Advertise on podcast: MN Journeyman Sprinkler Fitter Exam Prep

The alarm side of sprinklers: NFPA 72 and Minnesota 903.4. Waterflow in 90 seconds, tamper switches in two turns, supervisory pressure, level and temperature numbers, test frequencies, and exactly what Minnesota says must be supervised. The usual: two fitters, a lot of swearing (18+), a lightning round of exam tips, and a war story that is mostly true. Minnesota law wins where it differs, and check your exam's edition. App news: the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app has enough testers, and the 14-day Google Play countdown has started. It should go public in a couple of weeks once Google reviews it. Thanks, testers. We'll tell you the minute it's live. Google Group: groups.google.com/g/mn-journeyman-exam-testers Play testing: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.mnfireexamprep.app

Fire pumps, NFPA 20 and Minnesota 913. Suction rules that keep pumps alive (zero psi at 150%, OS&Y only within 50 feet, ten pipe diameters, eccentric reducers), circulation and pressure relief valves, pump room protection, and the acceptance test. The usual: two fitters, a lot of swearing (18+), a lightning round of exam tips, and a war story that is mostly true. Minnesota law wins where it differs, and check your exam's edition. App news: the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app has enough testers, and the 14-day Google Play countdown has started. It should go public in a couple of weeks once Google reviews it. Thanks, testers. We'll tell you the minute it's live. Google Group: groups.google.com/g/mn-journeyman-exam-testers Play testing: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.mnfireexamprep.app

Standpipes, NFPA 14 and Minnesota 905. Classes I, II and III, wet vs. dry vs. manual vs. semiautomatic, pressure limits and PRVs, flow rates, and Minnesota's own modification for non-high-rise buildings. The usual: two fitters, a lot of swearing (18+), a lightning round of exam tips, and a war story that is mostly true. Minnesota law wins where it differs, and check your exam's edition. App news: the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app has enough testers, and the 14-day Google Play countdown has started. It should go public in a couple of weeks once Google reviews it. Thanks, testers. We'll tell you the minute it's live. Google Group: groups.google.com/g/mn-journeyman-exam-testers Play testing: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.mnfireexamprep.app

Halloween special: portable fire extinguishers. Ratings, placement and travel distance, monthly inspections, annual maintenance, and hydro intervals under NFPA 10 and MSFC 906. The usual: two fitters, a lot of swearing (18+), a lightning round of exam tips, and a war story that is mostly true. Minnesota law wins where it differs, and check your exam's edition. App news: the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app has enough testers, and the 14-day Google Play countdown has started. It should go public in a couple of weeks once Google reviews it. Thanks, testers. We'll tell you the minute it's live. Google Group: groups.google.com/g/mn-journeyman-exam-testers Play testing: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.mnfireexamprep.app

Underground private fire service mains: bury depth, thrust blocks and restraint, flushing flows, and the hydro test. Everything that goes in the dirt before the riser. The usual: two fitters, a lot of swearing (18+), a lightning round of exam tips, and a war story that is mostly true. Minnesota law wins where it differs, and check your exam's edition. App news: the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app has enough testers, and the 14-day Google Play countdown has started. It should go public in a couple of weeks once Google reviews it. Thanks, testers. We'll tell you the minute it's live. Google Group: groups.google.com/g/mn-journeyman-exam-testers Play testing: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.mnfireexamprep.app

Water tanks for fire protection, the NFPA 22 way. We dig into tank heating and the 40-degree rule, suction tanks, vortex plates, and the level and temperature supervision numbers that show up on the Minnesota journeyman exam. The usual: two fitters, a lot of swearing (18+), a lightning round of exam tips, and a war story that is mostly true. Minnesota law wins where it differs, and check your exam's edition. App news: the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app has enough testers, and the 14-day Google Play countdown has started. It should go public in a couple of weeks once Google reviews it. Thanks, testers. We'll tell you the minute it's live. Google Group: groups.google.com/g/mn-journeyman-exam-testers Play testing: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.mnfireexamprep.app

