Practice Test Geeks(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Level I Practice Test
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Preventive Maintenance Procedures 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 Preventive Maintenance Procedures flashcards as text

  1. How often should backup batteries in a fire alarm control panel typically be load-tested according to NFPA 72?

    Answer: Annually

    NFPA 72 requires batteries to be load-tested annually to verify they can sustain the system under alarm conditions.

  2. When performing PM on a passive infrared (PIR) detector, which condition would most likely cause false alarms?

    Answer: Dirty lens cover

    A dirty lens reduces sensitivity inconsistently, causing erratic triggering that can produce false alarms.

  3. What is the primary reason for lubricating mechanical components of a siren or bell during preventive maintenance?

    Answer: To prevent corrosion and ensure reliable activation

    Lubrication prevents corrosion and mechanical wear that could cause the device to fail when activated.

  4. During a PM inspection, a technician finds that a smoke detector's sensitivity reading is outside the listed range. What is the correct action?

    Answer: Clean the detector and retest; replace if still out of range

    NFPA 72 requires cleaning and retesting; if sensitivity remains outside range, the detector must be replaced.

  5. Which tool is specifically used to test the sensitivity of an ionization or photoelectric smoke detector during PM?

    Answer: Aerosol smoke tester or magnetics sensitivity meter

    Calibrated aerosol smoke or a sensitivity meter measures whether a detector responds within its listed sensitivity window.

  6. A control panel's trouble log shows repeated ground faults that clear on their own. What PM step should be prioritized?

    Answer: Inspect wiring insulation in areas exposed to moisture or physical damage

    Intermittent ground faults typically indicate degraded insulation often caused by moisture intrusion or physical damage.

  7. What documentation must be completed after every preventive maintenance visit on a fire alarm system?

    Answer: A signed inspection report retained by the owner and available to the AHJ

    NFPA 72 mandates a written inspection, testing, and maintenance record be provided to the owner and available to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.