  A rate-of-rise heat detector can also have a fixed temperature element that will trigger an alarm at a specified temperature, but this element is not self-resetting and requires replacement after activation 2

References :

Heat Detectors Selection Guide: Types, Features, Applications - GlobalSpec 2

Heat detector - Wikipedia 1

NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC), is the NFPA standard that governs wiring of a fire alarm system. NFPA 70 covers the general requirements for the design, installation, and inspection of electrical wiring and equipment, including fire alarm circuits and devices. NFPA 70 does not cover the performance of a fire alarm system, which is addressed by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. NFPA 72 covers the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems and their components. NFPA 73, NFPA 75, and NFPA 76 are other NFPA standards that are related to fire alarm systems, but they do not specifically govern wiring. NFPA 73 covers the electrical inspection of existing dwellings. NFPA 75 covers the protection of information technology equipment. NFPA 76 covers the fire protection of telecommunications facilities. References :

NFPA 72 FAQs 1

National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code® - NFPA 2

TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT BULLETIN - NEMA 3

The minimum pipe diameter size for direct discharge of steam inside a water tank is 2 in. (50 mm), according to NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. This is to prevent water hammer, noise, and vibration caused by the rapid condensation of steam when it contacts the water. The pipe should also be equipped with a check valve to prevent backflow of water into the steam source. References : NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2023 Edition, Chapter 8, Section 8.16.4.5.3; NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 21st Edition, Chapter 14, Section 14.3.4.2.

Hazardous waste

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The correct answer is C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards require solid waste be treated as hazardous if it is a listed waste and/or meets the characteristics prescribed by the standard for toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, and ignitability . A listed waste is a waste that appears on one of the four lists of hazardous wastes in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 261 subpart D 1 . A characteristic waste is a waste that exhibits one or more of the following traits: toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, or ignitability 2 . Toxicity is the ability of a waste to leach harmful chemicals into the environment. Reactivity is the tendency of a waste to undergo violent chemical reactions or generate toxic gases. Corrosivity is the property of a waste to corrode metals or damage living tissues. Ignitability is the capacity of a waste to catch fire under certain conditions 2 . These characteristics are defined by specific tests and criteria in the CFR part 261 subpart C 3 . The EPA standards for hazardous waste are based on the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which is the federal law that regulates the management of solid and hazardous waste in the United States 4 .

Zebra mussel

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The correct answer is B. Zebra mussel pipe obstructions are largely concentrated around the Great Lakes and Mississippi River areas. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that originated from Eurasia and were introduced to North America in the late 1980s through the ballast water of ships. They have since spread to many freshwater lakes and rivers, especially in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States and Canada. Zebra mussels can attach themselves to hard surfaces, such as pipes, pumps, valves, and filters, and form dense colonies that reduce or block the water flow. This can cause serious problems for industries, utilities, and municipalities that rely on water intake or delivery systems. Zebra mussels can also damage aquatic ecosystems, infrastructure, and recreation by competing with native species, altering water quality, and fouling boats and equipment 1 2 3 4 5

Smoke detector

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Detectors using the photoelectric principle do not use a small amount of radioactive material. This is a false statement about smoke detectors. Detectors using the photoelectric principle use a light source and a light sensor to detect the presence of smoke. When smoke enters the detection chamber, it scatters the light and triggers the alarm. Detectors using the photoelectric principle are more responsive to low-energy (smoldering) fires that produce large smoke particles 1 2 .

Detectors using the cloud chamber principle also use the photoelectric principle. This is a true statement about smoke detectors. Detectors using the cloud chamber principle use a sealed chamber that contains a supersaturated vapor. When smoke enters the chamber, it causes the vapor to condense into droplets that reflect light. The light is then detected by a photoelectric sensor that activates the alarm. Detectors using the cloud chamber principle are very sensitive to small smoke particles 3 4 .

Detectors using the ionization principle provide somewhat faster response to high-energy (open flaming) fires. This is a true statement about smoke detectors. Detectors using the ionization principle use a small amount of radioactive material that ionizes the air in the detection chamber. When smoke enters the chamber, it reduces the ionization and the electric current. The drop in current is then detected by a circuit that activates the alarm. Detectors using the ionization principle are more responsive to high-energy (open flaming) fires that produce small smoke particles 1 2 .

Detectors using the photoelectric principle provide somewhat faster response to low-energy (smoldering) fires. This is a true statement about smoke detectors. Detectors using the photoelectric principle use a light source and a light sensor to detect the presence of smoke. When smoke enters the detection chamber, it scatters the light and triggers the alarm. Detectors using the photoelectric principle are more responsive to low-energy (smoldering) fires that produce large smoke particles 1 2 .

Smoke detector

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The smoke detector type that contains a small amount of radioactive material and functions by sensing a decrease in conductance of the air when smoke particles enter the chamber is the ionization smoke detector . Ionization smoke detectors use a small amount of americium-241, a radioactive element, to ionize the air molecules inside a sensing chamber. This creates a low-level electric current between two electrodes. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the ionized air and reduces the current flow. This triggers the alarm to sound. Ionization smoke detectors are more sensitive to small particles of smoke, such as those produced by flaming fires 1 . However, they may also be more prone to false alarms from cooking or steam, and they require proper disposal of the radioactive source 2 .

References:

Smoke Detector Types: Which Type of Smoke Detector Is Best? - X-Sense

How Does Your Smoke Detector Work? - ThoughtCo

Cellulose nitrate products begin to decompose at about 300 °F (150 °C). This is the temperature at which the nitrate ester bonds start to break down and release nitric acid, which further catalyzes the decomposition. The decomposition temperature depends on the nitrogen content, the stabilizers, and the external heating rate of the cellulose nitrate. Higher nitrogen content, lower stabilizer concentration, and faster heating rate lower the decomposition temperature and increase the risk of thermal runaway.

