FDNY S-16 Exam Practice
Questions with Correct
Answers
SECTION 1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES & SYSTEM TYPES
1. What is the primary purpose of a gaseous extinguishing system?
• A. Remove heat only
• B. Reduce oxygen or inhibit combustion chemistry
• C. Cool fuel surfaces
• D. Produce steam
Rationale: Gaseous agents suppress fires mainly by lowering oxygen concentration or
interrupting the chemical chain reaction, rather than just cooling the fuel.
2. CO₂ systems extinguish fire primarily by:
• A. Smothering with foam
• B. Cooling the fuel
• C. Displacing oxygen
• D. Absorbing free radicals
Rationale: Carbon dioxide systems work by reducing oxygen concentration below
combustion limits, creating a life-hazard condition during discharge.
3. In a clean agent system, the term "clean" means:
• A. Leaves no residue
, • B. Is non-toxic
• C. Requires no cylinders
• D. Does not require detection
Rationale: Clean agents are defined by their ability to leave no residue after discharge,
making them safe for protecting sensitive electronics and equipment.
4. Which of the following is true about Novec 1230 as a fire suppression agent?
• A. Leaves a residue
• B. Safe for humans at design concentrations
• C. Highly corrosive
• D. Only suitable for outdoor use
Rationale: Novec 1230 is a clean agent that suppresses fires quickly without harming
personnel or equipment at its design concentration.
5. What is the main risk associated with Halon systems, which have largely been
phased out?
• A. Residue damage
• B. Ozone depletion
• C. Ineffective fire suppression
• D. Corrosion of metals
Rationale: Halon gases were effective but environmentally harmful due to their ozone-
depleting potential, leading to their replacement by clean agents like FM-200 and
Novec 1230.
6. Which fire class is a CO₂ system most effective for?
• A. Ordinary combustibles
• B. Industrial machinery rooms
• C. Flammable liquids and electrical fires
• D. Museums and archives
Rationale: CO₂ is suitable for flammable liquid and electrical fires in areas where
personnel can be evacuated.
7. The "ODP" of an agent refers to:
• A. Occupant Discharge Protocol
• B. Over-Discharge Pressure
, • C. Ozone Depletion Potential
• D. Optimal Distribution Pattern
Rationale: ODP is an environmental classification that measures an agent's impact on
the ozone layer.
SECTION 2: SYSTEM COMPONENTS & OPERATION
8. What safety feature prevents accidental discharge of gaseous extinguishing
agents?
• A. Manual pull station
• B. Interlock or safety lock
• C. Pressure relief valve
• D. Flow switch
Rationale: Interlocks and safety locks prevent unintended activation and ensure the
system only discharges under the correct conditions.
9. Which component detects fire and initiates the discharge of a gaseous system?
• A. Pressure gauge
• B. Fire detector
• C. Agent cylinder
• D. Nozzle
Rationale: Smoke or heat detectors sense fire and signal the control panel to activate
the extinguishing system.
10. The primary function of a pressure gauge on a gaseous system cylinder is to:
• A. Detect fire
• B. Measure agent pressure
• C. Control discharge
• D. Monitor temperature
Rationale: Pressure gauges are used to monitor the pressure of the gaseous agent
within storage cylinders.
, 11. The term "hold time" refers to:
• A. How long the alarm sounds
• B. Required agent concentration duration
• C. Time to evacuate
• D. Charging time of cylinders
Rationale: Systems must maintain their design concentration for a defined "hold time"
to ensure effective fire suppression.
12. A control panel trouble condition indicates:
• A. A false alarm
• B. A system abnormality needing correction
• C. Overpressure
• D. Agent discharged
Rationale: Trouble signals on the control panel indicate system abnormalities that
require immediate attention.
13. When must gaseous systems automatically shut down HVAC?
• A. Improve comfort
• B. Protect equipment
• C. Prevent agent loss
• D. Reduce maintenance
Rationale: Stopping ventilation prevents agent loss and keeps the extinguishing
concentration effective.
