S95 Codes and Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to NFPA 72 Table 14.4.5, spot-type smoke detectors installed in non-air-duct areas must be functionally tested at what minimum frequency?
- Monthly
- Semi-annually
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every 2 years
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 72 requires functional testing of spot-type smoke detectors at least annually as part of the system's inspection, testing, and maintenance program.
Question 2: Under NFPA 72, sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries used in fire alarm systems must be replaced at a maximum interval of:
- Every year
- Every 3 years
- Every 5 years (Correct answer)
- Every 10 years
Correct answer: Every 5 years
NFPA 72 requires sealed lead-acid batteries to be replaced at intervals not exceeding 5 years, regardless of their apparent condition.
Question 3: NFPA 72 stipulates that inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems must be performed by:
- Only the original installing contractor
- Qualified personnel whose training and competence satisfy the AHJ (Correct answer)
- Only individuals holding a specific NICET certification level
- Only licensed master electricians
Correct answer: Qualified personnel whose training and competence satisfy the AHJ
NFPA 72 requires qualified personnel acceptable to the AHJ, and while NICET certification is widely accepted, the code does not mandate a specific credential.
Question 4: According to NFPA 72, which of the following must be documented on every fire alarm system inspection and test record?
- Only deficiencies and corrective actions taken
- Date, name of inspector, and results of all inspections and tests performed (Correct answer)
- Pass/fail summary and insurance carrier contact information
- Cost of maintenance and technician license number only
Correct answer: Date, name of inspector, and results of all inspections and tests performed
NFPA 72 Section 7.8.2 requires inspection records to include the date, the inspector's identity, and the results of all tests performed.
Question 5: Under NFPA 72 Table 14.4.5, manual fire alarm pull stations must be tested at what frequency?
- Monthly
- Quarterly
- Semi-annually
- Annually (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 72 requires manual pull stations to be tested annually as part of the required inspection, testing, and maintenance program.
Question 6: When a planned fire alarm system impairment (such as shutting down the system for testing) exceeds 4 hours, NFPA 72 requires:
- Only the building owner to be notified in writing
- A fire watch, notification to the AHJ, and notification to occupants as required (Correct answer)
- The building to be evacuated for the duration of the impairment
- Approval of a variance from the AHJ at least 30 days in advance
Correct answer: A fire watch, notification to the AHJ, and notification to occupants as required
NFPA 72 Section 10.19.1 requires that when a system is impaired beyond 4 hours, a fire watch must be implemented and the AHJ and occupants notified.
Question 7: A proprietary supervising station is best described as one that:
- Is listed by UL and open to monitoring any client's property for a fee
- Is owned and operated by the property owner to monitor only that owner's properties (Correct answer)
- Is operated by the local fire department on behalf of the municipality
- Is run by an independent contractor under exclusive contract with one building
Correct answer: Is owned and operated by the property owner to monitor only that owner's properties
Under NFPA 72, a proprietary supervising station is owned and operated by the property owner or manager and monitors only that organization's facilities.
S95 Codes and Standards 3
According to NFPA 72 Table 14.4.5, spot-type smoke detectors installed in non-air-duct areas must be functionally tested at what minimum frequency?