Fire Alarm Systems and Electrical Safety Standards

Questions and Answers

What is the maximum interval for testing a device inaccessible due to excessive height?

18 months

What is the acceptable maximum mounting height from the floor for a wall-mounted fire telephone appliance?

66 inches

Elevator lobby smoke detectors shall be mounted within a maximum distance of?

21 feet

What is the minimum distance an aerial lift operator shall maintain from power lines with voltage of 600 volts and lower?

10 feet Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition shall the use of unprotected EMT be permitted?

when in direct contact with the earth Signup and view all the answers

According to NFPA 70, what is the maximum unsupported length of 1/2-inch flexible metallic conduit?

4 1/2 feet Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum bend (in degrees) permitted in a conduit run between outlet boxes?

360 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum acceptable time for secondary power to operate the voice evacuation systems when the primary power is disconnected?

15 minutes Signup and view all the answers

A riser room temperature switch should activate when the temperature falls below which level?

40 degrees F Signup and view all the answers

According to NFPA 72, what is the maximum sound pressure level permitted in a space with notification appliances?

110 dBA Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum interval for testing a single-station smoke detector in multifamily units?

Annually Signup and view all the answers

Where should a technician install a detector in relation to a beam that is less than 12 inches deep?

At the bottom of the beam Signup and view all the answers

Where should an existing fire alarm cable in a drop ceiling be spliced to comply with NFPA 70?

secured inside a listed box or enclosure Signup and view all the answers

What function shall be tested for each newly installed smoke detector?

smoke entry Signup and view all the answers

How many heat detectors are required in an 180-foot long corridor with a smooth 10-foot ceiling?

6 heat detectors Signup and view all the answers

At what height must cables be physically protected when being installed within an exposed ceiling?

7 feet Signup and view all the answers

When shall smoke detectors be installed during the construction process?

After the final cleanup of all trades Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum distance intermediate metal conduit shall be secured from an outlet box?

3 feet Signup and view all the answers

The requirement forbidding fire alarm circuits from being T-tapped is intended to prevent which type of malfunction?

monitoring integrity of installation conductors Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum operating temperature of TW insulation?

140 degrees F Signup and view all the answers

Which type of meter is used to measure the current draw of a strobe circuit?

multimeter Signup and view all the answers

What is an acceptable document for finding information on spacing of video imaging smoke detection systems?

shop drawings in submittal package Signup and view all the answers

When pulling multiple cables through a junction box, what is the minimum length of wire an installer must leave for splicing?

6 inches of wire Signup and view all the answers

Which three of the following conditions are symptoms of a heart attack? (Select all that apply)

Pain in chest Signup and view all the answers

To what water temperature should sprinkler water storage containers be supervised to indicate?

40 degrees F Signup and view all the answers

According to NFPA 72, what is the minimum separation between outgoing and returning conductors for a Class A loop that is horizontally placed down an 8-foot-wide corridor?

4 feet of separation Signup and view all the answers

According to NFPA 72, what is the minimum time period that a public emergency alarm reporting system shall operate its emergency power source?

10 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Where shall employers post a safety data sheet?

in the technician's work area Signup and view all the answers

During an acceptance test, what method can be utilized for testing a sprinkler waterflow switch?

Open the inspector's test valve to cause an actual flow of water, ensure that the control panel receives the alarm within 90 seconds Signup and view all the answers

When technicians are working in a plant, where should they learn about the plant's safety regulations?

from OSHA regulations Signup and view all the answers

Where is at least one telephone or jack required to be installed in a fire communication system?

in a fire pump room Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for fire alarm system testing and maintenance?

Property owner Signup and view all the answers

In a protected premises with a 40-foot long by 15-foot wide room having a smooth ceiling, what is the minimum quantity of smoke detectors that shall be required?

2 smoke detectors Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to connect a meter to measure a horn strobe circuit current draw?

The meter should be connected in series with the circuit; it must be located before the first device (horn or strobe) Signup and view all the answers

Which plans include fire detection system details?

electrical Signup and view all the answers

How many inches below the finished ceiling should wall-mounted audible signal appliances be mounted?

6 inches minimum Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended first step in treating a suspected leg fracture?

Immobilize the leg Signup and view all the answers

How often shall alarm notification appliances be tested?

Every 12 months Signup and view all the answers

When the outgoing and return conductors enter or exit notification circuits, how far can the conductors run in the same cable assembly?

