CAT Knowledge and Skills 3

Question 1

What does the term 'tamper switch' refer to in alarm system hardware?

Accepted Answer

A switch that triggers an alert if a device enclosure is opened or removed

Answer

A keyswitch used to bypass zones during maintenance

Answer

A relay that disables the siren during testing

Answer

A reset switch for the panel after an alarm

Question 2

Which communication method is considered most reliable for alarm signal transmission to a central monitoring station?

Accepted Answer

Cellular communicator (primary) with IP as backup

Answer

Standard POTS phone line only

Answer

WiFi-only connection

Answer

Power line carrier (PLC)

Question 3

What is the minimum standby battery capacity requirement for a fire alarm system under NFPA 72?

Accepted Answer

24 hours in standby plus 5 minutes of alarm

Answer

8 hours in standby plus 30 minutes of alarm

Answer

72 hours in standby plus 10 minutes of alarm

Answer

4 hours in standby plus 15 minutes of alarm

Question 4

A glassbreak detector using acoustic technology responds to which specific characteristic?

Accepted Answer

The specific frequency pattern produced when glass shatters

Answer

Any loud noise above 90 dB

Answer

Infrared flash from a breaking window

Answer

Air pressure change from a broken window

Question 5

What is the purpose of the 'walk test' feature on an alarm control panel?

Accepted Answer

To allow a technician to trigger each zone and verify it annunciates without triggering a full alarm or dispatch

Answer

To test the siren at full volume during business hours

Answer

To disable the system while the owner walks through the premises

Answer

To send a test signal to the central station for billing purposes

Question 6

What is the typical maximum loop resistance allowed for a 4-wire smoke detector circuit?

Accepted Answer

The manufacturer's specified maximum, commonly around 50–100 ohms

Answer

Unlimited, as long as voltage is present

Answer

500 ohms for any detector brand

Answer

Resistance is irrelevant for 4-wire detectors

Question 7

When installing a keypad, what is the most important factor regarding its placement?

Accepted Answer

It must be accessible to authorized users within the exit/entry delay time and not visible from outside

Answer

It must be installed at least 7 feet high to prevent tampering

Answer

It must be mounted directly adjacent to the main panel

Answer

It must face north to avoid sunlight glare