Want to join in? The Weekly Exam is the ultimate PE Prep tool. It's a series of 1-hour, 10-question simulated PE Exams offered weekly with solutions immediately following each exam. Learn more here. ​

What is the difference between cast iron and ductile iron fittings? Is there a preference between the two for use in sprinkler or clean agent system fittings?

Note: This is a Daily Discussion question submitted anonymously to us by a toolkit member. 

An existing high-rise hotel project in central Florida has open exterior exit stairs. By code and local ordinances, standpipe hose connections are required to be in the stair (hose connections on the corridor next to the stair are not allowed).

Since the project is located in central Florida (with lowest one-day mean temperatures between 25-30 degrees F, according to Figure A.10.4.2(b) of NFPA 13-2016), is there any way to still use wet standpipes and route them in the stair? Doing so could involve enclosing the standpipe perhaps in a small shaft and keeping the hoses in insulated cabinets. Or in this case is the best option just to have the standpipe be dry to completely avoid any freeze potential?

Note: This is a Daily Discussion question submitted anonymously to us by a toolkit member. Discuss This Here.

Want to join in? The Weekly Exam is the ultimate PE Prep tool. It's a series of 1-hour, 10-question simulated PE Exams offered weekly with solutions immediately following each exam. Learn more here.

Solution | Posted 06/11/18

​I'm currently working on a project for a packaging factory in which there are rooms which are used for storage of Milk and Juice in stainless steel tanks that are about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in diameter and 8 m (26.2 ft) in height.

There are about 5-6 tanks for each area (milk and juice storage). Each room is about 70 sq.m. (753.4 sqft). The ceiling height is about 11.1 m (36.4 ft). The content combustibility (i.e. Milk & juice) is low and the quantity is high. Since the height of the tanks is above the threshold of 3.7 m (12 ft), I cannot consider it to be protected by LH or OH1 curves and it should come under storage occupancy and commodity classes.

Since my exact requirement is not present in the list of commodity classes in NFPA 13, I figured it to be Class 1 per the liquid content. Accordingly, it would be under Commodity Class 1 curve in NFPA Chapter 14 Figure 14.2.4.1 (2013 Edition) and multiplication factor for density vs storage height from Figure 14.2.4.3.

Kindly let me know if I'm on the right track or if there is something which I overlooked.

Note: This is a Daily Discussion question submitted anonymously to us by a Toolkit member. Discuss This Here.

Week 1 of the Weekly Exam Series is here!

What is the Weekly Exam Series? It's is the ultimate prep tool for preparing for the Fire Protection PE Exam. The Weekly Exam is a series of timed 1-hour, 10-question simulated PE Exams offered weekly with instant grading and solutions emailed immediately following each exam.

​If you're already in on the Weekly Exam Series, you can take the Week 1 Exam anytime between now and Sunday June 10th. Week 1 Results will be posted here Monday.

If you're not signed up for the Weekly Exam Series - you can do so here: Weekly Exam Series.