AL Fire Alarm study plan

AL Fire Alarm · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Fire Alarm Systems

List the four main components of a fire alarm system (initiating devices, control panel, notification appliances, power supply) and describe the function of each
Differentiate between conventional and addressable systems, including wiring topology and device identification
Identify the common types of initiating devices (smoke, heat, manual pull stations) and explain their operating principles
Define the three alarm signal types (fire alarm, supervisory, trouble) and give an example of each

Create a one-page diagram of a basic fire alarm system with all components labeled and a short written explanation of signal types.

Week 2

Explain the purpose and basic operation of notification appliances (horns, strobes, speakers) and the difference between audible and visible signals
Describe the role of the fire alarm control panel in monitoring circuits and activating outputs
Outline the basic sequence of operation for a fire alarm system from alarm initiation to notification
Identify the different circuit types (initiating device circuit, notification appliance circuit) and their typical voltage/current characteristics

Write a step-by-step sequence of operation for a general fire alarm system, from detector activation to alarm silencing.

Week 3

Locate and outline the key sections of the Alabama fire alarm code and the adopted model codes (e.g., NFPA 72, NFPA 101) as they apply to Alabama
Identify Alabama-specific licensing and permitting requirements for fire alarm contractors and technicians
Explain the inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for fire alarm systems as adopted in Alabama
Describe the documentation and record-keeping requirements for fire alarm installations and inspections in Alabama

Create a reference sheet listing Alabama fire alarm code sections, licensing authorities, and required documentation for a typical installation.

Week 4

Interpret occupancy-specific fire alarm requirements (e.g., assembly, educational, residential) from the adopted code
Explain the requirements for fire alarm system plans and specifications submission to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
Describe the acceptance testing procedures required by Alabama code for new fire alarm systems
Identify common code violations and how to avoid them in fire alarm design and installation

Complete a practice code review exercise: given a scenario, list the applicable code sections and required fire alarm features.

Week 5

Apply Ohm's law and power formulas to calculate voltage, current, resistance, and power in fire alarm circuits
Explain the principles of series and parallel circuits and calculate equivalent resistance
Describe the basics of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) and their use in fire alarm systems
Identify common wiring methods and materials (e.g., conduit, cable types, splices) and their appropriate applications

Solve a set of 10 electrical calculations (Ohm's law, series/parallel, power) and document the steps.

Week 6

Explain voltage drop and calculate voltage drop in a notification appliance circuit
Describe the purpose and operation of transformers, rectifiers, and batteries in fire alarm power supplies
Identify grounding and bonding requirements for fire alarm systems and the safety reasons behind them
Interpret basic electrical symbols and wiring diagrams used in fire alarm installation

Calculate voltage drop for a given notification appliance circuit and determine if it meets code requirements; write a short explanation.

Week 7

Outline the Alabama licensing process for fire alarm contractors, including application, examination, and renewal requirements
Explain the scope of work allowed under a fire alarm license and the penalties for unlicensed activity
Describe the insurance and bonding requirements for fire alarm contractors in Alabama
Identify key business practices such as contract essentials, lien laws, and consumer protection provisions relevant to fire alarm work

Create a flowchart of the Alabama fire alarm licensing process from application to renewal, including key deadlines and fees.

Week 8

Review and synthesize key concepts from all four domains
Complete a full-length practice exam under timed conditions
Analyze practice exam results to identify weak areas and focus review on those domains
Revisit any remaining unclear topics and create summary notes for final review

Score at least 80% on the practice exam and create a personalized list of topics for final review.

Week 4: Score at least 75% on a 25-question quiz covering Domains 1 and 2.

Week 6: Score at least 75% on a 25-question quiz covering Domains 1, 2, and 3.

Week 8: Score at least 80% on a full-length practice exam covering all domains.