FACP FACP System Integration & Interfaces 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a FACP is integrated with an HVAC system, what is the primary purpose of the interface?
- To shut down air handling units and close fire/smoke dampers upon alarm to prevent smoke spread (Correct answer)
- To increase airflow to dilute smoke
- To trigger the building's heating system
- To monitor CO2 levels
Correct answer: To shut down air handling units and close fire/smoke dampers upon alarm to prevent smoke spread
FACP-HVAC integration shuts down air handlers and closes smoke dampers on alarm to prevent the HVAC system from circulating smoke throughout the building.
Question 2: Which NFPA standard governs the interface between fire alarm systems and elevator recall functions?
- NFPA 72 in conjunction with ASME A17.1 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 13
- NFPA 101
- NFPA 25
Correct answer: NFPA 72 in conjunction with ASME A17.1
NFPA 72 provides the fire alarm requirements for elevator recall, while ASME A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators) specifies the elevator-side requirements for Phase I and Phase II recall.
Question 3: A FACP is connected to a building's access control system. What is a typical integrated response upon fire alarm activation?
- Automatically unlock or release electrically locked egress doors to allow free exit (Correct answer)
- Lock all exterior doors to prevent unauthorized entry
- Disable all access card readers permanently
- Activate turnstile barriers
Correct answer: Automatically unlock or release electrically locked egress doors to allow free exit
Life-safety codes require that fire alarm activation release electrically locked egress doors to ensure occupants can exit freely without requiring credentials.
Question 4: What type of relay output is most commonly used to interface a FACP with a non-fire-alarm system such as a gas shut-off valve?
- Dry contact (normally open or normally closed) relay output (Correct answer)
- 4–20 mA analog output
- RS-485 serial output
- Fiber optic output
Correct answer: Dry contact (normally open or normally closed) relay output
Dry contact relay outputs provide a voltage-free switching contact that can be wired to control external systems like gas valves, door holders, or HVAC panels.
Question 5: When a FACP interfaces with a fire suppression (sprinkler) system, what signal does a waterflow switch typically trigger?
- An alarm signal indicating water is flowing in the sprinkler piping (Correct answer)
- A supervisory signal for low pressure
- A trouble signal for an open valve
- A test signal for the suppression system
Correct answer: An alarm signal indicating water is flowing in the sprinkler piping
A waterflow switch detects movement of water in the sprinkler piping and initiates an alarm signal at the FACP, indicating the system has activated.
Question 6: A supervisory signal from a sprinkler system's control valve monitor switch indicates what condition at the FACP?
- A sprinkler control valve has been closed (partially or fully) and requires attention (Correct answer)
- A sprinkler head has activated
- Water pressure is normal
- The suppression system is in test mode
Correct answer: A sprinkler control valve has been closed (partially or fully) and requires attention
Control valve supervisory switches monitor that valves controlling the water supply remain open; a closed valve generates a supervisory (not alarm) signal at the FACP.
FACP FACP System Integration & Interfaces 1
When a FACP is integrated with an HVAC system, what is the primary purpose of the interface?