Seismic protection for sprinkler piping, for the Minnesota journeyman sprinkler fitter exam. Minnesota pins NFPA 13-2016, where this is section 9.3. NFPA 13-2019 moved it to Chapter 18. The big numbers are the same in both editions, and we flag what 2019 added. Whether a building needs seismic protection comes from the building code, the engineer and the AHJ. NFPA 13 covers how to do it. Covered: flexible couplings (2-1/2 in. and larger; 24 in. from riser tops and bottoms; 12 in. above / 24 in. below floors; 1 ft each side of concrete or masonry walls; drops over 15 ft); seismic separation assemblies with four-way braces within 6 ft; clearance (2 in. / 4 in. larger holes, frangible construction, tight fit when the hole is the support, 2 in. and 3 in. clearances); sway bracing (listing, brace-angle load reductions, tension-only, lateral 40 ft / longitudinal 80 ft, 6 ft end distance, riser four-way braces); when lateral bracing can be skipped (6 in. hangers, U-hooks, 75 percent rule); horizontal load (Wp = 1.15 x water-filled pipe, Fpw = Cp x Wp, Cp 0.5 default); zone of influence; brace installation (l/r 300, Schedule 30, no C-clamps); branch line restraint (No. 12 wire, end-sprinkler distances, 6 in. rods, 4 ft sprigs); C-clamp restraining straps; pipe stands. App news: the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app has enough testers, and its 14-day countdown to going public on Google Play has started. Expect it on the Play Store in a couple of weeks, once Google finishes its review.

NFPA 13R, sprinklers for low-rise residential buildings (apartments, hotels, dorms, board and care), for the Minnesota journeyman sprinkler fitter exam. Every number comes from NFPA 13R-2016, the newest edition we could verify. Check newer editions if your exam uses them. When Minnesota allows 13R (MSFC 903.3.1.2: up to four stories and 60 ft, podium buildings measured from the podium deck). Covered: purpose; definitions (bathroom, compartment, residential sprinkler); townhouse system arrangement; components; the K-11.2 range difference between 13R and NFPA 13; 175 psi pipe; CPVC and firestop compatibility; copper joints; valve signs and gauges; system types; 52,000 sq ft per riser; residential vs quick-response heads inside and outside units; temperatures and heat sources; ceiling pockets; positioning, fans, soffits, shadow areas; omissions (55 sq ft baths, 24 sq ft closets, balconies, attics, Type V decks); Minnesota fire code attic, balcony/eave and open-corridor rules (903.3.1.2.1 to 903.3.1.2.3); piping, valves, 1 in. drain and test connection; FDC; alarms; four design sprinklers at 0.05 gpm/sq ft; small compartments; garages; no 3,000 sq ft concealed-space penalty; 30-minute water supply; hydro testing; spare sprinklers (6/12/24); plans. App news: the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app has enough testers, and its 14-day countdown to going public on Google Play has started. Expect it on the Play Store in a couple of weeks, once Google finishes its review.

NFPA 13D, sprinklers for one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes, for the Minnesota journeyman sprinkler fitter exam. Minnesota pins 13D-2016 (Minn. R. 7511.8000); we map it to 13D-2019. When Minnesota requires house sprinklers (MSFC 903.2.8: R-3 dwelling units of 4,500 sq ft and up, excluding garages) and when 13D is allowed (903.3.1.3); purpose (prevent flashover in the room of origin, help people escape); temperature ratings incl. 2019 high temp; no spare sprinklers; listing exceptions; 175 vs 130 psi pipe and the 80 psi PRV rule; PEX and CPVC; stored water 10 min / 7 min; pumps (1.5 in. off the floor, 240 V); multipurpose systems and the warning sign; water treatment bypass; 5 gpm common pipe add; single control valve; 1/2 in. drain; test connection K-factors; residential heads, sauna high temp, heat source distance table; positioning, fans 3 ft / 5 ft, soffits, shadow areas, bay windows, dry barrel lengths, closets; where heads can be omitted (55 sq ft baths, 24 sq ft closets, garages, attics) and Minnesota's townhouse garage dry head within 5 ft of each door (903.3.1.6.6); freezing options; 15 s dry delivery; 0.05 gpm/sq ft, two design heads, 7 psi; minimum pipe sizes; acceptance tests. App news: the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app has enough testers, and its 14-day countdown to going public on Google Play has started. Expect it on the Play Store in a couple of weeks, once Google finishes its review.

Sprinkler identification, temperature ratings and spare sprinklers for the Minnesota journeyman sprinkler fitter exam. NFPA 13 (2016 6.2/8.3, the edition Minnesota pins, mapped to 2019 7.2, 9.4.2 and 16.2) plus NFPA 25-2020: only new sprinklers, no reinstalling (except dry per manufacturer), no reconditioned heads; the SIN (1-2 letters + 3-4 numbers; K-factor, deflector, pressure rating, thermal sensitivity); the K-factor table (K-5.6 100%, K-8.0 140%, K-11.2 200%, threads), CMSA/ESFR K-11.2 minimum; temperature ratings, max ceiling temps and color codes (frame vs. bulb traps); where intermediate and high temp heads go (steam mains, blowoff valves, skylights, attics, show windows, cooking, defrost freezers, 2019 ventless dryer closets, heating duct and unit heater table); 150°F storage minimum; quick response rules; painting, coatings, cellophane bags, escutcheons, no caulk, guards; spare cabinet 6/12/24, wrenches, dated list, cabinet temperature; NFPA 25 annual inspection and replacement rules. App news: the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app has enough testers, and its 14-day countdown to going public on Google Play has started. Expect it on the Play Store in a couple of weeks, once Google finishes its review.

