Practice Test Geeks(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Level I Practice Test
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Installation Techniques 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 Installation Techniques flashcards as text

  1. When installing a motion detector in a room with a ceiling height of 12 feet, where should the device typically be mounted?

    Answer: At 6 to 8 feet above the floor on the wall

    Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors are typically mounted 6–8 feet above the floor to optimize the detection pattern and coverage zone.

  2. Which wire type is most commonly specified for connecting smoke detectors in a supervised fire alarm loop?

    Answer: 18 AWG twisted-pair, fire-rated (FPL) cable

    FPL-rated 18 AWG twisted-pair cable is the industry-standard wiring for supervised fire alarm initiating device circuits.

  3. What is the primary purpose of using conduit when routing alarm system wiring?

    Answer: To provide mechanical protection and a neat installation pathway

    Conduit protects wiring from physical damage and satisfies NEC and local code requirements for protected wiring methods.

  4. When a door contact switch is installed on a hollow metal door frame, which installation method is most appropriate?

    Answer: Recessed installation using a hole saw and recessed housing

    Recessed contacts in a recessed housing provide a tamper-resistant, aesthetically clean installation on hollow metal frames.

  5. What does the term 'home run' wiring topology mean in alarm system installation?

    Answer: Each device or zone has its own dedicated wire run back to the control panel

    Home run topology means each zone or device has an individual cable routed directly back to the control panel, simplifying troubleshooting.

  6. When installing glass-break detectors, which factor most significantly affects placement?

    Answer: The acoustic range and line-of-sight to the protected glass

    Glass-break detectors rely on acoustic sensing, so they must be within the rated range and have a clear sound path to the glass being protected.

  7. What is the correct procedure before drilling through an existing wall to route alarm wiring?

    Answer: Use a stud finder and check for electrical wiring or plumbing using a wire tracer

    Checking for studs, existing electrical wiring, and plumbing before drilling prevents damage to utilities and structural components.