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Fire Alarm Systems Flashcards

7 cards from real FST 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 Alarm Systems flashcards as text
  1. An addressable fire alarm system differs from a conventional system primarily in that addressable systems:

    Answer: Identify the specific device that activated rather than just the zone

    Addressable systems assign a unique address to each device, allowing the panel to pinpoint the exact location of an activated detector or pull station.

  2. A 'pre-signal' feature on a fire alarm control panel means:

    Answer: A preliminary alarm is sent to select staff before general evacuation is initiated

    A pre-signal system alerts trained personnel (security, management) before activating general occupant notification, allowing investigation before evacuation.

  3. Under NFPA 72, how soon must a supervising station acknowledge an alarm signal during business hours?

    Answer: 90 seconds

    NFPA 72 requires a supervising station to acknowledge and act on an alarm signal within 90 seconds of receipt.

  4. A fire alarm control panel displays a 'supervisory' signal. This indicates:

    Answer: An off-normal condition in a fire protection system component

    A supervisory signal indicates an off-normal condition in a suppression or detection system component, such as a closed sprinkler valve, requiring investigation.

  5. When installing smoke detectors on smooth ceilings, NFPA 72 generally requires detectors be placed no more than how far apart?

    Answer: 50 feet

    NFPA 72 uses a 30-foot spacing radius, which translates to no more than 30 feet from any point on the ceiling to the nearest detector, equivalent to approximately 50-foot center-to-center spacing in a grid.

  6. Which type of notification appliance is specifically designed to alert hearing-impaired occupants?

    Answer: Strobe light

    Strobe lights (visible notification appliances) are required to alert hearing-impaired individuals by producing a high-intensity flashing light during alarm conditions.

  7. A fire alarm system's 'end-of-line' resistor on a Class B circuit serves what purpose?

    Answer: Allows the panel to detect an open or short circuit fault

    The end-of-line resistor creates a measurable current loop so the panel can distinguish between normal, open-circuit (trouble), and short-circuit (fault) conditions.