Texas Fire Alarm License Practice Test

How quickly must an alarm signal initiate when water flow occurs equal to or greater than that of a single sprinkler?

1. Within 60 seconds

2. Within 90 seconds

3. Within 120 seconds

4. Within 30 seconds

The correct answer is: Within 90 seconds

The requirement for an alarm signal to initiate when water flow equals or exceeds that of a single sprinkler is crucial for ensuring prompt notification of a potential fire situation. An initiation time of within 90 seconds is established to provide a balance between ensuring that the system can accurately discern genuine alarms and avoiding excessive delays that could jeopardize safety. A quicker response, such as within 60 seconds or 30 seconds, could potentially lead to false alarms if the system is sensitive to minor fluctuations in water flow that might not be indicative of a fire. Conversely, allowing too much time, such as 120 seconds, could delay emergency response, increasing the danger to life and property. Thus, the 90-second requirement serves as an effective benchmark that prioritizes rapid response while also minimizing the risk of false alarms, making it the correct and sensible choice in this scenario.