CFPS Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Questions and Answers

According to the web search results, titanium is the pure metal in its solid form in oxygen that has the highest ignition temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.The spontaneous-ignition temperature of titanium in the solid phase (below melting) is about 3020°F (1660°C)1.Aluminum, potassium, and zirconium have lower ignition temperatures in the solid phase, ranging from 1292°F (700°C) to 1652°F (900°C)23.References:

• IGNITION OF METALS IN HIGH PRESSURE OXYGEN2
• Combustion of Metals in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres3
• High-temperature oxidation and ignition of metals1

Response Time Index (RTI) is a measure of thermal sensitivity of a sprinkler’s activation. It indicates how quickly the sprinkler responds to the heat from a fire. RTI is calculated by using the operating time, operating temperature, air temperature, air velocity, and conductivity factor of the sprinkler. RTI is independent of the gas velocity but depends on the properties of the sprinkler head such as mass, specific heat capacity andsurface area of the thermal sensing element. RTI is used to classify sprinklers into fast response or standard response categories.

References:The Basics of Sprinkler Thermal Characteristics | NFPA;Sprinkler Characteristics According to NFPA 13 - Fire Protection …;Response time index (RTI) - Oil and Gas Drilling Glossary;RESPONSE TIME INDEX OF SPRINKLERS - Department of Building Environment …

20 years.

According to NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2020 edition, fast response sprinklers are those that have a response time index (RTI) of 50 (m·s)^(1/2) or less.These sprinklers are designed to activate faster than standard response sprinklers in the event of a fire, and they are typically used in light hazard, ordinary hazard, and residential occupancies1

NFPA 25 requires initial testing of representative samples of fast response sprinklers after 20 years from the date of manufacture, and subsequent testing every 10 years thereafter. The testing involves removing a minimum of four sprinklers or 1% of the total number of sprinklers per individual sprinkler sample, whichever is greater, and sending them to a recognized testing laboratory. The laboratory will perform a plunge test, which measures the time it takes for the sprinkler to operate when exposed to a specified air temperature.The test results will indicate whether the sprinklers meet the acceptance criteria or need to be replaced123

References:

• NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems1
• Sprinkler System Inspections, Testing, and Maintenance Frequencies Explained | NFPA4
• Sprinkler Testing on Quick Response Sprinklers: What You Need to Know2
• NFPA 25 ITM Quick Reference Guide - hillgrp.com3

Cellulose nitrate products begin to decompose at about 300 °F (150 °C). This is the temperature at which the nitrate ester bonds start to break down and release nitric acid, which further catalyzes the decomposition. The decomposition temperature depends on the nitrogen content, the stabilizers, and the external heating rate of the cellulose nitrate.Higher nitrogen content, lower stabilizer concentration, and faster heating rate lower the decomposition temperature and increase the risk of thermal runaway.

References:Nitrocellulose - Wikipedia;Comparative analysis of stable decomposition and combustion kinetics of nitrated cellulose;Degradation of aged nitrocellulose investigated by thermal analysis methods;Nitrocellulose;Effect of stabilizers and nitrogen content on thermal properties of nitrocellulose

The type of property classifications that experience the majority of fire deaths in the United States areone- and two-family dwellings.According to the NFPA, one- and two-family dwellings accounted for 64 percent of all civilian fire deaths in 2021, followed by apartments with 11 percent, and other residential properties with 1 percent1.One- and two-family dwellings are more vulnerable to fire fatalities because they often lack adequate fire protection systems, such as smoke alarms and sprinklers, and havemore potential sources of ignition, such as cooking, heating, and smoking2. Additionally, one- and two-family dwellings may have less escape routes, longer response times, and more occupants, especially children and elderly, who are at higher risk of fire death.References:

• US Fire Loss in 2021 NFPA
• Home Structure Fires - NFPA
• [Fire Death Rate Trends: An International Perspective]

The two classes of fire models arephysical and mathematical. Physical fire models are scaled-down representations of real fire scenarios, using laboratory experiments and measurements to study the fire behavior and effects.Physical fire models can be used to test hypotheses, validate mathematical models, and provide empirical data for fire analysis1. Mathematical fire models are numerical or analytical solutions of the equations that govern the fire phenomena, such as heat transfer, fluid dynamics, combustion, and chemical kinetics.Mathematical fire models can be used to simulate fire scenarios, predict fire outcomes, and optimize fire protection systems2. There are two major categories of mathematical fire models: zone models and field models. Zone models divide the fire compartment into two or more homogeneous zones, such as upper and lower layers, and apply mass and energy conservation equations to each zone.Zone models are relatively simple, fast, and easy to use, but they have limitations in accuracy and applicability3. Field models solve the partial differential equations that describe the fire-driven fluid flow and heat transfer in three dimensions, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques.Field models are more detailed, realistic, and flexible, but they require more computational resources and expertise4.References:

• Fire modelling with Computational Fluid Dynamics - BRE Group
• Fire modeling programs | NIST
• interFIRE, A site dedicated to improving fire investigation worldwide.
• Computer Fire Models for Fire Investigation and Reconstruction

