So here’s an idea. I’ll ask questions that I formulate from my new-found collegiate fire protection knowledge then I’ll see where TFP stands when it comes to the basics of fire protection. I’d imagine the career professionals and techs know everything I know and then much more, so this is more for the hobbyists or novices. No googling!
Let’s start with the first question; this should be a fairly easy one.
What is the fire tetrahedron and how does it relate to fire?
I think I remember this one from college. If I remember correctly, the fire tetrahedron describes the elements necessary to keep a few going: fire, fuel, oxygen, and…I believe chemical reaction. The theory is that if you can remove any one of these from a fire, it cannot be sustained.
I also remember learning about the fire triangle, which was essentially the same thing, just lacking the chemical reaction component.
Aren’t you a career professional, Firefly? Why must you ruin my fun? :lol:
Well, you’re right. I guess I’ll have to come up with another question.
What are the three forms of heat transfer and which one is responsible for activating sprinkler systems? Furthermore, what are the two main types of links used in sprinkler heads?
The three types of heat transfer are convection, conduction, and radiation. The two types of sprinkler link are the soldered metal link and the glass rod.
And conduction is responsible for activating sprinkler heads.
Correct!
In a large, open space like an atrium, sometimes a standard smoke detector or ceiling-mount sprinkler won’t activate if it is installed too high. What is the name of this phenomenon, what causes it, and how do we account for that when installing devices?
Actually, you’re wrong there…
So it must be radiation. Right, because the head has to expand.
Nope!
It’s convection.
Conduction is heat transfer through direct contact. Think about putting a frying pan on a stove. The heat from the coils (if it is electric) or the flame touching the pan (if it is gas) is directly transferred to the metal of the pan.
Convection is vertical heat transfer though air. Think about holding your hand over a candle. You feel the heat because heat rises.
Radiation is horizontal heat transfer though air. Think about warming your hands next to a campfire.
Actually, the latter two don’t need air to transfer heat. The sun is able to radiate heat to the entire solar system through the vacuum of space.
Wow, I’m bad.
[quote]
In a large, open space like an atrium, sometimes a standard smoke detector or ceiling-mount sprinkler won't activate if it is installed too high. What is the name of this phenomenon, what causes it, and how do we account for that when installing devices?
[/quote]
Stratification due to temperature changes at higher elevations. Install beam detectors to compensate.
haha, well, while I am a career professional, I actually haven’t really had the fire tetrahedron theory come up at all here at work…purely based on memory from college lessons, so I considered it fair game. 
Any sprinkler-related questions like the ones you just posted, I will refrain from answering. 
What are the five classes of portable fire extinguishers, and what are they for?
A- regular fires, wood, paper, etc.
B- flammable liquids
C- electrical equipment
D- flammable metals, stuff like magnesium
K- cooking appliances, specifically with high reignition hazards
Correct!
For a fire extinguisher forty pounds or lighter, what is the maximum height and minimum height the extinguisher can be mounted?
I think it’s like 2 to 3 feet.
Mind if I throw one out there?
Techs sit this one out!
A building has a hydraulic elevator - there is a wet sprinkler system that covers the entire building including the elevator machine room and shaft - there is a fire alarm system that includes a smoke detector and heat detector in the elevator machine room and shaft - the elevator supports primary and alternate recall, “fire hat light” indicator at the primary recall floor, and primary power shutdown (shunt trip)
A fire breaks out in the elevator machine room. Describe the sequence of operation with respect to the fire alarm system, sprinkler system, and the elevator itself (basically what I am looking for is what happens first, second, third, etc…)
After the smoke goes off, some hero runs in with a fire extinguisher and takes care of the problem.
(i keed i keed…)
Don’t get me started!
Nope!