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

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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In aClass B circuit, supervision of wiring integrity is accomplished using anEnd-of-Line Resistor (EOLR)at thelast devicein the circuit. This allows the control unit to detect open faults.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 12.3.4.1:

“Initiating device circuits shall be monitored for integrity by placing an end-of-line device at the last device on the circuit.”

If the wiring is cut or disconnected before the last device, the panel detects it as a trouble condition.

Correct answer: D. The last detector

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NFPA 72 places amaximum allowable sound pressure levelto prevent hearing damage or discomfort in occupied areas.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.4.1.5:

“The total sound pressure level produced by the fire alarm system, including ambient noise, shall not exceed 105 dBA at the minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance.”

This ensures alarm audibilitywithout causing harm.

Correct answer: B. 105 dBA

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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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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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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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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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NFPA 72 identifies severaltypes of fire alarm control units (FACUs)based on their function and scope.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 3.3.103 — Fire Alarm Control Unit (FACU):

Dedicated Function FACU: Performs a specific fire alarm role (e.g., elevator recall or sprinkler monitoring).

Protected Premises FACU: Installed on-site to monitor and signal within that building.

Releasing Service FACU: Activates fire suppression systems like gas or foam.

"Central station" is asupervising station, not a control unit.

Correct answers:

Dedicated function

Protected premises

Releasing service

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Animpairmentis a formal condition defined in NFPA 72 when a system or portion of it is not functional and may fail during an emergency. This is a critical safety concern.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 3.3.149 – Impairment (Fire Alarm Systems):

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

Also supported by Section 10.21.1:

Which details handling of system impairments and the need for proper management, notification, and restoration.

Correct answer: A. Impairment

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This is a documentation requirement, and it’s found inChapter 14of NFPA 72, which deals withInspection, Testing, and Maintenance.

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. Records shall be made available to the authority having jurisdiction upon request."

Section14.6.3lays out theformat, retention, and content requirementsfor inspection, testing, and maintenance records.

Correct answer: D. 14.6.3

Tip: For questions involvingrecordkeeping, head straight toChapter 14, especially section14.6.

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Amaster boxis a type of manual fire alarm box connected directly to a public emergency reporting system (typically a municipal or fire department network). NFPA 72 requires these to be testedannuallyto ensure they still properly send signals to the public system.

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

UnderPublic Emergency Alarm Reporting Systems→Master Boxes:

Test Frequency:Annually

Method:"Manual operation and verification of signal receipt at the public communication center."

The test confirms the box functions mechanically and that the signal is received by the appropriate monitoring point (e.g., fire department dispatch).

Correct answer: D. Annually

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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

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)

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 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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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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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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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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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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Household fire alarm systems have different performance requirements from commercial systems, but still must support essential alarm functions under loss of primary power.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 29.10.5.1.1:

“The secondary power supply shall be capable of powering the system under quiescent load for 24 hours and then capable of operating the system during alarm for a period of 4 minutes (for general fire alarm) or 10 minutes (for household fire alarm systems).”

Correct answer: C. 24 hours in the normal condition followed by 10 minutes of alarm

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NFPA 72 mandates astandardized evacuation signal patternto ensure building occupants can recognize and respond to an emergency.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.4.2.1:

“Where audible appliances are used for evacuation or relocation, the alarm signal shall be the Temporal-Three Evacuation Signal pattern (three short audible signals followed by a pause).”

This pattern is commonly known as theTemporal-3orT-3signal.

Correct answer: C. Provides a 3-pulse temporal pattern

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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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Ground-fault monitoring circuits are required on many fire alarm systems to detect when a wire has unintentionally contacted a grounded surface. During testing, the inspectorintentionally introduces a groundto verify that the panel can detect it.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.17.1:

"Ground-fault conditions shall be annunciated in accordance with the requirements of this Code."

Testing method:

Thestandard functional testis tointentionally ground a circuit(typically using a known resistor) and verify the control panel indicates aground-fault supervisory signal.

Correct answer: D. Verify the ground-fault indication when circuits are grounded

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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