NFPA NFPA-CFPS Online Practice Questions and Exam Preparation

NFPA NFPA-CFPS Online Questions & Answers

• Question 1:

  Which type of construction consists of structural members of approved noncombustible or limitedcombustible materials with specified fire resistance ratings for exterior bearing walls of 3 or 4 hours?

  A. Type I
  B. Type II
  C. Type III
  D. Type IV
  A. Type I

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  Explanation

  The correct answer is A. Type I construction consists of structural members of approved noncombustible or limited combustible materials with specified fire resistance ratings for exterior bearing walls of 3 or 4 hours. This is the highest level of fire resistance among the five types of construction defined by NFPA 220: Standard for Types of Building Construction.Type I construction is typically used for high-rise buildings made of concrete and protected steel

• Question 2:

  Which type of heat detector automatically resets after operation, when the ambient temperature drops below the operating temperature?

  A. Rate-of-Rise
  B. Rate compensation
  C. Electronic spot-type
  D. lonization
  A. Rate-of-Rise

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  Explanation

  A rate-of-rise heat detector is a type of heat detector that automatically resets after operation, when the ambient temperature drops below the operating temperature. This is because a rate-of-rise heat detector operates on a rapid rise in element temperature of 6.7° to 8.3°C (12° to 15°F) increase per minute, irrespective of the starting temperature If the temperature rise stops or reverses, the detector will reset itself and stop sending an alarm signal to the control panel A rateof-rise heat detector can also have a fixed temperature element that will trigger an alarm at a specified temperature, but this element is not selfresetting and requires replacement after activation

  References: Heat Detectors Selection Guide: Types, Features, Applications - GlobalSpec Heat detector - Wikipedia1

• Question 3:

  The primary design approach to mitigate the effect of wind on smoke movement in high- rise buildings is based on ____

  A. outside temperature.
  B. height of the building.
  C. tightness of the building.
  D. fire department access.
  C. tightness of the building.

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  Explanation

• Question 4:

  In considering the rating of audible appliances, in wide-open spaces, how many decibels does the sound pressure level (SPL) decrease every time the distance from the source is doubled?

  A. 4 dB
  B. 6 dB
  C. 10 dB
  D. 16 dB
  B. 6 dB

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  Explanation

  In wide-open spaces, the sound pressure level (SPL) decreases by 6 decibels (dB) every time the distance from the source is doubled. This is known as the inverse square law of sound propagation, which states that the intensity of sound is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.For example, if the SPL at 1 meter from the source is 100 dB, then the SPL at 2 meters from the source is 94 dB, and the SPL at 4 meters from the source is 88 dB

• Question 5:

  According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, what type of fabric is used 51% of the time on upholstered furniture?

  A. Thermoplastic
  B. Leather
  C. Cellulosic
  D. Coated PVC
  C. Cellulosic

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  Explanation

  According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the most common type of fabric used on upholstered furniture is cellulosic. Cellulosic fabrics are made from natural fibers derived from plants, such as cotton, linen, rayon,

  and hemp. Cellulosic fabrics account for about 51% of the total fabric weight used on upholstered furniture in the United States. Cellulosic fabrics are popular because they are soft, comfortable, breathable, and versatile. However, they are

  also highly flammable and can contribute to the spread of fire if ignited. Therefore, the CPSC has established a flammability standard for upholstered furniture that requires cellulosic fabrics to pass a smolder resistance test.

  References:

  Upholstered Furniture Business Education | CPSC.gov Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard

  Standard for the Flammability of Residential Upholstered Furniture

• Question 6:

  Computers and other information technology equipment are particularly susceptible to ___

  A. special extinguishing agents.
  B. heat, steam, and combustion products.
  C. light, hoselines, and airborn dust.
  D. foam, metal powders, and dry chemicals.
  B. heat, steam, and combustion products.

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  Explanation

  Computers and other information technology equipment are particularly susceptible to heat, steam, and combustion products, which can damage their sensitive components, cause data loss or corruption, and impair their functionality.Therefore, fire protection for IT equipment should consider the potential sources of heat, steam, and combustion products, such as electrical faults, flammable liquids, dust accumulation, water-based sprinklers, or smoke from adjacent areas, and implement appropriate measures to prevent, detect, and suppress fires, as well as to minimize the exposure of IT equipment to these hazards.

