International Code Council Fire-Inspector-II Practice Test Questions Answers

Smoke alarm requirements for individual guest rooms in hotels are specified in the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) Section 907.2.11.3 and NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code).

IFC 907.2.11.3 – Smoke Alarms in Group R-1 Occupancies (Hotels and Motels):

Requires smoke alarms in sleeping areas to be interconnected so that when one alarm is activated, it will trigger all alarms within the guest room or suite.

This ensures that occupants in different areas of the same guest room are alerted simultaneously to fire hazards.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. Their batteries must be checked every six months.

The IFC and NFPA 72 require smoke alarm batteries to be checked, but they do not mandate a six-month inspection schedule.

B. They must automatically sound a fire alarm throughout the hotel.

Smoke alarms within an individual guest room do not have to activate the entire hotel’s fire alarm system.

C. They must initiate an automatic fire suppression or sprinkler system.

Smoke alarms are designed for early detection and warning, not for activating fire suppression systems.

✅ Correct Answer: D. They must be interconnected so that one alarm will activate all alarms within the guest rooms.

Fire Extinguisher Requirements for Hot Work Locations

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 3504.2.6, one or more approved fire extinguishers must be located within 30 feet of hot work locations.

Hot work includes welding, cutting, grinding, brazing, or any operation that generates heat, sparks, or flames.

2. Why 30 Feet is the Correct Answer

Hot work presents a high fire risk, and quick access to fire extinguishers is crucial for immediate response.

The 30-foot requirement ensures that extinguishers are readily accessible without obstructing the work area.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (20 feet) – Incorrect, as the IFC mandates a 30-foot minimum distance.

Option C (40 feet) – Incorrect, as this exceeds the maximum distance allowed under the fire code.

Option D (50 feet) – Incorrect, as fire extinguishers must be closer to provide effective fire suppression.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 3504.2.6 (Fire Extinguishers for Hot Work)

NFPA 51B: Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: B. 30 feet. ✅

 Reference to Ventilation Requirements for Flammable Liquids:

The International Fire Code (IFC 2021), Section 5004.3.7.3, and NFPA 30 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code), Section 18.5.4.1 specify the ventilation requirements for the use, dispensing, and mixing of flammable liquids in open systems.

Continuous mechanical ventilation must be provided at a minimum rate of 2 CFM per square foot of floor area.

 Reason for Ventilation Requirements:

Flammable liquids release vapors that can ignite at low concentrations, creating fire and explosion hazards.

Proper ventilation removes vapors to prevent them from reaching flammable limits in the air.

 Clarification of Incorrect Answer Choices:

A. 1 CFM per sq. ft. → Incorrect

Too low to effectively control flammable vapor accumulation.

C. 3 CFM per sq. ft. → Incorrect

While more ventilation can be beneficial, the minimum required by code is 2 CFM per sq. ft.

D. 4 CFM per sq. ft. → Incorrect

Exceeds the code-mandated minimum requirement, though higher ventilation rates may be required based on specific hazards.

 Conclusion:

The correct and verified answer is B (2 CFM per sq. ft.), based on IFC 5004.3.7.3 and NFPA 30 Section 18.5.4.1, ensuring safe handling of flammable liquids in open systems.

 Reference to Halon 1211 Hand-Hose-Line System Requirements:

NFPA 12A (Standard on Halon 1211 Fire Extinguishing Systems), Section 6.5, states that all hoses for high-pressure Halon 1211 hand-hose-line systems must be tested at 1,500 psi to ensure they can withstand operational pressure without failure.

The International Fire Code (IFC 2021), Section 904.10, also references the requirements for Halon 1211 systems, ensuring proper testing for system integrity.

 Purpose of Pressure Testing:

High-pressure Halon 1211 systems operate under significant force, and hose failures could result in loss of fire suppression capability or safety hazards.

Testing at 1,500 psi ensures hoses can handle peak pressures without rupture or degradation over time.

 Clarification of Incorrect Answer Choices:

A. 600 psi → Incorrect

Too low for high-pressure systems, insufficient to verify hose integrity.

B. 900 psi → Incorrect

Below the required 1,500 psi standard for high-pressure Halon 1211 hoses.

D. 2,500 psi → Incorrect

Exceeds the required test pressure per NFPA 12A; unnecessary over-testing could damage hoses.

 Conclusion:

The correct and verified answer is C (1,500 psi) based on NFPA 12A and IFC 904.10, ensuring compliance with Halon 1211 high-pressure system testing standards.

IFC Section 903.3.5 and Appendix B (Fire-Flow Requirements) allow a reduction in fire flow when sprinklers are installed. For a Type II-B building (noncombustible, unprotected), the base fire flow (7,000 gpm) reflects a large, unsprinklered structure (e.g., per Table B105.1(2)). With full sprinkler protection, IFC B105.2 permits a reduction to as low as 25% of the original flow or the sprinkler demand (whichever is greater), typically 1,500 gpm for commercial buildings per NFPA 13 standards, assuming adequate water supply. Options B, C, and D exceed this minimum without justification. Thus, A is correct.