MN Fire Alarm flashcards
MN 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.
- NFPA 72
- The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, which establishes minimum requirements for the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems.
- Addressable system
- A fire alarm system in which each initiating or notification device has a unique address, allowing the control unit to identify the specific device in alarm or trouble.
- Conventional system
- A fire alarm system that groups devices into zones; the control unit annunciates the zone rather than the individual device, and devices are not individually addressed.
- Class A circuit
- A supervised circuit that survives a single open or ground fault because it returns to the control unit; it does not require an end-of-line device.
- Class B circuit
- A supervised circuit that does not return to the control unit and requires an end-of-line device; a single open fault may disable part of the circuit.
- Supervisory signal
- A signal indicating a condition that could impair the ability of the fire alarm system to operate, such as a valve tamper or a circuit trouble.
- Smoke detector spacing
- On a smooth ceiling, smoke detectors are spaced at 30 ft (9.1 m) intervals, with the first detector within 15 ft (4.6 m) of any wall or partition.
- Heat detector spacing
- For ordinary temperature-rated heat detectors on a smooth ceiling, spacing is 50 ft (15.2 m), with the first detector within 25 ft (7.6 m) of any wall.
- Pull station mounting height
- Manual fire alarm pull stations must be mounted 42 to 48 inches (1.07 to 1.22 m) above the finished floor, within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the exit door.
- Battery backup sizing
- Calculate standby current times required standby hours plus alarm current times required alarm minutes, then add a 20% aging factor to determine battery capacity.
- Plenum-rated cable
- Fire alarm cable listed for use in environmental air spaces (plenums), such as FPLP, required by NEC Article 760 when installed in those spaces.
- End-of-line device
- A resistor or other device installed at the end of a Class B circuit that allows the control unit to supervise the circuit for opens and shorts.
- Ionization smoke detector
- A smoke detector that uses a radioactive source to ionize air and responds best to small, fast-flaming fires with little visible smoke.
- Photoelectric smoke detector
- A smoke detector that uses a light source and sensor to detect scattered light and responds best to smoldering fires with larger smoke particles.
- Duct smoke detector
- A detector installed in an HVAC duct to sample airflow and initiate an alarm or supervisory signal; required for systems over 2,000 cfm per NFPA 90A.
- Signaling line circuit
- The circuit that connects addressable devices to the fire alarm control unit and carries digital communication for individual device status and control.
- Waterflow switch
- A supervisory device that detects water flow in a sprinkler system and initiates an alarm signal at the fire alarm control unit when flow occurs.
- Valve tamper switch
- A supervisory device that monitors the position of a sprinkler control valve and initiates a supervisory signal when the valve is not fully open.
- Detector sensitivity testing
- A test required by NFPA 72 to verify that smoke detectors operate within their listed sensitivity range; typically performed annually and after cleaning.
- Audible notification level
- Audible appliances must produce at least 15 dBA above ambient or 5 dBA above the maximum sound lasting 60 seconds, whichever is greater, measured at 10 ft.
- Sleeping area audibility
- In sleeping areas, alarm sound must be at least 75 dBA at the pillow or 15 dBA above ambient, whichever is greater, with a minimum of 75 dBA.
- Strobe synchronization
- Visible notification appliances in the same field of view must flash in synchronization to prevent seizure hazards, as required by NFPA 72 and ADA.
- Strobe candela rating
- The intensity of a visible notification appliance, selected based on room size and mounting height per NFPA 72 tables to ensure adequate visibility.
- Voice evacuation system
- A notification system that delivers voice messages; it must meet intelligibility and audibility requirements of NFPA 72 for the occupied space.
- ADA visible alarm requirement
- The Americans with Disabilities Act requires visible alarm notification in public and common areas of covered occupancies and in certain sleeping rooms.
- Notification appliance circuit
- A supervised circuit that supplies power to notification appliances; it must be calculated for voltage drop and not exceed the power supply rating.
- Annual device testing
- NFPA 72 requires annual functional testing of initiating devices and notification appliances, including verification of alarm annunciation at the control unit.
- Battery inspection frequency
- Batteries must be inspected monthly for corrosion and terminal tightness, load tested annually, and replaced per manufacturer recommendations, often every 4 to 5 years.
- Waterflow switch testing
- Waterflow switches must be tested semiannually (or quarterly per some codes) by opening the test valve to verify alarm initiation at the control unit.
- Pre-test notification
- Before testing, the monitoring company and building occupants must be notified to prevent false alarms and unnecessary emergency response.
- Minnesota fire alarm license
- A credential issued by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division that authorizes an individual or contractor to install, modify, or service fire alarm systems.
- Minnesota plan review
- Fire alarm system plans must be submitted to the State Fire Marshal or local AHJ for review and approval before installation, with fees set by rule.