ITFAS-Level-1 Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems Level I Exam Questions and Answers

NFPA 72 requires that the secondary power supply be capable of powering the fire alarm system underquiescent or supervisory loadfor 24 hours, followed by full alarm load for a minimum time (typically 5 or 15 minutes depending on system type).

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.7.2.1.1:

“The secondary power supply shall have sufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent load (supervisory condition) for a minimum of 24 hours…”

Testing should verify operation under thissupervisory (normal monitoring)condition.

Correct answer: D. Supervisory load

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NFPA 72 requiresaudible and visible indicationsoftrouble conditionsto be presentat the fire alarm control unitand ata constantly attended location, such as anemergency command center.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.14.2:

“Trouble signals shall be indicated visually and audibly at the protected premises at the fire alarm control unit and at a location where personnel are present 24 hours a day.”

In many buildings, that location is anemergency command center.

Correct answer: Emergency command center, Fire alarm control unit

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Secondary power supplies must meet minimum performance durations to ensure alarm operation when primary power fails. According to NFPA 72, the system must be able to:

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.7.2.1.1:

“The secondary power supply shall have sufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours, followed by 5 minutes of alarm (for emergency voice/alarm communication systems, 15 minutes of alarm), unless otherwise permitted by 10.6.7.2.1.2.”

However, thedefault minimumfor most systems (non-voice) is:

24 hours in normal (quiescent) mode

Followed by 5 minutes of full alarm operation

Correct answer: A. 5 minutes

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Projected beam smoke detectors are testednot with actual smoke, but by simulating obscuration usinglisted toolssuch as atest switchoroptical filter.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.2.2.6.2:

“Projected beam-type smoke detectors shall be tested by introducing an obscuration in the beam path using an optical density filter or a method approved by the manufacturer.”

Some systems includelisted test switchesfor functional checks without disrupting alignment.

Correct answer: Using a listed test switch, Using an optical filter

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Thedesignated level recallfunction is triggered when a smoke detector is activated in that same elevator lobby. This returns the elevator to that floor (usually the ground or main level) for emergency evacuation,unless smoke is present there, in which case thealternate recallfloor is used.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 21.3.3.1:

“Activation of the smoke detector installed at the designated level shall cause all elevators that serve that level to return to an alternate level.”

But:

“Smoke detector activation in any other elevator lobby shall recall elevators to the designated level.”

So:

If smoke isin the ninth-floor lobby, and that lobby isnotthe designated level → elevator recalls to designated level.

Therefore,activation of the ninth-floor smoke detector (not the designated level)causesdesignated level recall.

Correct answer: B. Designated level recall

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NFPA 72 requires smoke alarms in residential settings to be replaced every10 years, even if they have not shown any signs of failure.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 29.8.1.4:

“Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer, smoke alarms shall be replaced when they fail to respond to operability tests or have been in service for 10 years.”

Correct answer: C. 10

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When a fire alarm system isimpacted for any period of time, certain parties must be notified bothbeforeandaftertesting or impairment. When the impairment isless than 8 hours,NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.21.3.6applies.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.21.3.6:

"Where a system has been impaired for less than 8 hours, notification shall be made to the system owner or the owner's designated representative when the system has been returned to service."

This section makes it clear that thesystem owneris the responsible party to be notified upon restoration in these shorter impairments.

Correct answer: D. System owner

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If smoke detectors are installed during construction, they are likely exposed to dust or debris. NFPA 72 requires that these becleaned and tested for sensitivitybeforefinal commissioningof the system.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.7.1.11:

“Where detectors are used for protection during construction, they shall be cleaned or replaced prior to final system commissioning.”

This ensures proper performance and prevents false alarms.

Correct answer: B. Final commissioning

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When aDACTis the only method of off-premises signal transmission, itmustbe connected totwo separate telephone linesto ensure redundancy in case one line fails.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 26.6.4.4.4.1:

“DACTs shall be connected to two separate phone lines (one primary, one secondary). Loss of the primary line shall result in a supervisory signal.”

This redundancy ensures system reliability when using traditional telephone-based communication.

Correct answer: D. Two separate phone lines are required

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Amultimeteris the standard tool used by fire alarm technicians to measure bothbattery voltageandcharging current.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.4.3.2 – Testing Methods for Batteries:

Testing includes checking the voltage and current — commonly done using a multimeter.

Multimeters are capable of readingDC voltage(for battery levels) andamperage(for charge current).

Sound level readings for fire alarm audible notification appliances must be taken at a consistent, standardized height to ensure compliance with required dBA levels.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.4.6.1:

“Sound pressure level measurements shall be taken with a sound level meter positioned 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor in the area required to be served by the system.”

