MEP FIRE SYSTEMS ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS

MEP FIRE SYSTEMS (ACTUAL / ) EXAM QUESTIONS

AND VERIFIED ANSWERS

How does Pressure differentials between affected and unaffected areas help with smoke control. - ---Answers---- Mechanical fans pump 100% outdoor air in and create a pressure barrier.

Floating zone / floor-by-floor pressurization - ---Answers--- -"Sandwich effect" or "containment method" Uses HVAC to create negative pressure on fire floors; applies positive pressure above and below Used in high-rises in addition to stairway systems Smoke-laden air is removed; outside air flows in.Air moves from high to low pressure.

Refuge areas pressurization - ---Answers----Constructed with fire-rated materials and self-closing fire-rated doors Holding areas for people who need assistance Refuge areas are usually located on each floor of a high-rise, near stairways, or near elevator lobbies.Typically combined with elevator hoist way or stairway pressurization 1 / 3

Smoke removal - ---Answers----Best suited for large volume spaces where smoke and toxic gas flow freely Systems can help create a tenable environment in egress corridors, elevator lobbies, and refuge areas.Lack of restriction causes other problems in addition to large amounts of smoke and gas (e.g., delayed activation of sprinklers and detectors).Unpolluted air from a lower level is fed up at a slower rate than the exhaust system rate.Enables one or more mechanical fans near the upper level to exhaust the smoke

Ability to maintain smoke level at _ Feet above the highest level of seating or walking surface in the means of egress. - -- -Answers----6

What are the 3 parts to a continuous, unobstructed path of travel to the public way - ---Answers----Exit access - Portion that leads to the exit

exit - Portion separated from rest of building by fire resistant or fire-rated construction. E.g. Exit stairway

exit discharge- Portion between the exit and public way

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Emergency building entrance systems allow - ---Answers---- entry without knocking down doors/breaking windows.Safe-life security box is anchored in or to the entrance wall.Many jurisdictions require them for all buildings except one- and two-family homes.

Chance of survival: - ---Answers----Amount of time between

the start of the fire, the person's realization there IS a fire, and the associated evacuation time.

Main Functions of a Fire Alarm System - ---Answers---- Provide a means to identify an unsafe condition through automatic methods.Alert building occupants to an unsafe condition and the need to evacuate.Another common function is the transmission of an alarm notification signal to the fire department or other emergency response organization.Fire alarm systems may also shut down electrical, air handling equipment, and they may be used to initiate automatic suppression systems.

The "brain" of the system functions: - ---Answers----Monitors

integrity of system circuits and devices Processes input signals from initiating devices Drives notification appliances

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