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OK Fire Alarm Installer practice questions

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Question 1Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

For a smooth ceiling that is 10 ft high, what is the nominal spacing for spot-type smoke detectors?

  1. 20 ft
  2. 25 ft
  3. 30 ft Correct answer.
  4. 40 ft

Explanation

NFPA 72 permits a nominal 30 ft spacing for spot-type smoke detectors on smooth ceilings with a ceiling height of 10 ft, which gives roughly 900 sq ft of coverage per detector. Spacing may be adjusted only where the code's ceiling-height provisions apply, such as ceilings above 10 ft.

Question 2Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

At what height above the finished floor must the operable portion of a manual fire alarm box be mounted?

  1. 42 in. to 48 in. Correct answer.
  2. 36 in. to 42 in.
  3. 30 in. to 36 in.
  4. 48 in. to 54 in.

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires the operable portion of a manual fire alarm box to be mounted not less than 42 in. and not more than 48 in. above the finished floor. This range keeps the box reachable for the general public, including persons in wheelchairs.

Question 3Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

Which cable marking is required for fire alarm cable installed in a return-air plenum without a raceway?

  1. FPLR
  2. FPLP Correct answer.
  3. CMR
  4. FPL

Explanation

NEC Article 760 requires plenum-rated fire alarm cable, marked FPLP, for installations in ducts, plenums, and other air-handling spaces unless the cable is installed in a metal raceway. The plenum rating reflects the cable's performance under the NFPA 262 test for low smoke and flame spread.

Question 4Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

In public mode, what minimum sound pressure level must an audible notification appliance produce?

  1. 85 dBA at 10 ft
  2. 65 dBA at 10 ft
  3. 75 dBA at 10 ft Correct answer.
  4. 75 dBA at 3 ft

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires public-mode audible appliances to produce at least 75 dBA at 10 ft and to exceed the average ambient sound level by 15 dBA, whichever is greater. The 10 ft reference distance is used so that appliance ratings can be compared directly.

Question 5Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

Before beginning installation of a fire alarm system in a commercial building, the contractor must first:

  1. notify the local electric utility
  2. receive approval from the equipment manufacturer
  3. obtain a permit from the AHJ Correct answer.
  4. submit a record of completion to the owner

Explanation

The adopted fire code requires construction permits for fire alarm installation, and plans are submitted to the authority having jurisdiction for review before work starts. The AHJ verifies code compliance and may also require shop drawings showing device locations and circuiting.

Question 6Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

A sprinkler waterflow alarm must be actuated within what maximum time after water begins to flow?

  1. 90 seconds Correct answer.
  2. 2 minutes
  3. 5 minutes
  4. 30 seconds

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires waterflow alarms to be actuated within 90 seconds after flow begins, which is why flow switches and alarm check valves use retard devices set below that limit. The delay avoids false alarms from pressure surges while still providing prompt notification.

Question 7Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

How must the branch circuit supplying a fire alarm control unit be arranged?

  1. A circuit shared with the emergency lighting
  2. A feeder tapped ahead of the main disconnect
  3. A dedicated circuit, marked at the disconnect Correct answer.
  4. Cord-and-plug connected to a general-use receptacle

Explanation

NEC Article 760 and NFPA 72 require the fire alarm control unit to be supplied by a dedicated branch circuit whose disconnecting means is identified for fire alarm use and marked so it is not switched off inadvertently. The circuit must serve only the fire alarm equipment.

Question 8Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

Duct-mounted smoke detectors are required to be installed where an air-handling system has a capacity of at least:

  1. 2,000 cfm Correct answer.
  2. 1,500 cfm
  3. 1,000 cfm
  4. 500 cfm

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires duct-type smoke detectors in air-handling systems with a capacity of 2,000 cfm or greater, installed downstream of the filters and ahead of any branch connections. The detectors shut down or control the air handler to limit smoke spread.

Question 9Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

Which cable substitution is permitted for fire alarm cable?

