FIR 152 - Fire Protection Systems

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Open

1. Determine the steps and general specifications for installation of a dry fire hydrant

   1. Demonstrate the use of the Iowa State University “rate of flow formula” for assessing fire risk in buildings

   2. List considerations in site selection for dry hydrants

   3. Use sample forms to secure legal access to water and sites for use and installation of fire hydrants from land and water owners

   4. Describe principles in the use of dry fire hydrants and water movement for rural fires

   5. List the maintenance steps and intervals for dry fire hydrants

2. Explain the extinguishing properties of water

   1. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using water as an extinguishing agent

   2. Describe different types of pressure as they relate to water

   3. List the basic components of municipal water supply system

   4. Describe the fundamental components of a water distribution system

   5. Describe the water supply requirements for a standpipe and hose system

3. Determine the factors governing the installation, inspection and maintenance of portable extinguishers and extinguishing agents

   1. Describe the different symbol systems used on portable extinguishers

   2. Identify five classifications of portable fire extinguishers

   3. Identify the types of extinguishing agents used in portable fire extinguishers

   4. Describe the methods by which extinguishers are rated

   5. Identify the safety hazards associated with certain extinguishing agents

   6. Describe the method of determining the proper distribution of portable fire extinguishers

4. Describe the basic components of modern fire detection and signaling systems

   1. List the types of initiating devices that are used in fire detection and signaling systems

   2. Describe the function and operation of manual alarm-initiation devices

   3. Identify different automatic alarm-initiating devices

5. Characterize the three most common types of fire pumps

   1. List the types of pump drivers that are acceptable for use with fire pumps, including their advantages and disadvantages

   2. Describe the operation of a pump controller

   3. Describe the function of a relief valve on a fire pump

6. Characterize the types, components, and operation of standpipes

   1. Describe the different classes of standpipe systems and their intended uses

   2. Describe the function of a fire department connection

   3. Classify water pressure considerations for standpipes in high-rise buildings

   4. Describe the use of pressure-regulating devices

7. Describe the types, components and operation of special extinguishing systems

   1. Describe the major distinction between an automatic sprinkler system and a specialized extinguishing system

   2. Describe the hazards for which a wet chemical system is best suited

   3. Name at least four hazard areas for which dry chemical extinguishing systems are well suited

   4. Name at least four hazard areas for which gaseous extinguishing systems are well suited

   5. Describe the most serious safety problem associated with the use of carbon dioxide systems

   6. Describe the typical areas in which foam extinguishing systems are likely to be installed

8. Analyze the types, installation, inspection, and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems

   1. Name three reasons why sprinkler systems are installed

   2. Identify the three components of a sprinkler

   3. Name the two major types of heat-sensitive devices

   4. Name the basic types of sprinkler design and their uses

   5. Discuss the theory and function of early-suppression fast-response (ESFR) sprinklers

   6. Describe the function of a check valve

   7. Name the four main types of sprinkler systems

   8. Describe the operating action of a dry-pipe sprinkler

   9. Describe the purpose of a quick-opening device

   10. Describe the way in which a deluge sprinkler system operates

   11. Provide the reasons for an unsatisfactory automatic sprinkler systems performance

9. Demonstrate an understanding of the design and construction techniques for specific applications of alarm and fire suppression systems

10. Interpret the design, construction and installation of various types of suppression and detection systems