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Detection and Alarm Systems Flashcards

7 cards from real CFPS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Detection and Alarm Systems flashcards as text

  1. In an addressable fire alarm system, each initiating device is assigned a unique address primarily to:

    Answer: Allow the control panel to pinpoint the exact location of an alarm or fault

    Addressable systems allow the FACP to identify which specific device initiated an alarm or reported a fault, enabling faster response and simpler troubleshooting.

  2. NFPA 72 requires that the primary power supply for a fire alarm control unit be supplied by:

    Answer: A dedicated branch circuit, minimum 20-amp, labeled at the panel

    NFPA 72 mandates a dedicated, labeled branch circuit to ensure the fire alarm system cannot be de-energized by tripping a shared breaker.

  3. The maximum allowable secondary power (battery) standby duration for a fire alarm system in a non-protected premises application is:

    Answer: 24 hours

    NFPA 72 requires 24 hours of standby followed by 5 minutes of alarm for non-protected premises systems, unless otherwise specified.

  4. Which type of smoke detector is generally MORE prone to false alarms from cooking aerosols?

    Answer: Ionization detector

    Ionization detectors respond to the tiny combustion particles produced by cooking and are more easily triggered by steam and cooking smoke than photoelectric types.

  5. A waterflow alarm switch on a wet-pipe sprinkler system is classified under NFPA 72 as which type of initiating device?

    Answer: Automatic sprinkler flow alarm initiating device

    Waterflow switches are automatic initiating devices that signal an alarm when water flows through the sprinkler system, indicating a sprinkler has operated.

  6. When a fire alarm notification appliance circuit (NAC) is wired as Class A, the return conductor must:

    Answer: Return to the fire alarm control panel through a separate path

    Class A circuits require a separate return path back to the panel so that a single open fault does not disable any devices downstream of the break.

  7. Under NFPA 72, the maximum sound pressure level for audible notification appliances in sleeping areas is limited to protect occupants from:

    Answer: Permanent hearing damage from high-intensity signals

    NFPA 72 caps output at 110 dBA at the pillow to prevent permanent hearing damage from excessively loud alarms during nighttime occupancy.