CAT Knowledge and Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'tamper switch' refer to in alarm system hardware?
- A switch that triggers an alert if a device enclosure is opened or removed (Correct answer)
- A keyswitch used to bypass zones during maintenance
- A relay that disables the siren during testing
- A reset switch for the panel after an alarm
Correct answer: A switch that triggers an alert if a device enclosure is opened or removed
Tamper switches detect unauthorized access to device enclosures, generating a supervisory signal at the control panel.
Question 2: Which communication method is considered most reliable for alarm signal transmission to a central monitoring station?
- Cellular communicator (primary) with IP as backup (Correct answer)
- Standard POTS phone line only
- WiFi-only connection
- Power line carrier (PLC)
Correct answer: Cellular communicator (primary) with IP as backup
Cellular communicators are now considered the most reliable primary path because they are not subject to line cuts, and dual-path with IP adds redundancy.
Question 3: What is the minimum standby battery capacity requirement for a fire alarm system under NFPA 72?
- 24 hours in standby plus 5 minutes of alarm (Correct answer)
- 8 hours in standby plus 30 minutes of alarm
- 72 hours in standby plus 10 minutes of alarm
- 4 hours in standby plus 15 minutes of alarm
Correct answer: 24 hours in standby plus 5 minutes of alarm
NFPA 72 requires fire alarm systems to operate for 24 hours in standby followed by 5 minutes in full alarm on backup power.
Question 4: A glassbreak detector using acoustic technology responds to which specific characteristic?
- The specific frequency pattern produced when glass shatters (Correct answer)
- Any loud noise above 90 dB
- Infrared flash from a breaking window
- Air pressure change from a broken window
Correct answer: The specific frequency pattern produced when glass shatters
Acoustic glassbreak detectors are tuned to recognize the unique high-frequency sound signature generated when glass fractures.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the 'walk test' feature on an alarm control panel?
- To allow a technician to trigger each zone and verify it annunciates without triggering a full alarm or dispatch (Correct answer)
- To test the siren at full volume during business hours
- To disable the system while the owner walks through the premises
- To send a test signal to the central station for billing purposes
Correct answer: To allow a technician to trigger each zone and verify it annunciates without triggering a full alarm or dispatch
Walk test mode lets technicians activate each sensor and confirm panel registration without causing false alarm responses.
Question 6: What is the typical maximum loop resistance allowed for a 4-wire smoke detector circuit?
- The manufacturer's specified maximum, commonly around 50–100 ohms (Correct answer)
- Unlimited, as long as voltage is present
- 500 ohms for any detector brand
- Resistance is irrelevant for 4-wire detectors
Correct answer: The manufacturer's specified maximum, commonly around 50–100 ohms
Manufacturers specify maximum loop resistance to ensure proper operating voltage reaches the detector; always consult the device data sheet.
Question 7: When installing a keypad, what is the most important factor regarding its placement?
- It must be accessible to authorized users within the exit/entry delay time and not visible from outside (Correct answer)
- It must be installed at least 7 feet high to prevent tampering
- It must be mounted directly adjacent to the main panel
- It must face north to avoid sunlight glare
Correct answer: It must be accessible to authorized users within the exit/entry delay time and not visible from outside
Keypad placement must allow authorized users to arm/disarm within programmed delays while minimizing visibility to potential intruders.
CAT Knowledge and Skills 3
What does the term 'tamper switch' refer to in alarm system hardware?