CAT Alarm System Maintenance and Testing Flashcards

How often should a residential security alarm system undergo a full walk-test according to industry best practices?

Answer: Every 6 months

Industry best practices recommend a full walk-test every 6 months to ensure all sensors and zones are functioning properly.

What is the primary purpose of performing a battery load test on a backup power supply?

Answer: To verify the battery can sustain the system under actual load conditions

A load test confirms the battery can deliver sufficient current under real operating conditions, not just at rest voltage.

During a periodic maintenance visit, a technician finds that a door contact sensor fails to trigger the alarm. What is the FIRST step?

Answer: Inspect the magnet alignment and gap distance

Checking magnet alignment and gap is the quickest non-invasive first step before replacing hardware or reprogramming.

Which tool is most appropriate for verifying that a passive infrared (PIR) motion detector is properly detecting motion across its coverage area?

Answer: Walk-test mode on the control panel with technician present

Walk-test mode activates zone indicator feedback so the technician can physically walk the coverage area and confirm detection.

What does a high resistance reading on a normally closed (NC) detection loop indicate during a maintenance check?

Answer: A loose wire connection or corroded terminal

Elevated resistance on an NC loop points to a poor connection or corrosion increasing resistance in the circuit.

A siren fails to sound during a maintenance test but the control panel logs the alarm event. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Blown fuse or broken wire on the siren output circuit

If the panel logs the event but the siren doesn't activate, the issue is in the output wiring or fuse, not the detection side.