Fire Alarm Review Flashcards
T or F: A fire alarm system is required by the NFPA 72 to only monitor trouble conditions on wiring for open circuits and ground faults.
False
T or F: Smoke detectors, control modules, and tamper switches are all examples of initiating devices.
False - control module is not
T or F: An Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication System is required for systems using total evacuation plans.
False
Multiple Choice: Choose the BEST:
Remote stations are only required to transmit which of the following system signals?
a. trouble c. supervisory
b. alarm d. none of the above
B. Alarm
Multiple Choice: Choose the BEST:
When a sprinkler system is used in a building along with a fire alarm system, the sprinkler system must:
a. Show an alarm for off normal conditions
b. A&B (this is how they have it)
c. Show supervisories at the panel for off normal conditions.
d. Do nothing with the system.
C. Show supervisories at the panel for off normal conditions.
Multiple Choice: Choose the BEST:
Where must a smoke detector be placed in an elevator lobby?
a. 20 feet from the centerline of the elevator.
b. 0.7 times the selected spacing.
c. on each side of any door in the area
d. 21 feet from the centerline of the elevator that it controls.
D. 21 feet from the centerline of the elevator that it controls.
What is fire alarm circuit survivability required for?
a. complete evacuation
b. partial evacuation or relocation
c. both A&B
d. none of the above
B. partial evacuation or relocation
Identify one or more choices that BEST complete the statement:
An initiating device can produce which signal types?
a. trouble c. supervisory
b. alarm d. warning
a. trouble
b. alarm
c. supervisory
The two most common types of fire alarm cable used for survivability purposes are _____ and _____.
CI and MI
A fault on a fire alarm system wiring will cause a _____ signal.
trouble
Match each of the following system components to their association function:
a. Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication
b. Notification Appliance
c. Photoelectric Smoke Detector
d. Ionization Smoke Detector
- Uses reversed polarity in an alarm state to operate appliances.
- Light obscuration
- Pre-recorded or live messages
- Radioactive material
a. Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication - 3. Pre-recorded or live messages
b. Notification Appliance - 1. Uses reversed polarity in an alarm state to operate appliances.
c. Photoelectric Smoke Detector - 2. Light obscuration
d. Ionization Smoke Detector - 4. Radioactive material
In which code book might a person find the requirements for where and when power limited fire alarm wiring can be combined with other circuits?
NFPA 760
Name three factors that may pose a problem for a duct detector.
air flow, vibration, dust, high humidity
Name three supervising station system types.
central station, proprietary supervisory, remote station
Give two examples of a visible textural display.
LCD or CRT, LED
Control relays and modules must be:
within three feet of component that controls the emergency function, rated for voltage and current.
Define the functions that interconnected fire alarm systems must be able to accomplish:
elevator recall, HVAC shut down, door unlock, smoke doors, smoke control
Describe why it might be a bad practice to install a secondary power source on a door holder circuit power supply.
When a ire is present and power cut, you don’t want secondary holding doors open. If F/A, may not be controlled.
Define elevator shunt trip.
Elevator shut down. Immediately stops elevators before water from machine room or sprinklers adversely affects electrical equipment.
What is the difference between public signaling mode and private signaling mode?
15db above ambiant 10db above ambiant
5db above max 5 db above max
Describe the term “fail safe” and explain why it it important for fire control functions.
The device still works after loss of power.
T or F: Single and multiple station smoke alarms can be used in dorms, apartments, dwellings, and hotels.
False
T or F: A central station must be protected by its own fire alarm system, be protected with firewalls, and must have a minimum of five people on site at all times.
False
T or F: By definition, a hotel must provide sleeping accommodations for more than 20 people.
False - it’s 16
The main purpose of household fire warning equipment is:
evacuation - saving lives
A Temporal 3 Signal is used and operates in such a way that the system is on for ___ seconds, off for ___ seconds, on for ____ seconds, off for ___ seconds, on for ____ seconds, off for ___ seconds. The signal must go through this pattern for a minimum of ____ rounds.
on for .5 seconds, off for .5 seconds, on for .5 seconds, off for .5 seconds, on for .5 seconds, then off for 1.5 seconds. The signal must go through this pattern for a minimum of THREE rounds.
What are Fire Command Centers used for and what equipment can be located in that facility?
Used as a communication hub for F/A System. F/A panel, voice evacuations, low fuel indicators, generator control switch, fuses, fire phones
A fire alarm system dialer has what requirements for the communication pathways connected to that dialer?
line ceasure - 2 lines, 2 dedicated
Define proprietary supervising station:
in-house - cannot monitor properties owned by others. Owner of premises operates it.
Name six elements a central station service contract must include.
- installation of the transmitters.
- runner service
- signal monitoring
- record keeping and reporting
- re-transmission
- testing and maintenance
What are the testing intervals for the following devices? duct detector smoke detector valve supervisory switch waterflow device
duct detector - one year after installation and every alternating year (keep records for 2 years)
smoke detector - one year after installation and every alternating year (keep records for 2 years)
valve supervisory switch - annually
waterflow device - semi-annually
Where would you look to find the correct method of testing a smoke detector?
In accordance with item 17(h) of table 14.4.3 NFPA 72
What is the minimum SPL required for a sleeping room with an average SPL of 55 dBa?
15 dBa above average or 75 dBa - whatever is greater
What classifies a building as a high-rise?
Over 7 stories - occupiable levels more than 75ft. above lowest level of fire department access.
Are the mounting requirements for a smoke detector the same for a smooth ceiling vs. a sloped ceiling?
No - smoke acts differently in a slope. Between 4” and peak off 3’ to highest peak
Describe the different requirements for maintaining records for the service company and the system owner.
Company: one year after next scheduled test
Owner: keep all records
Describe the communication requirements for a DACT.
2 communication means -
- use loop start line to be monitored for integrity
- each building must have own DACT, must have RJ-31x
In the event that a combination system is used ina building, what is required in terms of how the signals are to be differentiated.
F/A uses total evacuation - 3 signal. Sound is different. - on for .5 seconds, off for .5 seconds, on for .5 seconds, off for .5 seconds, on for .5 seconds, then off for 1.5 seconds. The signal must go through this pattern for a minimum of THREE rounds.
