CSLB C-16 Fire Protection (Trade Exam) — All Questions

At what temperature must a fire pump room be kept above?

• a.60 F
• b.40 F✓
• c.80 F
• d.20 F

The pump room is kept above 40 F, and never below the engine manufacturer's minimum. Sixty and 80 degrees are warmer than the code requires. Twenty degrees is below freezing, so it would not protect the pump and its water-filled parts.2025 CFC 913.3

Which fire pump valves are supervised open?

• a.Test outlet valves of each size
• b.Vent valves at the high points
• c.Drain valves at the low points
• d.Suction, discharge and bypass valves✓

Suction, discharge and bypass valves, and isolation valves on the backflow device, are supervised open, while test outlet valves are supervised closed. Drain and vent valves are not named.2025 CFC 913.4

What does the fire code require for acceptance testing of a fire pump?

• a.A visual check by the owner
• b.A test after one year of service
• c.Testing in accordance with NFPA 20✓
• d.Testing in accordance with NFPA 13

Acceptance testing shall be done in accordance with NFPA 20. NFPA 13 alone, an owner's visual check and a delayed test do not meet the rule.2025 CFC 913.5.1

What standard governs periodic testing of engine generator sets that power a fire pump?

• a.NFPA 110✓
• b.NFPA 750
• c.NFPA 14
• d.NFPA 72

Generator sets supplying fire pump assemblies, and automatic transfer switches, are periodically tested in accordance with NFPA 110. NFPA 72 is for fire alarms, NFPA 14 for standpipes and NFPA 750 for water mist.2025 CFC 913.5.2

How many buildings may a fire pump serve under the Sacramento sprinkler standard, in general?

• a.A number set by the owner
• b.Three
• c.Two
• d.One✓

The standard says a fire pump shall serve only one building, with an exception for campuses on a single property under one ownership. A number set by the owner would leave the limit unregulated. Two and three buildings are more than the general rule allows.Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District FPS 1

What does the Sacramento standard require of a fire pump installation's piping?

• a.A tank bypass
• b.No by-pass line is needed
• c.A by-pass line✓
• d.A second discharge gauge

A fire pump shall have a by-pass line installed, so water can reach the system if the pump is out of service. A tank bypass is not what the standard asks for. Saying no by-pass line is needed contradicts the requirement. A second discharge gauge is not a piping requirement of the standard.Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District FPS 1

A pump test shows 2,000 rpm against a rated 1,800 rpm, and flows 900 gpm. About what flow corresponds to rated speed?

• a.1,000 gpm
• b.900 gpm
• c.810 gpm✓
• d.729 gpm

Capacity varies with speed, so 900 × (1,800 ÷ 2,000) = 810 gpm. The 1,000 figure is the inverse ratio, 900 ignores the correction, and 729 uses the squared ratio.Fire Engineering, Testing Building Fire Pumps Part 2

A pump test at 1,700 rpm against a rated 1,800 rpm gives 80 psi. About what pressure corresponds to rated speed?

• a.89.7 psi✓
• b.80 psi
• c.71.4 psi
• d.84.7 psi

Pressure varies with the square of speed, so 80 x (1,800 / 1,700)^2 = 89.7 psi. A linear correction gives 84.7 psi, which treats pressure like flow. No correction leaves 80 psi, though the pump ran slower than rated. The inverse square gives 71.4 psi, which corrects in the wrong direction.Fire Engineering, Testing Building Fire Pumps Part 2

What does a pump acceptance test record at the three conditions in the trade article?

• a.Churn, one quarter and one half load
• b.Shut-off, rated load and peak load✓
• c.Idle, half load and double load
• d.Rated load, repeated three times

The test records shut-off, rated load (100 percent of flow and pressure) and peak load (150 percent of flow at not less than 65 percent of pressure). Churn with one quarter and one half load stops before the rated and peak points. Idle, half load and double load uses the wrong points, because the peak is 150 percent, not double. Rated load repeated three times records only one condition.Fire Engineering, Testing Building Fire Pumps Part 2

What minimum run time does the trade article suggest for an automatic-stop electric motor pump controller?

• a.10 minutes✓
• b.30 minutes
• c.1 minute
• d.2 hours

The article says the timer is set for 10 minutes for an electric motor and 30 minutes for a diesel engine. One minute and two hours are not those figures.Fire Engineering, Testing Building Fire Pumps Part 2

What standard does the fire code name for private water tanks for fire protection?

