NFPA CFI-I Exam - Topic 1 Question 21 Discussion

Actual exam question for NFPA's CFI-I exam

Question #: 21
Topic #: 1

What is the minimum acceptable flow at the base of the riser for a pipe-schedule sprinkler system in an ordinary hazard (Group 1) occupancy?

A250 gpm (946 L/min)

B500 gpm (1,893 L/min)

C700 gpm (2,649 L/min)

D850 gpm (3,218 L/min)

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: B

For a pipe-schedule sprinkler system, the minimum water flow at the base of the riser depends on the occupancy hazard classification, as defined in NFPA 13.

For Ordinary Hazard (Group 1) occupancies, the minimum required flow at the base of the riser is 500 gpm (1,893 L/min).

The 500 gpm flow ensures sufficient water supply to the sprinkler system to suppress fires involving moderate combustibles.

Higher flows (e.g., 700 gpm and 850 gpm) are required for more severe hazards (e.g., Extra Hazard occupancies).

NFPA 13, Table 11.2.3.1.1: Minimum flow requirements for pipe-schedule systems.

by Bette at Jan 05, 2026, 05:16 AM

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Lili

15 days ago

I’d go with D) 850 gpm. Always better to overestimate in emergencies.

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Shasta

20 days ago

C) 700 gpm sounds right. Better coverage in case of fire.

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Meaghan

26 days ago

I’m leaning towards B) 500 gpm. More flow for safety.

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Sylvia

1 month ago

I think it's A) 250 gpm. Seems reasonable for ordinary hazards.

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Albert

1 month ago

Nope, definitely 250 gpm for that occupancy type.

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Cortney

1 month ago

I thought it was higher, like 500 gpm.

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Ricki

2 months ago

Wait, is it really that low? Seems off.

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Lorean

2 months ago

Totally agree, 250 gpm is the standard.

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An

2 months ago

It's 250 gpm for ordinary hazards!

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Fletcher

2 months ago

The correct answer is A) 250 gpm (946 L/min). That's the industry standard for an ordinary hazard (Group 1) occupancy.

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Eura

2 months ago

I'd go with E) 1,000 gpm (3,785 L/min) just to be sure the fire doesn't get any ideas about coming back.

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Nohemi

2 months ago

B) 500 gpm (1,893 L/min) is the answer. Anything higher would be overkill and a waste of resources.

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Cherry

3 months ago

Hmm, I'm going with D) 850 gpm (3,218 L/min). Better safe than sorry, right? You can never have too much water pressure.

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Pamela

3 months ago

C) 700 gpm (2,649 L/min) seems more reasonable for an ordinary hazard occupancy. Anything less would be cutting it too close.

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Owen

3 months ago

I think the answer is A) 250 gpm (946 L/min). That's the minimum flow I've seen in my experience.

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Cathrine

4 months ago

I’m leaning towards 850 gpm, but I’m not confident. I need to double-check the NFPA guidelines.

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Mozell

4 months ago

I practiced a similar question, and I feel like 700 gpm was mentioned for ordinary hazards.

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Jamika

4 months ago

I remember something about 250 gpm being the baseline for some systems, but that might be for light hazard, not ordinary.

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Mirta

4 months ago

I think the minimum flow for ordinary hazard is around 500 gpm, but I’m not entirely sure.

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Corinne

4 months ago

Ugh, I'm drawing a blank on this. Time to start eliminating options and see if I can figure it out.

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Erick

4 months ago

Ah, I remember learning about this in class. The answer is A, 250 gpm. I'm confident that's the right one.

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Jina

5 months ago

Okay, let me see. Ordinary hazard Group 1, so the minimum flow has to be pretty high. I'm going to go with C, 700 gpm.

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Whitney

5 months ago

Hmm, I'm not totally sure about this. I'll have to think it through carefully.

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Meaghan

5 months ago

I think I know this one - it's gotta be B, 500 gpm, right?

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