NICET ITFAS flashcards

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

NFPA 72 Chapter 14

Chapter covering inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems; Table 14.4.3.2 lists minimum frequencies and test methods for each component type.

Acceptance test

Functional test of 100 percent of system devices performed after installation and before the system is placed in service; establishes the baseline for periodic testing.

Inspection versus testing

Inspection is a visual or mechanical check without applying a stimulus; testing applies a stimulus and verifies the device or system response. Reports must state which was done.

Notification appliance test frequency

Notification appliances are tested semiannually under Table 14.4.3.2, verifying audibility and intelligibility against the design criteria and recording sound pressure readings.

Battery load test

Annual test of secondary batteries under load; capacity must meet the calculated standby plus alarm demand with a 20 percent derating and end-of-life margin.

Battery calculation basis

Standby load for the required duration plus alarm load for the alarm duration, typically 24 hours standby plus 5 minutes alarm, with 20 percent derating applied.

Smoke detector sensitivity test

Verifies detector response falls within the manufacturer's listed sensitivity range; out-of-range results require cleaning, recalibration, or replacement, and values are recorded.

Duct smoke detector test

Annual test using smoke or aerosol to confirm alarm response, correct supervisory and trouble signaling, remote test station operation, and proper sampling tube airflow.

Waterflow switch test

Verifies the switch operates at the manufacturer's listed flow rate and annunciates within the required time, typically 90 seconds of flow at the alarm threshold.

Valve tamper switch test

Exercises the switch through its full travel to confirm a supervisory signal is produced when the valve moves from its normal open or closed position.

Supervising station signal test

Confirms the supervising station receives alarm, supervisory, trouble, and restoration signals and that receipt time meets the required performance for the transmission means.

Record of completion

Document identifying the system, its components, and acceptance test results; it is updated after modifications and retained for the life of the system.

Reacceptance testing

Testing required after modification, repair, or replacement of system components; covers the changed items plus verification that the remainder of the system still functions.

Initiating device circuit test

Each device is actuated individually and the resulting alarm annunciation is verified for correct address, zone, and location description at the control unit.

Trouble condition test

Introduces an open circuit, ground fault, or device removal and verifies the control unit annunciates the correct trouble signal within the required time.

Ground fault investigation

A ground fault indication must be located and corrected; clearing the indication without finding the fault does not constitute a passing test.

Audibility measurement

Sound pressure measured with a calibrated meter, A-weighted, at the specified distance or at the pillow in sleeping areas, and compared to design criteria above ambient.

Intelligibility verification

Confirms voice messages are understandable in the occupied areas served; measured or assessed per the design method and documented in the test record.

Visual appliance inspection

Checks candela rating, mounting height, and coverage against the design, and confirms the appliance is unobstructed and operating.

Sequence of operations verification

Confirms each initiating device activates the correct outputs, time delays, and priorities as designed; correct alarm with wrong output is a failed test.

Interface testing

Verifies emergency control functions such as HVAC shutdown, door release, elevator recall, and suppression system interfaces initiate and respond correctly.

Impairment procedure

When a system is out of service, the impairment is documented with start and end times, the owner and AHJ are notified, and approved mitigation such as a fire watch is provided.

Fire watch

Temporary human patrol or other approved mitigation used while a fire alarm system or portion of it is impaired and not providing detection or notification.

Test equipment calibration

Instruments such as sound level meters and test smoke or heat sources must be within calibration so recorded results are traceable and defensible.

Failed device tracking

Devices that fail testing are recorded as failed and tracked until repaired and successfully retested; they are not removed from the report or reported as passing.

Untested device reporting

Devices that were inaccessible, impaired, or deferred are reported as not tested rather than passed, so the record accurately reflects system condition.

Test record contents

Records identify device, location, test method, result, date, and the person and firm performing the work, and a copy is provided to the owner.

Annual control unit test

Control equipment is tested annually, including primary power, secondary power transfer, signal processing, annunciation, and correct response to all input conditions.

Primary power test

Verifies the control unit operates on primary power, that the dedicated circuit is correct, and that a primary power failure produces the required trouble signal.

Secondary power test

Confirms the system operates from batteries or another secondary source for the required duration and that the transfer and recharge functions work correctly.

Magnet test

Method of actuating magnetically operated initiating devices to verify the device reports the correct alarm at the control unit without introducing smoke or heat.

Aerosol smoke test

Method of introducing controlled smoke or aerosol into a smoke detector to verify alarm response and correct annunciation during periodic testing.