MT Fire Alarm study plan

Map the NFPA 72 system categories (conventional, addressable, voice evacuation) and write a one-page comparison from memory

Trace the initiation-to-notification signal path through a control unit and label each component's function

Define the four purpose groups of fire alarm signaling and give one example circuit for each

Build a flashcard set of 30 terms covering detectors, notification appliances, and control equipment

Differentiate smoke detector technologies (ionization, photoelectric, beam, air-sampling) by principle of operation and suitable applications

Calculate detector spacing and coverage for a given room using the spacing rules and apply the 0.7 reduction factor for smooth ceilings

Explain heat detector rating classes and select the correct class for a described environment

Interpret the difference between alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals and state the required annunciation for each

Describe the required sequence of operations for a typical occupant notification system, including waterflow and valve tamper handling

Outline inspection, testing, and maintenance intervals for initiating devices, notification appliances, and batteries

Distinguish between a supervising station connection types (central station, proprietary, remote) and their signaling requirements

Identify common causes of nuisance alarms and the design or placement controls that reduce them

Apply Ohm's law and the power equation to solve for voltage, current, resistance, and wattage in series and parallel circuits

Compute voltage drop on a notification appliance circuit given conductor resistance, length, and load current

Size a battery set for a stated standby and alarm duration using the load calculation method

Read and interpret conductor ampacity and overcurrent protection tables for typical fire alarm branch circuits

Explain grounding, bonding, and surge protection requirements for fire alarm control panels and circuits

Classify fire alarm circuits by their power-limited and non-power-limited status and state the separation and identification rules for each

Compare Class A and Class B circuit styles and describe the fault tolerance each provides

Review the interface between fire alarm and other building systems such as elevator recall, HVAC shutdown, and door release

Outline the Montana licensing structure for fire alarm work, including who must hold a license and the categories of licensure

Summarize the application, examination, and renewal requirements and the continuing education obligation tied to renewal

Describe the disciplinary process and the grounds for license denial, suspension, or revocation

Explain the roles of the state authority and the contractor in insurance, bonding, and permit responsibilities

Apply the scope-of-work boundaries between licensed fire alarm work and other licensed trades in Montana

List the recordkeeping and notification duties a licensee owes to the state and to the client

Identify the personal protective equipment and lockout/tagout steps required before servicing a panel or field device

Describe safe practices for working at height, in confined spaces, and around energized circuits during fire alarm installation

Complete a timed 100-question mixed-domain practice exam and score each domain separately

Rank the three weakest subareas and write a targeted review plan for each

Re-derive from memory the five calculations most likely to appear: voltage drop, battery sizing, spacing, ampacity, and resistor networks

Recite the Montana renewal and continuing education requirements without notes