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Questions and Answers
A building owner decides to extend the functional testing interval for their smoke detectors to three years, citing minimal false alarms. Which code requirement are they violating?
A building owner decides to extend the functional testing interval for their smoke detectors to three years, citing minimal false alarms. Which code requirement are they violating?
- NFPA 25
- NFPA 72 (correct)
- NFPA 13
- NFPA 101
During an annual inspection, a technician discovers that a heat detector fails to activate when tested with controlled heat. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
During an annual inspection, a technician discovers that a heat detector fails to activate when tested with controlled heat. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
- Replace the heat detector immediately and document the failure. (correct)
- Document the failure and schedule a follow-up inspection in six months.
- Clean the heat detector and re-test to see if it functions properly.
- Adjust the sensitivity settings of the heat detector and re-test.
A fire alarm system's control panel fails to transmit signals to the monitoring center during its annual test. Besides the communication system, which other component should be checked FIRST?
A fire alarm system's control panel fails to transmit signals to the monitoring center during its annual test. Besides the communication system, which other component should be checked FIRST?
- Manual pull stations
- Smoke detectors
- Battery backup power supplies (correct)
- Audible notification appliances
A facility manager wants to reduce costs by training existing maintenance staff to perform annual fire alarm system testing. What requirement MUST be met before they can proceed?
A facility manager wants to reduce costs by training existing maintenance staff to perform annual fire alarm system testing. What requirement MUST be met before they can proceed?
A building owner is considering different options for smoke detector testing. Which testing method BEST fulfills the requirements outlined in NFPA 72?
A building owner is considering different options for smoke detector testing. Which testing method BEST fulfills the requirements outlined in NFPA 72?
What is the purpose of regular fire alarm system maintenance?
What is the purpose of regular fire alarm system maintenance?
Which NFPA standard provides guidelines for fire alarm system testing?
Which NFPA standard provides guidelines for fire alarm system testing?
How often should smoke detectors undergo functional testing?
How often should smoke detectors undergo functional testing?
What does functional testing of a component involve?
What does functional testing of a component involve?
What is used to functionally test a smoke detector?
What is used to functionally test a smoke detector?
How often should heat detectors be visually inspected?
How often should heat detectors be visually inspected?
What action is performed during functional testing of manual pull stations?
What action is performed during functional testing of manual pull stations?
How often should audible and visible notification appliances be tested?
How often should audible and visible notification appliances be tested?
What aspect of control panels and communication systems should be tested annually?
What aspect of control panels and communication systems should be tested annually?
Who should perform maintenance on fire alarm systems?
Who should perform maintenance on fire alarm systems?
Flashcards
Fire System Maintenance
Fire System Maintenance
Ensuring fire detection and alarm systems are operational through regular checks and actions.
NFPA 72 Role
NFPA 72 Role
NFPA 72 sets the standards, dictating how often specific components must be checked to maintain system reliability.
Smoke Detector Functional Testing
Smoke Detector Functional Testing
Testing smoke detectors involves activating them with approved methods to ensure they respond correctly.
Manual Pull Station Testing
Manual Pull Station Testing
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Notification Appliance Testing
Notification Appliance Testing
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Functional Testing
Functional Testing
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Smoke Detector Sensitivity Testing
Smoke Detector Sensitivity Testing
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Heat Detector Testing
Heat Detector Testing
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Manual Pull Station Inspections
Manual Pull Station Inspections
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Audible/Visible Device Tests
Audible/Visible Device Tests
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Study Notes
- Maintenance is critical for ensuring fire detection and alarm systems remain operational.
- Regular inspections and functional testing should be conducted in line with guidelines from NFPA 72.
- NFPA 72 is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.
- NFPA 72 mandates specific intervals for inspections and functional testing to ensure ongoing system reliability.
- Requirements vary based on the type of component being tested.
- Requirements can be modified by states or other jurisdictions to be more frequent.
Smoke Detectors
- Functional testing must be conducted at least annually.
- Sensitivity testing should occur every two years, unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.
- Functional testing involves activating components to confirm they operate as intended.
- For smoke detectors, testing involves using an approved aerosol spray or a manufacturer-approved test tool to verify the detector's response.
Heat Detectors
- Heat detectors must be visually inspected semiannually and functionally tested annually to verify proper activation.
- Functional testing involves applying controlled heat to verify activation without damaging the device.
Manual Pull Stations
- Manual pull stations require semiannual visual inspection and annual functional testing to confirm alarm activation.
- Functional testing involves physically activating the pull station to confirm it triggers the alarm system.
Audible and Visible Notification Appliances
- Should be tested annually.
- Testing ensures that alarms, strobes, and other alerting devices function properly.
Control Panels and Communication Systems
- Should be tested annually.
- Testing includes battery backup power supplies, to verify their ability to transmit signals to monitoring centers.
- Only properly trained and competent persons should perform inspections, testing and maintenance on fire alarm systems and components.
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Description
Maintenance is critical for fire detection and alarm systems, including regular inspections and functional testing as per NFPA 72 guidelines. Functional testing confirms component operation, while sensitivity testing should occur every two years for smoke detectors. States can modify requirements to be more frequent.