A Class I standpipe system provides 2 1/2 in. (65 mm) hose connections at designated locations in a building for use by the fire department. A Class I standpipe system is intended to supply water for fire fighting operations by trained personnel using hoses of 1 1/2 in. (40 mm), 1 3/4 in. (45 mm), or 2 in. (50 mm) nominal diameters. A Class I standpipe system is required to deliver a minimum flow rate of 250 gpm (946 L/min) at a minimum residual pressure of 100 psi (6.9 bar) at the most remote hose connection.References:

• NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019 Edition, Section 3.3.4.11
• Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition, Volume 1, Chapter 8, Section 8.2.1.12

According to NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) 2020 Edition, Article 230.71(A), each service shall have only one disconnecting means unless the requirements of 230.71(B) are met, which provide four specific service configurations. In each configuration, there shall be not more than six switches or sets of circuit breakers, or a combination of not more than six switches and sets of circuit breakers, per service grouped in any one location. Therefore, the maximum number of additional switches or circuit breakers allowed for a separate service is six.References:

• NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) 2020 Edition, Article 230.71(A) and (B)12
• ElectricalLicenseRenewal.com, 230.71 Maximum Number of Disconnects3

The data of a pre-incident plan should be evaluated after an incident, as part of the post incident critique or analysis. This is to assess the accuracy, completeness, and usefulness of the pre-incident plan, and to identify any changes or updates needed based on the lessons learned from the incident.Evaluating the pre-incident plan after an incident can also help improve the emergency response performance and the fire safety management of the site.References:123

Fire pump

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A suction in-line fire pump has a pressure range that can exceed 300 psi (2,068 kPa). This type of pump is a centrifugal pump that is installed in a vertical position with the suction and discharge connections in the same line. The pump is designed to handle high pressures and flows, and it is suitable for high-rise buildings and other applications that require high head.According to NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, a suction in-line fire pump can have a rated pressure of up to 360 psi (2,482 kPa)1.The other types of fire pumps mentioned in the question have lower pressure ranges, as shown in the table below2:

Type of fire pump

Pressure range (psi)

Pressure range (kPa)

Horizontal-end suction

40 to 150

276 to 1,034

Split case

40 to 150

276 to 1,034

Vertical turbine

40 to 150

276 to 1,034

Suction in-line

40 to 360

276 to 2,482

References:NFPA 20: Fire pump design | Consulting - Specifying Engineer;Understanding the Basics of Fire Pumps | Pumps & Systems

Cellulose nitrate products begin to decompose at about 300 °F (150 °C). This is the temperature at which the nitrate ester bonds start to break down and release nitric acid, which further catalyzes the decomposition. The decomposition temperature depends on the nitrogen content, the stabilizers, and the external heating rate of the cellulose nitrate. Higher nitrogen content, lower stabilizer concentration, and faster heating rate lower the decomposition temperature and increase the risk of thermal runaway.

References:Nitrocellulose - Wikipedia;Comparative analysis of stable decomposition and combustion kinetics of nitrated cellulose;Degradation of aged nitrocellulose investigated by thermal analysis methods;Nitrocellulose;Effect of stabilizers and nitrogen content on thermal properties of nitrocellulose

The duration of required fire flow in public supply systems depends on the type of occupancy, construction, and exposure of the building, as well as the availability and reliability of the water supply. According to NFPA 1, Fire Code, Table 18.4.5.1.2, the minimum duration of fire flow for most occupancies ranges from 1 to 4 hours, with some exceptions for high-rise buildings, health care facilities, and special hazards. The fire flow duration is intended to provide enough water for fire suppression and exposure protection until the fire is under control or extinguished.References: NFPA 1, Fire Code, 2023 Edition, Section 18.4.5.1.2 and Table 18.4.5.1.2; NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 21st Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.2.2.

Class A roof coverings are the most effective in preventing the spread of fires from flying brands. Flying brands are burning embers or pieces of combustible material that are carried by the wind and can ignite other combustible materials or structures. Class A roof coverings are tested to withstand severe fire exposure from simulated fire sources, such as large burning brands, and do not produce flying brands themselves. Class A roof coverings include materials such as asphalt shingles, metal sheets, clay or concrete tiles, slate, and some types of synthetic membranes12. References:

• Class A, B, and C Roof Ratings - UL
• Fire-Resistant Roofs - Fire Safe Marin

Panic hardware devices are designed to facilitate the release of the latching device on a door with a pressure not exceeding 15 pounds (6.8 kg.) is applied in the direction of exit travel. This is the maximum force allowed by the codes and standards that regulate the use and installation of panic hardware, such as NFPA 101, NFPA 80, and ANSI/BHMA A156.3. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that the doors can be easily opened by anyone in an emergency situation, without prior knowledge or special effort.References:Codes to Know for Panic Hardware - Facilitiesnet;Panic and emergency escape hardware | ASSA ABLOY | ASSA ABLOY; NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2023 Edition, Chapter 7, Section 7.2.1.7.2; NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, 2023 Edition, Chapter 6, Section 6.1.3.5.1; ANSI/BHMA A156.3, Standard for Exit Devices, 2014 Edition, Section 4.1.1.