This applies to bothpublic mode(e.g., schools, offices) andprivate mode(e.g., staff-only zones like hospitals).

Correct answer: B. 5.0 feet (1.5 meters)

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Animpairmentoccurs when part of the life safety system isdisabled or rendered ineffective. Aclosed sprinkler valvedirectly disables part of the fire suppression system, which meets the definition of an impairment.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 3.3.149 — Impairment:

“A condition where a fire protection or life safety system or portion thereof is out of service.”

Smoke detector placement issues may be acode violationbut not a systemimpairment.Intelligible audibilityis a positive attribute, not a problem.

Correct answer: A. Closed sprinkler valve

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Candela ratings arevisually confirmedduringinitial acceptance. Further inspection is requiredonly if a device malfunction occursor areacceptance testis performed.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.5.5.7:

“The candela rating shall be verified at initial acceptance and when there is reason to believe the device is not operating properly.”

Replacement batteries used in fire alarm systems must meet strict safety and documentation requirements:

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.10.1.2:

“Batteries shall be marked with the month and year of manufacture.”

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.10.2:

“Batteries shall be listed for the intended purpose by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL).”

There isno requirementthat replacement batteries must be the same make/model, though compatibility must be ensured.

Correct answers:

Batteries shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory

Batteries shall be marked with the month and year of manufacture

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Normally, smoke detector sensitivity testing is requiredevery two years, butNFPA 72 allows extension up to five yearsif thedetectors have not experienced frequent nuisance alarmsand accuraterecords of performanceare maintained.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.4.3.2:

“Where detectors are cleaned and maintained and where records of nuisance alarms and changes in detector locations are kept, the sensitivity testing interval shall be permitted to be extended to 5 years.”

Keeping a log of nuisance alarms helps assess the reliability of the detectors over time.

Correct answer: C. Records of nuisance alarms shall be maintained

Signal priorities determine the order in which events are processed and displayed by the fire alarm system.

NFPA 72 (2022), Annex A.10.14.3 and system programming guidelines:

While not directly listed in a table, systems are programmed such that:

Alarm (including pre-alarm)has the highest priority

Followed bysupervisory, thentrouble, and finallyrestoral

Pre-alarm is part ofalarm initiation logicand is treated as high-priority due to its potential escalation.

Correct answer: A. Pre-alarm

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NFPA 72 sets a maximum time limit for verifying that signals frominitiating devicesreach thesupervising stationduring testing. The purpose is to ensure that communication paths and processing do not introduce unsafe delays.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.3.4.2:

"Where connected to a supervising station, the signal shall be confirmed as received at the supervising station within 90 seconds of initiating device activation."

Correct answer: C. 90 seconds

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NFPA 72 requires thattrouble signalsbe inspectedweeklyon monitored fire alarm systems toensure the system can detect and report problems in a timely manner.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.3.1 — Inspection Frequencies:

"Supervising station systems — Trouble signals"→Weekly

This ensures any open circuits, ground faults, or system issues are discovered promptly.

Correct answer: A. Weekly

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This question is referring tosupervisory signaling for control valvesin sprinkler systems. When a valve begins to move from its normal (open) position, the fire alarm system must detect and signal thisbefore it reaches too far out of position.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.16.1.3:

"Off-normal signal shall be initiated during the first one-quarter (1/4) of the valve travel distance from its normal position."

This ensures timely detection if someone begins to close a sprinkler valve, which could disable the fire suppression system.

Correct answer: B. 1/4

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Forsealed lead-acid batteries, NFPA 72 specifies that their condition be verified by checkingspecific gravity, which indicates battery charge status and health.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.4.3.2 — Testing Methods:

Lead-acid batteries shall be tested semiannually by measuring specific gravity.

If batteries are sealed and specific gravity cannot be tested, voltage and visual checks are used instead.

Correct answer: C. By verifying specific gravity

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DACTs (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitters) are required to supervise their telephone communication paths. If theprimary line is disconnected, the system must detect and transmit a trouble signal quickly.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 26.6.4.4.4.2.3:

“Loss of the primary means of transmission shall be annunciated at the protected premises within 4 minutes.”

This ensures prompt identification and correction of communication issues.

Correct answer: C. 4

If you choosenot to send a sample of devices to a lab for testing, thenall nonrestorable, fixed-temperature spot-type heat detectorsmust be replaced after 15 years.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.4.4.1:

“After 15 years from the date of installation, all fixed-temperature, nonrestorable heat detectors shall be replaced or tested using a method approved by the manufacturer.”

If testing isnot performed, thenreplacement of all devices is required.

Correct answer: D. Replace all devices