References : Nitrocellulose - Wikipedia ; Comparative analysis of stable decomposition and combustion kinetics of nitrated cellulose ; Degradation of aged nitrocellulose investigated by thermal analysis methods ; Nitrocellulose ; Effect of stabilizers and nitrogen content on thermal properties of nitrocellulose

Aqueous film-forming agents (AFFF) are synthetic foam concentrates that can be proportioned into final concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 6%, depending on the type of fuel and application method 1 2 .  AFFF forms a thin aqueous film on the surface of the flammable liquid, which prevents vapor release and provides rapid fire knockdown and extinguishment 3 . AFFF is suitable for Class B fires involving hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, etc.  References:

Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard

Extinguishing foam: types, operation and application areas

[NFPA 11: Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam]

According to NFPA 230: Standard for the Fire Protection of Storage, 2015 Edition, building codes should limit the size of an unsprinklered facility used for the processing and storage of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) built of type V construction to 7,500 ft2 (697 m2). This is based on the assumption that the MSW has a heat release rate of 18,000 Btu/ft2-min (200 kW/m2) and a fire growth rate of 0.046 min-1. Type V construction is defined as a type of construction in which the structural elements, exterior walls, and interior walls are of any materials permitted by the code 1 2 3

References :

NFPA 230: Standard for the Fire Protection of Storage

5 Types of Construction per the IBC | Building Code Trainer

2.4 MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILLS - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The correct answer is D. The greatest number of civilian home fire deaths can be attributed to the common room, living room, or family room area of origin in the home. According to a report by the NFPA, based on data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and NFPA’s fire experience survey, 31 percent of the civilian home fire deaths in 2017-2021 occurred in fires that started in the common room, living room, or family room. This was followed by 29 percent of the deaths in fires that started in the bedroom or sleeping area, and 12 percent of the deaths in fires that started in the kitchen or cooking area. The common room, living room, or family room area of origin is also the leading area of origin for home fires and civilian home fire injuries, accounting for 24 percent and 21 percent of those incidents, respectively. Some of the common causes of fires in the common room, living room, or family room include smoking materials, heating equipment, electrical equipment, candles, and fireplaces. To prevent fires and fire deaths in the common room, living room, or family room, the NFPA recommends the following safety tips:

Keep smoking materials away from anything that can burn. Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and wet cigarette butts before discarding them.

Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Have a qualified electrician inspect and repair any faulty wiring or outlets. Avoid overloading circuits or extension cords. Unplug appliances when not in use.

Keep candles in sturdy holders and away from children, pets, and anything that can burn. Blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Have your chimney and fireplace cleaned and inspected annually by a professional. Use a metal or glass screen to keep sparks from flying out. Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid, and keep it outside at least 10 feet away from your home.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. Test them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing a home fire sprinkler system for added protection.

Fuel oil is a liquid fuel derived from petroleum that can be used in grain dryers as an alternative to natural gas or propane. Fuel oil is typically classified into six grades, from No. 1 to No. 6, based on their viscosity, sulfur content, and boiling point. No. 2 fuel oil is the most common grade used for heating purposes, including grain drying.  Fuel oil has a higher energy density and lower cost than natural gas or propane, but it also produces more emissions and requires more storage and handling 1 2

References :

Best Fuel for Grain Drying Equipment - Crown Oil 1

Preventing Grain Dryer Fires: Tips For Startup, Cleaning, Shutdown 2

The background color used from the source to the outlets of a nitrous oxide medical gas system is  blue .  This is the standard color coding for nitrous oxide cylinders and pipelines in medical gas pipeline systems 1 2 .  The color coding helps to identify the gas type and prevent accidental misconnections or cross-contamination 3 .  The color coding also indicates the pressure and flow characteristics of the gas system 4 .  References:

Colour coding of copper pipes in Medical gas pipeline system according …

Doc 177 20 Medical Gas Cylinders Colour Coding - EIGA

Medical Gas Coding Color Chart & Explanation - Bay Corporation

Medical gases Health Technical Memorandum 02-01: Medical gas pipeline …

According to the CDC, exposure to hydrogen fluoride at concentrations of less than 50 ppm for two minutes may cause mild eye and upper respiratory tract irritation. The severity of the effects depends on the concentration, duration, and route of exposure, as well as the individual’s susceptibility. Higher concentrations or longer exposures can cause more serious health effects, such as pulmonary edema, skin burns, or systemic toxicity. References : CDC | Facts About Hydrogen Fluoride (Hydrofluoric Acid) ; [Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) | Medical Management Guidelines | Toxic Substance Portal | ATSDR] 2 ; [Hydrogen Fluoride and Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) - GOV.UK] 3 .

The data of a pre-incident plan should be evaluated after an incident, as part of the post incident critique or analysis. This is to assess the accuracy, completeness, and usefulness of the pre-incident plan, and to identify any changes or updates needed based on the lessons learned from the incident. Evaluating the pre-incident plan after an incident can also help improve the emergency response performance and the fire safety management of the site. References : 1 2 3

Class A roof coverings are the most effective in preventing the spread of fires from flying brands. Flying brands are burning embers or pieces of combustible material that are carried by the wind and can ignite other combustible materials or structures. Class A roof coverings are tested to withstand severe fire exposure from simulated fire sources, such as large burning brands, and do not produce flying brands themselves.  Class A roof coverings include materials such as asphalt shingles, metal sheets, clay or concrete tiles, slate, and some types of synthetic membranes 1 2 .  References:

Class A, B, and C Roof Ratings - UL

Fire-Resistant Roofs - Fire Safe Marin