NICET ITFAS-Level-1 Dumps

NFPA 72 specifies a strict timeframe for the automatic switchover tosecondary powerafter loss of primary power.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.7.1.2:

“Transfer to secondary power shall occur within 30 seconds after loss of primary power.”

This ensures uninterrupted monitoring and alarm functions during outages.

Correct answer: B. 30

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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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NFPA 72 outlines theretention period for recordsof inspections and testing in Section14.6.3.1. These records are important for verification during audits or when reviewing system maintenance history.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.6.3.1:

"Records shall be retained for a period of one year after the next test and until the next test is performed."

This means records must be keptuntil the next test happensand for1 year after that, not just a fixed calendar period.

Correct answer: D. Until the next test and 1 year

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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.

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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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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Manual fire alarm boxes (pull stations) are required to be easily accessible near exits so that occupants can quickly initiate an alarm when leaving the area. The specific distance requirement is found in:

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.14.6.3:

"Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located within 5 ft (1.5 m) of each exit doorway on each floor."

So thecorrect distance is 5 feet, not 33 feet. That makes the correct answer:

Correct answer: A. 5 feet (1.5 meters)

Asupervisory signalindicates a condition thatrequires attention but is not an alarm. In sprinkler systems, one of the most common supervisory signals comes from avalve tamper switch, indicating a partially closed valve, or sometimes awaterflow switch resetissue.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 3.3.269:

"Supervisory Signal — A signal indicating the need for action in connection with the supervision of guard tours, the fire suppression systems, or equipment or maintenance features of related systems."

Also:Table A.10.14.2.1

Shows thatwaterflow valves and tamper switchesare typical sources of supervisory signals.

So the correct answer — awaterflow alarmimplies something abnormal with the fire protection system, possibly indicating a tamper switch or system supervisory issue.

Correct answer: D. A waterflow alarm has been activated

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Remote annunciators provide fire alarm system status at secondary locations. NFPA 72 mandatesannual functional testingof these devices to ensure they correctly display and sound appropriate signals.

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

Category:Annunciators (remote)

Frequency:Annually

Test Method:“Verify correct visual/audible indication of alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals.”

Technicians must activate actual alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals and confirm they display correctly at the remote annunciator.

Correct answer: D. Annually

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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

McCulloh transmitters are part of older fire alarm systems but are still maintained in some jurisdictions. Inspection focuses ongeneral condition,correct system status, andlocation verification.

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

UnderMcCulloh Transmitter:

“Inspect physical condition”

“Verify location”

“Confirm system normal condition”

“Distinct waterflow condition” refers to alarm testing and isnotpart of theinspectionphase.

Correct answers:

Physical condition

System normal condition

Verify location

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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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NFPA 72 requires strict identification and protection of theprimary power supplycircuit to the fire alarm control unit (FACU) to prevent unauthorized disconnection.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.5.2.1:

"The circuit disconnecting means shall be identified as 'FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT' at the point of disconnect and at the fire alarm control unit."

Section 10.6.5.2.2:

"A circuit breaker used as the disconnecting means shall be protected from unauthorized operation by a locking device."

There isno requirementfor the locking device to be labeled — it only must be installed.

Correct answers:

The system circuit disconnect shall be permanently identified as "Fire Alarm."

The system circuit disconnect shall be permanently identified at the control unit.

Where a circuit breaker is the disconnecting means, a breaker locking device shall be installed.

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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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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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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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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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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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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 mandates that fire alarm system documentation be stored in a dedicated cabinet, and that cabinet must be clearly labeled. Theexact phraserequired is:

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 7.7.2:

"The cabinet shall be prominently labeled 'SYSTEM RECORD DOCUMENTS.'"

This ensures that anyone — including inspectors, AHJs, or technicians — can easily identify where critical system information is stored.

Correct answer: D. System record documents

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

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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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

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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Manual fire alarm boxes (pull stations) must bevisually inspected monthlyto ensure accessibility, visibility, and no physical damage.

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

"Manual fire alarm boxes"→Monthly

The inspection verifies the handle is not blocked and the device is clearly labeled.

Correct answer: A. Monthly

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