FST Fire Alarm Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which NFPA standard governs the installation of fire alarm and signaling systems?
- NFPA 13
- NFPA 72 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 101
- NFPA 25
Correct answer: NFPA 72
NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, is the primary standard governing the installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems.
Question 2: A Class A initiating device circuit differs from a Class B circuit primarily because Class A:
- Uses wireless devices only
- Provides a trouble signal on open circuit but still operates (Correct answer)
- Requires more devices per loop
- Operates at higher voltage
Correct answer: Provides a trouble signal on open circuit but still operates
Class A circuits are wired in a loop that returns to the panel, so a single open fault still allows devices on the other side to operate and generates a trouble signal.
Question 3: What is the maximum allowable sound pressure level for a fire alarm audible notification appliance in a sleeping area per NFPA 72?
- 75 dB(A)
- 110 dB(A) (Correct answer)
- 85 dB(A)
- 60 dB(A)
Correct answer: 110 dB(A)
NFPA 72 caps audible appliances at 110 dB(A) measured at the pillow to protect hearing while still providing effective wake-up signals.
Question 4: A duct smoke detector is required to perform which primary function?
- Alert occupants with an audible alarm
- Shut down HVAC equipment to prevent smoke recirculation (Correct answer)
- Activate the sprinkler system
- Monitor carbon monoxide levels
Correct answer: Shut down HVAC equipment to prevent smoke recirculation
Duct smoke detectors are primarily installed to shut down air-handling units and prevent smoke from spreading through ductwork to other areas.
Question 5: During a walk test of a fire alarm system, an inspector activates each device individually. What is being verified?
- Battery standby capacity
- That each device sends a unique point identification to the panel (Correct answer)
- The decibel output of speakers
- The proper voltage of the power supply
Correct answer: That each device sends a unique point identification to the panel
A walk test confirms that each initiating device is properly mapped and transmits its unique address or zone ID to the fire alarm control panel.
Question 6: What minimum standby battery capacity is required for a fire alarm system protected premises unit per NFPA 72?
- 4 hours
- 12 hours
- 24 hours (Correct answer)
- 72 hours
Correct answer: 24 hours
NFPA 72 requires a minimum of 24 hours of standby power followed by 5 minutes of alarm operation for a protected premises fire alarm system.
Question 7: Which device would BEST detect a slow, smoldering fire with minimal flame in an office environment?
- Rate-of-rise heat detector
- Fixed-temperature heat detector
- Ionization smoke detector
- Photoelectric smoke detector (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Photoelectric smoke detector
Photoelectric smoke detectors are more sensitive to large combustion particles produced by slow, smoldering fires, making them ideal for this scenario.
FST Fire Alarm Systems 2
Which NFPA standard governs the installation of fire alarm and signaling systems?