NFPA 17 - Pre-Engineered Systems
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the primary purpose of NFPA 17 systems?
✔✔To provide automatic fire suppression using dry chemical agents.
What type of fires are NFPA 17 systems typically designed to control?
✔✔Class B flammable liquid fires.
What is a pre-engineered dry chemical system?
✔✔A fire suppression system designed for a specific hazard area with pre-calculated nozzle
layout and agent quantity.
What is the main advantage of a pre-engineered system over a custom system?
✔✔Simpler installation, lower cost, and standardized design.
Which agent is most commonly used in NFPA 17 systems?
✔✔Monoammonium phosphate dry chemical.
1
,How are NFPA 17 systems typically activated?
✔✔By heat, flame, or automatic detection devices.
What is the typical discharge mechanism for a dry chemical system?
✔✔Pressurized nitrogen or CO₂ cylinder.
Why are pre-engineered systems preferred in commercial kitchens?
✔✔Because they can quickly suppress grease and cooking oil fires.
What is the role of nozzles in a pre-engineered system?
✔✔To distribute the dry chemical agent evenly over the hazard area.
How is the coverage area of a pre-engineered system determined?
✔✔By the manufacturer’s design specifications based on NFPA 17.
What is the minimum operating temperature for most NFPA 17 system fusible links?
✔✔135°F (57°C) or as specified for the hazard.
2
, Why must dry chemical systems be inspected regularly?
✔✔To ensure the cylinders are charged, nozzles are unobstructed, and the system is operational.
What type of inspection is required monthly for pre-engineered systems?
✔✔Visual inspection of cylinders, gauges, and nozzle condition.
What is a hydrostatic test, and why is it important for cylinders?
✔✔A pressure test to verify cylinder integrity and prevent failure during discharge.
How often must cylinders in a NFPA 17 system be hydrostatically tested?
✔✔Every 12 years, unless otherwise specified by manufacturer.
Why should discharge patterns of pre-engineered nozzles be tested?
✔✔To confirm agent coverage meets design requirements.
What is the maximum height from the nozzle to the protected surface allowed in pre-engineered
systems?
3
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the primary purpose of NFPA 17 systems?
✔✔To provide automatic fire suppression using dry chemical agents.
What type of fires are NFPA 17 systems typically designed to control?
✔✔Class B flammable liquid fires.
What is a pre-engineered dry chemical system?
✔✔A fire suppression system designed for a specific hazard area with pre-calculated nozzle
layout and agent quantity.
What is the main advantage of a pre-engineered system over a custom system?
✔✔Simpler installation, lower cost, and standardized design.
Which agent is most commonly used in NFPA 17 systems?
✔✔Monoammonium phosphate dry chemical.
1
,How are NFPA 17 systems typically activated?
✔✔By heat, flame, or automatic detection devices.
What is the typical discharge mechanism for a dry chemical system?
✔✔Pressurized nitrogen or CO₂ cylinder.
Why are pre-engineered systems preferred in commercial kitchens?
✔✔Because they can quickly suppress grease and cooking oil fires.
What is the role of nozzles in a pre-engineered system?
✔✔To distribute the dry chemical agent evenly over the hazard area.
How is the coverage area of a pre-engineered system determined?
✔✔By the manufacturer’s design specifications based on NFPA 17.
What is the minimum operating temperature for most NFPA 17 system fusible links?
✔✔135°F (57°C) or as specified for the hazard.
2
, Why must dry chemical systems be inspected regularly?
✔✔To ensure the cylinders are charged, nozzles are unobstructed, and the system is operational.
What type of inspection is required monthly for pre-engineered systems?
✔✔Visual inspection of cylinders, gauges, and nozzle condition.
What is a hydrostatic test, and why is it important for cylinders?
✔✔A pressure test to verify cylinder integrity and prevent failure during discharge.
How often must cylinders in a NFPA 17 system be hydrostatically tested?
✔✔Every 12 years, unless otherwise specified by manufacturer.
Why should discharge patterns of pre-engineered nozzles be tested?
✔✔To confirm agent coverage meets design requirements.
What is the maximum height from the nozzle to the protected surface allowed in pre-engineered
systems?
3
