CAT CAT Alarm System Maintenance and Testing 2

Question 1

What is the recommended supervision interval for a wireless alarm sensor to confirm it is still communicating with the panel?

Accepted Answer

Every 60–240 minutes depending on manufacturer specification

Answer

Most manufacturers set wireless supervision check-ins between 60 and 240 minutes to quickly detect a lost or tampered sensor.

Question 2

During a smoke detector maintenance visit, the technician uses canned aerosol smoke. What must be verified BEFORE testing?

Accepted Answer

The monitoring center is placed on test to prevent a false dispatch

Answer

Placing the account on test with the monitoring center prevents a false fire dispatch during detector maintenance.

Question 3

How is the end-of-line (EOL) resistor used in an alarm zone circuit for maintenance diagnostics?

Accepted Answer

It allows the panel to distinguish between a normal state, open fault, and short fault

Answer

The EOL resistor creates three measurable resistance states the panel uses to differentiate alarm, open-circuit fault, and short-circuit fault.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes 'sensor tamper' supervision in an alarm system?

Accepted Answer

A separate circuit that triggers an alert when a detector housing is opened or removed

Answer

Tamper supervision uses a dedicated contact that opens when the sensor cover is removed, generating a tamper alert at the panel.

Question 5

After replacing a control panel backup battery, what maintenance record should the technician complete?

Accepted Answer

Document the date, battery model, and next recommended replacement date in the service log

Answer

Proper documentation creates an audit trail and helps schedule the next replacement before the battery reaches end of life.

(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Practice Test