Supervisory and Trouble Signals Flashcards

When a fire alarm system is placed in 'test mode' by an authorized person, the monitoring station should be:

Answer: Notified by phone before testing begins

Before placing a fire alarm system in test mode, the central station or monitoring company must be notified by phone to prevent unnecessary emergency responses.

A 'ground fault' trouble on a Class A initiating device circuit is MOST likely caused by:

Answer: Insulation damage causing a conductor to contact a grounded surface

A ground fault occurs when damaged wire insulation allows a conductor to make contact with a grounded surface such as conduit or a metal enclosure.

What distinguishes a 'supervisory' signal from an 'alarm' signal in terms of required response urgency?

Answer: Alarm signals indicate emergency conditions while supervisory signals indicate off-normal conditions requiring investigation

Alarm signals indicate an emergency requiring immediate evacuation and fire department notification, while supervisory signals indicate off-normal conditions that need investigation but not immediate evacuation.

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.

Which NFPA 72 signal category is associated with a 'low air pressure' condition on a dry-pipe or pre-action sprinkler system?

Answer: Supervisory

Low air pressure in a dry-pipe or pre-action system is a supervisory signal because it indicates the system's supervised condition is off-normal but has not yet operated.

A fire alarm system technician notices the FACP shows a trouble signal labeled 'NAC open.' What does this mean?

Answer: The notification appliance circuit has an open wiring fault

A NAC (Notification Appliance Circuit) open trouble indicates a break in the circuit wiring that would prevent notification appliances from sounding during an alarm.

Under NFPA 72, if a fire alarm system trouble condition cannot be corrected within 24 hours, the responsible party MUST:

Answer: Implement a fire watch until repairs are made

When a fire alarm trouble condition cannot be corrected promptly, NFPA 72 and most fire codes require implementing a fire watch to maintain occupant safety.