Fire Alarm Expert Roy Pollack Tests
Fire alarm expert Roy Pollack tests your knowledge of some of the fire alarm system basics.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
A magnetic switch that closes upon the proximity of a magnet is considered a ____ switch.
- A.
Normally Open
- B.
Normally Closed
- C.
Class A
- D.
Class B
Correct Answer
A. Normally OpenExplanation
A magnetic switch that closes upon the proximity of a magnet is considered a Normally Open switch. This means that the switch is open or not conducting electricity in its normal state, but when a magnet comes close to it, it closes and allows the flow of current.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A smoke detector is a device suitable for connection to a circuit that has a sensor that responds to a physical stimulus.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because a smoke detector is indeed a device that can be connected to a circuit and it contains a sensor that is designed to respond to a physical stimulus, specifically smoke. When smoke is detected, the sensor triggers an alarm to alert people of a potential fire or smoke hazard.Rate this question:
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- 3.
A control panel has an auxiliary output power rating of 750mA and an audible circuit output of 1/4 Amp. The installation includes one keypad @ 300mA, four motion detectors @30mA each, and a siren of 100mA. The panel itself draws 0.1 Amps. After doing the battery calculations, you determine
- A.
The panel’s capacity is overdrawn.
- B.
The panel’s capacity is sufficient.
- C.
Another power supply is needed.
- D.
Insufficient information exists.
Correct Answer
B. The panel’s capacity is sufficient.Explanation
The total current required by the installation can be calculated by adding up the current draw of each component. The keypad requires 300mA, the motion detectors require 4 x 30mA = 120mA, the siren requires 100mA, and the panel itself draws 0.1 Amps (which is equivalent to 100mA). Adding these values together gives a total current draw of 620mA. Since the panel's auxiliary output power rating is 750mA, which is higher than the total current required by the installation, it can be concluded that the panel's capacity is sufficient.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A ____ fire alarm circuit uses two wires that 1.) start on two terminals at the panel, 2.) go out to devices and 3.) return to the panel on two different terminals.
- A.
Class A
- B.
Class B
- C.
Class C
- D.
Class D
Correct Answer
A. Class AExplanation
A Class A fire alarm circuit uses two wires that start on two terminals at the panel, go out to devices, and return to the panel on two different terminals. This means that even if there is a break in the circuit, the signal can still be transmitted from the panel to the devices and vice versa. This type of circuit provides a higher level of reliability and ensures that the alarm system will still function properly even if there is a fault in the wiring.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Battery calculations are necessary for only commercial fire alarm systems.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Battery calculations are necessary for both commercial and residential fire alarm systems. Fire alarm systems, regardless of their application, require batteries to provide backup power in the event of a power outage. These batteries need to be properly sized and calculated to ensure that they can support the system for a specified duration. Therefore, battery calculations are essential for both commercial and residential fire alarm systems.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The phrase “Authority having jurisdiction” normally refers to:
- A.
The fire inspector
- B.
The owner
- C.
The building official
- D.
The insurance company
- E.
Any of the above
Correct Answer
E. Any of the aboveExplanation
The phrase "Authority having jurisdiction" refers to any of the mentioned options: the fire inspector, the owner, the building official, or the insurance company. This means that any of these entities have the power and responsibility to enforce regulations and make decisions regarding a specific situation or area.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which chapter of NFPA 72, 2013 edition, deals with household fire alarm systems?
- A.
6
- B.
10
- C.
26
- D.
29
Correct Answer
D. 29Explanation
Chapter 29 of NFPA 72, 2013 edition, deals with household fire alarm systems.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which is the largest size wire?
- A.
22 AWG
- B.
18 AWG
- C.
16 AWG
- D.
6 AWG
Correct Answer
D. 6 AWGExplanation
The largest size wire is determined by the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system, where a lower AWG number indicates a larger wire size. In this case, 6 AWG is the largest size wire among the options provided.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The Doppler Effect is the principle upon which a(n) ____ motion detector operates.
