Fire Protection Glossary
24 essential terms every fire protection inspector, contractor, and building owner should know.
F
Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)
The central hub of a fire alarm system that receives signals from detection devices, activates notification, and communicates with monitoring.
Fire Alarm Testing
Periodic functional testing of fire alarm system components to verify proper detection, notification, and monitoring.
Fire Damper Inspection
Periodic inspection and testing of fire and smoke dampers in HVAC ductwork that prevent fire/smoke spread through buildings.
Fire Door Inspection
Annual inspection of fire-rated door assemblies to verify they will function properly to contain fire and smoke spread.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Monthly visual checks and annual maintenance examinations of portable fire extinguishers per NFPA 10.
Fire Pump Testing
Regular testing of fire pumps to verify they can deliver required water pressure and flow for fire suppression systems.
Fire Suppression System
Any system designed to detect and suppress or extinguish fires, including sprinklers, clean agents, wet chemical, and dry chemical systems.
Fire Watch
A temporary measure requiring continuous surveillance of a building when fire protection systems are impaired or out of service.
I
Impairment
A condition where a fire protection system is partially or fully out of service and unable to perform its intended function.
Inspection Frequency
The required intervals at which fire protection systems must be inspected and tested per applicable NFPA standards.
N
NFPA 101
The Life Safety Code — the standard addressing building features that protect occupants during fire and similar emergencies.
NFPA 25
The National Fire Protection Association standard for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems.
NFPA 72
The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code — the standard for fire alarm system installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance.
NFPA 96
The standard for ventilation control and fire protection of commercial cooking operations, including kitchen hood suppression systems.
NICET Certification
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies — the primary professional certification for fire protection technicians.
S
Smoke Detector
A fire detection device that senses smoke particles in the air, triggering the fire alarm system to alert occupants.
Sprinkler Inspection
Regular examination of automatic fire sprinkler systems to verify they are in proper working condition and ready to operate.
Standpipe Inspection
Testing and inspection of standpipe systems that provide water connections for firefighting on each floor of a building.
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