FDNY S-12 CITYWIDE SPRINKLER
SYSTEMS PRACTICE EXAM (2026/2027)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. How often must a visual inspection of the control valves be conducted if they are not
electrically supervised?
A. Daily
B. Weekly
C. Monthly
D. Quarterly
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: According to NFPA 25 and FDNY requirements, control valves
that are not electrically supervised must be inspected weekly to ensure they are in the
open position.
2. Which color should a Fire Department Connection (FDC) be painted for a non-automatic
sprinkler system?
A. Red
,B. Green
C. Yellow
D. Silver (Aluminum)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In New York City, FDC caps and bodies must be color-coded:
Green for automatic sprinklers, Red for standpipes, Yellow for combination systems, and
Silver/Aluminum for non-automatic systems.
3. What is the required frequency for conducting a Main Drain Test on a sprinkler system?
A. Monthly
B. Quarterly
C. Annually
D. Semi-annually
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A main drain test is required annually or whenever the control
valve is closed to ensure there is no obstruction in the water supply piping.
4. Who is responsible for maintaining the sprinkler system in good working order?
A. The Building Owner
B. The Master Plumber
, C. The FDNY Inspector
D. The Insurance Company
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The building owner is ultimately responsible for the inspection,
testing, and maintenance of the fire protection system.
5. If a sprinkler system is found to be ‘impaired,’ what color tag must be posted on the FDC
and the main control valve?
A. Red Tag
B. Yellow Tag
C. Orange Tag
D. Green Tag
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A Red Tag signifies a major impairment where the system is out
of service. An Orange Tag is used for minor deficiencies.
6. What is the minimum clearance that must be maintained below sprinkler heads to the top
of storage?
A. 12 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 18 inches
SYSTEMS PRACTICE EXAM (2026/2027)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. How often must a visual inspection of the control valves be conducted if they are not
electrically supervised?
A. Daily
B. Weekly
C. Monthly
D. Quarterly
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: According to NFPA 25 and FDNY requirements, control valves
that are not electrically supervised must be inspected weekly to ensure they are in the
open position.
2. Which color should a Fire Department Connection (FDC) be painted for a non-automatic
sprinkler system?
A. Red
,B. Green
C. Yellow
D. Silver (Aluminum)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In New York City, FDC caps and bodies must be color-coded:
Green for automatic sprinklers, Red for standpipes, Yellow for combination systems, and
Silver/Aluminum for non-automatic systems.
3. What is the required frequency for conducting a Main Drain Test on a sprinkler system?
A. Monthly
B. Quarterly
C. Annually
D. Semi-annually
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A main drain test is required annually or whenever the control
valve is closed to ensure there is no obstruction in the water supply piping.
4. Who is responsible for maintaining the sprinkler system in good working order?
A. The Building Owner
B. The Master Plumber
, C. The FDNY Inspector
D. The Insurance Company
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The building owner is ultimately responsible for the inspection,
testing, and maintenance of the fire protection system.
5. If a sprinkler system is found to be ‘impaired,’ what color tag must be posted on the FDC
and the main control valve?
A. Red Tag
B. Yellow Tag
C. Orange Tag
D. Green Tag
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A Red Tag signifies a major impairment where the system is out
of service. An Orange Tag is used for minor deficiencies.
6. What is the minimum clearance that must be maintained below sprinkler heads to the top
of storage?
A. 12 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 18 inches
