Practice Test Geeks(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Level I Practice Test
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Inspection & Quality Control Flashcards

7 cards from real CAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Inspection & Quality Control flashcards as text

  1. What is the primary purpose of conducting a walk test on a motion detector after installation?

    Answer: To verify the detector's field of view covers the intended protected area

    A walk test confirms that movement within the designated coverage zone actually triggers an alarm response.

  2. During inspection of a two-wire smoke detector circuit, the technician reads 0 V across the loop. What is the most likely cause?

    Answer: An open circuit or broken wire on the loop

    Zero volts on a supervised loop indicates an open circuit, which breaks the supervisory current path.

  3. A newly installed glass-break detector fails its functional test when a test instrument is used but responds when glass is actually broken nearby. What is the likely issue?

    Answer: The test instrument frequency or SPL does not match the detector's sensitivity range

    Glass-break simulators must match the detector's listed frequency response and sound pressure level to produce a valid result.

  4. Which NFPA 72 table governs the inspection, testing, and maintenance frequency for manual pull stations?

    Answer: Table 14.3.1

    NFPA 72 Table 14.3.1 lists required ITM frequencies for all fire alarm system components including manual pull stations.

  5. A fire alarm system inspection reveals that a sprinkler waterflow switch has a 90-second retard setting. Why might this require review?

    Answer: NFPA 72 limits retard to 90 seconds maximum, so any setting at or beyond this needs AHJ approval

    NFPA 72 allows up to 90 seconds of retard for waterflow switches; settings at the limit should be confirmed with the AHJ.

  6. What color is the standard wiring insulation used for the positive leg of a four-wire smoke detector power circuit in most US installations?

    Answer: Red

    Industry convention assigns red to the positive power conductor and black to negative in fire alarm wiring.

  7. When testing notification appliances, the measured sound level at a sleeping area pillow must meet which minimum dBA requirement per NFPA 72?

    Answer: 75 dBA at the pillow

    NFPA 72 requires a minimum of 75 dBA measured at the pillow level in sleeping areas to ensure audibility during sleep.