Think You Know Mass Notification? Take a 10-Question Quiz

1. Combination voice evacuation and mass notification systems are permitted.

True

False

NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) permits combination voice evacuation and mass notification systems.

Explanation

NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) permits combination voice evacuation and mass notification systems.

2. Which of the following functions can be performed from an LOC (local operating console)?

Give live voice instructions

Initiate emergency messages

Manually control notification zones

All of the above

The LOC is an extension of the ACU (autonomous control unit) allowing emergency communications functions to be performed and controlled from remote locations. ACU’s typically support multiple LOCs, but only one may be in control of the system at any one time.

Explanation

The LOC is an extension of the ACU (autonomous control unit) allowing emergency communications functions to be performed and controlled from remote locations. ACU’s typically support multiple LOCs, but only one may be in control of the system at any one time.

3. Mass notification systems require a record of completion and inspection, testing and maintenance.

True

False

Mass notification systems are governed by the same code requirements as fire alarm (NFPA 72). They require a record of completion (Chapter 7) and regular inspection, testing, and maintenance (per Chapter 14).

Explanation

Mass notification systems are governed by the same code requirements as fire alarm (NFPA 72). They require a record of completion (Chapter 7) and regular inspection, testing, and maintenance (per Chapter 14).

4. Where mass notification systems are used for ancillary functions (like paging), local controls are permitted to adjust volume levels. Upon activation of an emergency signal, which of the following is true?

Signals (voice announcements) will come through at volume set locally

Signals will override the volume control and come through at full volume

Additional visible appliances must be added to compensate for the possible reduced volume

Both A and C

NFPA 72 permits mass notification systems to be used for ancillary functions (like paging) and the use of local volume controls as long as they solely control volume levels of the ancillary functions (like paging) and do not affect volume levels of emergency signals.

Explanation

NFPA 72 permits mass notification systems to be used for ancillary functions (like paging) and the use of local volume controls as long as they solely control volume levels of the ancillary functions (like paging) and do not affect volume levels of emergency signals.

5. Mass notification system voice messages are permitted to override fire alarm voice evacuation messages.

True

False

NFPA 72 permits mass notification signals to have a higher priority than fire alarm signals, with the priority established using the emergency response plan.

Explanation

NFPA 72 permits mass notification signals to have a higher priority than fire alarm signals, with the priority established using the emergency response plan.

6. What is an appropriate mounting height for a wall mount strobe light used for mass notification purposes only?

The entire lens not less than 90” and not greater than 96” AFF (above finished floor)

The entire lens not less than 80” and not greater than 96” AFF

Ceiling mounted not more than 10’ AFF

Ceiling mounted not more than 20’ AFF

Notification appliances used for mass notification have the same mounting and spacing requirements as appliances used for fire alarm. The requirements are stated in NFPA 72, chapter 18.

Explanation

Notification appliances used for mass notification have the same mounting and spacing requirements as appliances used for fire alarm. The requirements are stated in NFPA 72, chapter 18.

7. Strobes used for mass notification purposes only may be colored.

True

False

Strobe lights used for mass notification purposes only are permitted to have colored lenses. Strobes used for combination fire alarm and mass notification purposes must be clear or nominally white. They must also have no marking or be marked ALERT.

Explanation

Strobe lights used for mass notification purposes only are permitted to have colored lenses. Strobes used for combination fire alarm and mass notification purposes must be clear or nominally white. They must also have no marking or be marked ALERT.

8. What color is NOT permitted for manual initiating devices on a mass notification system?

White

Green

Blue

Red

Manual initiating devices (or “non-fire emergency manual actuating box” per NFPA 72) are permitted to be any contrasting color to manual fire alarm boxes (pull stations) other than red. Red is reserved for pull stations.

Explanation

Manual initiating devices (or “non-fire emergency manual actuating box” per NFPA 72) are permitted to be any contrasting color to manual fire alarm boxes (pull stations) other than red. Red is reserved for pull stations.

9. The autonomous control unit (ACU) for a mass notification system shall be listed for:

UL 985

NFPA 1600

UL 2572

UL 268

UL 2572 cover mass notification systems. Control units used for mass notification are required to be UL 2572. Control units used in combination fire alarm voice evacuation and mass notification systems must be UL 864 as well.

Explanation

UL 2572 cover mass notification systems. Control units used for mass notification are required to be UL 2572. Control units used in combination fire alarm voice evacuation and mass notification systems must be UL 864 as well.

10. Buildings with mass notification systems require a well-defined emergency response plan. This plan should be developed in accordance with:

NFPA 1600

NFPA 1620

NFPA 101

Both A and B

All of the above

NFPA 72 requires an emergency response plan be developed in accordance with NFPA 1600, Standard for Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs, and NFPA 1620, Standard for Pre-Incident Planning, as part of the design and implementation of an MNS.

Explanation

NFPA 72 requires an emergency response plan be developed in accordance with NFPA 1600, Standard for Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs, and NFPA 1620, Standard for Pre-Incident Planning, as part of the design and implementation of an MNS.

Think You Know Mass Notification? Take A 10-question Quiz