S-12 FDNY CITYWIDE SPRINKLER
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
CERTIFICATION EXAM STUDY GUIDE
1. Which professional is authorized to perform a flow test on a sprinkler system in New York
City?
A. An S-12 Certificate of Fitness holder
B. The building superintendant
C. A Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor
D. A licensed plumber without specialized certification
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While S-12 holders can perform inspections and certain tests,
flow tests must be conducted by a Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor (MFSPC).
2. In a dry pipe system, how often must the gauges be inspected to ensure the air and water
pressures are within the correct range?
A. Daily
B. Quarterly
,C. Monthly
D. Weekly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to NFPA 25 standards adopted by the FDNY, dry pipe
system gauges require a weekly inspection.
3. What color must the caps be on the Fire Department Connection (FDC) for a manual (non-
automatic) sprinkler system?
A. Silver or Aluminum
B. Green
C. Red
D. Yellow
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Silver or Aluminum caps denote a non-automatic sprinkler
system; Green is for automatic, Red for standpipe, and Yellow for combined systems.
4. A ‘Red Tag’ placed on a sprinkler system indicates that:
A. The system has a minor deficiency that must be corrected within 30 days
B. The system is fully operational and tested
C. The system is out of service or has a critical deficiency
, D. A planned maintenance event is currently in progress
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Red tags are used to identify systems that are impaired or have
critical deficiencies that render the system ineffective.
5. How often must the main drain test be performed to ensure there is no obstruction in the
water supply?
A. Monthly
B. Every 5 years
C. Annually
D. Quarterly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Main drain tests are required quarterly to verify the consistency
of the water supply and detect possible blockages.
6. What is the minimum clearance that must be maintained below the deflector of a sprinkler
head for stored materials?
A. 12 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 36 inches
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
CERTIFICATION EXAM STUDY GUIDE
1. Which professional is authorized to perform a flow test on a sprinkler system in New York
City?
A. An S-12 Certificate of Fitness holder
B. The building superintendant
C. A Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor
D. A licensed plumber without specialized certification
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While S-12 holders can perform inspections and certain tests,
flow tests must be conducted by a Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor (MFSPC).
2. In a dry pipe system, how often must the gauges be inspected to ensure the air and water
pressures are within the correct range?
A. Daily
B. Quarterly
,C. Monthly
D. Weekly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to NFPA 25 standards adopted by the FDNY, dry pipe
system gauges require a weekly inspection.
3. What color must the caps be on the Fire Department Connection (FDC) for a manual (non-
automatic) sprinkler system?
A. Silver or Aluminum
B. Green
C. Red
D. Yellow
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Silver or Aluminum caps denote a non-automatic sprinkler
system; Green is for automatic, Red for standpipe, and Yellow for combined systems.
4. A ‘Red Tag’ placed on a sprinkler system indicates that:
A. The system has a minor deficiency that must be corrected within 30 days
B. The system is fully operational and tested
C. The system is out of service or has a critical deficiency
, D. A planned maintenance event is currently in progress
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Red tags are used to identify systems that are impaired or have
critical deficiencies that render the system ineffective.
5. How often must the main drain test be performed to ensure there is no obstruction in the
water supply?
A. Monthly
B. Every 5 years
C. Annually
D. Quarterly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Main drain tests are required quarterly to verify the consistency
of the water supply and detect possible blockages.
6. What is the minimum clearance that must be maintained below the deflector of a sprinkler
head for stored materials?
A. 12 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 36 inches