• a.NFPA 24
• b.NFPA 22✓
• c.NFPA 20
• d.NFPA 14

Water tanks for private fire protection are installed in accordance with NFPA 22. NFPA 24 covers private mains, NFPA 20 covers pumps and NFPA 14 covers standpipes.2025 CFC 507.2.2

What does the fire code require to be electrically supervised in addition to valves, for a sprinkler system with a tank?

• a.Water levels and temperatures✓
• b.The mesh size of the tank vent screens
• c.The condition of the tank paint
• d.The location of the tank ladder

The fire code lists valves, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and waterflow switches as electrically supervised, so tank water levels and temperatures are the items beyond valves. Vent screen mesh size is a maintenance detail with no signal. Paint condition is cosmetic and cannot be supervised electrically. The location of a tank ladder is a fixed feature, not a condition that changes.2025 CFC 903.4.1

A tank is sized for 600 gpm for 60 minutes. Under the federal 120% rule, what stored volume is called for?

• a.21,600 gallons
• b.72,000 gallons
• c.43,200 gallons✓
• d.36,000 gallons

600 × 60 = 36,000 gallons, and 120% is 43,200 gallons. The 36,000 figure is the demand itself, 21,600 is 60% of it, and 72,000 doubles it.UFC 3-600-01 section 9-4

Which standard does the fire code name for standpipe systems?

• a.NFPA 14✓
• b.NFPA 13
• c.NFPA 24
• d.NFPA 17

Standpipe systems are installed in accordance with the fire code section and NFPA 14. NFPA 13 is the sprinkler standard, NFPA 17 covers dry chemical systems and NFPA 24 covers private mains.2025 CFC 905.2

Where are Class I standpipe hose connections required to be provided?

• a.At the roof of the building
• b.In every required exit stairway✓
• c.In elevator lobbies on each floor
• d.In the basement of the building

Class I hose connections are provided in every required interior or exterior exit stairway, at each story above and below grade plane, with other listed locations. The roof is one of the listed locations but not the main one, since the stairway connection serves every story. Elevator lobbies are not where Class I connections are required. A basement is served through the stairway connections at each story below grade plane, not by a separate basement requirement.2025 CFC 905.4

How is Class II hose connection coverage measured?

• a.Areas within 10 feet of the hose cabinet door
• b.Areas within 60 feet of the nearest exit stairway
• c.All areas within 30 feet of a nozzle on 100 feet of hose✓
• d.Areas within 100 feet of the connection by line of sight

Class II connections are located so that all portions of the building are within 30 feet of a listed variable stream fog nozzle attached to 100 feet of hose. Ten feet from a cabinet door is far shorter than the reach the rule uses. Sixty feet from the nearest stairway is a travel measure, not a hose-reach measure. One hundred feet by line of sight ignores the nozzle reach and hose path.2025 CFC 905.5

What does the fire code say about dry standpipes?

• a.Not installed, except where subject to freezing✓
• b.Allowed everywhere without restriction
• c.Required in each high-rise building
• d.Preferred in fully sprinklered buildings

Dry standpipes shall not be installed, with an exception where subject to freezing and in accordance with NFPA 14. Allowing them everywhere without restriction reverses the rule. Requiring them in each high-rise building has no basis, since high-rises use wet systems. Preferring them in sprinklered buildings is also unfounded.2025 CFC 905.8

What must standpipe valves controlling water supplies be, under the fire code?

• a.Locked in the closed position
• b.Removed from the riser in winter
• c.Painted yellow and left unsupervised
• d.Supervised in the open position✓

Valves controlling water supplies shall be supervised in the open position so a change generates a supervisory signal. Locking them closed would defeat the system. Removing them from the riser in winter would leave no way to feed the system. Painting them yellow and leaving them unsupervised ignores the supervision rule.2025 CFC 905.9

What letter height does the fire code give for the sign on a fire equipment cabinet?

• a.At least 6 inches
• b.At least 1 inch
• c.At least 1/2 inch
• d.At least 2 inches✓

Cabinets are identified by a permanently attached sign with letters not less than 2 inches high in a color that contrasts with the background, with a pictogram option for small doors. Six inches is the height of the FDC letters on a sign in the existing-building rule. One inch is the letter height for an FDC sign, not a cabinet sign. A half inch is smaller than any figure the code gives for these signs.2025 CFC 905.7.1

When a standpipe is required during construction, which section applies?

• a.Section 507.5
• b.Section 903.4
• c.Section 913.3
• d.Section 3307✓

Standpipe systems required during construction and demolition are provided in accordance with Section 3307. Section 507.5 is the hydrant section. Section 903.4 covers sprinkler system supervision and alarms. Section 913.3 covers fire pump room requirements.2025 CFC 905.10

How must a non-sprinkler automatic fire-extinguishing system be actuated?

