NICET ITFAS Level I flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Inspection versus testing

Inspection is a visual and physical check that equipment is present, mounted, and undamaged. Testing is a functional check that the device or circuit actually performs its intended alarm, supervisory, or trouble function.

ITM frequency hierarchy

NFPA 72 requires inspection, testing, and maintenance to follow the manufacturer's published instructions first, then the code chapter. Where the two conflict, the more restrictive requirement applies to ensure safe performance.

Smoke detector sensitivity testing

Sensitivity must be verified within one year of installation and at least every alternate year thereafter, unless the manufacturer specifies a different interval. Results outside the listed sensitivity range require cleaning, recalibration, or replacement.

Annual functional test

Most initiating devices and notification appliances require functional testing at least annually, while visual inspection is required more often, typically semiannually. A visual inspection never substitutes for a functional test.

Test signal notification

Before testing, notify the supervising station, building owner, and occupants that an alarm test will occur. Use the established test signal or test mode, then confirm restoration and signal receipt at the station.

Permanent test record

Each test must be recorded with device identification, test method, result, date, tester, and any impairment. Failed or noncompliant items require documented follow-up and correction before the record is closed.

Notification appliance audibility

Notification appliances must produce the required sound pressure level above ambient in each covered space, and visible appliances must be verified for correct flash rate and coverage during functional testing.

Restorable initiating device

A restorable device, such as a heat detector or manual pull station, can be tested and returned to service without damage. Nonrestorable devices, such as fusible elements, must be replaced after testing.

External stimulus testing

Testing must apply an external stimulus at the device, such as test smoke, a heat source, a magnet, or a key. Panel self-test indications alone do not satisfy the functional test requirement.

Duct detector testing

Duct smoke detectors require annual functional testing using the manufacturer's listed test method, plus verification that the detector causes the correct system response, such as fan shutdown or damper control.

Primary power verification

Confirm the system operates on its dedicated, labeled, lockable AC branch circuit. Verify the disconnect means is accessible only to authorized personnel and that the circuit is not shared improperly.

Secondary power duration

With batteries connected and AC disconnected, the system must remain operational for the required standby period, commonly 24 hours, followed by 5 minutes of alarm operation, unless a different duration is specified.

Battery load test

Battery testing includes checking electrolyte level and terminal cleanliness, measuring charging voltage, and performing a load test. Batteries failing the load test or exceeding service life must be replaced.

Initiating circuit supervision

Each initiating circuit must be supervised for opens, grounds, and shorts. A single fault must not prevent alarm signal transmission from any device, verified by opening the circuit at its farthest point.

Notification circuit supervision

Notification appliance circuits must be supervised so a disconnected device reports a fault. All appliances on the circuit must sound simultaneously and remain within the circuit's rated load.

Supervising station verification

Testing must confirm the supervising station receives and correctly identifies alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals, and that the system restores to normal operation after each test.

As-built documentation

The inspector must have access to as-built drawings, sequence of operation, device list with addresses, battery calculations, and ITM logs. Missing documentation is recorded as a deficiency.

Impairment procedure

When a system is out of service, notify the authority having jurisdiction, owner, and supervising station, implement a fire watch or approved mitigation, and document the impairment start and end.

Control equipment annual test

Control equipment requires annual testing of its functions, including alarm and trouble processing, signal transmission, and annunciation, using the manufacturer's instructions and the sequence of operation as the reference.

Supervisory signal testing

Supervisory signals, such as valve tamper or low air pressure, must be tested to confirm they annunciate distinctly from alarm and trouble signals and that the correct response occurs at the panel and station.

Trouble signal testing

Trouble conditions must be induced and verified, including open circuits, ground faults, and loss of primary power. Each trouble must annunciate clearly and identify the affected circuit or device.

Alarm signal transmission

Alarm signal transmission must be verified end to end, from device activation through the panel to the supervising station, confirming correct identification of the initiating device and zone.

Test mode use

Test mode suppresses signal transmission during testing. It must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and disabled immediately after testing, with restoration verified at the supervising station.

Ground fault testing

A ground fault on an initiating or notification circuit must be induced and verified to produce a distinct trouble signal identifying the affected circuit, confirming supervision is functioning.

Device address verification

Each addressable device must be verified to report the correct address and location description at the panel. Incorrect or duplicate addresses are recorded as deficiencies requiring correction.

Sequence of operation

The sequence of operation describes how the system responds to alarm, supervisory, and trouble conditions. Testing must confirm actual system behavior matches the documented sequence.

Heat detector testing

Heat detectors are tested with a listed heat source or the manufacturer's test method, verifying activation at the correct threshold and that the panel annunciates the proper device and zone.

Manual pull station testing

Each manual pull station is operated to verify it initiates the correct alarm signal and identifies the proper address. The station must be restorable and returned to its normal position after testing.

Visible appliance testing

Visible notification appliances are verified for correct flash rate, intensity, and coverage in each space. Strobes must be synchronized where required and mounted to avoid obstruction.

Intelligibility verification

Where voice notification is required, intelligibility must be verified in covered spaces so that voice messages are understandable, in addition to meeting the required sound pressure level above ambient.

Remote station testing

Remote station equipment requires testing at the frequency specified for that system type, confirming signal transmission and receipt, and verifying that the system restores properly after each test.

Deficiency documentation

Any failed test or noncompliant condition must be documented, reported to the owner, and corrected. The record must show the deficiency, the corrective action taken, and the date of resolution.