NFPA NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Systems 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NFPA 72, what is the maximum allowable sound level for a public mode audible alarm signal in a sleeping area?
- 55 dB(A)
- 70 dB(A)
- 75 dB(A) (Correct answer)
- 110 dB(A)
Correct answer: 75 dB(A)
NFPA 72 requires that public mode audible alarms produce a sound level of at least 75 dB(A) at the pillow in sleeping areas.
Question 2: According to NFPA 72, what is the maximum spacing for heat detectors with a listed spacing of 50 feet in a smooth ceiling room?
- 30 feet
- 50 feet (Correct answer)
- 70 feet
- 100 feet
Correct answer: 50 feet
NFPA 72 permits heat detectors to be installed at their listed spacing, which in this case is 50 feet between detectors on a smooth ceiling.
Question 3: Under NFPA 72, which initiating device is classified as a spot-type smoke detector?
- Linear beam detector
- Duct smoke detector
- Ionization smoke detector (Correct answer)
- Air sampling detector
Correct answer: Ionization smoke detector
An ionization smoke detector is a spot-type detector that responds to products of combustion in its immediate vicinity.
Question 4: According to NFPA 72, what is the maximum allowable supervisory signal response time from the control unit to the supervising station?
- 30 seconds
- 60 seconds
- 90 seconds
- 5 minutes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 5 minutes
NFPA 72 requires that supervisory signals be received at the supervising station within 5 minutes of occurrence.
Question 5: Under NFPA 72, what minimum standby battery capacity is required for a fire alarm control unit?
- 4 hours alarm + 4 hours standby
- 24 hours standby + 5 minutes alarm (Correct answer)
- 4 hours standby + 15 minutes alarm
- 60 minutes alarm only
Correct answer: 24 hours standby + 5 minutes alarm
NFPA 72 requires fire alarm control units to have battery backup for 24 hours in standby followed by 5 minutes in full alarm.
Question 6: According to NFPA 72, where must a remote annunciator panel be located?
- At the main electrical panel
- At a location approved by the authority having jurisdiction (Correct answer)
- Adjacent to the main fire alarm control unit
- In the mechanical room
Correct answer: At a location approved by the authority having jurisdiction
NFPA 72 requires remote annunciator panels to be located where approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
NFPA NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Systems 1
Under NFPA 72, what is the maximum allowable sound level for a public mode audible alarm signal in a sleeping area?