How Much Do You Know About Smoke Detectors And Fire Alarm? Trivia Quiz

1. Pull stations do not have any specific height requirements.

True

False

Pull stations do have specific height requirements. These requirements are set by fire codes and regulations to ensure that the pull stations are easily accessible and visible in case of an emergency. The exact height requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction, but generally, pull stations should be installed at a height between 42 and 48 inches from the floor. This allows people of different heights, including those in wheelchairs, to easily reach and activate the pull station if needed. Therefore, the statement that pull stations do not have any specific height requirements is false.

Explanation

Pull stations do have specific height requirements. These requirements are set by fire codes and regulations to ensure that the pull stations are easily accessible and visible in case of an emergency. The exact height requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction, but generally, pull stations should be installed at a height between 42 and 48 inches from the floor. This allows people of different heights, including those in wheelchairs, to easily reach and activate the pull station if needed. Therefore, the statement that pull stations do not have any specific height requirements is false.

2. To achieve the amperage necessary for fire alarm backup, batteries have to be wired in parallel.

True

False

To achieve the necessary amperage for fire alarm backup, batteries are typically wired in series to increase voltage or in parallel to increase capacity (amp-hours). However, for the specific purpose of increasing capacity and maintaining the required voltage, batteries would indeed be wired in parallel. But in most fire alarm systems, the critical need is usually for a specific voltage rather than just increasing amperage, so the configuration can depend on the system requirements.

Explanation

To achieve the necessary amperage for fire alarm backup, batteries are typically wired in series to increase voltage or in parallel to increase capacity (amp-hours). However, for the specific purpose of increasing capacity and maintaining the required voltage, batteries would indeed be wired in parallel. But in most fire alarm systems, the critical need is usually for a specific voltage rather than just increasing amperage, so the configuration can depend on the system requirements.

3. Duct smoke detectors are listed as an open area device.

True

False

Duct smoke detectors are not listed as an open area device. Open area devices are typically used in large spaces where smoke can disperse, while duct smoke detectors are specifically designed to detect smoke in HVAC ductwork. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Explanation

Duct smoke detectors are not listed as an open area device. Open area devices are typically used in large spaces where smoke can disperse, while duct smoke detectors are specifically designed to detect smoke in HVAC ductwork. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

4. The type of cable that can be used in a space used for environmental air is _______.

CM

FPLP

FPLE

THHN

FPLP cable is the correct answer because it stands for "Fire Protective Low Power" cable. This type of cable is specifically designed to be used in spaces where environmental air is present, such as in plenum areas. Plenum areas are spaces used for air circulation in buildings, such as the area above suspended ceilings or below raised floors. FPLP cables have fire-resistant properties and are made with materials that emit minimal smoke and toxic fumes in case of a fire, making them suitable for use in these environments.

Explanation

FPLP cable is the correct answer because it stands for "Fire Protective Low Power" cable. This type of cable is specifically designed to be used in spaces where environmental air is present, such as in plenum areas. Plenum areas are spaces used for air circulation in buildings, such as the area above suspended ceilings or below raised floors. FPLP cables have fire-resistant properties and are made with materials that emit minimal smoke and toxic fumes in case of a fire, making them suitable for use in these environments.

5. The NFPA Standard for carbon monoxide detectors is 72.

True

False

The NFPA Standard for carbon monoxide detectors is not 72. The correct answer is False. The NFPA Standard for carbon monoxide detectors is actually 720.

Explanation

The NFPA Standard for carbon monoxide detectors is not 72. The correct answer is False. The NFPA Standard for carbon monoxide detectors is actually 720.

6. Which of the following will recall an elevator?

Hallway smoke detector

Elevator machine room heat detector

Manual pull station

Smoke detectors directly in front of the elevator

Smoke detectors directly in front of the elevator will recall an elevator. This is because these smoke detectors are strategically placed to detect any smoke or fire that may be present in the immediate vicinity of the elevator. When smoke is detected, the elevator system is programmed to automatically recall the elevator to a designated floor or the ground floor to ensure the safety of the passengers and to prevent the spread of fire or smoke within the elevator shaft.