- A.
Active infrared
- B.
Passive infrared
- C.
Microwave
- D.
Ultrasonic
Correct Answer
D. UltrasonicExplanation
The Doppler Effect is a phenomenon that occurs when there is a change in frequency or wavelength of a wave as observed by an observer moving relative to the source of the wave. Ultrasonic waves have a frequency higher than the upper limit of human hearing, and they are commonly used in motion detectors. Ultrasonic motion detectors emit ultrasonic waves and then detect the reflected waves. The Doppler Effect is used to analyze the frequency shift of the reflected waves, allowing the detector to determine if there is any motion in the surrounding area. Therefore, an ultrasonic motion detector operates based on the principle of the Doppler Effect.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Our profession is guided by a series of codes, standards and, in some states, laws.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement suggests that in our profession, there are certain codes, standards, and laws that guide our actions. This implies that professionals are expected to adhere to these guidelines and regulations in order to maintain ethical and legal practices. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The definition of “qualified” as per the 2013 edition of NFPA 72 is:
- A.
A person that has been NICET certified in the field of fire alarms to at least level II.
- B.
A person that has been factory trained on the equipment that he or she will be working on.
- C.
A competent and capable person or company that has met the requirements and training for a given field acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
- D.
All of the above
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. A competent and capable person or company that has met the requirements and training for a given field acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.Explanation
The correct answer is "A competent and capable person or company that has met the requirements and training for a given field acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction." This definition encompasses the idea that a qualified individual or company must possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and training for the specific field of fire alarms. Additionally, their qualifications must be deemed acceptable by the authority having jurisdiction, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards and requirements.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the following is a true statement?
- A.
18 AWG wire has more resistance than a 22 AWG wire.
- B.
Larger wires have more resistance.
- C.
20-gauge wire can run farther than 16 AWG wire with less voltage drop.
- D.
14 AWG wire is larger in cross sectional diameter than a 22 AWG wire.
Correct Answer
D. 14 AWG wire is larger in cross sectional diameter than a 22 AWG wire.Explanation
The answer is 14 AWG wire is larger in cross sectional diameter than a 22 AWG wire. This is because the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system assigns a lower number to larger wires and a higher number to smaller wires. Therefore, a 14 AWG wire has a larger diameter than a 22 AWG wire.Rate this question:
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- 13.
A waterflow device should be field adjusted so that an alarm is initiated no more than ____ seconds after a sustained flow of at least ____ GPM.
- A.
30/5
- B.
90/10
- C.
120/10
- D.
30/30
Correct Answer
B. 90/10Explanation
A waterflow device should be field adjusted so that an alarm is initiated no more than 90 seconds after a sustained flow of at least 10 GPM. This means that if there is a sustained flow of at least 10 GPM for a period longer than 90 seconds, the alarm should be triggered.Rate this question:
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- 14.
An RJ31x jack was used to connect alarm systems to a ____.
- A.
McCullough loop
- B.
Direct wire
- C.
POTS line
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
C. POTS lineExplanation
An RJ31x jack is commonly used to connect alarm systems to a POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) line. POTS lines are traditional analog telephone lines that provide reliable and dedicated communication services. The RJ31x jack allows the alarm system to be easily connected and disconnected from the POTS line, ensuring that the alarm system can effectively communicate with the monitoring station. Therefore, the correct answer is POTS line.Rate this question:
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- 15.
In a residential application, smoke alarms shall be installed outside each sleeping area, within ____ ft. of any door to a sleeping room.
- A.
5
- B.
6
- C.
15
- D.
21
Correct Answer
C. 15Explanation
In a residential application, smoke alarms should be installed outside each sleeping area, within 15 ft. of any door to a sleeping room. This distance ensures that the smoke alarm is close enough to detect smoke and alert the occupants in case of a fire. It is important to have smoke alarms installed in these specific locations to provide early warning and increase the chances of a safe evacuation.Rate this question:
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