Fire Alarm Systems Flashcards
7 cards from real FST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning โ missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Fire Alarm Systems flashcards as text
An addressable fire alarm system differs from a conventional system primarily in that addressable systems:
Answer: Identify the specific device that activated rather than just the zone
Addressable systems assign a unique address to each device, allowing the panel to pinpoint the exact location of an activated detector or pull station.
A 'pre-signal' feature on a fire alarm control panel means:
Answer: A preliminary alarm is sent to select staff before general evacuation is initiated
A pre-signal system alerts trained personnel (security, management) before activating general occupant notification, allowing investigation before evacuation.
Under NFPA 72, how soon must a supervising station acknowledge an alarm signal during business hours?
Answer: 90 seconds
NFPA 72 requires a supervising station to acknowledge and act on an alarm signal within 90 seconds of receipt.
A fire alarm control panel displays a 'supervisory' signal. This indicates:
Answer: An off-normal condition in a fire protection system component
A supervisory signal indicates an off-normal condition in a suppression or detection system component, such as a closed sprinkler valve, requiring investigation.
When installing smoke detectors on smooth ceilings, NFPA 72 generally requires detectors be placed no more than how far apart?
Answer: 50 feet
NFPA 72 uses a 30-foot spacing radius, which translates to no more than 30 feet from any point on the ceiling to the nearest detector, equivalent to approximately 50-foot center-to-center spacing in a grid.
Which type of notification appliance is specifically designed to alert hearing-impaired occupants?
Answer: Strobe light
Strobe lights (visible notification appliances) are required to alert hearing-impaired individuals by producing a high-intensity flashing light during alarm conditions.
A fire alarm system's 'end-of-line' resistor on a Class B circuit serves what purpose?
Answer: Allows the panel to detect an open or short circuit fault
The end-of-line resistor creates a measurable current loop so the panel can distinguish between normal, open-circuit (trouble), and short-circuit (fault) conditions.