Explanation

Smoke detectors directly in front of the elevator will recall an elevator. This is because these smoke detectors are strategically placed to detect any smoke or fire that may be present in the immediate vicinity of the elevator. When smoke is detected, the elevator system is programmed to automatically recall the elevator to a designated floor or the ground floor to ensure the safety of the passengers and to prevent the spread of fire or smoke within the elevator shaft.

7. Fire Alarm control panels must always be painted red

True

False

Fire Alarm control panels do not necessarily have to be painted red. While red is a common color used for fire safety equipment, there is no specific requirement or regulation stating that fire alarm control panels must be painted red. The color of the control panel can vary depending on the manufacturer or the specific requirements of the building or facility. Therefore, the statement that fire alarm control panels must always be painted red is false.

Explanation

Fire Alarm control panels do not necessarily have to be painted red. While red is a common color used for fire safety equipment, there is no specific requirement or regulation stating that fire alarm control panels must be painted red. The color of the control panel can vary depending on the manufacturer or the specific requirements of the building or facility. Therefore, the statement that fire alarm control panels must always be painted red is false.

8. _________ detect a flaming fire best.

Carbon monoxide detectors

Ionization smoke detectors

Photoelectric smoke detectors

Duct smoke detectors

Ionization smoke detectors are designed to detect flaming fires more effectively than other types of detectors. These detectors use a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air inside the device. When smoke enters the detector, it disrupts the ionization process, triggering the alarm. Flaming fires produce smaller smoke particles that are easily detected by ionization detectors. On the other hand, photoelectric smoke detectors are better at detecting smoldering fires, while carbon monoxide detectors are specifically designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide gas. Duct smoke detectors are used in HVAC systems to detect smoke in the air ducts.

Explanation

Ionization smoke detectors are designed to detect flaming fires more effectively than other types of detectors. These detectors use a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air inside the device. When smoke enters the detector, it disrupts the ionization process, triggering the alarm. Flaming fires produce smaller smoke particles that are easily detected by ionization detectors. On the other hand, photoelectric smoke detectors are better at detecting smoldering fires, while carbon monoxide detectors are specifically designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide gas. Duct smoke detectors are used in HVAC systems to detect smoke in the air ducts.

9. Relays (different manufacturers have different names for this) that perform or control an emergency device must be located within _________ ft. of that device.

3

5

10

21

Relays that perform or control an emergency device must be located within 3 ft. of that device. This close proximity ensures that the relay can quickly and effectively activate the emergency device in case of an emergency. Being located within 3 ft. allows for a shorter wiring distance, reducing the risk of signal loss or interference. Additionally, it allows for easier access and maintenance of the relay when needed.

Explanation

Relays that perform or control an emergency device must be located within 3 ft. of that device. This close proximity ensures that the relay can quickly and effectively activate the emergency device in case of an emergency. Being located within 3 ft. allows for a shorter wiring distance, reducing the risk of signal loss or interference. Additionally, it allows for easier access and maintenance of the relay when needed.

10. Voltage drop calculations must be performed on which type of circuit?

Initiation

Notification

MNS

AC

Voltage drop calculations must be performed on the Notification circuit. This is because voltage drop refers to the reduction in voltage that occurs as current flows through a circuit, and it is important to ensure that the voltage remains within acceptable limits to prevent equipment damage or malfunction. Therefore, performing voltage drop calculations on the Notification circuit helps in determining if the voltage is dropping excessively and if any corrective measures need to be taken.

Explanation

Voltage drop calculations must be performed on the Notification circuit. This is because voltage drop refers to the reduction in voltage that occurs as current flows through a circuit, and it is important to ensure that the voltage remains within acceptable limits to prevent equipment damage or malfunction. Therefore, performing voltage drop calculations on the Notification circuit helps in determining if the voltage is dropping excessively and if any corrective measures need to be taken.

11. ________ detect a smoldering fire the best.

Line type detectors

Ionization smoke detectors

Photoelectric smoke detectors

Duct smoke detectors

Photoelectric smoke detectors are designed to detect smoldering fires more effectively than other types of detectors. These detectors use a light source and a photosensitive sensor to detect smoke particles in the air. When smoke enters the detector, it scatters the light, causing it to hit the sensor and trigger the alarm. Smoldering fires produce larger smoke particles that are more easily detected by photoelectric detectors, making them the preferred choice for detecting this type of fire. Ionization smoke detectors, on the other hand, are better at detecting fast-flaming fires, while line type and duct smoke detectors serve different purposes in specialized environments.