Occupancy hazard classification and what it does to your design, for the Minnesota journeyman sprinkler fitter exam. NFPA 13 (2016 ch.5/11, the edition Minnesota pins, mapped to 2019 ch.4/19): classifications are for sprinkler design only; light hazard, ordinary group 1 (8 ft stockpiles), ordinary group 2 (12 ft / 8 ft), extra hazard group 1 (dust, lint) and group 2 (liquids, shielding); the annex example lists (churches, hospitals, distilleries, mercantile, post offices, repair garages, car stackers). Density/area curves (any single point, 1,500/2,500 sq ft minimums, spray only, no QR in extra hazard), QR area reduction, +30% dry/double interlock and sloped ceilings, high-temp and 2019 K-11.2 reductions, 3,000 sq ft concealed-space rule, room design method (8 in. lintel), special design areas, hose stream and duration tables, pipe schedule, residential sprinklers in NFPA 13, 15 ft adjacent hazard rule, 400 sq ft rule. Minnesota: 903.3.1.4 undetermined use = OH2 over 3,000 sq ft, 903.3.1.5 chemistry labs and wrestling/gymnastics rooms, 903.3.1.6.1 fire chief can modify hose streams. App news: the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app has enough testers, and its 14-day countdown to going public on Google Play has started. Expect it on the Play Store in a couple of weeks, once Google finishes its review.

Pipe, fittings and joining methods, every rule a Minnesota journeyman sprinkler fitter needs for the exam. NFPA 13 (2016 chapter 6, the edition Minnesota pins, mapped to 2019 chapters 7 and 16, with 2025 checks): the pipe standards table (ASTM A795, F442 CPVC, lead-free solder, BCuP-3/4 brazing filler), underground pipe 24 in. into the building, Schedule 10 for welded or roll-grooved steel (0.134/0.188/0.330 in. for 6/8-10/12 in.), Schedule 40 under 8 in. and Schedule 30 at 8 in. and up for threaded or cut-grooved pipe, threading thin wall only when listed, copper Type K/L/M, brass and stainless limits, bend radii (6 and 5 diameters for Sch 40 and copper, 12 for other steel), CPVC listing and compatibility rules, the 400 sq ft ordinary hazard room and the 2019 dwelling garage rule, pipe marking on every piece over 2 ft. Fittings: cast iron and malleable iron pressure limits, extra-heavy over 175 psi, bronze 200/400 psi, screwed unions 2 in. max, one-piece reducers vs. bushings, extension fittings (K-8.0, LH/OH, 2 in.). Joining: threads to ASME B1.20.1, joint compound on male threads only, shop welding by default, welding in place per NFPA 51B, no welding in rain/snow/sleet/high wind, no torch cutting or welding to modify or repair (2016/2019), throat thickness, flange and bracing tab welds, the 9-item welding list (retrieve the coupons), welder qualifications and marks, 12-gauge welding stud limit, grooved couplings and gaskets listed for dry service, brazed copper by default and when solder is allowed, solvent cement before heads, gasketed outlet fittings, removing burrs. Help us get the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app out of closed testing: join the tester group at https://groups.google.com/g/mn-journeyman-exam-testers, then opt in at https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.mnfireexamprep.app.

Antifreeze sprinkler systems, every rule a Minnesota journeyman sprinkler fitter needs for the exam. NFPA 13 (2016 section 7.6, the edition Minnesota pins, side by side with 2019 section 8.6, with 2025 checks): state and local health regulations, ESFR only with a listed head (premixed propylene glycol exception), draining pendent systems after a water hydro (or testing with the antifreeze), the remote-system placard at the riser and the main-valve placard (type and brand, concentration, volume), listed solutions only for new systems and why (FPRF tests: ignition of the discharge spray). Concentration limits: NFPA 13 annex 48% glycerine / 38% propylene glycol for approved existing systems, NFPA 13D-2016 50%/40% for existing systems and 48%/38% for a specific area, NFPA 25-2020 30% propylene glycol / 38% glycerine (up to 40%/50% with a deterministic risk assessment) for pre-2012 systems until 9/30/2022, CPVC glycerine only. Piping: the 5 ft drop, the 1/32 in. hole in the check valve clapper (vs. 3/32 freezer and 1/8 dry), backflow preventers and listed expansion chambers, the 1/2 in. relief valve for systems of 40 gal or less, the three-condition automatic exception, drain/test connection at the most remote point plus one per 100 gal over 150 gal. NFPA 25-2020 annual test before freezing weather: identify the solution, drain unknown or non-permitted mixes, sample top/bottom/remote/supply, hydrometer or refractometer. NFPA 13D annual test and riser tag contents. Help us get the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app out of closed testing: join the tester group at https://groups.google.com/g/mn-journeyman-exam-testers, then opt in at https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.mnfireexamprep.app.