10 feet Signup and view all the answers

Which part requires special handling or disposal?

lead acid batteries Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum acceptable size of conductors for multi-conductor cables?

26 AWG Signup and view all the answers

Which type of detector is recommended for protecting atriums and similar open spaces?

projected beam-type Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fire alarm key blank must be used for a run installed in a plenum space?

FPLP Signup and view all the answers

What are the current courses of action if a technician notices that a step is missing from a ladder?

Notify a supervisor; Tag the ladder to prevent others from using it Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum size for EMT?

1/2 inch Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum size for EMT?

4 inches Signup and view all the answers

How often must EMT be securely fastened in place?

at least every 10 feet Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a continuous load?

A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more Signup and view all the answers

What is ampacity?

The maximum current, in amperes, that a conductor can carry continuously without exceeding its temperature rating Signup and view all the answers

What device provides protection from the effects of arc faults?

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Signup and view all the answers

What are the circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s)?

Branch Circuit Signup and view all the answers

What is overcurrent?

Any current in excess of the rated current of equipment or the ampacity of a conductor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum height for initiating a pull box?

48 inches Signup and view all the answers

How long shall a secondary power supply's capacitance last when primary power is off?

24 hours non-alarm and 5 minutes of evacuation at the end Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration for a secondary power supply for in-building mass notification system (MNS)?

24 hours non-alarm and 15 minutes during emergency Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration for a secondary power supply for in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications?

24 hours non-alarm and 15 minutes alarm Signup and view all the answers

Within what time frame shall trouble signals and their restoration to normal be indicated?

200 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which circuit class is a fail-safe circuit?

Class D Signup and view all the answers

Which circuit class is not monitored for integrity?

Class E Signup and view all the answers

How is a Class B circuit different from a Class A circuit?

Class B does not have a redundant path; operational capability stops at a single open. Signup and view all the answers

Monitoring for integrity shall not be required for the interconnection between enclosures containing control equipment located within?

20 feet Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for calculating current (I) in terms of voltage (E) and resistance (R)?

I = E / R Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for calculating resistance (R) in terms of voltage (E) and current (I)?

R = E / I Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for calculating voltage (E) in terms of current (I) and resistance (R)?

E = I x R Signup and view all the answers

What is K for copper at 167 degrees F?

12.9 Signup and view all the answers

What is K for aluminum at 167 degrees F?

21.2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the voltage drop formula for single-phase circuits?

Vd = (2K x L x I) / Cm Signup and view all the answers

What is the voltage drop formula for three-phase circuits?

Vd = (1.73K x L x I) / Cm Signup and view all the answers

What is the total current for a series circuit?

I(t) = I(1) = I(2) = I(3), etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is the total voltage for a series circuit?

E(t) = E(1) + E(2) + E(3), etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is the total resistance for a series circuit?

R(t) = R(1) + R(2) + R(3), etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is the total current for a parallel circuit?

I(t) = I(1) + I(2) + I(3), etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is the total voltage for a parallel circuit?

E(t) = E(1) = E(2) = E(3), etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is the total resistance for parallel circuits?

R(t) = E(t) / I(t) Signup and view all the answers

What is the total resistance when current and voltage are unknown?

1/R(t) = 1/R(1) + 1/R(2) + 1/R(3), etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for total resistance of only 2 resistors in parallel?

R(t) = R(1) x R(2) / R(1) + R(2) Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a detector?

A device suitable for connection to a circuit that has a sensor that responds to a physical stimulus such as gas, heat, or smoke. Signup and view all the answers

What is beam construction?

Ceilings that have solid structural or solid nonstructural members projecting down from the ceiling surface more than 4 inches and spaced more than 36 inches apart. Signup and view all the answers

How soon shall actuation of alarm notification appliances occur?

within 10 seconds Signup and view all the answers

How soon shall indication and restoring of self-restoring supervisory devices occur?

within 90 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum air sample transport time from the farthest sampling port to the detector?

120 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum distance between raceway entries inside the box?

6 times the trade size of the largest raceway in a row Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum distance vertical runs of a metal wireway shall be securely supported?

15 feet Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum distance a metal wireway shall be supported horizontally?

5 feet Signup and view all the answers

What are Class 1 location hazards?

Flammable gases and liquid-produced vapors Signup and view all the answers

What are Class 2 location hazards?

Combustible dust Signup and view all the answers

What are Class 3 location hazards?

