CAT CAT Fire Alarm Systems & Components 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of heat detector activates when the ambient temperature reaches a specific predetermined level?
- Rate-of-rise detector
- Fixed-temperature detector (Correct answer)
- Combination detector
- Thermistor detector
Correct answer: Fixed-temperature detector
A fixed-temperature heat detector activates when the ambient temperature reaches a specific set point, commonly 135°F or 194°F, depending on the rating.
Question 2: In a fire alarm system, what does a 'supervisory signal' indicate?
- An active fire alarm condition
- A trouble condition in alarm wiring
- A monitored non-alarm condition such as a closed sprinkler valve (Correct answer)
- A system self-test activation
Correct answer: A monitored non-alarm condition such as a closed sprinkler valve
A supervisory signal monitors the status of ancillary fire protection equipment, such as a sprinkler control valve, to ensure systems remain in proper operating condition.
Question 3: NFPA 72 requires that audible fire alarm notification devices produce a sound level of at least how many dB above ambient noise?
- 5 dB
- 10 dB
- 15 dB (Correct answer)
- 20 dB
Correct answer: 15 dB
NFPA 72 requires audible notification appliances to produce a minimum of 15 dB above ambient noise level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level in the space.
Question 4: A duct smoke detector is primarily installed to:
- Detect smoke in individual occupied rooms
- Shut down HVAC systems to prevent smoke from spreading through ductwork (Correct answer)
- Replace ceiling-mounted detectors in corridors
- Monitor carbon monoxide levels in air ducts
Correct answer: Shut down HVAC systems to prevent smoke from spreading through ductwork
Duct smoke detectors are installed in HVAC air handling systems to detect smoke and initiate equipment shutdown, preventing smoke from spreading throughout a building.
Question 5: According to NFPA 72, when ceiling beams project more than how many inches below the ceiling must smoke detectors be installed in each beam pocket?
- 8 inches
- 12 inches (Correct answer)
- 18 inches
- 24 inches
Correct answer: 12 inches
Per NFPA 72, when ceiling beams project more than 12 inches below the ceiling, smoke detectors must be installed in each individual beam pocket.
Question 6: A manual pull station in a fire alarm system is classified as what type of device?
- Notification appliance
- Initiating device (Correct answer)
- Control module
- Supervisory device
Correct answer: Initiating device
Manual pull stations are classified as initiating devices because they generate the initial alarm signal that activates the fire alarm system.
CAT CAT Fire Alarm Systems & Components 2
Which type of heat detector activates when the ambient temperature reaches a specific predetermined level?