Inspection and Testing Procedures Flashcards

When testing a mass notification system (MNS) integrated with a fire alarm system, the test must verify that the MNS takes priority over:

Answer: Fire alarm evacuation signals when activated by an authorized operator

Per NFPA 72, an MNS activated by an authorized operator must be able to override fire alarm evacuation signals when required.

A single-station smoke alarm installed in a dwelling is considered part of a fire alarm system and must be tested per NFPA 72 when:

Answer: It is interconnected with other detectors and connected to the building's fire alarm system

Single-station alarms become part of the fire alarm system when interconnected and tied to the building's FACP, at which point NFPA 72 testing requirements apply.

What is the maximum voltage drop allowed on a fire alarm notification appliance circuit (NAC) under full alarm load?

Answer: 10%

NFPA 72 permits a maximum voltage drop of 10% on notification appliance circuits to ensure proper operation of horns and strobes.

During a functional test, a strobe light on a notification appliance does not flash. The first diagnostic step should be to:

Answer: Check the NAC circuit voltage at the appliance terminals under alarm load

Verifying circuit voltage under load is the first step because insufficient voltage is the most common cause of strobe failure.

According to NFPA 72, records of inspections, testing, and maintenance must be retained for a minimum of:

Answer: The period between inspections (not less than 1 year)

NFPA 72 requires inspection and testing records be kept for at least the period between tests, with a minimum of 1 year.

A technician tests a fire alarm system using the 'walk test' mode. What is the primary purpose of this mode?

Answer: To silence all notification appliances while testing individual initiating devices

Walk test mode allows a single technician to activate initiating devices while silencing notification appliances so only the FACP logs each activation.

When testing a fire alarm system that monitors a kitchen hood suppression system, activation of the suppression agent release must also result in:

Answer: Shutdown of gas/fuel appliances and activation of fire alarm notification

Hood suppression release must trigger fuel appliance shutdown and fire alarm notification appliances per NFPA 96 and NFPA 72 integration requirements.