CAT Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking 3

Question 1

A control panel displays a 'tamper' trouble on a specific zone. Upon inspection, all device covers appear closed. What should the technician investigate next?

Accepted Answer

Check for a loose or partially open tamper switch inside the device housing

Answer

Replace the entire zone wiring

Answer

Update the panel firmware

Answer

Increase zone resistance values

Question 2

An alarm system was recently upgraded, but the customer reports that entry delay is not functioning on the front door. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The front door zone was programmed as an instant zone instead of a delay zone

Answer

The siren is defective

Answer

The backup battery is low

Answer

The keypad is in test mode

Question 3

A monitoring center reports receiving duplicate alarm signals from the same account within seconds of each other. What could cause this?

Accepted Answer

The panel is programmed to use dual-path reporting, and both paths sent the alarm simultaneously

Answer

The battery is overcharging

Answer

The keypad is damaged

Answer

The motion detector is defective

Question 4

After replacing a control panel, the customer's existing keypads are not communicating with the new panel. What is the most likely issue?

Accepted Answer

The new panel uses a different communication bus protocol incompatible with the existing keypads

Answer

The keypads need new batteries

Answer

The phone line is disconnected

Answer

The zone resistors are the wrong value

Question 5

A customer complains that their alarm sounds a trouble beep every night at the same time. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The backup battery is failing and drops below threshold during AC power peak-load hours

Answer

A zone is being tripped by a scheduled event

Answer

The keypad is scheduled to beep

Answer

A sensor needs cleaning

Question 6

A technician must determine why an alarm was not transmitted to the monitoring center during an actual break-in. Which log should be reviewed first?

Accepted Answer

The keypad event log on the control panel

Answer

The customer's utility bill

Answer

The technician's previous service report

Answer

The monitoring center's marketing records

Question 7

A retail store's alarm system is tripping during business hours when employees open a specific emergency exit door. What is the correct fix?

Accepted Answer

Program an extended entry delay or use a shunt key switch on that door zone

Answer

Disable the zone permanently

Answer

Replace the door contact

Answer

Move the keypad closer to the door