CAT Alarm System Maintenance and Testing Flashcards

What is the recommended supervision interval for a wireless alarm sensor to confirm it is still communicating with the panel?

Answer: Every 60–240 minutes depending on manufacturer specification

Most manufacturers set wireless supervision check-ins between 60 and 240 minutes to quickly detect a lost or tampered sensor.

During a smoke detector maintenance visit, the technician uses canned aerosol smoke. What must be verified BEFORE testing?

Answer: The monitoring center is placed on test to prevent a false dispatch

Placing the account on test with the monitoring center prevents a false fire dispatch during detector maintenance.

How is the end-of-line (EOL) resistor used in an alarm zone circuit for maintenance diagnostics?

Answer: It allows the panel to distinguish between a normal state, open fault, and short fault

The EOL resistor creates three measurable resistance states the panel uses to differentiate alarm, open-circuit fault, and short-circuit fault.

Which of the following best describes 'sensor tamper' supervision in an alarm system?

Answer: A separate circuit that triggers an alert when a detector housing is opened or removed

Tamper supervision uses a dedicated contact that opens when the sensor cover is removed, generating a tamper alert at the panel.

After replacing a control panel backup battery, what maintenance record should the technician complete?

Answer: Document the date, battery model, and next recommended replacement date in the service log

Proper documentation creates an audit trail and helps schedule the next replacement before the battery reaches end of life.

What is the purpose of the 'dialer test' or 'communication test' performed during alarm system maintenance?

Answer: To confirm the system can successfully transmit a signal to the central monitoring station

A dialer test verifies the end-to-end communication path from the panel to the central station is operational.