FACP Power Supply & Battery Systems

Question 1

Per NFPA 72, what is the minimum secondary (standby) power duration required for a fire alarm system in a building protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system?

Accepted Answer

24 hours

Answer

48 hours

Answer

12 hours

Answer

4 hours

Question 2

What battery chemistry is most commonly specified for FACP secondary power supplies?

Accepted Answer

Sealed lead-acid (SLA)

Answer

Nickel-cadmium (NiCd)

Answer

Lithium-ion (Li-ion)

Answer

Alkaline

Question 3

What is the standard primary AC input voltage for a commercial FACP in the United States?

Accepted Answer

120 VAC

Answer

24 VAC

Answer

240 VAC

Answer

48 VAC

Question 4

Per NFPA 72, how often must the secondary power supply capacity be tested on a fire alarm system?

Accepted Answer

Annually

Answer

Monthly

Answer

Quarterly

Answer

Every 5 years

Question 5

When performing battery calculations for an FACP, what derating factor is typically applied to account for battery aging?

Accepted Answer

0.80 (80%)

Answer

0.50 (50%)

Answer

0.75 (75%)

Answer

0.90 (90%)

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of the dedicated circuit breaker required for an FACP?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the fire alarm from sharing a circuit with other loads that could cause power interruptions

Answer

To allow remote shutoff during fire emergencies

Answer

To limit current flow to smoke detectors only

Answer

To provide overcurrent protection to battery circuits only

Question 7

What label is required on the dedicated circuit breaker for a fire alarm control panel per NFPA 72 and NEC Article 760?

Accepted Answer

'Fire Alarm — Do Not Turn Off' or equivalent

Answer

'Emergency Power Only'

Answer

'FACP Main Disconnect'

Answer

No special label is required