  1. CM cable may be used where FPL is specified
  2. FPLR may be used where FPLP is required
  3. FPLP may be used where FPLR is required Correct answer.
  4. FPL may be used where FPLR is required

Explanation

NEC Article 760 ranks fire alarm cables by fire performance, with plenum-rated FPLP at the top and general-purpose FPL at the bottom. A higher-rated cable may always be substituted for a lower-rated one, but a lower-rated cable may never be used where a higher rating is required.

Question 10Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

How far must a spot-type smoke detector be kept from a supply air diffuser?

  1. 6 in.
  2. 60 in.
  3. 36 in. Correct answer.
  4. 12 in.

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires spot-type smoke detectors to be located at least 3 ft (36 in.) from supply air diffusers. Air from the diffuser can blow smoke away from the detector, delaying or preventing response to a fire.

Question 11Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

For a protected-premises fire alarm system, the secondary (battery) power supply must be capable of operating the system for:

  1. 60 h standby plus 15 min alarm
  2. 24 h standby plus 5 min alarm Correct answer.
  3. 24 h standby plus 30 min alarm
  4. 4 h standby plus 15 min alarm

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires the secondary power supply for a protected-premises system to maintain the system in the standby condition for 24 hours and then operate the notification appliances for 5 minutes. Longer alarm durations apply to voice evacuation and other specific system types.

Question 12Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

What distinguishes a Class A initiating device circuit from a Class B circuit?

  1. It requires no end-of-line resistor at the last device
  2. It uses four wires instead of two
  3. It survives a single open conductor Correct answer.
  4. It reports alarms twice as fast as Class B

Explanation

A Class A circuit has a redundant return path, so a single open or break in the wiring does not prevent devices beyond the break from operating; a Class B circuit loses those devices and annunciates a trouble. Class A circuits are typically supervised so that the panel sees both the outgoing and return conductors.

Question 13Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

A smoke detector installed in an elevator lobby is required to:

  1. close the lobby smoke doors only
  2. shunt-trip the elevator mainline disconnect
  3. start the machine room exhaust fan
  4. initiate Phase I elevator recall Correct answer.

Explanation

NFPA 72 and ASME A17.1 require lobby smoke detectors to initiate Phase I emergency recall, sending the car to the designated alternate or primary landing with doors open. Phase I recall is distinct from the Phase II operation used by firefighters with a key.

Question 14Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

Wall-mounted visible notification appliances must be installed so that the entire lens is located between:

  1. 96 in. and 108 in. AFF
  2. 80 in. and 96 in. AFF Correct answer.
  3. 60 in. and 72 in. AFF
  4. 72 in. and 90 in. AFF

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires the entire lens of a wall-mounted visible appliance to be not less than 80 in. and not more than 96 in. above the finished floor. This range keeps the strobe above obstructions and within the field of view of occupants.

Question 15Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

A fire alarm control unit must be capable of doing what when a ground fault occurs on field wiring?

  1. Annunciating a distinct trouble signal Correct answer.
  2. Activating the general alarm
  3. Automatically resetting the affected circuit
  4. Silencing all notification appliances

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires the control unit to detect and annunciate a ground fault as a distinct trouble condition so that service personnel can locate and correct the fault. A ground fault is not an alarm condition and must not cause evacuation.

Question 16Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

What is the maximum travel distance from any point in a normally occupied floor area to the nearest manual fire alarm box?

  1. 100 ft
  2. 200 ft Correct answer.
  3. 300 ft
  4. 150 ft

Explanation

NFPA 72 limits the travel distance from any point in a normally occupied area to the nearest manual fire alarm box to 200 ft. Boxes must also be located within 5 ft of each required exit door.

Question 17Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

On a smooth ceiling where smoke detectors are spaced 30 ft apart, what is the maximum distance from any point on the ceiling to the nearest detector?

  1. 30 ft
  2. 21 ft Correct answer.
  3. 18 ft
  4. 15 ft

Explanation

NFPA 72 permits the distance from any point on the ceiling to the nearest smoke detector to be up to 0.7 times the nominal spacing, which is 21 ft for a 30 ft spacing. This allows detectors to be set farther from walls and partitions than half the spacing.

