Maintenance Protocols Flashcards

Under NFPA 72, how often must most fire alarm initiating devices, such as smoke detectors, be functionally tested?

Answer: Annually

NFPA 72 requires annual functional testing of most initiating devices, including smoke detectors and manual pull stations.

What does deferred maintenance mean for a facility?

Answer: Maintenance and repairs postponed, which builds a backlog and raises future costs

Deferred maintenance is postponed work that piles up as a backlog and usually leads to costlier failures later.

Which method is BEST for checking the condition of chiller condenser and evaporator tubes for wall thinning?

Answer: Eddy current testing

Eddy current testing finds pitting, erosion, and wall thinning in non-ferrous heat exchanger tubes.

A steam trap survey finds several traps failed open. What is the main operational impact?

Answer: Live steam is lost to the condensate return, wasting energy

Traps that fail open pass live steam into the return line, which wastes energy and can cause water hammer and high return temperatures.

Which electrical maintenance standard, made mandatory in its 2023 edition, covers electrical equipment maintenance programs?

Answer: NFPA 70B

NFPA 70B changed from a recommended practice to a standard in 2023 and sets requirements for electrical maintenance programs.

A V-belt on an air handler squeals at startup and shows a glazed surface. What is the MOST likely PM finding?

Answer: Belt tension is too loose

Squealing and glazing usually mean a loose belt that slips on the sheaves, so it needs re-tensioning or replacement.

Under NFPA 25, how often must the main drain test be done on a wet pipe sprinkler system riser?

Answer: Annually

NFPA 25 requires an annual main drain test to confirm the water supply and spot changes or blockages compared with earlier results.