Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Flashcards
7 cards from real FPE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Fire Detection & Alarm Systems flashcards as text
Which NFPA standard is the primary governing document for fire detection and alarm signaling systems in the United States?
Answer: NFPA 72
NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, establishes minimum requirements for the installation, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm and signaling systems.
What type of smoke detector uses light-scattering technology and is most effective at detecting slow, smoldering fires?
Answer: Photoelectric-type detector
Photoelectric detectors use a light source and photosensor; smoke particles from smoldering fires scatter light onto the sensor, making them more responsive to large-particle, low-temperature combustion.
Per NFPA 72, what is the maximum mounting height for the operable part of a manual fire alarm pull station above finished floor level?
Answer: 60 inches
NFPA 72 Section 17.14.8.1 requires the operable part of a manual fire alarm box to be between 42 and 60 inches above the floor, with 60 inches being the maximum.
What is the maximum time delay permitted between the start of sprinkler waterflow and transmission of a waterflow alarm signal per NFPA 72?
Answer: 90 seconds
NFPA 72 Section 17.12.3.1 requires that the waterflow alarm signal be initiated within 90 seconds of waterflow equaling or exceeding that from a single sprinkler.
According to NFPA 72, what minimum sound pressure level must audible notification appliances produce in sleeping areas?
Answer: 75 dBA
NFPA 72 requires audible signals in sleeping areas to produce a minimum of 75 dBA measured at the pillow level to reliably awaken sleeping occupants.
In a fire alarm system, which circuit type connects initiating devices such as smoke detectors and pull stations back to the fire alarm control panel?
Answer: Initiating device circuit (IDC)
An initiating device circuit (IDC) is the wiring path that connects alarm-initiating devices to the fire alarm control panel so the panel can receive detection signals.
Which wiring class in NFPA 72 requires a redundant return path so that a single open circuit fault does not disable the entire circuit?
Answer: Class A
Class A wiring requires a complete redundant return path; a single open fault is supervised and the circuit continues to function, unlike Class B which loses all devices beyond the fault.