Explanation

Photoelectric smoke detectors are designed to detect smoldering fires more effectively than other types of detectors. These detectors use a light source and a photosensitive sensor to detect smoke particles in the air. When smoke enters the detector, it scatters the light, causing it to hit the sensor and trigger the alarm. Smoldering fires produce larger smoke particles that are more easily detected by photoelectric detectors, making them the preferred choice for detecting this type of fire. Ionization smoke detectors, on the other hand, are better at detecting fast-flaming fires, while line type and duct smoke detectors serve different purposes in specialized environments.

12. Smoke detectors may not be more than _________ feet from any point on the ceiling.

15

21

30

900 square feet

Smoke detectors may not be more than 21 feet from any point on the ceiling because this is the maximum distance recommended by fire safety regulations. This ensures that the smoke detectors are able to effectively detect smoke and alert occupants of a potential fire in a timely manner. Any distance greater than 21 feet may result in a delayed response or even failure to detect smoke, putting individuals at risk. Therefore, it is important to adhere to this guideline when installing smoke detectors.

Explanation

Smoke detectors may not be more than 21 feet from any point on the ceiling because this is the maximum distance recommended by fire safety regulations. This ensures that the smoke detectors are able to effectively detect smoke and alert occupants of a potential fire in a timely manner. Any distance greater than 21 feet may result in a delayed response or even failure to detect smoke, putting individuals at risk. Therefore, it is important to adhere to this guideline when installing smoke detectors.

13. On a ceiling that is 15 ft. high, in a room that is 20 ft. wide by 20 ft. long, the listed spacing for a smoke detector must be reduced by _______ percent.

0

15

21

7

In this scenario, the correct answer is 0. The reason for this is that the ceiling height and room dimensions are not relevant factors when determining the spacing for a smoke detector. The spacing requirements for smoke detectors are typically based on factors such as the size of the room and the type of smoke detector being used. Therefore, the spacing does not need to be reduced by any percentage based on the given information.

Explanation

In this scenario, the correct answer is 0. The reason for this is that the ceiling height and room dimensions are not relevant factors when determining the spacing for a smoke detector. The spacing requirements for smoke detectors are typically based on factors such as the size of the room and the type of smoke detector being used. Therefore, the spacing does not need to be reduced by any percentage based on the given information.

14. What is the maximum spacing permitted for smoke detectors in a 10-ft. wide hallway in a hotel?

15

21

41

One must be in front of each guest room door.

The correct answer is 41. In a 10-ft. wide hallway, the maximum spacing permitted for smoke detectors is 41 feet. This spacing ensures that smoke detectors are placed at regular intervals along the hallway, allowing for effective coverage and early detection of smoke or fire. Placing smoke detectors at this distance helps to ensure the safety of guests in the hotel by providing adequate coverage and reducing the risk of a fire going undetected.

Explanation

The correct answer is 41. In a 10-ft. wide hallway, the maximum spacing permitted for smoke detectors is 41 feet. This spacing ensures that smoke detectors are placed at regular intervals along the hallway, allowing for effective coverage and early detection of smoke or fire. Placing smoke detectors at this distance helps to ensure the safety of guests in the hotel by providing adequate coverage and reducing the risk of a fire going undetected.

15. Which NFPA code applies to fire alarms?

101

72

70

90a

NFPA 101, 72, 70, and 90a are all codes that apply to fire alarms. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) develops and publishes codes and standards for fire safety. NFPA 101 is the Life Safety Code, which includes requirements for fire alarm systems in various types of buildings. NFPA 72 is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, which provides guidelines for the installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems. NFPA 70 is the National Electrical Code, which covers electrical requirements for fire alarm systems. NFPA 90a is the Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, which includes provisions for fire alarm systems in HVAC systems.

Explanation

NFPA 101, 72, 70, and 90a are all codes that apply to fire alarms. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) develops and publishes codes and standards for fire safety. NFPA 101 is the Life Safety Code, which includes requirements for fire alarm systems in various types of buildings. NFPA 72 is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, which provides guidelines for the installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems. NFPA 70 is the National Electrical Code, which covers electrical requirements for fire alarm systems. NFPA 90a is the Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, which includes provisions for fire alarm systems in HVAC systems.

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