AR Fire Alarm flashcards
AR Fire Alarm · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Initiating Device Circuit
- The circuit that connects detectors and manual pull stations to the fire alarm control panel and reports alarm, supervisory, or trouble conditions.
- Notification Appliance Circuit
- The circuit that supplies power to horns, strobes, and speakers so occupants can be alerted of an alarm condition.
- Class B Circuit
- A two-wire circuit style where a single open fault disables devices beyond the break; it does not return to the panel.
- Class A Circuit
- A circuit style whose path returns to the panel, so a single open fault leaves all connected devices operational.
- Two-Wire Detector
- A detector that draws operating power from the initiating circuit and signals alarm by changing circuit impedance.
- Four-Wire Detector
- A detector powered by a separate supply that signals alarm through relay contacts connected to the initiating circuit.
- Smoke Detector Spacing
- NFPA 72 smooth-ceiling spacing: 30 ft maximum from any point and 21 ft between detectors on a square grid.
- Waterflow Switch
- A device on a sprinkler riser that initiates an alarm when water flows, confirming sprinkler activation.
- NFPA 72
- The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, which governs installation, testing, inspection, and maintenance of fire alarm systems.
- NEC Article 760
- The National Electrical Code article that specifies wiring methods and materials for fire alarm systems.
- NFPA 101
- The Life Safety Code, which sets occupancy-based detection, notification, and egress requirements that drive fire alarm design.
- Audible Signal Level
- Sound pressure must be at least 15 dBA above ambient, or 5 dBA above ambient when ambient exceeds 105 dBA, measured at 10 ft.
- Visible Notification
- Visible appliances are required in public and common areas and where audible signals may be ineffective or ambient sound exceeds 105 dBA.
- Battery Test Frequency
- NFPA 72 requires monthly testing of batteries under load to confirm they can support the system during a power failure.
- Record Retention
- Inspection and test records must be kept until the next inspection or test, and at least one year for most systems.
- UL 864
- The listing standard for fire alarm control units, ensuring the panel meets performance and reliability requirements.
- Ohm's Law
- The relationship V = I × R, where voltage equals current times resistance, used to calculate circuit loads and voltage drop.
- Power Formula
- Electrical power equals voltage times current: P = V × I, also expressed as I²R or V²/R.
- Voltage Drop
- Vdrop = 2 × I × R × L / 1000 for copper, using round-trip length; keep appliance voltage within its listed range.
- Battery Standby Sizing
- Required amp-hours = (standby current × standby hours) + (alarm current × alarm minutes / 60), then apply a 20% derating factor.
- NEC 760.130
- Fire alarm circuits must be installed in raceway, metal-clad cable, or other approved methods and protected from physical damage.
- Fire Alarm Conductor Color
- Fire alarm conductors must be color-coded or identified; red is the customary color for fire alarm cable.
- Equipment Grounding
- Fire alarm equipment must be grounded per NEC Article 250, with the grounding electrode conductor sized per Table 250.66.
- IDC Current States
- A conventional initiating circuit distinguishes normal, alarm, and trouble states by the current level flowing through it.
- Arkansas Licensing Board
- The Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board regulates fire protection contractors under Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 22.
- Contractor License
- A fire alarm contractor license is required to install, alter, repair, or service fire alarm systems in Arkansas.
- Individual License
- Installers and technicians must hold the appropriate individual license and work under a licensed contractor's supervision.
- License Renewal
- Arkansas fire protection licenses must be renewed annually, with continuing education hours completed and documented before renewal.
- Permits and Inspections
- A licensed contractor must obtain permits and inspections from the local authority having jurisdiction before installation or alteration.
- Board Discipline
- The Board may suspend or revoke a license for code violations, fraudulent work, or failure to comply with Board rules.
- Code Adoption
- Arkansas adopts NFPA 72 and NFPA 101 by reference through Board rules, using the edition referenced in current rules.
- Unlicensed Work
- Performing fire alarm work without a required Arkansas license is a violation subject to penalty by the Board.