Mixed Deck — All S95 Topics Flashcards

Which of the following is the CORRECT action when a fire alarm system is taken out of service for maintenance exceeding four hours?

Answer: Provide a fire watch and notify the AHJ and supervising station

NFPA 72 and most fire codes require a fire watch when a fire alarm system is impaired, along with notification to the AHJ and supervising station.

What causes a 'ground fault' trouble signal on a fire alarm Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC)?

Answer: An unintended electrical connection between a circuit conductor and the building's grounding system

A ground fault occurs when a NAC conductor makes unintended contact with a grounded object such as conduit or structural steel, creating an abnormal current path the panel detects.

An S-95 certificate holder discovers a malfunctioning smoke detector in a corridor. What is the FIRST action to take?

Answer: Log the trouble condition and notify the building owner and fire alarm company

Upon discovering a malfunction, the S-95 holder must immediately log the trouble condition and notify the building owner and the fire alarm service company.

In a commercial building, what is the primary function of a duct smoke detector?

Answer: To shut down the HVAC system and prevent the spread of smoke throughout the building.

Duct smoke detectors are installed in HVAC ductwork to detect the presence of smoke. Their main purpose is to prevent the circulation of smoke from a fire in one area of a building to other areas through the ventilation system. Upon detecting smoke, they send a signal to the fire alarm control panel, which then typically shuts down the HVAC fans and closes dampers.

Under NFPA 72, the maximum acceptable end-to-end response time for a supervising station to retransmit an alarm signal to the fire department is:

Answer: 60 seconds

NFPA 72 requires that supervising stations retransmit a received alarm signal to the fire department within 60 seconds of receipt.

Which tool is required to perform an operational test of a waterflow alarm switch on a wet-pipe sprinkler system without discharging water?

Answer: Inspector's test valve at the end of the branch line

The inspector's test valve simulates a single sprinkler head flow, activating the waterflow switch without full system discharge.

When the S-95 holder cannot be present during a planned fire alarm impairment, what must occur?

Answer: Another qualified S-95 holder must supervise in their place

If the primary S-95 holder is unavailable, another individual holding a valid S-95 certificate must be designated to supervise the impairment.

Under NFPA 72, how must an audible trouble signal behave after it has been temporarily silenced at the panel?

Answer: It must automatically re-sound if any new or additional trouble condition develops

NFPA 72 permits silencing a trouble signal, but the audible indication must automatically re-sound if a new trouble condition arises so that subsequent faults are never masked.

A technician is testing a fire alarm system and disconnects a wire on an initiating device circuit. What is the expected signal to appear on the FACP?

Answer: A trouble signal, because there is a fault in the circuit wiring.

A disconnected wire creates an open circuit, which is a fault in the fire alarm system's wiring. The FACP is designed to monitor the integrity of its circuits and will generate a trouble signal to indicate such a fault.

A fire alarm system initiating device circuit (IDC) in Class B configuration is also referred to as a:

Answer: Style B circuit

NFPA 72 designates Class B (formerly Style B or Style C) circuits as those that do not provide full fault isolation; a single open or ground fault disables part or all of the circuit.

A 'pre-signal' alarm system is specifically designed to:

Answer: Alert a constantly attended location first before sounding the general building evacuation alarm

Pre-signal systems notify trained staff at a constantly attended location first, allowing them to investigate before triggering a building-wide evacuation alarm.

Under NFPA 72, which of the following occupancies is specifically excluded from the requirement to monitor a fire alarm system at a supervising station?

Answer: One- and two-family dwellings

NFPA 72 includes an exception that exempts one- and two-family dwellings from the supervising station monitoring requirement that applies to other occupancies.

An addressable fire alarm system differs from a conventional system in that it:

Answer: Can identify the specific device in alarm or trouble by its unique address

Addressable systems assign each device a unique identifier, allowing the control panel to pinpoint exactly which device is reporting an alarm or fault.

Under NFPA 72, which entity has authority to grant equivalencies or waivers from specific code requirements?

Answer: The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has the authority to grant equivalencies or approve alternative methods under NFPA 72.

A cross-zoned detection system requires two separate detection zones to activate before sounding a full alarm. If only one zone activates, the FACP would typically display a:

Answer: Pre-alarm or investigation signal

In a cross-zoned system, single-zone activation typically generates a pre-alarm or investigation condition rather than a full alarm until the second zone confirms.

A dry-pipe valve that has tripped and allowed air to escape from the system would generate what type of signal?

Answer: Alarm signal from the associated flow switch

When a dry-pipe valve trips, water flows into the system piping and the flow switch activates, generating an alarm signal just like a wet-pipe system.

What is the purpose of a fire alarm system inspection report?

Answer: To summarize the findings of routine inspections and any corrective actions taken

A fire alarm system inspection report is a formal document that records the results of periodic checks and tests. Its primary purpose is to summarize the system's current condition, identify any deficiencies, and detail all corrective actions performed. This ensures the system remains operational, compliant with codes, and ready to function effectively in an emergency.

An S-95 holder is working in a large building where the main FACP is in the basement. A separate panel in the lobby displays the system status and indicates the floor of any alarm. What is this lobby panel called?

Answer: A Remote Annunciator.

A remote annunciator is a secondary display for the fire alarm system. It is placed in a location, such as a lobby or security office, to provide first responders and building personnel with convenient access to critical system information without having to go to the main FACP.

The S-95 Certificate of Fitness is tied to a specific individual and what other specific factor?

Answer: A specific work location.

The S-95 Certificate of Fitness is valid only for the person to whom it is issued and only at the specific building/location listed on the certificate. If the holder changes their work location, they must notify the FDNY.

Which signal type is generated when a sprinkler control valve is closed more than 20% from the fully open position?

Answer: Supervisory signal

A tamper switch on a sprinkler control valve generates a supervisory signal when the valve moves significantly from its fully open (normal) position.