CAT Tools & Equipment Operation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which tool is used to measure the resistance of a wire run in an alarm system circuit?
- Multimeter set to ohms (Correct answer)
- Clamp meter set to amps
- Tone generator
- Wire stripper
Correct answer: Multimeter set to ohms
A multimeter set to the resistance (ohms) function measures wire resistance to verify loop integrity.
Question 2: When using a fish tape to route cable through conduit, the fish tape should be:
- Pulled rapidly to reduce friction
- Lubricated and fed slowly to avoid kinking (Correct answer)
- Pushed with maximum force at all times
- Wetted with water before insertion
Correct answer: Lubricated and fed slowly to avoid kinking
Lubricating the fish tape and feeding it slowly prevents kinking and eases cable pulling through conduit.
Question 3: A tone generator and inductive amplifier (probe) set is primarily used to:
- Test battery voltage
- Identify and trace wire pairs in a bundle (Correct answer)
- Measure current draw of a detector
- Program a control panel
Correct answer: Identify and trace wire pairs in a bundle
The tone generator applies a signal to a wire and the inductive probe is used to trace and identify that wire among others.
Question 4: What is the correct drill bit type to use when drilling through masonry or concrete for alarm system wire penetrations?
- High-speed steel (HSS) twist bit
- Spade bit
- Carbide-tipped masonry bit (Correct answer)
- Hole saw with bi-metal teeth
Correct answer: Carbide-tipped masonry bit
Carbide-tipped masonry bits are specifically designed to drill through concrete and masonry without dulling rapidly.
Question 5: When using a voltage tester to verify a circuit is de-energized before working on it, the technician should:
- Test only once at the main panel
- Test at each point of work and verify the tester works on a known live circuit first (Correct answer)
- Assume the circuit is off if the breaker is labeled correctly
- Only test if the work is on high-voltage wiring
Correct answer: Test at each point of work and verify the tester works on a known live circuit first
A non-contact voltage tester should first be verified on a known live source, then tested at each work point to confirm de-energization.
Question 6: Which hand tool is best suited for making a clean, precise cut through low-voltage alarm cable without damaging the conductors?
- Utility knife
- Diagonal cutting pliers (dikes) (Correct answer)
- Hacksaw
- Lineman's pliers
Correct answer: Diagonal cutting pliers (dikes)
Diagonal cutting pliers make a clean flush cut through cable jackets and conductors without crushing or fraying.
Question 7: An alarm technician uses a clamp meter during commissioning. Which measurement is the clamp jaw designed to take without breaking the circuit?
- Voltage
- Resistance
- AC or DC current (Correct answer)
- Continuity
Correct answer: AC or DC current
A clamp meter measures current by sensing the magnetic field around a conductor, requiring no break in the circuit.
CAT Tools & Equipment Operation 2
Which tool is used to measure the resistance of a wire run in an alarm system circuit?