The 101s Of Fire Alarm Code! Trivia Quiz

1. The following quote, "The fire alarm system shall have an approved maintenance and testing program complying with the applicable requirements of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code," is from what document?

UL 827

UL 681

NFPA 101

NFPA 1

C — NPFA 101, 9.6.1.5

Explanation

C — NPFA 101, 9.6.1.5

2. In grouped door openings in excess of 40 ft. manual fire alarm boxes shall be mounted:

In between each set of openings.

On either side of the grouped openings.

On both sides of grouped openings within 5 ft. of each side.

As required by the AHJ.

In grouped door openings in excess of 40 ft., manual fire alarm boxes should be mounted on both sides of the grouped openings within 5 ft. of each side. This ensures that the alarm boxes are easily accessible and can be quickly activated in case of a fire emergency. Placing the alarm boxes on both sides of the openings also ensures that they are evenly distributed and can be easily reached from any direction. This requirement helps to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the fire alarm system in large door opening areas.

Explanation

In grouped door openings in excess of 40 ft., manual fire alarm boxes should be mounted on both sides of the grouped openings within 5 ft. of each side. This ensures that the alarm boxes are easily accessible and can be quickly activated in case of a fire emergency. Placing the alarm boxes on both sides of the openings also ensures that they are evenly distributed and can be easily reached from any direction. This requirement helps to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the fire alarm system in large door opening areas.

3. A "fire scenario" is:

A combination of heat, oxygen, and fuel.

A set of conditions that fire departments put forth in training sessions which replicate situations that they may encounter.

A "fire scenario" refers to a set of conditions that encompasses various aspects of a fire, including its development, the spread of combustion products, the reactions of people to fire, and the effects of combustion products. This definition highlights the comprehensive nature of a fire scenario, which goes beyond just the combination of heat, oxygen, and fuel. It includes the overall progression of a fire, its impact on a building or its occupants, and the aftermath of the fire in terms of burn patterns, combustion product conditions, and remaining ash.

Explanation

A "fire scenario" refers to a set of conditions that encompasses various aspects of a fire, including its development, the spread of combustion products, the reactions of people to fire, and the effects of combustion products. This definition highlights the comprehensive nature of a fire scenario, which goes beyond just the combination of heat, oxygen, and fuel. It includes the overall progression of a fire, its impact on a building or its occupants, and the aftermath of the fire in terms of burn patterns, combustion product conditions, and remaining ash.

4. What does the code require when a fire alarm is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period?

The building be evacuated

An approved fire watch

The AHJ must be notified

All of the above

When a fire alarm is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, it is necessary to take multiple actions. First, the building must be evacuated to ensure the safety of the occupants. Additionally, an approved fire watch should be implemented to monitor the area and respond to any potential fire hazards. Finally, it is important to notify the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) about the situation to ensure compliance with regulations and to seek further guidance if needed. Therefore, all of the above options are required when a fire alarm is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period.

Explanation

When a fire alarm is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, it is necessary to take multiple actions. First, the building must be evacuated to ensure the safety of the occupants. Additionally, an approved fire watch should be implemented to monitor the area and respond to any potential fire hazards. Finally, it is important to notify the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) about the situation to ensure compliance with regulations and to seek further guidance if needed. Therefore, all of the above options are required when a fire alarm is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period.

5. A(n) ______ as defined in NFPA 92, is a large-volume space, generally two or more stories high, within which smoke can move and accumulate without restriction.

Compartment

Attic

Atrium

Plenum

According to NFPA 92, an atrium is defined as a large-volume space, typically spanning multiple stories, where smoke can freely circulate and accumulate. This means that an atrium provides an unrestricted area for the movement and accumulation of smoke. Therefore, an atrium is the correct answer to the question.

Explanation

According to NFPA 92, an atrium is defined as a large-volume space, typically spanning multiple stories, where smoke can freely circulate and accumulate. This means that an atrium provides an unrestricted area for the movement and accumulation of smoke. Therefore, an atrium is the correct answer to the question.

6. An auxiliary fire alarm system is a system that:

Has added features to the minimum fire alarm system.

Is added to an existing system to provide emergency backup.

Is activated by an automatic sprinkler system.

Is connected to a municipal fire alarm system for transmitting a fire alarm to the public fire service communication center.

An auxiliary fire alarm system is connected to a municipal fire alarm system for transmitting a fire alarm to the public fire service communication center. This means that when the auxiliary fire alarm system detects a fire, it will send a signal to the municipal fire alarm system, which will then transmit the fire alarm to the public fire service communication center. This allows for a quicker response from the fire service and ensures that the alarm is communicated to the appropriate authorities.

