CAT Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A motion detector repeatedly triggers false alarms only during early morning hours. What is the most likely cause?
- Faulty detector wiring
- Heating system activating and creating thermal gradients (Correct answer)
- Low battery in the control panel
- Incorrect zone programming
Correct answer: Heating system activating and creating thermal gradients
Passive infrared detectors can trigger false alarms when HVAC systems activate and create rapid temperature changes that mimic motion.
Question 2: A customer reports that their alarm system shows a 'comm failure' trouble condition. What should be checked first?
- Replace the control panel
- Verify that the telephone line or network connection is active and properly connected (Correct answer)
- Reprogram all user codes
- Test all door contacts
Correct answer: Verify that the telephone line or network connection is active and properly connected
A communication failure trouble typically indicates a problem with the communication pathway, so verifying connectivity is the logical first step.
Question 3: When troubleshooting an alarm system, you find that one zone is always in alarm even after bypassing it. What does this suggest?
- The zone wiring has a short to ground creating a fault condition (Correct answer)
- The keypad display is malfunctioning
- The siren is faulty
- The backup battery needs replacement
Correct answer: The zone wiring has a short to ground creating a fault condition
A zone that cannot be cleared even after bypassing indicates a wiring fault such as a short circuit rather than a sensor issue.
Question 4: A technician discovers two alarm systems installed in the same building by different contractors, and both systems are causing interference with each other. What is the best resolution?
- Remove one system entirely
- Coordinate frequencies and communication paths so the systems do not conflict (Correct answer)
- Disable wireless communications on both
- Increase transmitter power on the newer system
Correct answer: Coordinate frequencies and communication paths so the systems do not conflict
Coordinating frequencies, communication channels, and signal paths eliminates interference while allowing both systems to function properly.
Question 5: A glass break detector in a retail store triggers every time a forklift operates nearby. What corrective action should be taken?
- Replace the detector with a higher sensitivity model
- Relocate the detector or adjust sensitivity to reduce susceptibility to low-frequency vibration (Correct answer)
- Install a larger siren to overpower the noise
- Disable the detector permanently
Correct answer: Relocate the detector or adjust sensitivity to reduce susceptibility to low-frequency vibration
Adjusting sensitivity or relocating the detector away from the vibration source will reduce nuisance alarms without compromising security.
Question 6: During a routine inspection, a technician finds a smoke detector that was painted over by building maintenance. What is the correct action?
- Leave it in place since paint does not affect operation
- Document and replace the detector, as paint can clog sensing chambers and impair function (Correct answer)
- Clean the exterior and test the alarm button only
- Repaint the ceiling around the detector to match
Correct answer: Document and replace the detector, as paint can clog sensing chambers and impair function
Paint can block the detector's sensing chamber, preventing proper smoke detection, so the unit must be replaced to ensure life-safety compliance.
Question 7: A newly installed wireless door contact fails to communicate reliably with the receiver. Walking the RF path shows signal drops in one hallway. What is the best solution?
- Replace the door contact with a wired model immediately
- Install a wireless repeater in the area with poor signal coverage (Correct answer)
- Increase the polling rate on the control panel
- Relocate the control panel to the center of the building
Correct answer: Install a wireless repeater in the area with poor signal coverage
A wireless repeater extends RF coverage in areas with obstructions or distance limitations, resolving communication gaps without rewiring.
CAT Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking 2
A motion detector repeatedly triggers false alarms only during early morning hours.
What is the most likely cause?