S95 Inspection and Testing Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to NFPA 72, how often must the sensitivity of smoke detectors be tested?
- Every 6 months
- Annually
- Within 1 year of installation and every alternate year thereafter (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
Correct answer: Within 1 year of installation and every alternate year thereafter
NFPA 72 requires smoke detector sensitivity testing within 1 year of installation and then every other year after that.
Question 2: When testing a heat detector using a listed heat source, the technician must ensure the test device is held at least how far from the detector?
- 1 inch
- 3 inches
- 6 inches (Correct answer)
- 12 inches
Correct answer: 6 inches
Test heat sources must be held at least 6 inches away from the detector to prevent damage and ensure accurate simulation.
Question 3: Which document must be completed and provided to the building owner after each inspection and test of a fire alarm system?
- Manufacturer's data sheet
- Record of completion (NFPA 72 Figure 7.8.2) (Correct answer)
- Occupancy use permit
- AHJ variance form
Correct answer: Record of completion (NFPA 72 Figure 7.8.2)
NFPA 72 Figure 7.8.2 (Record of Completion/Inspection and Testing) must be filled out and provided to the owner after every inspection.
Question 4: A visual inspection of a manual pull station should verify that the station is located no higher than how many inches above the finished floor?
- 42 inches
- 48 inches
- 54 inches
- 60 inches (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 60 inches
NFPA 72 requires manual pull stations to be mounted between 42 and 60 inches above the finished floor.
Question 5: What type of test verifies that audible notification appliances produce the required sound pressure levels throughout a facility?
- Sensitivity test
- Functional test
- Sound level measurement test (Correct answer)
- Impedance test
Correct answer: Sound level measurement test
A sound level measurement test uses a calibrated sound level meter to confirm notification appliances meet minimum dB levels per NFPA 72.
Question 6: During an annual inspection, what action should be taken if a duct smoke detector's sampling tube is found to be partially obstructed?
- Recalibrate the detector sensitivity only
- Clean or replace the sampling tube and retest the detector (Correct answer)
- Mark it for replacement at the next scheduled maintenance cycle
- Notify the AHJ and leave it in service
Correct answer: Clean or replace the sampling tube and retest the detector
Obstructed sampling tubes impair airflow and detection; they must be cleaned or replaced and the detector retested before returning it to service.
Question 7: According to NFPA 72, the maximum allowable response time for a fire alarm signal to be received at a supervising station after initiation is:
- 30 seconds
- 60 seconds (Correct answer)
- 90 seconds
- 5 minutes
Correct answer: 60 seconds
NFPA 72 requires that a supervisory or alarm signal be received at the supervising station within 60 seconds of being initiated.
S95 Inspection and Testing Procedures 2
According to NFPA 72, how often must the sensitivity of smoke detectors be tested?