Dry pipe and preaction systems (plus a little deluge), every rule a Minnesota journeyman sprinkler fitter needs for the exam. NFPA 13 (2016, the edition Minnesota pins, side by side with 2019, with 2025 checks): where dry systems belong, Minnesota's flammable-liquid storage rule (wet, deluge or preaction only, Minn. R. 7511.5704) and the compact-storage ban on dry and double interlock. Dry valve rooms: lighted, heated, permanent heat, no heat tape; the five required gauge locations; high water level protection on differential vs. low differential valves; priming water and water columning. System size: 60 seconds, 500 gal without a quick-opening device, 750 gal with one, the delivery-time table (1 head/60 s light, 2/50 ordinary, 4/45 extra, 4/40 high piled), test manifolds, and the 15-second dwelling-unit rule. Pipe-volume calculator math, 1/8 in. holes in subdividing check valves, no gridded dry systems, accelerators vs. exhausters. Air and nitrogen: 30-minute restore (60 min below 5°F), 1/2 in. air connection above the priming water, relief valve at least 10 psi over system air (not 50), system air 20 psi over calculated trip, the 5.5 cfm at 10 psi compressor exception, dedicated air maintenance devices, cord-and-plug compressors. Uprights, dry pendents and the 40°F rule, the wet-system barrel-length trap, Minnesota's townhouse-garage dry head within 5 ft of each door. Pitch 1/2 in. and 1/4 in. per 10 ft (1/2 and 1/2 in freezers), aux drains, drum drips (two 1 in. valves and a 2 x 12 in. nipple), 1 in. tie-in drains, the low point drain sign, paddle switches wet-only, trip test connections. Preaction: single interlock, non-interlock, double interlock, 1,000 heads per valve, 500 gal/60 s double interlock sizing, more than 20 heads supervised, 7 psi supervising air, 15 psi relief exception, no gridding, 30 percent design area increase for dry and double interlock. Deluge supervision and calcs, combined pier systems (600/275 heads, two 6 in. valves, 1 minute per 400 ft, 3 minutes max), 3/32 in. freezer check valves. Acceptance: 40 psi air test for 24 hours with 1.5 psi max loss, modification tests (40 psi/2 h/3 psi or 4 hours air off), clapper position, trip test timing, and Minnesota's definition of a trip test as an "inspection" (Minn. R. 7512.0100). Help us get the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app out of closed testing: join the tester group at https://groups.google.com/g/mn-journeyman-exam-testers, then opt in at https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.mnfireexamprep.app.

Fire department connections, every rule a Minnesota journeyman sprinkler fitter needs for the exam. Minnesota State Fire Code 2020 Section 912: location approved by the fire code official, street-side visibility, the existing-building FDC locator sign (6 in. letters, 2 in. words), Minnesota's 18 in. to 4 ft connection height (Minn. R. 7511.0912), access and the gate exception, locking caps, the 36 x 36 x 78 in. clear space, vehicle impact protection, 1 in. raised-letter signs, backflow and NFPA 25 records. Minnesota's other FDC amendments in 7511.0903: the 25 ft maximum pipe between the check valve and the inlet (free-standing exception) and the exterior audible and visible alarm above the FDC. NFPA 13 (2016/2019, with 2025 checks): when an FDC isn't required (and why 'more than 20 heads' is the alarm rule, not the FDC rule), 13R's 2,000 sq ft or multi-story trigger, two 2-1/2 in. NH inlets and the single-inlet 3 in. riser exception, 4 in./6 in. pipe size, wet/dry/preaction/deluge tie-in points, no branch lines, no fire pump suction side, no shutoff valve, automatic drains, the 150 psi pressure-sign wording trap. NFPA 14 standpipe FDCs: one inlet per 250 gpm, two per zone in high-rises, 100 ft to a hydrant. Hydro tests: acceptance same as the system, NFPA 25 quarterly 10-point inspection, annual interior with locking caps, 150 psi for 2 hours every 5 years, and component replacement tests. Help us get the MN Journeyman Exam Prep Android app out of closed testing: join the tester group at https://groups.google.com/g/mn-journeyman-exam-testers, then opt in at https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.mnfireexamprep.app.