CAT Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking 2

Question 1

A motion detector repeatedly triggers false alarms only during early morning hours. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Heating system activating and creating thermal gradients

Answer

Faulty detector wiring

Answer

Low battery in the control panel

Answer

Incorrect zone programming

Question 2

A customer reports that their alarm system shows a 'comm failure' trouble condition. What should be checked first?

Accepted Answer

Verify that the telephone line or network connection is active and properly connected

Answer

Replace the control panel

Answer

Reprogram all user codes

Answer

Test all door contacts

Question 3

When troubleshooting an alarm system, you find that one zone is always in alarm even after bypassing it. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

The zone wiring has a short to ground creating a fault condition

Answer

The keypad display is malfunctioning

Answer

The siren is faulty

Answer

The backup battery needs replacement

Question 4

A technician discovers two alarm systems installed in the same building by different contractors, and both systems are causing interference with each other. What is the best resolution?

Accepted Answer

Coordinate frequencies and communication paths so the systems do not conflict

Answer

Remove one system entirely

Answer

Disable wireless communications on both

Answer

Increase transmitter power on the newer system

Question 5

A glass break detector in a retail store triggers every time a forklift operates nearby. What corrective action should be taken?

Accepted Answer

Relocate the detector or adjust sensitivity to reduce susceptibility to low-frequency vibration

Answer

Replace the detector with a higher sensitivity model

Answer

Install a larger siren to overpower the noise

Answer

Disable the detector permanently

Question 6

During a routine inspection, a technician finds a smoke detector that was painted over by building maintenance. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Document and replace the detector, as paint can clog sensing chambers and impair function

Answer

Leave it in place since paint does not affect operation

Answer

Clean the exterior and test the alarm button only

Answer

Repaint the ceiling around the detector to match

Question 7

A newly installed wireless door contact fails to communicate reliably with the receiver. Walking the RF path shows signal drops in one hallway. What is the best solution?

Accepted Answer

Install a wireless repeater in the area with poor signal coverage

Answer

Replace the door contact with a wired model immediately

Answer

Increase the polling rate on the control panel

Answer

Relocate the control panel to the center of the building