SECTION 3: INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE
14. What is the recommended inspection interval for system control panels?
• A. Daily
• B. Monthly
• C. Quarterly
• D. Annually
Questions with Correct
Answers
SECTION 1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES & SYSTEM TYPES
1. What is the primary purpose of a gaseous extinguishing system?
• A. Remove heat only
• B. Reduce oxygen or inhibit combustion chemistry
• C. Cool fuel surfaces
• D. Produce steam
Rationale: Gaseous agents suppress fires mainly by lowering oxygen concentration or
interrupting the chemical chain reaction, rather than just cooling the fuel.
2. CO₂ systems extinguish fire primarily by:
• A. Smothering with foam
• B. Cooling the fuel
• C. Displacing oxygen
• D. Absorbing free radicals
Rationale: Carbon dioxide systems work by reducing oxygen concentration below
combustion limits, creating a life-hazard condition during discharge.
3. In a clean agent system, the term "clean" means:
• A. Leaves no residue
, • B. Is non-toxic
• C. Requires no cylinders
• D. Does not require detection
Rationale: Clean agents are defined by their ability to leave no residue after discharge,
making them safe for protecting sensitive electronics and equipment.
4. Which of the following is true about Novec 1230 as a fire suppression agent?
• A. Leaves a residue
• B. Safe for humans at design concentrations
• C. Highly corrosive
• D. Only suitable for outdoor use
Rationale: Novec 1230 is a clean agent that suppresses fires quickly without harming
personnel or equipment at its design concentration.
5. What is the main risk associated with Halon systems, which have largely been
phased out?
• A. Residue damage
• B. Ozone depletion
• C. Ineffective fire suppression
• D. Corrosion of metals
Rationale: Halon gases were effective but environmentally harmful due to their ozone-
depleting potential, leading to their replacement by clean agents like FM-200 and
Novec 1230.
6. Which fire class is a CO₂ system most effective for?
• A. Ordinary combustibles
• B. Industrial machinery rooms
• C. Flammable liquids and electrical fires
• D. Museums and archives
Rationale: CO₂ is suitable for flammable liquid and electrical fires in areas where
personnel can be evacuated.
7. The "ODP" of an agent refers to:
• A. Occupant Discharge Protocol
• B. Over-Discharge Pressure
, • C. Ozone Depletion Potential
• D. Optimal Distribution Pattern
Rationale: ODP is an environmental classification that measures an agent's impact on
the ozone layer.
SECTION 2: SYSTEM COMPONENTS & OPERATION
8. What safety feature prevents accidental discharge of gaseous extinguishing
agents?
• A. Manual pull station
• B. Interlock or safety lock
• C. Pressure relief valve
• D. Flow switch
Rationale: Interlocks and safety locks prevent unintended activation and ensure the
system only discharges under the correct conditions.
9. Which component detects fire and initiates the discharge of a gaseous system?
• A. Pressure gauge
• B. Fire detector
• C. Agent cylinder
• D. Nozzle
Rationale: Smoke or heat detectors sense fire and signal the control panel to activate
the extinguishing system.
10. The primary function of a pressure gauge on a gaseous system cylinder is to:
• A. Detect fire
• B. Measure agent pressure
• C. Control discharge
• D. Monitor temperature
Rationale: Pressure gauges are used to monitor the pressure of the gaseous agent
within storage cylinders.
, 11. The term "hold time" refers to:
• A. How long the alarm sounds
• B. Required agent concentration duration
• C. Time to evacuate
• D. Charging time of cylinders
Rationale: Systems must maintain their design concentration for a defined "hold time"
to ensure effective fire suppression.
12. A control panel trouble condition indicates:
• A. A false alarm
• B. A system abnormality needing correction
• C. Overpressure
• D. Agent discharged
Rationale: Trouble signals on the control panel indicate system abnormalities that
require immediate attention.
13. When must gaseous systems automatically shut down HVAC?
• A. Improve comfort
• B. Protect equipment
• C. Prevent agent loss
• D. Reduce maintenance
Rationale: Stopping ventilation prevents agent loss and keeps the extinguishing
concentration effective.
SECTION 3: INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE
14. What is the recommended inspection interval for system control panels?
• A. Daily
• B. Monthly
• C. Quarterly
• D. Annually
