F-80 flashcards: the numbers and rules people mix up

9·01 Deck

The deck, in look-alike pairs

Say the back out loud before you open a card. Cards that sit next to each other are the ones the options mix up.

• 01Alarm signal

  A signal from a device whose activation means fire: a pull station, a detector or a water-flow switch. Study Material §10.1.

• 02Supervisory signal

  A monitored system or device is compromised or not normal, for example a closed sprinkler valve. Study Material §10.1, §10.8.

• 03Trouble signal

  A fault in a monitored circuit or part, for example a low battery or a lost phone line. Study Material §10.1.

• 04Acknowledge

  Tells the panel you saw the signal and quiets the panel itself. The building horns keep sounding. Study Material §10.1.

• 05Alarm silence

  Silences the building horns (on some systems the strobes too) once evacuation is complete, and only with FDNY authorization. The central station still gets the signal. Study Material §4, §10.1.

• 06Reset

  Only after the condition is cleared and verified by FDNY personnel. Study Material §10.1.

• 07Smoke alarm

  Sensor, sounder and power in one unit, not connected to a system. Study Material §2.

• 08Smoke detector

  Senses smoke and is connected to the fire alarm control panel. Study Material §2.

• 09Unnecessary alarm

  The system worked as designed, but no FDNY response was needed. Example: cigarette smoke in a non-smoking area. Study Material §2.

• 10Unwarranted alarm

  The system failed to work as designed: poor detector placement, a wrong setting, poor maintenance or a malfunction. Study Material §2.

• 11Off-line

  A period when the central station, at the owner’s request, does not send alarm signals to the FDNY. Allowed only for Fire Department purposes such as a drill. Study Material §2.

• 12Lamp test

  Checks that every light on the panel works. The coordinator runs it daily. Study Material §10.1.

• 13Secondary power

  Takes over within 10 seconds of a primary power failure. Study Material §10.2.

• 14Rate-of-rise heat detector

  Activates when the temperature climbs 12° to 15°F per minute. Study Material §10.3.

• 15Smoke detector cleaning

  Every 6 months, by an S-97 or S-98 holder. The F-80 holder does not service detectors. Study Material §10.3.

• 16Pull station placement

  Handle about 4 ft above the floor, within 5 ft of the exit door (stations installed or moved after April 1, 1984). Study Material §10.4.

• 17Selective alarm

  Sounds on the fire floor, the floor above and the floor below. A general alarm sounds everywhere. Study Material §10.10.

• 18Shelter fire guard patrol

  Every area of the building at least once an hour. Study Material §4.1.

• 19Fire drills in a shelter

  Monthly, on each shift, for all occupants. Study Material §7.3.

• 20FEP staff refresher training

  At least 1 hour, quarterly, on each work shift. Study Material §6.

• 21Log book retention

  Kept on the premises for 3 years from the last entry. Study Material §16.

• 22Fire watch, first 4 hours

  For an area up to 50,000 sq ft, the impairment coordinator or a trained person may keep the watch. Study Material §14.3.

• 23Fire watch after 4 hours

  Certificate of Fitness fire guards, one per 50,000 sq ft, until the system is restored. Study Material §14.3.

• 24Minor defect left open

  Not corrected within 30 days: report it to the FDNY in writing. Study Material §14.2.

• 25Extinguisher up to 40 lb

  Top no higher than 5 ft; bottom at least 4 in off the floor. Study Material §15.

• 26Extinguisher over 40 lb

  Top no higher than 3.5 ft; bottom still at least 4 in off the floor. Study Material §15.

• 27Extinguisher checks

  A monthly quick check, noted on the tag, and an annual service by a W-96 holder. Study Material §15.3.

• 28PASS

  Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Study Material §15.

9·02 Notes

Why the cards come in pairs