Practice Test Geeks(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Practice Test
← All CAT Flashcard Decks

CAT Alarm System Maintenance and Testing Flashcards

6 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 6 CAT Alarm System Maintenance and Testing flashcards as text

  1. A glass break detector mounted on a ceiling consistently produces false alarms. What maintenance action should be taken FIRST?

    Answer: Reposition or re-angle the detector to reduce sensitivity to HVAC noise

    HVAC ducts and metal objects near a ceiling-mounted glass break detector can generate false positives, so repositioning is the first corrective step.

  2. During maintenance, you discover the control panel's AC power LED is off but the system is running on battery. What should you check FIRST?

    Answer: The transformer and circuit breaker supplying AC power to the panel

    A missing AC power LED indicates the transformer input or the upstream breaker has lost power, not a panel fault.

  3. What is the standard test that verifies a dual-technology (PIR + microwave) motion detector requires BOTH technologies to trigger before activating the zone?

    Answer: Single-technology activation test — confirm one technology alone does NOT trip the zone

    By triggering only one technology at a time and confirming no alarm, you verify the AND logic requiring both to activate simultaneously.

  4. How frequently should the central station communication path be tested on a commercial burglar alarm system under UL listing requirements?

    Answer: At least once every 24 hours via automatic supervisory signal

    UL-listed commercial systems must transmit an automatic supervisory signal to the central station at least every 24 hours to maintain listing.

  5. Which maintenance task helps prevent nuisance alarms caused by spider webs or insect intrusion on a PIR detector?

    Answer: Clean the detector lens and housing with a soft, dry cloth on each maintenance visit

    Insects and debris on the lens scatter IR energy and cause false triggers; gentle cleaning removes the contamination without damaging optics.

  6. After completing all maintenance tasks on an alarm system, what is the LAST step before leaving the customer site?

    Answer: Remove the system from test mode with the monitoring center and confirm normal system status

    Taking the system off test ensures the monitoring center resumes normal watch over the account and is aware the service call is complete.