S95 - Supervision of Fire Alarm System Inspection and Testing Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to NFPA 72, what is the required initial and subsequent testing frequency for smoke detector sensitivity?

Accepted Answer

Initially within 1 year of installation, then every alternate year. If two consecutive tests are stable, the interval can extend to 5 years.

Answer

Initially within 6 months of installation, and annually thereafter.

Answer

Annually from the date of installation for the life of the detector.

Answer

Only when a trouble signal indicates a sensitivity issue on the FACP.

Question 2

An S-95 Certificate of Fitness holder is supervising a fire alarm system when a single smoke detector is replaced. Which of the following best describes the reacceptance testing required by NFPA 72 for this modification?

Accepted Answer

The new detector, all functions affected by the change, and 10% of unaffected initiating devices (up to 50) must be tested.

Answer

The entire system must undergo a full acceptance test as if it were a new installation.

Answer

Only the newly replaced smoke detector needs to be functionally tested.

Answer

No testing is required until the next scheduled annual inspection.

Question 3

During a monthly inspection of a fire alarm system's secondary power supply, what is a key visual check an S-95 holder must perform on the lead-acid batteries?

Accepted Answer

Check for corrosion on terminals and signs of leakage from the battery case.

Answer

Perform a 30-minute discharge test.

Answer

Measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte.

Answer

Verify the battery manufacturer date is within the last year.

Question 4

A facility manager schedules an annual fire alarm system test in a fully occupied office building. What is a critical procedural step that must be taken prior to beginning the test?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the fire department is on-site to witness the entire test.

Answer

Disable the building's HVAC system to prevent smoke from spreading.

Answer

Obtain a hot work permit from the local fire department.

Answer

Notify the building occupants and the central monitoring station that testing will be conducted.

Question 5

When performing an acceptance test on a new fire alarm system, what is the NFPA 72 requirement for testing the secondary power supply (batteries)?

Accepted Answer

The primary (AC) power must be disconnected, and the system must be operated under battery power for a specified duration.

Answer

The batteries must be disconnected and tested with a handheld load tester only.

Answer

The charging voltage must be measured and recorded in the log book.

Answer

The batteries must be replaced with a new set immediately before the test.

Question 6

Which of the following activities is an S-95 Certificate of Fitness holder explicitly PROHIBITED from performing?

Accepted Answer

Making repairs to a central station transmitter or other internal system components.

Answer

Visually inspecting smoke detectors for physical damage.

Answer

Acknowledging a trouble signal on the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP).

Answer

Placing the system on test with the central station before a scheduled drill.