CAT CAT Alarm System Maintenance and Testing

Question 1

How often should a residential security alarm system undergo a full walk-test according to industry best practices?

Accepted Answer

Every 6 months

Answer

Industry best practices recommend a full walk-test every 6 months to ensure all sensors and zones are functioning properly.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of performing a battery load test on a backup power supply?

Accepted Answer

To verify the battery can sustain the system under actual load conditions

Answer

A load test confirms the battery can deliver sufficient current under real operating conditions, not just at rest voltage.

Question 3

During a periodic maintenance visit, a technician finds that a door contact sensor fails to trigger the alarm. What is the FIRST step?

Accepted Answer

Inspect the magnet alignment and gap distance

Answer

Checking magnet alignment and gap is the quickest non-invasive first step before replacing hardware or reprogramming.

Question 4

Which tool is most appropriate for verifying that a passive infrared (PIR) motion detector is properly detecting motion across its coverage area?

Accepted Answer

Walk-test mode on the control panel with technician present

Answer

Walk-test mode activates zone indicator feedback so the technician can physically walk the coverage area and confirm detection.

Question 5

What does a high resistance reading on a normally closed (NC) detection loop indicate during a maintenance check?

Accepted Answer

A loose wire connection or corroded terminal

Answer

Elevated resistance on an NC loop points to a poor connection or corrosion increasing resistance in the circuit.

(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Practice Test