Explanation

An auxiliary fire alarm system is connected to a municipal fire alarm system for transmitting a fire alarm to the public fire service communication center. This means that when the auxiliary fire alarm system detects a fire, it will send a signal to the municipal fire alarm system, which will then transmit the fire alarm to the public fire service communication center. This allows for a quicker response from the fire service and ensures that the alarm is communicated to the appropriate authorities.

7. A complete fire alarm system shall provide functions for:

Initiation, notification and control.

Initiation, notification, control and suppression.

Initiation, notification, control, suppression and emergency forces dispatch.

A complete fire alarm system should have functions for initiation, notification, and control. Initiation refers to the system's ability to detect the presence of fire or smoke. Notification involves alerting occupants and relevant authorities about the fire through audible and visual alarms. Control refers to the system's capability to activate fire suppression systems, control access to certain areas, or initiate emergency protocols. The answer excludes suppression and emergency forces dispatch, indicating that those functions may not be necessary for a complete fire alarm system.

Explanation

A complete fire alarm system should have functions for initiation, notification, and control. Initiation refers to the system's ability to detect the presence of fire or smoke. Notification involves alerting occupants and relevant authorities about the fire through audible and visual alarms. Control refers to the system's capability to activate fire suppression systems, control access to certain areas, or initiate emergency protocols. The answer excludes suppression and emergency forces dispatch, indicating that those functions may not be necessary for a complete fire alarm system.

8. The interconnection of smoke alarms shall apply to every installation where more than one smoke alarm is installed or present.

True

False

B — NFPA 101, 9.6.2.10.1.3

Explanation

B — NFPA 101, 9.6.2.10.1.3

9. Only those systems, methods, or devices specifically prescribed by the code shall be permitted to be used.

True

False

B — NFPA 101, 1.4, if equivalency can be proved

Explanation

B — NFPA 101, 1.4, if equivalency can be proved

10. Locks used for access control systems shall be listed in accordance with

NFPA 72.

UL 294.

FM 3001.

UL 1023.

UL 294 is the correct answer because it is a standard for access control system units, including locks, that are used in conjunction with fire alarm systems. This standard ensures that the locks meet specific safety and performance requirements, such as durability and reliability, to ensure proper functioning in emergency situations. NFPA 72 is a standard for fire alarm systems, not specifically for locks. FM 3001 is a standard for fire detection and signaling systems, not for locks. UL 1023 is a standard for household burglar-alarm systems, not specifically for access control locks.

Explanation

UL 294 is the correct answer because it is a standard for access control system units, including locks, that are used in conjunction with fire alarm systems. This standard ensures that the locks meet specific safety and performance requirements, such as durability and reliability, to ensure proper functioning in emergency situations. NFPA 72 is a standard for fire alarm systems, not specifically for locks. FM 3001 is a standard for fire detection and signaling systems, not for locks. UL 1023 is a standard for household burglar-alarm systems, not specifically for access control locks.

11. The general evacuation alarm signal shall be required to sound through the entire building.

True

False

B — NFPA 101, 9.6.3.6. There are options outlined for the general evacuation signal.

Explanation

B — NFPA 101, 9.6.3.6. There are options outlined for the general evacuation signal.

12. The purpose of NFPA ______ is to prescribe minimum requirements necessary to establish a reasonable level of fire and life safety and property protection from the hazards created by fire, explosion and dangerous conditions.

1

10

101

1101

The purpose of NFPA 1 is to prescribe minimum requirements necessary to establish a reasonable level of fire and life safety and property protection from the hazards created by fire, explosion and dangerous conditions.

Explanation

The purpose of NFPA 1 is to prescribe minimum requirements necessary to establish a reasonable level of fire and life safety and property protection from the hazards created by fire, explosion and dangerous conditions.

13. The term "out of service" is intended to imply that:

A significant portion of the fire alarm system is not in operation.

Any portion of the fire alarm system is not in operation.

The fire alarm system is totally inoperative.

All of the above

The term "out of service" implies that a significant portion of the fire alarm system is not in operation. This means that some components or parts of the system are not functioning properly or are temporarily disabled. It does not necessarily mean that the entire system is completely inoperative, but rather that there are specific areas or elements that are not working as intended.

Explanation

The term "out of service" implies that a significant portion of the fire alarm system is not in operation. This means that some components or parts of the system are not functioning properly or are temporarily disabled. It does not necessarily mean that the entire system is completely inoperative, but rather that there are specific areas or elements that are not working as intended.