Mixed Deck — All CAT Topics Flashcards

Which National Electrical Code (NEC) article governs the installation of fire alarm systems?

Answer: Article 760

NEC Article 760 specifically covers fire alarm systems, including wiring requirements, cable types, and installation methods for fire protective signaling systems.

Which standard governs the installation of burglar alarm systems (intrusion detection) in the United States?

Answer: SIA CP-01

SIA CP-01 is the Control Panel Standard that governs features of intrusion alarm control panels to reduce false alarms.

On a blueprint, a box symbol with 'FACP' inside it represents:

Answer: Fire Alarm Control Panel

FACP is the standard abbreviation for Fire Alarm Control Panel, the central brain of the fire alarm system.

After completing an annual inspection, which document should the technician leave on-site?

Answer: A signed inspection record indicating findings, corrections, and the date

NFPA 72 requires that a record of the inspection be maintained on the premises and be available to the AHJ.

Which wire type is MOST appropriate for runs near high-voltage AC power lines to prevent interference?

Answer: Shielded twisted pair

Shielded twisted pair rejects electromagnetic interference (EMI) induced by nearby AC power conductors.

In the United States, alarm technician licensing requirements are governed by:

Answer: Individual state-level alarm licensing laws and regulations

Alarm technician licensing is regulated at the state level, with each state establishing its own requirements for training hours, examinations, and background checks for installers.

Which AWG conductor size has MORE resistance per foot than 22 AWG?

Answer: 24 AWG

Higher AWG numbers indicate thinner wire with greater resistance per unit length; 24 AWG is thinner than 22 AWG.

Which signal format uses DTMF tones transmitted over a telephone line to send alarm event codes to the central station?

Answer: Contact ID

Contact ID transmits alarm event data as a series of DTMF (dual-tone multi-frequency) tones sent by the communicator over the telephone line to the central station receiver.

When running low-voltage alarm cable parallel to 120 VAC power wiring, the NEC recommends a minimum separation of:

Answer: 6 inches

NEC Article 725 and 760 require at least 2 inches of separation from power conductors, though 6 inches is the widely observed best practice for alarm cable.

What does 'addressable' mean in the context of a fire alarm system?

Answer: Each device has a unique identifier allowing the panel to pinpoint its exact location

In an addressable fire alarm system, each device is assigned a unique address so the panel can identify the exact location and status of every individual device on the loop.

What is the significance of a supervisory signal in a fire alarm system?

Answer: It indicates a trouble condition with a system component that needs attention

A supervisory signal indicates an off-normal condition (e.g., a sprinkler valve closed) that requires attention but is not yet an alarm.

Under NFPA 72, the maximum allowable voltage drop on a notification appliance circuit (NAC) is typically expressed as:

Answer: No more than 10% of rated supply voltage

NFPA 72 and device listings generally require that NAC voltage at the last appliance stay within 10% of rated supply to ensure proper operation.

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.

What is a 'verified response' policy in the context of alarm industry compliance?

Answer: A policy requiring confirmation of an actual emergency before police are dispatched

Verified response policies require confirmation of an actual emergency—via video, audio, or a second alarm zone—before police are dispatched, to reduce false alarm responses.

In Certified Alarm Technician Level I, which action should be taken first when a safety incident occurs?

Answer: Ensure the safety of all personnel

The immediate priority in any safety incident is to ensure all personnel are safe and out of danger before addressing other concerns.

What is the function of the tamper switch built into an alarm device enclosure?

Answer: It triggers a supervisory or trouble condition if the enclosure is opened or removed from the wall

The tamper switch detects unauthorized opening or removal of the device, sending a tamper signal to the panel to alert monitoring personnel.

A technician is installing a glass-break sensor on a framed picture window. Which glass type will produce the most reliable frequency signature for detection?

Answer: Annealed (float) glass

Annealed (float) glass shatters into large shards producing the classic high-frequency flex-and-break signature that glass-break sensors are tuned to detect.

Which safety practice is essential for preventing cross-contamination in Certified Alarm Technician Level I?

Answer: Proper hand hygiene and equipment sanitation

Proper hygiene and sanitation prevent the transfer of harmful agents between surfaces, materials, or patients.

A technician notices an alarm panel is connected to the internet via the customer's unmanaged consumer router. The best recommendation is to:

Answer: Suggest moving the panel to a dedicated VLAN or a separate secured network connection

Placing alarm communicators on a dedicated VLAN isolates them from general network traffic and reduces exposure to cyber threats.

A passive infrared detector is rated for 'pet immunity up to 50 lbs.' What does this specification mean during installation?

Answer: Small animals below the weight threshold stay below the detection zone when the unit is mounted correctly at the specified height

Pet-immune PIRs use a lowered sensitivity zone near the floor; when mounted at the correct height, animals below the threshold remain below the active detection curtain.