F80 F80 Code Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NFPA 72, what is the maximum spacing allowed between smoke detectors on a smooth ceiling?
- 15 feet
- 20 feet
- 30 feet (Correct answer)
- 50 feet
Correct answer: 30 feet
NFPA 72 allows a maximum 30-foot spacing between smoke detectors on smooth ceilings with a 15-foot maximum distance from any wall.
Question 2: Which NFPA standard governs the installation of fire alarm systems in the United States?
- NFPA 13
- NFPA 70
- NFPA 72 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 101
Correct answer: NFPA 72
NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, governs fire alarm system installation requirements.
Question 3: According to NFPA 72, a fire alarm control unit (FACU) must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) and comply with which standard?
- UL 864 (Correct answer)
- UL 268
- UL 521
- UL 217
Correct answer: UL 864
UL 864 is the standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, which FACUs must comply with.
Question 4: What is the minimum audible alarm level required by NFPA 72 in a sleeping area above the ambient sound level?
- 5 dB
- 10 dB
- 15 dB (Correct answer)
- 25 dB
Correct answer: 15 dB
NFPA 72 requires audible alarm appliances to produce a sound level at least 15 dB above the average ambient sound level in sleeping areas.
Question 5: How often must a fire alarm system's batteries be replaced per NFPA 72 recommendations to ensure reliability?
- Every 1 year
- Every 2 years
- Every 4 years (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
Correct answer: Every 4 years
NFPA 72 recommends sealed lead-acid batteries used for fire alarm systems be replaced every 4 years.
Question 6: Under the California Fire Code (CBC/CFC), what height of ceiling requires additional spacing adjustments for smoke detector placement?
- Greater than 8 feet
- Greater than 10 feet (Correct answer)
- Greater than 12 feet
- Greater than 16 feet
Correct answer: Greater than 10 feet
Ceilings greater than 10 feet in height require spacing adjustments for smoke detectors per standard code provisions.
Question 7: According to NFPA 72, a notification appliance circuit (NAC) must be capable of operating for how long on secondary (battery) power after a primary power failure?
- 4 hours
- 12 hours
- 24 hours
- 48 hours (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 48 hours
NFPA 72 requires the NAC to be operable for 5 minutes of alarm at the end of a 24-hour supervisory period, but full standby is 24 hours, with alarm at end — however, the secondary power standby minimum is 24 hours followed by 5 minutes of alarm, not 48 hours; for high-rise it may be 24+5 min.
F80 F80 Code Requirements 2
Under NFPA 72, what is the maximum spacing allowed between smoke detectors on a smooth ceiling?