The safety class for propane refrigerant R-290 is A3, which means it has no toxicity but high flammability. The safety class is determined by the ASHRAE Standard 34, which assigns a capital letter (A or B) for the toxicity level and a number (1, 2, or 3) for the flammability level of a refrigerant. Propane has a very low global warming potential and ozone depletion potential, but it also has a very low flash point and high auto ignition temperature, which make it highly flammable in the presence of ignition sources.References:Propane R-290 | Copeland US;R-290 Propane Refrigerant Fact & Info Sheet;Safety Data Sheet - Refrigerants; NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 21st Edition, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.4.

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 States1. 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 ignited2. Therefore, the CPSC has established a flammability standard for upholstered furniture that requires cellulosic fabrics to pass a smolder resistance test3. References:

• Upholstered Furniture Business Education | CPSC.gov
• Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard
• Standard for the Flammability of Residential Upholstered Furniture

Smoke purging, smoke removal, smoke exhaust, or smoke extraction are different terms for the same type of smoke management method, which is airflow. Airflow is the method of controlling smoke by creating a flow of air that either pushes or pulls the smoke away from the desired areas. Airflow can be achieved by natural or mechanical means, such as vents, fans, or dampers. Airflow can also be used to create a smoke layer above the occupant level in large spaces, such as atriums or warehouses, by exhausting the hot smoke and supplying fresh air below the layer.References:Smoke Extraction System - NAFFCO Smoke Management;Post-Fire Smoke Purge Systems: When Are They Required? - NY Engineers; NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 21st Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.2.1.

The correct answer is C. A thermocouple is a temperature measurement device that consists of a pair of wires of different metals or alloys welded together at a point to form a junction. The junction is exposed to the temperature to be measured, while the other end of the wires is connected to a reference junction at 0°C. The thermocouple produces a voltage difference between the two junctions that depends on the temperature difference.This voltage difference can be calibrated to give the temperature in degrees using a thermocouple table or a formula123

Fire pump

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The correct answer is B.Safety is one of the criteria for selecting the power source for driving fire pumps, according to NFPA 20, Chapter 9.1.1.11. Reliability, adequacy, and economy are the other criteria mentioned in the same chapter. Efficiency, adaptability, and ecology are not explicitly stated as criteria in NFPA 20, although they may be considered as secondary factors in some cases.

1:Pump Installation: Everything About Electric and Diesel Driven Fire …

The maximum discharge time permitted for halocarbon clean agent systems is10 seconds. This is the requirement of NFPA 2001, which is the standard for clean agent fire extinguishing systems.NFPA 2001 states that the discharge time for halocarbon agents shall not exceed 10 seconds, unless otherwise permitted by the authority having jurisdiction1. Halocarbon agents are synthetic compounds that contain carbon, fluorine, and sometimes other elements, such as hydrogen, chlorine, or bromine.Examples of halocarbon agents include HFC-227ea, HFC-125, and FK-5-1-122. Halocarbon agents work by absorbing heat and interrupting the chemical chain reaction of the fire.They are electrically nonconductive and leave no residue upon evaporation3.Halocarbon agents are suitable for protecting Class A, B, and C fires involving electrical equipment, flammable liquids, and ordinary combustibles4. The discharge time is the time required to release the agent from the storage containers to the protected enclosure.A short discharge time is important to achieve the design concentration of the agent before the fire grows or spreads5.References:

• NFPA 2001: Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
• Clean Agent System Basics | NFPA
• Fire Fighting Foams - Chemguard
• Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems | Fike
• Category | Rotarex Firetec

0.62

The discharge coefficient of a solid stream nozzle for a standard orifice with sharp edges is a dimensionless number that indicates the ratio of the actual flow rate to the theoretical flow rate of the nozzle. The discharge coefficient depends on the geometry and the flow conditions of the nozzle. According to the web search results, the typical discharge coefficient of a solid stream nozzle for a standard orifice with sharp edges is about 0.62, which means that the actual flow rate is about 62% of the theoretical flow rate.This value is based on the experiments conducted by the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST) and reported in the paper “Discharge Coefficients of Fire Nozzles”1.The paper also provides a formula to calculate the discharge coefficient for different nozzle diameters and pressures123

Governor

For engine driven emergency power supplies, the device that maintains a relatively constant speed of the prime mover throughout the full power output range by varying the fuel input to the prime mover is the governor. A governor is a device that automatically regulates the speed or power of an engine or other prime mover by adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to it. A governor senses the speed of the prime mover and compares it with a desired set point, and then controls the fuel valve to increase or decrease the fuel flow accordingly.By doing so, the governor ensures that the prime mover operates within a narrow range of speed or power, regardless of the load or other factors that may affect its performance12