S12 FDNY Exam – Supervision of Fire
Alarm Systems (Latest 2023/2024
Update) | Verified Questions and
Answers | Grade A
This exam consists of 22 multiple-choice questions designed for the FDNY S12 Certificate of
Fitness for Supervision of Residential Sprinkler Systems (Citywide) certification, aligned with the
2023/2024 New York City Fire Department standards. The content covers sprinkler system
components, maintenance, testing, inspections, and safety protocols per the FDNY S12 study
materials and NFPA 25 guidelines. Each question includes the full question, four options (A, B,
C, D), the correct answer, and a brief rationale.
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of a residential sprinkler system?
A) To extinguish large commercial fires
B) To control or suppress fires in residential occupancies
C) To provide ventilation during emergencies
D) To detect smoke in hallways
Correct Answer: B
Rationale : Residential sprinkler systems are designed to control or suppress fires in residential
settings, providing early suppression to protect occupants (FDNY S12 Handbook, Section 1).
Question 2
According to NFPA 25, how often must a residential sprinkler system be inspected?
A) Daily
B) Monthly
C) Annually
D) Every 5 years
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale : NFPA 25 requires annual inspections for residential sprinkler systems to ensure
functionality and compliance (NFPA 25, Ch. 5; FDNY S12, Section 3).
Question 3
What is the standard operating pressure for a residential sprinkler head?
A) 10 psi
B) 30 psi
C) 50 psi
D) 100 psi
Correct Answer: B
Rationale : Residential sprinkler heads operate at a minimum of 30 psi to ensure proper water
distribution and activation (FDNY S12, Section 4).
Question 4
Which component supplies water to the sprinkler system during a fire?
A) Alarm valve
B) Dry pipe valve
C) Water supply source (e.g., municipal water)
D) Pressure gauge
Correct Answer: C
Rationale : The water supply source, such as municipal water or a tank, provides the necessary
flow to the system (FDNY S12, Section 2).
Question 5
What should an S-12 certificate holder do if a sprinkler head is painted over?
A) Leave it as is
B) Replace the head immediately
C) Test the head for functionality
D) Increase system pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale : Painted sprinkler heads can fail to activate; they must be replaced to ensure proper
heat sensitivity (NFPA 25, 5.4.1.6; FDNY S12, Section 5).
Alarm Systems (Latest 2023/2024
Update) | Verified Questions and
Answers | Grade A
This exam consists of 22 multiple-choice questions designed for the FDNY S12 Certificate of
Fitness for Supervision of Residential Sprinkler Systems (Citywide) certification, aligned with the
2023/2024 New York City Fire Department standards. The content covers sprinkler system
components, maintenance, testing, inspections, and safety protocols per the FDNY S12 study
materials and NFPA 25 guidelines. Each question includes the full question, four options (A, B,
C, D), the correct answer, and a brief rationale.
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of a residential sprinkler system?
A) To extinguish large commercial fires
B) To control or suppress fires in residential occupancies
C) To provide ventilation during emergencies
D) To detect smoke in hallways
Correct Answer: B
Rationale : Residential sprinkler systems are designed to control or suppress fires in residential
settings, providing early suppression to protect occupants (FDNY S12 Handbook, Section 1).
Question 2
According to NFPA 25, how often must a residential sprinkler system be inspected?
A) Daily
B) Monthly
C) Annually
D) Every 5 years
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale : NFPA 25 requires annual inspections for residential sprinkler systems to ensure
functionality and compliance (NFPA 25, Ch. 5; FDNY S12, Section 3).
Question 3
What is the standard operating pressure for a residential sprinkler head?
A) 10 psi
B) 30 psi
C) 50 psi
D) 100 psi
Correct Answer: B
Rationale : Residential sprinkler heads operate at a minimum of 30 psi to ensure proper water
distribution and activation (FDNY S12, Section 4).
Question 4
Which component supplies water to the sprinkler system during a fire?
A) Alarm valve
B) Dry pipe valve
C) Water supply source (e.g., municipal water)
D) Pressure gauge
Correct Answer: C
Rationale : The water supply source, such as municipal water or a tank, provides the necessary
flow to the system (FDNY S12, Section 2).
Question 5
What should an S-12 certificate holder do if a sprinkler head is painted over?
A) Leave it as is
B) Replace the head immediately
C) Test the head for functionality
D) Increase system pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale : Painted sprinkler heads can fail to activate; they must be replaced to ensure proper
heat sensitivity (NFPA 25, 5.4.1.6; FDNY S12, Section 5).
