Red Seal Sprinkler Fitter Practice Exam

Where should the water supply for a sprinkler system be positioned?

1. Near a secondary source of water

2. At a reliable and accessible source

3. Underground to prevent freezing

4. Next to the fire hose connection

The correct answer is: At a reliable and accessible source

The water supply for a sprinkler system should be positioned at a reliable and accessible source because it ensures that the system can effectively deliver water when needed, particularly in emergency situations. A reliable source means that the water supply must be consistent, available at all times, and capable of delivering the necessary flow and pressure to adequately suppress fires. Accessibility is equally important to facilitate maintenance, inspections, and rapid response by firefighters or maintenance personnel during an emergency. Positions like near a secondary source of water or underground to prevent freezing carry their own considerations but do not address the primary necessity for reliability and immediate accessibility, which are critical for the efficient operation of a fire sprinkler system. While having an underground supply can help prevent freezing in colder climates, it must still be accessible when it is needed. Additionally, being next to a fire hose connection may relate to firefighting logistics, but it does not replace the fundamental requirement of the water supply being reliable and easily accessible for the sprinkler system to function optimally.