NV Fire Alarm flashcards

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

NFPA 72

National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code; governs installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems in the United States and is adopted by reference in Nevada.

Addressable system

A fire alarm system where each device has a unique address, allowing the control unit to identify the specific device in alarm or trouble.

Conventional zone

A circuit grouping multiple initiating devices so the control unit identifies only the zone, not the individual device, when an alarm occurs.

Alarm signal timing

In a protected premises system, the alarm signal must reach notification appliances within 10 seconds of activation per NFPA 72 requirements.

Ohm's law

V = I × R; voltage equals current times resistance. Used to calculate voltage drop and verify circuit capacity in fire alarm wiring.

Voltage drop limit

NFPA 72 requires notification appliance circuits to not exceed 10 percent voltage drop from the control unit to the last appliance on the circuit.

Class B circuit

A circuit that does not return to the control unit; a single open fault disables all devices downstream of the break.

Class A circuit

A circuit that returns to the control unit; a single open fault does not disable the circuit, providing higher reliability.

FPLP cable

Plenum-rated fire alarm cable required in environmental air spaces; resists flame spread and low smoke production per NEC Article 760.

Photoelectric detector

Smoke detector using light scattering to detect larger particles typical of smoldering fires; responds well to slow, smoky fires.

Ionization detector

Smoke detector using radioactive source to ionize air; responds quickly to small particles from fast-flaming fires.

Duct smoke detector

Detector installed in HVAC ductwork; required where air handling units exceed 2,000 CFM and serve multiple stories or large areas.

Manual pull station height

Manual fire alarm pull stations must be mounted 42 to 48 inches above finished floor and within 5 feet of an exit door.

Waterflow switch

Device that detects water flow in sprinkler piping and initiates an alarm signal within 90 seconds of flow per NFPA 72.

End-of-line resistor

Component at the end of a conventional initiating or notification circuit that allows the control unit to supervise the circuit for open faults.

Audible appliance level

Public mode audible appliances must produce at least 65 dBA at 10 feet or 15 dBA above ambient, whichever is greater.

Visible appliance candela

Candela rating determines light intensity; NFPA 72 Table 18.5.5.1 specifies minimum ratings based on room size and mounting.

Synchronization

Visible appliances visible from a single point must flash in synchronization to avoid seizure risk; requires compatible control or sync modules.

Voice intelligibility

Voice evacuation systems must achieve a Speech Transmission Index of at least 0.50 or Common Intelligibility Scale of at least 0.45.

UL 864

Listing standard for fire alarm control units; ensures equipment meets performance and reliability requirements for fire protection systems.

Secondary power

Battery backup sized for 24-hour standby plus 5 minutes alarm (15 minutes for voice); sealed lead-acid batteries replaced every 4 to 5 years.

Battery charger requirement

Charger must restore batteries to 80 percent capacity within 24 hours after a discharge per NFPA 72 requirements.

Trouble signal timing

Control unit must annunciate a trouble condition within 200 seconds of a fault such as an open circuit or ground fault.

Ground fault detection

Control units must detect and annunciate ground faults on circuits; isolated loops reduce nuisance ground faults in addressable systems.

Annual testing

NFPA 72 requires annual testing of all initiating devices, notification appliances, control unit functions, batteries, and remote annunciators.

Battery load test

Annual test of battery capacity; batteries must be replaced if capacity falls below 80 percent of rated capacity or manufacturer threshold.

Record of completion

NFPA 72 Form 72-1 documenting that the system was installed per plans and tested; required at acceptance testing.

Impairment procedure

When a system is out of service, notify the AHJ and occupants, post a fire watch if required, and document restoration of the system.

Riser diagram

Document showing all circuits, zones, addressable loops, and interfaces to suppression, HVAC, and elevator systems in a fire alarm system.

Sequence of operations

Matrix documenting cause-and-effect for each alarm, supervisory, and trouble condition, including notification and control functions.

NRS Chapter 477

Nevada Revised Statutes chapter governing fire protection, including State Fire Marshal authority and fire alarm system requirements.

NSCB licensing

Nevada State Contractors Board license required for fire alarm contractors; low-voltage work may require a separate classification.