CAT Preventive Maintenance Procedures 2

Question 1

How often should backup batteries in a fire alarm control panel typically be load-tested according to NFPA 72?

Accepted Answer

Annually

Answer

NFPA 72 requires batteries to be load-tested annually to verify they can sustain the system under alarm conditions.

Question 2

When performing PM on a passive infrared (PIR) detector, which condition would most likely cause false alarms?

Accepted Answer

Dirty lens cover

Answer

A dirty lens reduces sensitivity inconsistently, causing erratic triggering that can produce false alarms.

Question 3

What is the primary reason for lubricating mechanical components of a siren or bell during preventive maintenance?

Accepted Answer

To prevent corrosion and ensure reliable activation

Answer

Lubrication prevents corrosion and mechanical wear that could cause the device to fail when activated.

Question 4

During a PM inspection, a technician finds that a smoke detector's sensitivity reading is outside the listed range. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Clean the detector and retest; replace if still out of range

Answer

NFPA 72 requires cleaning and retesting; if sensitivity remains outside range, the detector must be replaced.

Question 5

Which tool is specifically used to test the sensitivity of an ionization or photoelectric smoke detector during PM?

Accepted Answer

Aerosol smoke tester or magnetics sensitivity meter

Answer

Calibrated aerosol smoke or a sensitivity meter measures whether a detector responds within its listed sensitivity window.

(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Level I Practice Test