S-95 DECK #1 - DEFINITIONS

Question 1

How many questions are on the S-95 Metrotech Exam?

Answer 1

35

Question 2

What is a “Notification Device” or “Notification Applicance?”

Answer 2

Any device in the Fire Alarm System that makes an audible or visual alert, such as a speaker, horn, gong (audible) or strobe (visual).

Question 3

What is an ALARM SIGNAL?

Answer 3

A signal that requires an IMMEDIATE response such as a SUPERVISORY ALARM or a FIRE ALARM.

Question 4

What is an ANNUNCIATOR?

Answer 4

An “Alarm Panel” - with lights and a screen to provide information and status on a condition.

Question 5

What is a REMOTE ANNUNCIATOR?

Answer 5

Your building has a FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL (FACP). When it is necessary to have a 2nd Panel in a better location so you can hear it, a small “Remote Annunciator” is used - essentially a small FACP with just the screen and ACKNOWLEDGE, ALARM SILENCE, and RESET buttons.

Question 6

What is an APPROVED CENTRAL STATION COMPANY?

Answer 6

A CENTRAL STATION monitoring company that has been issued a letter of approval to operate by FDNY.

Question 7

What is an ARCS?

Answer 7

Auxilary Radio Communication System. This is the radio system installed in a building for FDNY use only. It operates on Channels 11 & 12 - FDNY discreet frequencies that firefighters use.

Question 8

What is a CENTRAL STATION?

Answer 8

A monitoring facility that receives signals (like a fire alarm) from a building’s fire alarm system and reports those signals to FDNY.

Question 9

What is a FIRE ALARM SIGNAL?

Answer 9

A signal initiated by a FIRE ALARM INITIATING DEVICE (pull station, waterflow switch, smoke detector, etc.) indicating the presence or likelihood of a fire.

Question 10

What is a FIRE ALARM SYSTEM?

Answer 10

A system of components such as initiating devices, supervisory devices, alarm panel, etc. that monitors and annuciates the status of signals it receives.

Question 11

What is a FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM?

Answer 11

Combination of the FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM (sprinkler, standpipe, etc.) and FIRE ALARM SYSTEM. Detects and extinguishers fires.

Question 12

What is the IMPAIRMENT COORDINATOR?

Answer 12

The individual who is responsible for ensuring proper safety precautions are taken when the FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM is partially or fully out of service or “impaired.”

Question 13

Who selects the IMPAIRMENT COORDINATOR?

Answer 13

Building Owner is responsible for designating the Impairment Coordinator. In the absence of an Impairment Coordinator, the Building Owner assumes the role.

Question 14

What is an INITIATING DEVICE?

Answer 14

A device that “initiates” an alarm signal - either a fire alarm (eg; pull station), supervisory alarm (eg; room smoke detector), or trouble alarm.

Question 15

What is SMOKE DETECTOR MAINTENANCE?

Answer 15

Any work that involves maintaining, cleaning, replacing, or otherwise keeping a smoke detector in good working order.

Question 16

What is a PLENUM?

Answer 16

The open space between the ceiling and the floor above, i.e., the space between a drop ceiling and the concrete slab above. Air moves through a plenum.

Question 17

What is meant by the term PROTECTED PREMISE?

Answer 17

A building that has a FIRE ALARM SYSTEM that is continuously monitored by a CENTRAL STATION.

Question 18

What is the difference between a SMOKE ALARM and a SMOKE DETECTOR?

Answer 18

A SMOKE ALARM sounds at the device when there is an activation and is not hooked to the alarm system, e.g.; the battery operated smoke detector in your house. SMOKE DETECTOR is hooked to the alarm system and sounds at the panel when it detectors “products of combustion.”

Question 19

What is a SMOKE DETECTOR MAINTENANCE COMPANY?

Answer 19

A company that maintains smoke detectors by cleaning them semi-annually and calibrating them for smoke entry annually. S-78 technicians. Company is certified by FDNY and listed on their website.

Question 20

What is a SUPERVISORY ALARM or SIGNAL?

Answer 20

A signal transmitted to CENTRAL STATION indicating that a device being monitored is activated (e.g.; generator turns on, smoke detector activates in room, etc.) SUPERVISORY ALARMS are transmitted to CENTRAL STATION but NOT reported to FDNY.

Question 21

What is a TROUBLE ALARM or SIGNAL?

Answer 21

A signal transmitted to the FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL but NOT TRANSMITTED to CENTRAL STATION. Indicates an “electrical problem” with a circuit - a ground fault.

Question 22

What is an UNNECESSARY ALARM?

Answer 22

An alarm that required FDNY to show up when it didn’t have to. The initiation device worked properly, but there was no fire. E.g.; contractor cutting through drywall and creating dust that sets off the smoke detector, or a drunk person pulling the pull station when there is no fire.

Question 23

What is an UNWARRANTED ALARM?

Answer 23

In an UNNECESSARY ALARM, the device works correctly but there is no fire. In an UNWARRANTED ALARM the device DOES NOT work properly and the alarm is activated. E.g.; a pull station is loose on the wall from being bashed with linen carts, and someone bumps it and it goes off causing FDNY to respond.