Question 18Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

In a hotel guest room, the fire alarm must produce at least what sound level at the pillow?

  1. 55 dBA
  2. 75 dBA Correct answer.
  3. 85 dBA
  4. 65 dBA

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires a sound level of at least 75 dBA at the pillow in a sleeping area, or 15 dBA above the ambient level, whichever is greater. The measurement is taken at the head of the bed because occupants must be awakened by the signal.

Question 19Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

After the alarm silence function is used, what must happen if a new alarm is initiated on the system?

  1. Only the new initiating device sounds locally
  2. The system stays silent until it is manually reset
  3. The panel logs the alarm without sounding the horns
  4. The notification appliances must re-sound Correct answer.

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires that the alarm silencing means not prevent subsequent alarm signals from operating the notification appliances. New alarms must reactivate the audible and visible signals even though a previous alarm was silenced.

Question 20Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

Which document must be completed and given to the owner when a fire alarm system installation is finished?

  1. Record of Completion Correct answer.
  2. A punch list of deficient devices
  3. A battery load test log
  4. A material safety data sheet

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires the installing contractor to complete and deliver a Record of Completion documenting that the system was installed in accordance with the design and the applicable codes. It is accompanied by as-built drawings and the record of system acceptance testing.

Question 21Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

NFPA 72 identifies which frequency as the low-frequency alarm signal intended for sleeping areas?

  1. 3100 Hz
  2. 520 Hz Correct answer.
  3. 1200 Hz
  4. 400 Hz

Explanation

The code recognizes a 520 Hz low-frequency square-wave signal as more effective at awakening sleeping occupants, including those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Residential sleeping areas in new construction are commonly required to use this low-frequency tone.

Question 22Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

A smoke detector installed within 20 ft of a fixed cooking appliance must be:

  1. a heat detector, or a combination heat/smoke unit
  2. ionization, or be rate-of-rise compensated
  3. a projected-beam type, or an air-sampling type
  4. photoelectric, or have alarm verification Correct answer.

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires smoke detectors within 20 ft of a fixed cooking appliance to be photoelectric or to have an alarm verification feature, because ionization detectors are prone to nuisance alarms from cooking aerosols. The rule reduces false alarms while preserving detection near kitchens.

Question 23Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

Power-limited fire alarm cable must be separated from electric light and power conductors by at least:

  1. 12 in.
  2. 1/4 in.
  3. 2 in. Correct answer.
  4. 6 in.

Explanation

NEC Article 760 requires a minimum 2 in. separation between power-limited fire alarm cables and electric light or power conductors, unless a barrier or other approved means of separation is provided. The separation limits induced noise and prevents faults on power wiring from damaging alarm circuits.

Question 24Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

When several conditions exist at the same time, in what order must a fire alarm control unit give them priority?

  1. Alarm, then trouble, then supervisory
  2. Trouble, then supervisory, then alarm signal
  3. Alarm, then supervisory, then trouble Correct answer.
  4. Supervisory, then alarm, then trouble

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires alarm signals to take precedence over supervisory signals, and supervisory signals to take precedence over trouble signals. This ordering ensures the most urgent condition is displayed and transmitted first.

Question 25Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

A positive alarm sequence requires acknowledgment within 15 seconds and completion of the investigation phase within:

  1. 180 seconds Correct answer.
  2. 300 seconds
  3. 60 seconds
  4. 90 seconds

Explanation

NFPA 72 defines the positive alarm sequence as an alarm processing feature that allows trained personnel 15 seconds to acknowledge the signal and up to 180 seconds to investigate before the system transmits the alarm. Failure to acknowledge or investigate in those times results in immediate alarm transmission.

Question 26Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

Which document is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code that governs the installation, performance, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems?

  1. NFPA 70
  2. NFPA 25
  3. NFPA 101
  4. NFPA 72 Correct answer.

Explanation

NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, establishes the minimum requirements for the design, installation, commissioning, testing, inspection, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems. NFPA 70 is the National Electrical Code and covers the electrical installation rules, while NFPA 101 is the Life Safety Code.