• a.By a manual pull station alone
• b.By the building smoke detectors alone
• c.Automatically, plus a manual means✓
• d.By remote telephone command alone

The systems are automatically actuated and provided with a manual means of actuation. A manual pull station alone has no automatic action. The building smoke detectors alone would not release the agent. Remote telephone command alone is not a means the rule recognizes.2025 CFC 904.3.2

What wiring code does the fire code name for extinguishing systems?

• a.The California Energy Code
• b.The California Electrical Code✓
• c.The California Mechanical Code
• d.The California Plumbing Code

Electrical wiring for fire-extinguishing systems is in accordance with the California Electrical Code. The Energy Code covers building energy efficiency. The Mechanical Code covers heating, ventilation and ducts. The Plumbing Code covers water and drain piping.2025 CFC 904.3.1

What warning does the fire code require ahead of agent discharge?

• a.A sign posted at the building's loading dock
• b.Audible and visible alarms with warning signs✓
• c.A written notice included in each tenant lease
• d.A recorded message on the telephone system

Distinctive audible and visible alarms and warning signs are provided to warn of pending agent discharge, and a separate signal once discharge begins where a delay is used. A sign at the loading dock does not warn the people in the protected space. A written notice in each lease cannot warn of a discharge as it begins. A recorded telephone message does not alert people in the room.2025 CFC 904.3.4

Which standard does the fire code name for clean-agent systems?

• a.NFPA 2001✓
• b.NFPA 12
• c.NFPA 750
• d.NFPA 17A

Clean-agent systems follow NFPA 2001 and the Title 19 chapter. NFPA 12 is carbon dioxide, NFPA 17A wet chemical and NFPA 750 water mist.2025 CFC 904.10

Which standard does the fire code name for carbon dioxide systems?

• a.NFPA 12A
• b.NFPA 2001
• c.NFPA 12✓
• d.NFPA 11

Carbon dioxide systems follow NFPA 12. NFPA 2001 is clean agent, NFPA 12A is halon and NFPA 11 is foam.2025 CFC 904.8

Which standard does the fire code name for wet chemical systems?

• a.NFPA 17
• b.NFPA 17A✓
• c.NFPA 12
• d.NFPA 11

Wet chemical systems follow NFPA 17A. NFPA 17 is dry chemical, NFPA 12 is carbon dioxide and NFPA 11 is foam.2025 CFC 904.5

How often are wet chemical and dry chemical systems inspected and tested?

• a.Every three months
• b.Every six months✓
• c.Every five years
• d.Every two years

The systems are inspected and tested for proper operation at six-month intervals, including detection, alarms, releasing devices and manual stations, with agent units weighed. Every three months is more often than the rule. Every five years and every two years are far too long between checks of a system that protects a cooking hazard.2025 CFC 904.5.1 and 904.6.1

A clean agent container originally weighed 150 pounds. At what weight does it need refilling or replacement for weight loss alone?

• a.Below 147 pounds
• b.Below 120 pounds
• c.Below 142.5 pounds✓
• d.Below 135 pounds

A loss of more than 5 percent requires action, and 5 percent of 150 is 7.5 pounds, so below 142.5 pounds. The 135 figure is a 10 percent loss, 147 is a 2 percent loss and 120 is a 20 percent loss.2025 CFC 904.10.2

What is the maximum height of the manual actuation device above the floor for a kitchen system?

• a.60 inches
• b.72 inches
• c.48 inches✓
• d.36 inches

The manual device is installed not more than 48 inches nor less than 42 inches above the floor. The other heights are outside the range.2025 CFC 904.14.1

What force may a kitchen system's manual actuation require at most?

• a.40 pounds✓
• b.5 pounds
• c.80 pounds
• d.120 pounds

The manual actuation requires a maximum force of 40 pounds and a maximum movement of 14 inches. Five pounds would be too light and risks accidental operation. Eighty and 120 pounds are too heavy for a person to operate in an emergency.2025 CFC 904.14.1

After a kitchen system discharges, what happens to the fuel and electric supply to the cooking equipment?

• a.It stays on until the fire is out
• b.It shuts down the electric equipment, not the gas
• c.It shuts down and then resets by itself
• d.It shuts down automatically and resets manually✓

The actuation automatically shuts down the fuel or electrical power supply, and reset is manual so the equipment cannot restart on its own. Staying on until the fire is out would keep feeding the fire. Shutting down the electric equipment only leaves the gas feeding the fire. A shutdown that resets by itself could restart the equipment in a still-burning appliance.2025 CFC 904.14.2

Where are carbon dioxide nozzles required in the ducts of a kitchen system?

