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

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Backup batteries often show low-voltage conditions during high-load periods, triggering a trouble tone that may occur predictably at certain times.

(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Practice Test

(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Practice Test

CAT Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking 3