Question 27Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

At what height above the finished floor must a manual fire alarm box be mounted?

  1. 30 in to 36 in
  2. 36 in to 42 in
  3. 48 in to 54 in
  4. 42 in to 48 in Correct answer.

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires manual fire alarm boxes to be mounted on a wall with the operable portion located not less than 42 in and not more than 48 in above the finished floor. This range keeps the box within easy reach of the general building population, including many people using wheelchairs.

Question 28Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

What audible signal pattern is required for fire alarm evacuation signals in public mode occupancies?

  1. March-time pulse of about one pulse per second
  2. Continuous steady tone
  3. Temporal-three pattern Correct answer.
  4. Slow whoop of rising pitch

Explanation

NFPA 72 specifies the temporal-three pattern for evacuation signals, consisting of three half-second pulses separated by half-second pauses, followed by a one-and-a-half-second pause before the cycle repeats. This distinctive pattern is standardized so occupants recognize it as a fire alarm regardless of the building.

Question 29Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

Before a contractor installs a new fire alarm system in a commercial building, what step does the local fire code typically require?

  1. Begin the rough-in and notify the authority having jurisdiction when finished
  2. Submit plans and specifications to the authority having jurisdiction for approval Correct answer.
  3. Obtain a variance from the building department after the rough-in is complete
  4. Notify the equipment manufacturer of the scheduled installation date

Explanation

Model fire codes and most state and local adoption ordinances require construction documents for fire alarm system work to be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction and approved before installation begins. The review confirms that the design meets the adopted code and referenced standards.

Question 30Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Requirements (NFPA 72, NEC/NFPA 70, state and local fire code)

Fire alarm cable is to be run through a ceiling space that is used as a return-air plenum. Which cable designation must be used?

  1. FPLR
  2. FPL
  3. FPLP Correct answer.
  4. CMP

Explanation

Under NEC Article 760, fire alarm cable installed in ducts, plenums, or other air-handling spaces must be listed as plenum-rated, designated FPLP. The plenum rating reflects limited smoke and flame spread characteristics suitable for a space that moves air through the building.

Question 31Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

On a smooth, flat ceiling, what is the maximum spacing normally permitted between spot-type smoke detectors using the default (unlisted) spacing?

  1. 20 ft (6.1 m)
  2. 30 ft (9.1 m) Correct answer.
  3. 50 ft (15.2 m)
  4. 15 ft (4.6 m)

Explanation

NFPA 72 sets the default spacing for spot-type smoke detectors on smooth ceilings at 30 ft between detectors, which corresponds to roughly 900 sq ft of coverage per detector. A listed spacing from the manufacturer may be substituted when the device is tested and listed for it.

Question 32Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

What is the permitted mounting height range for a manual fire alarm pull station, measured from the finished floor to the center of the operating handle?

  1. 36 in to 40 in
  2. 50 in to 60 in
  3. 42 in to 48 in Correct answer.
  4. 24 in to 36 in

Explanation

Code requires manual fire alarm boxes to be mounted so the operable portion is between 42 in and 48 in above the finished floor. This range keeps the station within reach of most standing occupants while remaining reachable from a wheelchair.

Question 33Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

Which audible pattern is the standard evacuation signal produced by fire alarm notification appliances?

  1. A rising whoop sweeping from low to high frequency once every ten seconds
  2. Three 0.5-second pulses, then a 1.5-second pause Correct answer.
  3. A continuous steady tone that never pauses until the system is reset by the operator
  4. A march-time tone alternating between two pitches once per second

Explanation

The temporal-3 pattern consists of three half-second pulses separated by half-second off periods, followed by a 1.5-second pause, then repeated. It was standardized so that occupants can recognize the evacuation signal regardless of the equipment brand.

Question 34Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

Which of the following is required as the secondary (standby) power source for a fire alarm control unit?

  1. A manual transfer switch that connects to a neighboring building's supply
  2. Storage batteries listed for fire alarm use Correct answer.
  3. A second independent utility service connection to the building
  4. An on-site diesel generator dedicated solely to the alarm system

Explanation

Fire alarm systems must have a primary source (commercial light and power) and a dedicated secondary source that automatically supplies the system when the primary fails. Listed storage batteries with a matched charging means are the standard secondary source for most systems.