• a.In no duct, when the duct is made of metal
• b.At the hood face, not in ducts
• c.At the bottom of each duct
• d.At the duct top, with more in long ducts✓

A nozzle is required at the top of the ventilating duct, with additional nozzles symmetrically arranged within vertical ducts over 20 feet and horizontal ducts over 50 feet. Metal ducts are not exempt, because grease deposits burn in any duct. A nozzle at the hood face only leaves the duct unprotected. The bottom of each duct is not the position the rule specifies.2025 CFC 904.14.3

How many 2A extinguishers does a 11,000 square foot floor under construction need at minimum?

• a.11
• b.3
• c.4✓
• d.2

One 2A extinguisher is needed per 3,000 square feet or fraction thereof, and 11,000 / 3,000 = 3.67, which rounds up to 4. Three ignores the fraction. Eleven divides by 1,000 square feet. Two is too few for the area.Title 8 section 1922

How early after each story is complete must sprinklers used in lieu of temporary protection be in service, under Title 8?

• a.At the end of the whole construction project
• b.As soon as laws permit after each story✓
• c.After the roof of the building is finished
• d.After the certificate of occupancy is issued

The installation shall closely follow the construction and be placed in service as soon as applicable laws permit following completion of each story. Waiting until the end of the project leaves the building unprotected throughout construction. Waiting for the roof leaves the lower stories unprotected. Waiting for the certificate of occupancy is later still.Title 8 section 1923

Who may the fire code authorize to require locking caps on standpipe outlets?

• a.The owner, at a time of the owner's choosing
• b.The manufacturer, at the time of shipment
• c.The insurer, at the next policy renewal
• d.The fire code official, if keys exist✓

The fire code official is authorized to require locking caps on standpipe outlets where the responding fire department carries compatible key wrenches. The owner, manufacturer and insurer are not given that authority.2025 CFC 905.11

Where a building has a fire alarm system, how are automatic extinguishing systems tied to it?

• a.They are wired to the elevators
• b.They are monitored by the plumbing system
• c.They are monitored by the fire alarm (NFPA 72)✓
• d.They are kept isolated from the fire alarm

Where a building fire alarm system is installed, automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be monitored by it in accordance with NFPA 72. Wiring to the elevators is for recall and shunt functions, not monitoring. The plumbing system cannot monitor a fire-extinguishing system. Keeping them isolated from the fire alarm reverses the requirement.2025 CFC 904.3.5

Who must perform testing and maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems, with listed exceptions?

• a.Persons licensed under H&S Code 13196.5✓
• b.A certified welder from the trades
• c.The building's own maintenance engineer
• d.A person the building owner designates

Testing and maintenance is performed by those licensed under Health and Safety Code 13196.5, with exceptions such as fire departments with a waiver. A certified welder holds a trade certificate unrelated to servicing extinguishing systems. The building's maintenance engineer is not licensed under that section. A person the owner designates is the rule for inspection, not for testing and maintenance.2025 CFC 901.6 (Title 19 text)

How often are waterflow alarm devices inspected, in the public NFPA 25 summary?

• a.Every 3 years
• b.Quarterly✓
• c.Annually
• d.Every 5 years

Waterflow alarm devices are inspected quarterly, with mechanical devices tested quarterly and vane or pressure switch devices tested semiannually. Annually, every 3 years and every 5 years are intervals the summary table uses for other items, such as the main drain test, trip tests and internal pipe inspection, not for alarm inspection.NFPA 25 summary table (East Bay Municipal Utility District)

How often is the main drain tested, in the public NFPA 25 summary?

• a.Every 10 years
• b.Monthly
• c.Annually✓
• d.Every 3 years

The main drain test is annual in the summary table. Monthly is more often than the table asks. Every 3 years and every 10 years are far longer than the annual interval.NFPA 25 summary table (East Bay Municipal Utility District)

How often is internal piping inspected for obstruction, in the public NFPA 25 summary?

• a.Every 5 years✓
• b.Every 25 years
• c.Every 2 years
• d.Every year

The internal inspection of piping for obstruction is every 5 years in the summary table. Every year and every 2 years are too frequent for an internal inspection. Every 25 years is far too long.NFPA 25 summary table (East Bay Municipal Utility District)

How often are private hydrants flow-tested, under the fire code?

• a.Every 10 years
• b.Every 5 years
• c.Annually✓
• d.Monthly

Private hydrants are inspected annually and after each operation, with a flow test and maintenance annually. The 5-year flow test is for fire service main piping, not hydrants. Every 10 years is longer than any interval the code gives. Monthly is more often than the code requires.2025 CFC 507.5.3

If a pump test curve is higher than the factory curve with an electric motor, what does the trade article suggest checking?

