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

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?

Accepted Answer

Cellular communicator (primary) with IP as backup

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

24 hours in standby plus 5 minutes of alarm

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The specific frequency pattern produced when glass shatters

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Walk test mode lets technicians activate each sensor and confirm panel registration without causing false alarm responses.

(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Practice Test

(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Practice Test

CAT Knowledge and Skills 3