CAT Alarm Technician System Installation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When installing a motion detector, what is the recommended mounting height for a passive infrared (PIR) sensor to achieve optimal coverage?
- 4 to 5 feet
- 6 to 8 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 to 12 feet
- 2 to 3 feet
Correct answer: 6 to 8 feet
PIR motion detectors are typically mounted at 6 to 8 feet to provide the best coverage pattern and minimize false alarms from pets near the floor.
Question 2: Which wire gauge is most commonly used for connecting alarm system sensors to a control panel?
- 18 AWG (Correct answer)
- 12 AWG
- 10 AWG
- 6 AWG
Correct answer: 18 AWG
18 AWG wire is the standard for most low-voltage alarm sensor wiring because it provides sufficient conductivity for signal transmission over typical residential distances.
Question 3: What is the purpose of an end-of-line (EOL) resistor in a supervised alarm zone?
- To increase signal voltage
- To allow the panel to detect open or short circuit faults (Correct answer)
- To reduce current draw
- To amplify sensor sensitivity
Correct answer: To allow the panel to detect open or short circuit faults
An EOL resistor creates a specific resistance value that the panel monitors, allowing it to detect both open circuits (wire cut) and short circuits (wire shorted) as tamper conditions.
Question 4: A door contact is installed on an outswing door. Where should the magnet portion be placed?
- On the door frame
- On the door itself (Correct answer)
- On the floor near the door
- On the hinge side
Correct answer: On the door itself
The magnet is placed on the moving door panel while the switch body is mounted on the stationary frame, ensuring the magnet separates from the switch when the door opens.
Question 5: Which National Electrical Code (NEC) article governs the installation of fire alarm systems?
- Article 725
- Article 760 (Correct answer)
- Article 800
- Article 820
Correct answer: Article 760
NEC Article 760 specifically covers fire alarm systems, including wiring requirements, cable types, and installation methods for fire protective signaling systems.
Question 6: When drilling through a fire-rated wall to run alarm wiring, what must be done after the wire is installed?
- Apply electrical tape around the wire
- Seal the penetration with a listed fire-stop material (Correct answer)
- Install a conduit bushing
- Label the wire on both sides
Correct answer: Seal the penetration with a listed fire-stop material
All penetrations through fire-rated walls must be sealed with UL-listed fire-stop materials to maintain the wall's fire rating and prevent fire and smoke spread.
Question 7: What does a normally closed (NC) zone configuration mean in an alarm system?
- The zone circuit is open under normal conditions
- The zone circuit is complete (closed loop) under normal conditions (Correct answer)
- The zone is always active
- The zone cannot be bypassed
Correct answer: The zone circuit is complete (closed loop) under normal conditions
A normally closed zone has a complete electrical circuit at rest; the circuit opens when a sensor triggers, causing the panel to detect an alarm condition.
CAT Alarm Technician System Installation 2
When installing a motion detector, what is the recommended mounting height for a passive infrared (PIR) sensor to achieve optimal coverage?