• a.The suction pipe diameter
• b.The color of the controller
• c.The voltage at the motor✓
• d.The bearing grease

The article says high voltage, more than about 10 percent above the motor's rating, can raise the curve and needs correcting. Suction pipe diameter would lower or limit flow, not raise a curve. The color of the controller has no effect on the test. Bearing grease would show up as heat or noise, not as a curve above the factory line.Fire Engineering, Testing Building Fire Pumps Part 2

What does a pump's suction pressure that drops and stays low during churn call for checking?

• a.The condition of the ceiling hangers above
• b.The breaker rating for the room lights
• c.Downstream piping, including the relief valve✓
• d.The color of the pump nameplate and paint

The article says to inspect all piping downstream of the pump for leaks, including the relief valve, and then call the water utility if none are found. Ceiling hangers above the pump room have nothing to do with suction pressure. A breaker rating for room lights is unrelated to the pump's water side. The color of the nameplate and paint does not affect suction pressure.Fire Engineering, Testing Building Fire Pumps Part 2

What must the fire department and fire code official be told when a required sprinkler system goes out of service?

• a.At the next monthly meeting
• b.Immediately✓
• c.After the repair is finished
• d.If a fire occurs

The fire department and the fire code official shall be notified immediately, and where required an approved fire watch or evacuation is provided until the system is returned to service. Waiting for a monthly meeting leaves the building unprotected without notice. Notifying after the repair is finished defeats the point of warning them. Notifying only if a fire occurs is too late.2025 CFC 901.7

What is the sole duty of a fire watch posted for an out-of-service system?

• a.Constant patrols of the premises watching for fire✓
• b.Reading utility meters at the riser room
• c.Repairing the sprinkler system while on watch
• d.Answering tenant questions at the front desk

The fire watch's only duty is to perform constant patrols and keep watch for fires, with at least one approved means to notify the fire department. Reading utility meters is a different task. Repairing the sprinkler system while on watch pulls the person away from the patrol. Answering tenant questions at a desk also leaves no one patrolling.2025 CFC 901.7

What does the manufacturer require before closing a control valve for maintenance?

• a.A signed letter from the sprinkler manufacturer
• b.Permission from authorities and notice to affected people✓
• c.A new certificate of occupancy for the building
• d.A pressure test of the valve before closing it

Permission to shut down the system must be obtained from the proper authorities and all affected personnel notified. A letter from the sprinkler manufacturer is not required before shutting a control valve. A new certificate of occupancy has nothing to do with a shutdown for maintenance. A pressure test before closing is not a step the manufacturer calls for.Manufacturer data sheet (Tyco TFP690)

What does the manufacturer say about cleaning sprinklers?

• a.Brush them with a stiff wire brush
• b.Paint over the dirt to hide it from view
• c.Dust them gently with a feather duster only✓
• d.Wash them with a strong cleaning solvent

Sprinklers are only cleaned by gently dusting with a feather duster, otherwise non-operation or inadvertent operation may result. Solvent, wire brushes and paint would harm them.Manufacturer data sheet (Tyco TFP690)

What does the federal criteria document say to use when repairing existing galvanized piping in a wet system?

• a.More galvanized pipe
• b.Copper tubing
• c.Black steel pipe✓
• d.CPVC pipe

Black steel pipe must be used for the addition, repair or relocation of existing galvanized pipe in wet, dry or preaction systems. More galvanized pipe is the opposite of the rule. Copper tubing is not the material the rule names for these repairs. CPVC is not the specified repair material.UFC 3-600-01 section 9-7

Where may saddle tees with rubber gaskets be used, per the federal criteria document?

• a.In no part of the federal criteria document
• b.On the new mains throughout a new building
• c.On dry pipe systems
• d.Only to connect to existing piping for changes✓

Saddle tees using rubber gasket fittings are only permitted when connecting to existing piping for additions or modifications. Saying they are not allowed anywhere in the document contradicts that exception. New mains throughout a new building are not covered by the exception. Dry pipe systems are not a place the document permits them.UFC 3-600-01 section 9-7

How long must the fire watch continue after hot work ends?

• a.5 minutes
• b.Until the next shift
• c.At least 3 hours
• d.At least 30 minutes✓

The fire watch continues for not less than 30 minutes after the conclusion of the work, and may be extended. Five minutes is too short to catch a smoldering fire. Until the next shift has no basis in the rule. Three hours is longer than the minimum, though the code official may extend it.2025 CFC 3504.2.1