Firefighter II Objectives
Sprinkler Systems

OBJECTIVE 4-20.1 ()
IDENTIFY THE SOURCES OF WATER SUPPLY FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

  • Public Water Systems
  • Gravity Tanks
  • Pressure Tanks
  • Pumps
  • Fire Department Connections

OBJECTIVE 4-20.2 ()
DESCRIBE HOW THE DIRECTION OF WATER FLOW THROUGH A FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION CHECK VALVE CAN BE DETERMINED

  • Arrows
  • Pivot Castings

OBJECTIVE 4-20.3 ()
IDENTIFY THE LOCATION AND APPEARANCE OF THE CONTROL AND OPERATING VALVES OF A SPRINKLER SYSTEM

  • OS&Y (Outside Screw and Yoke) – has a yoke on the outside with a threaded stem.
  • Post Indicator Valve (PIV) – hollow metal post attached to the valve housing, the words OPEN and SHUT are printed at the opening.
  • Wall Post Indicator Valve (WPIV) – PIV that extends through the wall with a target and valve operating nut on the outside of the building.

OBJECTIVE 4-20.6 ()
IDENTIFY AND DEFINE THE DANGERS OF THE PREMATURE CLOSURE OF A SPRINKLER MAIN CONTROL VALVE AND OF USING HYDRANTS TO SUPPLY THE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM.

  • limit hoselines from same water supply as sprinkler system system control valves must be open
  • sprinklers should not be closed until fire officer deems water is being wasted, producing heavy water damage, or hamper final extinguishment by FF’s
  • premature closure of control valve could result in increased intensity of the fire
  • a FF should be stationed at a closed control valve in case reopening because of a rekindle is necessary
  • pumpers should not disconnect from FDC until extinguishment and overhaul is complete

OBJECTIVE 4-20.7 ()
IDENTIFY THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER THAT AFFORDS COMPLETE COVERAGE AND A PARTIAL SPRINKLER SYSTEM.

  • Complete Sprinkler System – protects entire building
  • Partial Sprinkler System – protects only certain areas such as high-hazard areas, exits, or places designated by code.

OBJECTIVE 4-20.8 ()
DESCRIBE THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

  • Wet-Pipe: Used in locations not subject to freezing and contains water under pressure at all times.
  • Dry-Pipe: Used in locations subject to freezing and contains air under pressure (15 psi above trip point) to hold clapper valve closed.
  • Deluge: Has open sprinklers and a deluge valve along with a separate detection system which is responsible for activating the system.
  • Residential: (NFPA 13D) Designed to prevent total involvement in the room of origin. Can have metal of plastic piping, can be connected to city or domestic water supply, and can operate in the same manner as commercial wet or dry systems. Must supply 18 gpm per sprinkler and 13 gpm from multiple sprinklers for at least 30 minutes.

OBJECTIVE 4-20.11 ()
DEFINE THE RELIABILITY OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS AND GIVE 8 REASONS FOR UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE

  • they discharge water directly on a fire while it is relatively small. because fire is extinguished or controlled during early growth stage, combustion products are limited
  • partially or completely closed main water control valve
  • interruption of municipal water supply
  • damaged or painted over sprinklers
  • frozen or broken pipes
  • excess debris or sediment in pipes
  • failure of a secondary water supply
  • tampering or vandalism