S-12 CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS FOR
CITYWIDE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. According to NFPA 25, how often must a main drain test be conducted to determine if
there is a change in the condition of the water supply?
A. Annually
B. Quarterly
C. Monthly
D. Every 5 years
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: While some inspections are more frequent, a main drain test is
required annually or whenever the control valve is closed to ensure the water supply is still
adequate.
,2. What color should the caps of a Fire Department Connection (FDC) be for a non-automatic
sprinkler system?
A. Red
B. Silver
C. Green
D. Yellow
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In New York City, FDC caps are color-coded: Red for standpipe,
Green for automatic sprinklers, Yellow for combined systems, and Silver for non-automatic
systems.
3. A pressure tank must be maintained at what ratio of water to compressed air?
A. 2/3 water to 1/3 air
B. 1/3 water to 2/3 air
C. 1/2 water to 1/2 air
D. 3/4 water to 1/4 air
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Standard pressure tanks are required to be kept two-thirds full
of water and one-third full of pressurized air to provide the necessary head pressure.
, 4. What is the required minimum clearance that must be maintained below sprinkler
deflectors?
A. 12 inches
B. 36 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 18 inches
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: To ensure an unobstructed spray pattern, a minimum clearance
of 18 inches must be maintained between the sprinkler head deflector and the top of
storage.
5. Which type of sprinkler system is used specifically in areas where accidental water damage
is a major concern, requiring both a detection event and a sprinkler head to open?
A. Wet pipe system
B. Double-interlock pre-action system
C. Deluge system
D. Dry pipe system
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Double-interlock pre-action systems require both the activation
of fire detection devices and the melting of a sprinkler head before water enters the piping.
CITYWIDE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. According to NFPA 25, how often must a main drain test be conducted to determine if
there is a change in the condition of the water supply?
A. Annually
B. Quarterly
C. Monthly
D. Every 5 years
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: While some inspections are more frequent, a main drain test is
required annually or whenever the control valve is closed to ensure the water supply is still
adequate.
,2. What color should the caps of a Fire Department Connection (FDC) be for a non-automatic
sprinkler system?
A. Red
B. Silver
C. Green
D. Yellow
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In New York City, FDC caps are color-coded: Red for standpipe,
Green for automatic sprinklers, Yellow for combined systems, and Silver for non-automatic
systems.
3. A pressure tank must be maintained at what ratio of water to compressed air?
A. 2/3 water to 1/3 air
B. 1/3 water to 2/3 air
C. 1/2 water to 1/2 air
D. 3/4 water to 1/4 air
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Standard pressure tanks are required to be kept two-thirds full
of water and one-third full of pressurized air to provide the necessary head pressure.
, 4. What is the required minimum clearance that must be maintained below sprinkler
deflectors?
A. 12 inches
B. 36 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 18 inches
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: To ensure an unobstructed spray pattern, a minimum clearance
of 18 inches must be maintained between the sprinkler head deflector and the top of
storage.
5. Which type of sprinkler system is used specifically in areas where accidental water damage
is a major concern, requiring both a detection event and a sprinkler head to open?
A. Wet pipe system
B. Double-interlock pre-action system
C. Deluge system
D. Dry pipe system
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Double-interlock pre-action systems require both the activation
of fire detection devices and the melting of a sprinkler head before water enters the piping.
