CAT Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking 4

Question 1

During a fire alarm system inspection, a technician finds that a pull station is obstructed by a recently installed shelving unit. What must be done?

Accepted Answer

Document it and inform the customer that the obstruction must be removed to meet code

Answer

Move the pull station to the other side of the wall

Answer

Disable the pull station since it is inaccessible

Answer

Add a second pull station on the opposite wall and leave the obstruction

Question 2

A PIR detector is generating false alarms in a room with large windows facing west. What environmental factor is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Direct sunlight heating entering through the windows and causing thermal spikes

Answer

Electrical interference from nearby wiring

Answer

High humidity levels

Answer

Low room temperature

Question 3

A system is showing a 'low battery' trouble condition immediately after a new battery was installed. What should the technician suspect?

Accepted Answer

The new battery is defective or is not the correct capacity for the system

Answer

The motion detectors are causing the drain

Answer

The keypad needs to be reset

Answer

The AC transformer is fine

Question 4

An alarm system is installed in a building that subsequently undergoes major renovation, adding metal ductwork throughout. Wireless sensors begin failing. Why?

Accepted Answer

Metal ductwork attenuates RF signals, blocking wireless sensor communication

Answer

The renovations changed the building's permit status

Answer

Renovation dust damaged the control panel

Answer

New electrical circuits interfere with zone resistors

Question 5

A technician installs a new access control reader but the door will not unlock when a valid credential is presented. After confirming the credential is enrolled, what is the next step?

Accepted Answer

Verify the wiring between the controller and the electric lock, and check lock power supply

Answer

Replace the credential card

Answer

Reprogram all user credentials

Answer

Replace the access control software

Question 6

A customer wants to add a second keypad in their garage but the existing wire run is too short. What is the correct approach?

Accepted Answer

Run a new dedicated home run wire from the panel to the garage

Answer

Splice additional wire of the same gauge to extend the run

Answer

Install a wireless keypad module that communicates with the control panel

Answer

Replace all existing keypads with the same new model

Question 7

A technician receives a trouble signal from a customer's system but when they call, the customer says everything appears normal. What is the best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Remotely connect to the panel's event log to identify the specific trouble condition and determine if a service visit is needed

Answer

Close the trouble ticket without investigation

Answer

Advise the customer to power cycle the panel

Answer

Send an immediate police dispatch