Question 35Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

Which circuit class continues to operate normally when a single open conductor occurs in the circuit?

  1. Class C
  2. Class A Correct answer.
  3. Class B
  4. Class X

Explanation

A Class A circuit is wired out and back to the control unit so that a single open fault still leaves a complete path for current. Class B circuits are supervised but lose the devices beyond a single open.

Question 36Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

When notification appliances have been silenced at the control unit, what must happen if a subsequent alarm is received from a different zone or device?

  1. The system changes from alarm mode to trouble mode
  2. The event is logged only and no signal is produced
  3. The notification appliances must resound Correct answer.
  4. The panel stays silent until an operator manually resets it

Explanation

Silencing is only a temporary acknowledgment of a known alarm; a new alarm from another zone must re-energize the notification appliances. This ensures occupants are warned about a second, possibly more dangerous, condition.

Question 37Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

A heat detector that responds when the temperature rises faster than a predetermined rate, regardless of the absolute temperature reached, is called a:

  1. Fixed-temperature detector
  2. Rate-of-rise detector Correct answer.
  3. Rate-compensated detector
  4. Combination detector

Explanation

A rate-of-rise detector trips on the speed of temperature change rather than on reaching a set value. Rate compensation, by contrast, is a technique used in fixed-temperature devices to reduce lag on fast-rising fires.

Question 38Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

For a system using the standard battery calculation, what minimum standby and alarm periods must the secondary supply be capable of providing?

  1. 24 hours of standby followed by 5 minutes of alarm Correct answer.
  2. 60 hours of standby followed by 10 minutes of alarm
  3. 24 hours of standby followed by 30 minutes of alarm
  4. 4 hours of standby followed by 15 minutes of alarm

Explanation

The standard calculation uses 24 hours of standby load followed by 5 minutes of full alarm load. Longer alarm times or higher standby durations apply only to specific system types or where local rules require them.

Question 39Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

A notification appliance circuit draws 1.0 A and runs 200 ft to the last appliance. The 14 AWG copper conductors have a resistance of 0.00307 ohm per foot. What is the approximate total voltage drop on the two-conductor loop?

  1. 0.6 V
  2. 1.2 V Correct answer.
  3. 0.3 V
  4. 2.5 V

Explanation

Voltage drop equals 2 x length x current x resistance per foot because the current travels out on one conductor and back on the other. Here 2 x 200 ft x 1.0 A x 0.00307 ohm/ft = about 1.2 V.

Question 40Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

Where should a duct-mounted smoke detector be installed in an air-handling system?

  1. In the return duct, upstream of the air filters
  2. In the mixing box upstream of the outdoor-air intake
  3. In the supply plenum downstream of the last branch takeoff
  4. Downstream of the filters and upstream of branch ducts Correct answer.

Explanation

Duct detectors are placed downstream of the filters and ahead of any branch connections so they sample air serving the occupied spaces and detect smoke from the air-handling unit itself. Sampling before the filters would let dirt loading mask smoke and would not protect downstream spaces.

Question 41Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

A photoelectric spot-type smoke detector is generally most responsive to which type of fire condition?

  1. A fire that produces carbon monoxide with no particulate
  2. A smoldering fire producing large visible particles Correct answer.
  3. A flaming fire producing mostly invisible submicron particles
  4. A clean-burning alcohol fire with almost no visible smoke

Explanation

Photoelectric detectors work by light scattering off particles in the chamber, so they respond best to the larger particles produced by smoldering combustion. Ionization detectors are the type generally better suited to fast flaming fires with small particles.

Question 42Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

In a public-mode occupancy, the alarm signal must be at least how far above the average ambient sound level?

  1. 10 dBA
  2. 5 dBA
  3. 15 dBA Correct answer.
  4. 12 dBA

Explanation

Public-mode notification must exceed the average ambient level by 15 dBA, or by 5 dBA above the maximum ambient lasting 60 seconds or more, whichever is greater. Private-mode areas use a smaller 10 dBA margin.