  References:Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment;Fire Protection of Computer Rooms--Legal Obligations and Best Practices - ISACA;Exploring Requirements for Information Technology Equipment;Demystifying IT room protection requirements - Consulting.

• Question 7:

  Zebra mussel pipe obstructions are largely concentrated around the Great Lakes and

  A. Colorado River areas.
  B. Mississippi River areas.
  C. Lake Mead areas.
  D. Salt Lake areas.
  B. Mississippi River areas.

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  Explanation

  

  Zebra mussel Explore Zebra mussel pipe obstructions are largely concentrated around the Great Lakes and Mississippi River areas. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that originated from Eurasia and were introduced to North America in the late 1980s through the ballast water of ships. They have since spread to many freshwater lakes and rivers, especially in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States and Canada. Zebra mussels can attach themselves to hard surfaces, such as pipes, pumps, valves, and filters, and form dense colonies that reduce or block the water flow. This can cause serious problems for industries, utilities, and municipalities that rely on water intake or delivery systems.Zebra mussels can also damage aquatic ecosystems, infrastructure, and recreation by competing with native species, altering water quality, and fouling boats and equipment

• Question 8:

  Fire tests typically relate to two types of fire properties, fire resistance and

  A. length of fire.
  B. reaction to fire.
  C. flame spread.
  D. smoke spread.
  B. reaction to fire.

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  Explanation

  Fire tests typically relate to two types of fire properties, fire resistance and reaction to fire. Fire resistance is the ability of a building element or component to prevent the passage of heat and flames from one side to another, while reaction to fire is the response of a material or product in contributing to the development and spread of a fire. Fire resistance tests are usually performed on systems or assemblies, such as walls, floors, doors, or windows, while reaction to fire tests are usually performed on materials or products, such as sealants, insulation, cladding, or plastics.

  References: International Standards and Classifications for Fire Testing - Sika;Testing for Fire Resistance and Reaction to Fire ICC NTA;`Reaction to Fire' Vs `Fire resistance' - Ask HILTI;What is the difference between Reaction to Fire and Resistance to Fire ...;Reaction to Fire vs Resistance to Fire | Nullifire UK

• Question 9:

  Which type of fire alarm system transmits signals that are permanently recorded at a constantly attended supervising station located either at the protected premises or at another location of the property owner?

  A. Proprietary
  B. Auxiliary
  C. Central station
  D. Remote station
  A. Proprietary

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  Explanation

  A proprietary fire alarm system is a type of fire alarm system that transmits signals that are permanently recorded at a constantly attended supervising station located either at the protected premises or at another location of the property owner. A proprietary fire alarm system is owned and operated by the property owner or the owner's agent. A proprietary fire alarm system is intended to provide fire alarm service to a single property or a campus of related properties.

  References: NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2019 Edition, Section 3.3.105.11 Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 7, Section 7.2.1.12

• Question 10:

  What is the maximum allowable sound pressure level (SPL) for a fire alarm system?

  A. 30 dBA
  B. 50 dBA
  C. 100 dBA
  D. 130 dBA
  C. 100 dBA

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  Explanation

  According to NFPA 72, the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) for a fire alarm system is 110 dBA at the minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance1.However, this limit can be exceeded if the sound pressure level measured 2 000 mm above floor level is not more than 100 dBA2. Sound pressure level is a measure of the intensity of sound at a given point in space, expressed in decibels (dB). The higher the SPL, the louder the sound.For comparison, a normal conversation is about 60 dB, a jet engine is about 140 dB, and a gunshot is about 160 dB3.

  References:Sound Pressure Levels - NFPA;NFPA fire alarm sound level - EntirelySafe.com;Subsection 907.5 - Occupant notification systems Casetext;How Loud Is a Fire Alarm In Decibels (dB)? With Noise Comparison Chart;The Ontario Building Code | Audibility of Alarm Systems.