Easily ignitable fibers and combustible flyings Signup and view all the answers

What defines Class 1 Division 1?

Gases and vapors that exist under normal conditions and frequently due to repair, maintenance, or leakage. Signup and view all the answers

What defines Class 1 Division 2?

Gases and vapors that are normally confined within closed containers or systems. Signup and view all the answers

What defines Class 2 Division 1?

Combustible dust present in the air under normal operating conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What defines Class 2 Division 2?

Combustible dust that may be present due to infrequent functioning and handling. Signup and view all the answers

What defines Class 3 Division 1?

Locations where easily ignitable fibers or flyings are handled, manufactured, or used. Signup and view all the answers

What defines Class 3 Division 2?

Locations where easily ignitable fibers or flyings are stored or handled other than the process of manufacture. Signup and view all the answers

What is Group A?

Acetylene, class 1 group Signup and view all the answers

What is Group B?

Flammable gas and vapor MESG value less than or equal to 0.45 mm. Signup and view all the answers

What is Group C?

Flammable gas or vapor with MESG of 0.45 - 0.75 mm. Signup and view all the answers

What is Group D?

Gas or vapors with MESG above 0.75 mm. Signup and view all the answers

What is Group F?

Atmospheres containing combustible carbonaceous dust with more than 8% total entrapped volatiles. Signup and view all the answers

What is Group G?

Atmospheres containing combustible dust not included in Group E or F. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fire Alarm System Standards and Testing

Devices must be tested at least every 18 months if inaccessible due to height.
Wall-mounted fire telephone appliances should be mounted no higher than 66 inches.
Elevator lobby smoke detectors must be placed within 21 feet of the door's center-line.
Aerial lift operators need to keep a 10-foot distance from 600-volt power lines.
Unprotected EMT is allowed only when in direct contact with the earth.

Conduit and Cable Regulations

The maximum unsupported length of 1/2-inch flexible metallic conduit is 4 1/2 feet.
A maximum bend of 360 degrees is permitted in conduit runs between boxes.
Smoke detectors in multifamily units must be tested annually.
Detectors in beam constructions (less than 12 inches deep) should be installed at the beam's bottom.

Electrical Connections and Safety

Riser room temperature switches activate below 40°F.
Notification appliances' maximum sound pressure level is limited to 110 dBA per NFPA 72.
Installers must ensure at least 6 inches of wire for splicing when pulling multiple cables through junction boxes.
After construction, smoke detectors should be installed following final clean-up.

Fire Detection and Emergency Power

Secondary power must sustain voice evacuation systems for a minimum of 15 minutes during alarm conditions.
Fire alarm circuits cannot be T-tapped unless specified by the manufacturer to maintain monitoring integrity.
Sprinkler storage must be supervised to indicate water temperature drops below 40°F.
Public emergency alarm systems require a minimum operational time of 10 minutes on emergency power.

Fire Alarm Components and Requirements

Smoke detectors should be placed strategically to protect spaces adequately, with the minimum number specified depending on room size.
A multimeter is utilized to measure current draw of strobe circuits.
Fire alarm system maintenance and testing is the responsibility of the property owner.

Electrical Theory and Calculations

Key electrical formulas include Ohm's Law: I (Amperes) = E (Voltage) / R (Resistance), and voltage drop calculations for single-phase: Vd = (2K x L x I) / Cm.
Class A circuits provide redundancy; Class B circuits do not have a redundant path, stopping operational capability at a single open.
Class D circuits are considered fail-safe, while Class E circuits are not monitored for integrity.

Hazardous Location Classifications

Class 1 locations involve flammable gases and vapors, while Class 2 refers to combustible dust, and Class 3 includes easily ignitable fibers.
Class Division designations specify additional conditions, such as the regular presence of hazardous materials due to operations or equipment failure.

Miscellaneous Regulations

Fire alarm systems require components to be installed within specific height guidelines (e.g., initiating pull boxes at a maximum height of 48 inches).
Proper handling of hazardous components like lead-acid batteries is crucial for safety.
Understanding and adhering to these safety regulations significantly impacts the efficient and safe operation of fire alarm systems.

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Description

Test your knowledge on fire alarm system standards and electrical safety regulations. This quiz covers essential guidelines for device testing, installation requirements, and safety distances in various environments. Ensure you are familiar with the latest standards to maintain safety compliance.