Question 43Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

What is the purpose of the end-of-line resistor on a conventional notification appliance circuit?

  1. It lets the panel supervise the circuit wiring for opens Correct answer.
  2. It limits the inrush current drawn by the appliances
  3. It caps the sound output of the last appliance
  4. It supplies charging current to the standby battery

Explanation

The end-of-line device completes the supervised circuit so the control unit can detect an open or short anywhere in the wiring. A missing or wrong-value resistor produces a trouble indication.

Question 44Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

When a detector in an elevator lobby initiates Phase I recall, where do the elevator cars normally go?

  1. The designated alternate recall floor Correct answer.
  2. The nearest floor with an available landing
  3. The top floor served by the elevator bank
  4. The designated primary recall floor

Explanation

Recall from a lobby detector sends the cars to the alternate floor because the primary floor is assumed to be affected by the fire. Detectors elsewhere in the building recall the cars to the primary floor.

Question 45Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

What is the main advantage of an addressable system over a conventional zone system?

  1. It costs less per initiating device on very small systems
  2. It removes the requirement for standby batteries
  3. Each device can be individually identified at the panel Correct answer.
  4. It eliminates the need for a control unit and power supply

Explanation

Addressable devices report their own unique identity over a signaling line circuit, so the panel can name the exact device in alarm or trouble. Conventional systems only report the zone containing the activated device.

Question 46Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

A ceiling-mounted spot-type smoke detector must be installed at least what distance from a side wall?

  1. 3 in (76 mm)
  2. 2 in (51 mm)
  3. 4 in (102 mm) Correct answer.
  4. 1 in (25 mm)

Explanation

Detectors are kept at least 4 in from side walls to avoid the dead air space near the wall-ceiling intersection, where smoke may not readily enter the sensing chamber. Greater clearance is required for wall-mounted detectors unless listed otherwise.

Question 47Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

A heat detector has a listed spacing of 50 ft. What is the maximum permitted distance from the detector to a wall or partition?

  1. 50 ft (15.2 m)
  2. 25 ft (7.6 m) Correct answer.
  3. 35 ft (10.7 m)
  4. 12.5 ft (3.8 m)

Explanation

The distance from a detector to a wall must not exceed half of its listed spacing, so a 50 ft listed spacing allows 25 ft to the wall. This ensures no point on the ceiling is farther from a detector than the listing permits.

Question 48Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

Which condition normally produces a supervisory signal rather than an alarm signal?

  1. A closed sprinkler control valve Correct answer.
  2. An open conductor in a notification circuit
  3. Smoke detected by a detector in a corridor
  4. Activation of a manual pull station

Explanation

A supervisory signal indicates that a system or suppression component has been taken out of its normal ready state, such as a closed control valve or a low water level. Alarm signals indicate actual fire conditions, and trouble signals indicate circuit or device faults.

Question 49Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

A sprinkler system waterflow switch must actuate within what maximum time when a flow of 10 gpm occurs?

  1. 90 seconds Correct answer.
  2. 45 seconds
  3. 5 minutes
  4. 10 seconds

Explanation

Waterflow alarm devices must be able to actuate at a flow of 10 gpm within 90 seconds, which allows for the delay built into retard mechanisms. This threshold distinguishes a real flow from small surges in the piping.

Question 50Fire Alarm System Fundamentals and Design Principles

A system has a standby load of 0.50 A for 24 hours and an alarm load of 3.0 A for 5 minutes. Applying the required 20 percent derating for battery aging, what minimum battery capacity is needed?

  1. 9.8 Ah
  2. 14.7 Ah Correct answer.
  3. 11.2 Ah
  4. 13.2 Ah

Explanation

Standby energy is 0.50 A x 24 h = 12.0 Ah, and alarm energy is 3.0 A x (5/60) h = 0.25 Ah, for 12.25 Ah. Multiplying by 1.20 for aging gives about 14.7 Ah, so a battery of at least that capacity is required.