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daily Instructor: Dr. Chris ThompsonAbout this Course
Understanding Fire Alarm Systems
System Components and Operation
- Detailed analysis of initiating devices: manual pull stations, smoke detectors (photoelectric, ionization, duct detectors), heat detectors (fixed temperature, rate-of-rise, combination), and flame detectors. This includes understanding their activation mechanisms, limitations, and appropriate applications.
- In-depth examination of notification appliances: horns, strobes, speakers, and visual alarms. Focus on audibility requirements based on occupancy and ambient noise levels, strobe synchronization requirements, and intelligibility considerations for voice evacuation systems.
- Comprehensive overview of fire alarm control panels (FACPs): conventional, addressable, and networked systems. Understanding the differences in their architecture, programming capabilities, and monitoring features. Includes analysis of system zoning and annunciation requirements.
- Thorough investigation of power supplies: primary and secondary (battery backup). Covers calculating battery capacity based on system load and standby time requirements, proper battery maintenance procedures, and generator backup systems.
- Exploration of communication methods: digital alarm communicator transmitters (DACTs), cellular communicators, internet protocol (IP) communicators, and radio frequency (RF) systems. Includes understanding transmission protocols, reliability considerations, and compliance with applicable standards.
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Requirements
- Detailed review of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, focusing on the specific ITM requirements for each component of a fire alarm system. Includes understanding the frequency, procedures, and documentation requirements for inspections, testing, and maintenance.
- Hands-on techniques for visual inspection of initiating devices, notification appliances, FACPs, and power supplies. Identifying signs of damage, corrosion, or malfunction. Includes detailed checklists and reporting procedures.
- Functional testing procedures for each type of initiating device, including sensitivity testing of smoke detectors using calibrated aerosol generators. Covers proper use of testing equipment and interpretation of test results.
- Audibility testing of notification appliances using sound level meters. Ensuring compliance with minimum sound pressure levels and intelligibility requirements. Includes techniques for adjusting sound output and addressing audibility deficiencies.
- Battery testing procedures using battery testers and load banks. Determining battery capacity and state of charge. Includes proper battery replacement procedures and disposal guidelines.
- Testing and maintenance procedures for communication systems, including signal strength testing, communication path verification, and troubleshooting communication failures.
Sprinkler Systems
Types of Sprinkler Systems and their Operation
- Detailed study of wet pipe sprinkler systems: understanding the components, including sprinkler heads, piping, valves, and water supply connections. Focus on hydraulic design considerations and water flow requirements.
- In-depth analysis of dry pipe sprinkler systems: understanding the operation of the dry pipe valve, air compressor, and accelerator/exhauster. Covers proper air pressure settings, alarm tripping mechanisms, and maintenance procedures for preventing corrosion.
- Comprehensive overview of pre-action sprinkler systems: single interlock, double interlock, and non-interlock systems. Understanding the activation sequences, advantages, and disadvantages of each type.
- Thorough examination of deluge sprinkler systems: understanding the operation of the deluge valve, releasing devices, and open sprinkler heads. Covers applications where rapid and complete coverage is required.
- Exploration of special hazard sprinkler systems: foam-water sprinkler systems, water mist systems, and clean agent fire suppression systems. Understanding the specific hazards they are designed to protect and their unique operational characteristics.
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Requirements
- Detailed review of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, focusing on the specific ITM requirements for each component of a sprinkler system. Includes understanding the frequency, procedures, and documentation requirements for inspections, testing, and maintenance.
- Hands-on techniques for visual inspection of sprinkler heads, piping, valves, and gauges. Identifying signs of corrosion, damage, or obstruction. Includes detailed checklists and reporting procedures.
- Water flow testing procedures using a fire pump and a flow meter. Determining the available water supply pressure and flow rate. Includes calculating the system demand and comparing it to the available supply.
- Testing and maintenance procedures for fire pumps, including annual pump testing, maintenance of pump controllers, and lubrication of moving parts.
- Trip testing procedures for dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge valves. Verifying proper operation and response time. Includes understanding the alarm tripping mechanisms and troubleshooting valve malfunctions.
- Internal pipe inspection procedures using video cameras and boroscopes. Identifying signs of corrosion, scale buildup, or obstruction. Includes recommendations for pipe cleaning and replacement.
Fire Suppression Systems
Types of Fire Suppression Systems and their Operation
- Detailed understanding of clean agent fire suppression systems: including FM-200, NOVEC 1230, and inert gas systems. Covers the extinguishing mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of each type.
- In-depth analysis of carbon dioxide (CO2) fire suppression systems: total flooding and local application systems. Understanding the hazards associated with CO2 and the required safety precautions.
- Comprehensive overview of dry chemical fire suppression systems: including ABC, BC, and PKP agents. Covers the applications, limitations, and maintenance requirements of each type.
- Thorough examination of wet chemical fire suppression systems: specifically designed for commercial cooking operations. Understanding the operation of the system, including the fusible link detection system and the wet chemical discharge.
- Exploration of foam fire suppression systems: including AFFF, AR-AFFF, and high-expansion foam. Understanding the applications, limitations, and environmental considerations of each type.
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Requirements
- Detailed review of NFPA 12, 12A, 13, 17, and 96, focusing on the specific ITM requirements for clean agent, CO2, dry chemical, wet chemical, and commercial cooking operations fire protection systems. Includes understanding the frequency, procedures, and documentation requirements for inspections, testing, and maintenance.
- Hands-on techniques for visual inspection of nozzles, piping, cylinders, and control panels. Identifying signs of corrosion, damage, or obstruction. Includes detailed checklists and reporting procedures.
- Testing procedures for activation and discharge of the system, ensuring proper operation of the detection system, control panel, and discharge nozzles. Includes proper use of testing equipment and interpretation of test results.
- Weight and pressure testing procedures for cylinders, ensuring that the agent is at the correct weight and pressure. Includes proper cylinder replacement procedures and disposal guidelines.
- Inspection and maintenance procedures for nozzles, ensuring that they are free of obstructions and properly aimed. Includes proper nozzle cleaning and replacement procedures.
- Verification of proper ventilation and exhaust systems related to commercial cooking operations in accordance with NFPA 96.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For detailed information about our Fire Safety Systems Inspection and Maintenance course, including what you’ll learn and course objectives, please visit the "About This Course" section on this page.
The course is online, but you can select Networking Events at enrollment to meet people in person. This feature may not always be available.
The course doesn't have a fixed duration. It has 42 questions, and each question takes about 5 to 30 minutes to answer. You’ll receive your certificate once you’ve answered most of the questions. Learn more here.
The course is always available, so you can start at any time that works for you!
We partner with various organizations to curate and select the best networking events, webinars, and instructor Q&A sessions throughout the year. You’ll receive more information about these opportunities when you enroll. This feature may not always be available.
You will receive a Certificate of Excellence when you score 75% or higher in the course, showing that you have learned about the course.
An Honorary Certificate allows you to receive a Certificate of Commitment right after enrolling, even if you haven’t finished the course. It’s ideal for busy professionals who need certification quickly but plan to complete the course later.
The price is based on your enrollment duration and selected features. Discounts increase with more days and features. You can also choose from plans for bundled options.
Choose a duration that fits your schedule. You can enroll for up to 7 days at a time.
No, you won't. Once you earn your certificate, you retain access to it and the completed exercises for life, even after your subscription expires. However, to take new exercises, you'll need to re-enroll if your subscription has run out.
To verify a certificate, visit the Verify Certificate page on our website and enter the 12-digit certificate ID. You can then confirm the authenticity of the certificate and review details such as the enrollment date, completed exercises, and their corresponding levels and scores.
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