FDNY S12 / S15 SPRINKLER SYSTEMS CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS EXAM
Questions 1–250
Section 1: Sprinkler System Fundamentals (Questions 1–30)
1. What is the primary purpose of an automatic sprinkler system?
A) To provide drinking water to building occupants
B) To detect smoke and sound an alarm
C) To control or extinguish fires by applying water
D) To cool the building during summer months
Answer C: To control or extinguish fires by applying water
Rationale: Automatic sprinkler systems are designed to control or
extinguish fires by applying water directly to the fire source.
,2. A sprinkler system is defined as:
A) A system that uses gas as the extinguishing agent
B) A fire extinguishing system that utilizes water as the extinguishing
agent
C) A system that only detects fires
D) A system that provides domestic water
Answer B: A fire extinguishing system that utilizes water as the
extinguishing agent
Rationale: A sprinkler system is a fire extinguishing system, other
than a water mist system, that utilizes water as the extinguishing
agent.
3. When a sprinkler head opens, it is said to be:
A) Activated
B) Fused
C) Triggered
D) Released
Answer B: Fused
Rationale: When a sprinkler head opens due to heat, it is said to be
"fused".
,4. A sprinkler head normally activates because of:
A) Smoke detection
B) Heat from a fire
C) Water pressure changes
D) Manual activation
Answer B: Heat from a fire
Rationale: Sprinkler heads are heat-activated devices that open when
the temperature reaches the rated activation point.
5. The fusible link in a sprinkler head is designed to:
A) Connect the sprinkler to the pipe
B) Melt or separate at a specific temperature to release water
C) Prevent water flow
D) Detect smoke
Answer B: Melt or separate at a specific temperature to release
water
Rationale: Fusible links are heat-sensitive elements that melt at
predetermined temperatures to activate the sprinkler.
, 6. A sprinkler head with a glass bulb activates when:
A) The bulb is struck by an object
B) The bulb is exposed to smoke
C) The liquid inside expands, breaking the bulb
D) The bulb is submerged in water
Answer C: The liquid inside expands, breaking the bulb
Rationale: Glass bulb sprinklers contain a liquid that expands when
heated, breaking the bulb and releasing the water.
7. What is the minimum air pressure inside a pressure tank for a fire
sprinkler system?
A) 50 psi
B) 75 psi
C) 100 psi
D) 125 psi
Answer B: 75 psi
Rationale: The minimum air pressure inside a pressure tank is 75 psi.
Questions 1–250
Section 1: Sprinkler System Fundamentals (Questions 1–30)
1. What is the primary purpose of an automatic sprinkler system?
A) To provide drinking water to building occupants
B) To detect smoke and sound an alarm
C) To control or extinguish fires by applying water
D) To cool the building during summer months
Answer C: To control or extinguish fires by applying water
Rationale: Automatic sprinkler systems are designed to control or
extinguish fires by applying water directly to the fire source.
,2. A sprinkler system is defined as:
A) A system that uses gas as the extinguishing agent
B) A fire extinguishing system that utilizes water as the extinguishing
agent
C) A system that only detects fires
D) A system that provides domestic water
Answer B: A fire extinguishing system that utilizes water as the
extinguishing agent
Rationale: A sprinkler system is a fire extinguishing system, other
than a water mist system, that utilizes water as the extinguishing
agent.
3. When a sprinkler head opens, it is said to be:
A) Activated
B) Fused
C) Triggered
D) Released
Answer B: Fused
Rationale: When a sprinkler head opens due to heat, it is said to be
"fused".
,4. A sprinkler head normally activates because of:
A) Smoke detection
B) Heat from a fire
C) Water pressure changes
D) Manual activation
Answer B: Heat from a fire
Rationale: Sprinkler heads are heat-activated devices that open when
the temperature reaches the rated activation point.
5. The fusible link in a sprinkler head is designed to:
A) Connect the sprinkler to the pipe
B) Melt or separate at a specific temperature to release water
C) Prevent water flow
D) Detect smoke
Answer B: Melt or separate at a specific temperature to release
water
Rationale: Fusible links are heat-sensitive elements that melt at
predetermined temperatures to activate the sprinkler.
, 6. A sprinkler head with a glass bulb activates when:
A) The bulb is struck by an object
B) The bulb is exposed to smoke
C) The liquid inside expands, breaking the bulb
D) The bulb is submerged in water
Answer C: The liquid inside expands, breaking the bulb
Rationale: Glass bulb sprinklers contain a liquid that expands when
heated, breaking the bulb and releasing the water.
7. What is the minimum air pressure inside a pressure tank for a fire
sprinkler system?
A) 50 psi
B) 75 psi
C) 100 psi
D) 125 psi
Answer B: 75 psi
Rationale: The minimum air pressure inside a pressure tank is 75 psi.
