Intrusion Detection & Monitoring Flashcards
7 cards from real CST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Intrusion Detection & Monitoring flashcards as text
A seismic sensor installed on a safe would primarily detect which type of intrusion attempt?
Answer: Vibrations caused by drilling or cutting on the protected object
Seismic sensors are tuned to detect low-frequency vibrations transmitted through solid objects, making them ideal for detecting physical attacks such as drilling or grinding on safes or vaults.
In a monitored alarm system, what is the standard communication path used as a primary channel under UL 2050 requirements?
Answer: Digital communicator over PSTN
UL 2050 traditionally recognizes the digital communicator over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) as the primary communication path, though IP and cellular are now widely used as supplements or replacements.
What is the function of an alarm control panel's 'event log' or 'history buffer'?
Answer: To record a time-stamped sequence of system events for review and audit
The event log maintains a time-stamped record of alarms, arm/disarm actions, faults, and user activity, which is critical for post-incident investigation and system auditing.
Which wiring configuration is required to ensure a contact device reports both an alarm condition AND a tamper condition on a single two-wire circuit?
Answer: Double-balanced circuit with two resistors
A double-balanced circuit uses two resistors—one in series and one in parallel—to create three distinct resistance states: normal, alarm, and tamper/short.
A customer reports that their outdoor microwave motion detector triggers frequently when no one is present. Which environmental factor is most likely responsible?
Answer: Vegetation movement caused by wind
Microwave sensors detect motion by measuring Doppler shift in reflected RF energy; moving vegetation such as tree branches or tall grass falls within their detection pattern and causes false alarms.
Under the UL 681 standard for installation of burglar and holdup alarm systems, what minimum wire gauge is typically required for detection circuit wiring?
Answer: 22 AWG
UL 681 generally specifies a minimum of 22 AWG conductors for detection (zone) wiring in burglar alarm installations.
What distinguishes a 'holdup' alarm from a standard 'burglary' alarm in a commercial intrusion detection system?
Answer: Holdup alarms are triggered covertly by occupants under duress; burglary alarms detect unauthorized entry
Holdup (panic) alarms are activated covertly by employees when threatened by robbery, while burglary alarms respond automatically to unauthorized intrusion attempts.