CAT Electrical and Wiring Fundamentals 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 Electrical and Wiring Fundamentals flashcards as text
What is a Class B wiring configuration in a fire alarm system?
Answer: A single wire run with an EOL device — an open fault disables devices beyond the break
Class B circuits use a single wire path terminated with an EOL device; if the wire breaks, all devices past the fault become inoperable.
What does impedance mean in the context of alarm wiring?
Answer: The total opposition to current flow including resistance and reactance
Impedance describes the total opposition to electrical current in a circuit and is especially important when matching speakers, sirens, and long wire runs.
Why must alarm wiring avoid running parallel to fluorescent light fixtures?
Answer: Fluorescent ballasts emit EMI that can induce false signals in nearby alarm wiring
Fluorescent light ballasts generate high-frequency electromagnetic interference that can corrupt alarm communication signals on adjacent wiring.
What is the purpose of a supervised power supply in a commercial alarm system?
Answer: Monitor the AC input and battery, and report faults to the panel
A supervised power supply continuously checks AC power presence and battery health, transmitting a trouble condition to the panel if either fails.
Which wire color is the industry standard for the positive (+) conductor in two-conductor alarm wiring?
Answer: Red
Red is the universally accepted positive conductor color in low-voltage alarm wiring, while black is used for the negative/ground conductor.
What is the maximum recommended loop resistance for a typical 12V alarm detection zone?
Answer: 100 ohms
Most alarm panels require loop resistance to stay under 100 ohms to ensure reliable end-of-line supervision and accurate fault detection.