CAT Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking 3 — Questions and Answers
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?
- Check for a loose or partially open tamper switch inside the device housing (Correct answer)
- Replace the entire zone wiring
- Update the panel firmware
- Increase zone resistance values
Correct answer: Check for a loose or partially open tamper switch inside the device housing
Tamper switches can activate if the device housing is not fully seated or latched, even when it appears closed from the outside.
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?
- The front door zone was programmed as an instant zone instead of a delay zone (Correct answer)
- The siren is defective
- The backup battery is low
- The keypad is in test mode
Correct answer: The front door zone was programmed as an instant zone instead of a delay zone
If the zone type was not correctly configured as an entry/exit delay zone during the upgrade, it will trigger immediately upon activation.
Question 3: A monitoring center reports receiving duplicate alarm signals from the same account within seconds of each other. What could cause this?
- The panel is programmed to use dual-path reporting, and both paths sent the alarm simultaneously (Correct answer)
- The battery is overcharging
- The keypad is damaged
- The motion detector is defective
Correct answer: The panel is programmed to use dual-path reporting, and both paths sent the alarm simultaneously
Dual-path or redundant communication configurations can transmit the same event over multiple channels nearly simultaneously, appearing as duplicates.
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?
- The keypads need new batteries
- The new panel uses a different communication bus protocol incompatible with the existing keypads (Correct answer)
- The phone line is disconnected
- The zone resistors are the wrong value
Correct answer: The new panel uses a different communication bus protocol incompatible with the existing keypads
Different panel manufacturers and generations often use proprietary bus protocols, making existing keypads incompatible with a new panel.
Question 5: A customer complains that their alarm sounds a trouble beep every night at the same time. What is the most likely cause?
- A zone is being tripped by a scheduled event
- The backup battery is failing and drops below threshold during AC power peak-load hours (Correct answer)
- The keypad is scheduled to beep
- A sensor needs cleaning
Correct answer: The backup battery is failing and drops below threshold during AC power peak-load hours
Backup batteries often show low-voltage conditions during high-load periods, triggering a trouble tone that may occur predictably at certain times.
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?
- The keypad event log on the control panel (Correct answer)
- The customer's utility bill
- The technician's previous service report
- The monitoring center's marketing records
Correct answer: The keypad event log on the control panel
The control panel's event log records all system activity, including alarms, troubles, and communication attempts, making it the primary diagnostic tool.
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?
- Disable the zone permanently
- Program an extended entry delay or use a shunt key switch on that door zone (Correct answer)
- Replace the door contact
- Move the keypad closer to the door
Correct answer: Program an extended entry delay or use a shunt key switch on that door zone
A shunt key switch or properly programmed delay allows authorized use of the door without triggering an alarm during business hours.
CAT Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking 3
A control panel displays a 'tamper' trouble on a specific zone.
Upon inspection, all device covers appear closed.
What should the technician investigate next?