Systems Citywide Practice Exam

FDNY S12 Supervision of Sprinkler Systems (Citywide) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

1.

The primary purpose of a sprinkler system is to:

• Extinguish all fires entirely
• Control or suppress fire until additional help arrives
• Detect smoke only
• Provide building ventilation

Rationale: Sprinkler systems are designed to control or suppress fire

growth, not guarantee full extinguishment.

2.

A sprinkler system control valve must be:

• Hidden behind ceiling tiles 1 / 4

• Locked closed
• Supervised or locked in the open position
• Left partially open

Rationale: Control valves must remain open and be supervised or locked to

prevent unauthorized closure.

3.

The main drain test is used to determine:

• Water temperature
• Pipe corrosion
• Adequacy of water supply and possible obstructions
• Alarm panel battery condition

Rationale: A main drain test assesses supply pressure changes indicating

potential problems or obstructions.

4.

The S-12 Certificate of Fitness holder is responsible for:

• Building structural inspections
• Employee training
• Daily inspection and supervision of sprinkler systems
• Fire drill coordination

Rationale: The S-12 covers supervision of sprinkler systems specifically.

5. 2 / 4

The automatic sprinkler alarm gong activates when:

• A smoke detector activates
• Someone opens the test valve
• Water flows through the alarm check valve
• A manual pull station is used

Rationale: Waterflow causes the mechanical gong to ring.

6.What is the purpose of a fire department connection (FDC)?

• Drains water after tests
• Allows FDNY to supplement the sprinkler system water supply
• Activates alarms
• Provides ventilation

Rationale: FDC permits firefighters to boost system pressure during fire

operations.

7.

A sprinkler head typically activates due to:

• Smoke concentration
• Heat melting the fusible element
• Excess humidity
• Manual activation

Rationale: Sprinklers respond to heat, not smoke.

8. 3 / 4

The minimum pressure required on a typical sprinkler system air gauge for

dry systems is primarily determined by:

• Chemical composition
• Manufacturer and system design
• Building height only
• Valve age

Rationale: Pressure settings must match system design requirements.

9.

A system impairment involves:

• Monthly inspections
• Any shutdown or reduction of system effectiveness
• Alarm gong testing
• Routine valve lubrication

Rationale: Impairment means the system cannot operate at full fire

protection capacity.

10.

During a fire pump weekly test, the pump must run for at least:

• 1 minute
• 5 minutes
• 10 minutes
• 30 minutes

Rationale: Standard fire pump weekly churn test is at least 10 minutes.

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