NICET ITFAS-Level-1 Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems Level I Exam Exam Practice Test

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

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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Transmitters connected tosupervising stations(such as DACTs or IP communicators) must be inspectedquarterlyto ensure signal integrity and physical condition.

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

"Supervising station transmitting equipment"→Quarterly

This includes checking for damage, loose connections, or communication issues.

Correct answer: B. Quarterly

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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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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

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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Testing of engine-driven generators is governed byNFPA 110, not NFPA 72. NFPA 72 references this standard for standby power systems.

NFPA 110 (2022), Section 8.4.1:

“Diesel generator sets shall be exercised at least once weekly.”

This includes running the generator under load and verifying automatic start capability.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.3.2:

Refers to NFPA 110 for testing of standby/emergency power systems.

Correct answer: A. Weekly

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Fire alarm systems that communicate via telephone lines are required to monitor those lines for disconnection. If theprimary line fails, it must be reported as asupervisory condition, and the system will attempt communication via thesecondary line.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 26.6.4.4.4.1:

"A single communications technology shall be monitored for integrity. Loss of the supervising line shall result in a supervisory signal..."

So, if theprimary phone line is disconnected, the correct system response is to issue asupervisory signal, not a general alarm or just a local alert.

Correct answer: D. Supervisory condition

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NFPA 72 sets a maximumhorizontal travel distancebetween manual pull stations (manual fire alarm boxes) to ensure accessibility in large spaces.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.14.6.4:

“The maximum travel distance to a manual fire alarm box shall not exceed 200 ft (61 m).”

This is for accessibility so occupants can reach a pull station quickly in an emergency.

Correct answer: D. 200 feet (61 meters)

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NFPA 72 definesinspectionas avisual examinationof a system or component to verify that it appears to be in operating condition and is free of physical damage.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 3.3.138 — Inspection:

“A visual examination of a system or portion thereof to verify that it appears to be in operating condition and is free of physical damage.”

Testing, on the other hand, involves functional activation.

Correct answer: D. Visual inspection only

After impairment or testing, NFPA 72 requires that all previously notified parties beinformed that the system has been returned to service. This includes those who could be affected by or responsible for system monitoring and emergency response.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.21.3.8:

"When the system has been returned to normal, the persons and facilities previously notified (including the supervising station, building occupants, and AHJ, where required) shall be notified that testing is complete and the system is restored."

Although "first responders" isn't explicitly listed,they’re typically contacted through the AHJ or monitoring center, so they're not usually notified directly by technicians.

Correct answers:

Authority Having Jurisdiction

Building occupants

Monitoring organization

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After an initiating device (like a smoke detector or pull station) is triggered, NFPA 72 limits how long thecontrol unit can delay its responseto initiating notification appliances and/or signal transmission.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.11.1.1:

“Fire alarm and emergency alarm initiating devices shall be arranged to initiate the intended alarm or response within 10 seconds unless otherwise permitted. The total delay shall not exceed 30 seconds.”

Correct answer: C. 30 seconds

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When a system monitors sprinklerwaterflow(alarm) andvalve tamper switches(supervisory), the system must send the following to the supervising station:

Alarm signals(from flow)

Trouble signals(e.g., open circuits)

Supervisory signals(e.g., valve partially closed)

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 26.2.2.1:

"A fire alarm system connected to a supervising station shall transmit alarm, trouble, and supervisory signals..."

There isno requirementfor phone line failure or primary power loss to be transmitted unless required by local code.

Correct answer: B. Alarm, trouble, and supervisory

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Emergency voice/alarm communication systems must continue functioning after a loss of primary power for aminimum of 24 hours in standby, followed by15 minutes of alarmoperation.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.7.2.1.1 (Exception):

“…followed by 15 minutes of alarm for emergency voice/alarm communication systems.”

This ensures that occupants can still hear evacuation messages even during a power outage.

Correct answer: D. Minimum of 15 minutes

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For inspection purposes (not testing), projected beam detectors arevisually checkedforobstructions, alignment issues, and cleanlinessof lenses.

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

“Projected beam smoke detectors” → Inspect quarterly

Method: Check for obstruction, alignment, cleanliness

Testing uses an optical filter, butinspectionis visual.

Correct answer: A. Check for obstruction

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Heat detectors that arenonrestorablemust either be replaced after 15 years or undergo sample testing. If testing is chosen,at least 4 detectors per 100of the same model and environment must be tested in an approved lab.

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 laboratory method... A minimum of 4 detectors shall be tested for each 100 detectors installed.”

This ensures detector reliability over time.

Correct answer: B. 4

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Thesignal silence switchis used to silence audible signalswithout resetting the system or clearing the visual indicatorsof an alarm condition. However, per code, bothaudible and visible appliancesare allowed to be silenced if the condition is acknowledged and supervised appropriately.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.11.5.2.1:

“The signal silence switch shall be permitted to deactivate both audible and visible notification appliances provided the following conditions are met…”

Conditions include that:

The system must remain inalarm state

Thecondition must be supervised

Manual reset is required to restore full function

Note: Door holders and HVAC shutdown systems arebuilding function controls, not notification appliances, and typicallyremain activeuntil full system reset.

Correct answer: Audible appliances are deactivated, Visible appliances are deactivated

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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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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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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Radio transmitters used in fire alarm systems for off-premises signal transmission must be inspected to verify physical condition, connections, and proper operation. The requiredinspection interval is quarterly.

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

"Radio transmitters" → Frequency: Quarterly

Correct answer: B. Quarterly

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NFPA 72 requires theinstallation dateof batteries to be clearly marked for maintenance and service life tracking.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.10.1.1:

“Each battery shall be marked with the month and year of installation.”

This helps ensure timely testing, maintenance, and replacement based on age.

Correct answer: C. Month and year of installation

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To verify that smoke detectors are operating within their listed sensitivity range, NFPA 72 provides three approved testing methods. These ensure proper functionality and compliance with safety requirements.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.4.3.1:

"Sensitivity shall be checked using any of the following methods:

(1) Calibrated test method approved by the authority having jurisdiction

(2) Listed control equipment arranged for the purpose

(3) Calibrated sensitivity test instrument of the smoke detector manufacturer"

The option "test approved by the engineer" isnot listedamong the approved sensitivity test methods in NFPA 72, and therefore is not acceptable for compliance.

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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Thefunctional test of the primary power supplyensures that the fire alarm system responds properly to a loss of power and transitions to secondary power.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.4.3.2 — Test Methods and Frequencies:

Primary power supply is required to be testedannually, which equates toevery 12 months.

Correct answer: D. Every 12 months

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