CFPS Detection and Alarm Systems 4

Question 1

Cross-zoning in a fire detection system means that an alarm is only generated when:

Accepted Answer

At least one detector on each of two separate zones activates

Answer

Cross-zoning requires activation of detectors from two independent zones in the same vicinity, reducing false alarms while confirming a real fire condition.

Question 2

A video smoke detection (VSD) system identifies smoke by analyzing:

Accepted Answer

Pixel-by-pixel changes in visual contrast and motion patterns

Answer

VSD algorithms process camera images in real time, detecting the optical effects of smoke—such as reduced contrast, blurring, and characteristic motion—on video frames.

Question 3

According to NFPA 72, a fire alarm control unit (FACU) must be capable of receiving an alarm signal and transmitting it to the monitoring station within:

Accepted Answer

90 seconds

Answer

NFPA 72 requires that the signal be received at the supervising station within 90 seconds of the alarm condition being detected.

Question 4

A linear heat detector installed along a cable continuously measures:

Accepted Answer

Temperature or rate-of-rise along the entire cable length

Answer

Linear heat detectors use thermocouples, thermistors, or optical fiber to sense temperature changes along their entire length, providing detection coverage over large areas.

Question 5

The term 'alarm verification' in NFPA 72 refers to a feature that:

Accepted Answer

Introduces a time delay before transmitting an alarm to reduce nuisance activations

Answer

Alarm verification introduces a brief user-defined delay (typically 10–60 seconds) during which the panel waits to see if the detector resets before transmitting the alarm signal.

CFPS (Certfied Fire Protection Specialist) Practice Test

CFPS (Certfied Fire Protection Specialist) Practice Test

CFPS Detection and Alarm Systems 4