Security Science Quiz

1) What is the purpose of the private operating mode on a fire alarm system?

a) To provide audible and visible signaling only to those persons directly concerned with the implementation and direction of emergency action initiation and procedure in the area protected by the fire alarm system.

b) To provide visible signaling only to those persons directly concerned with the implementation and direction of emergency action initiation and procedure in the area protected by the fire alarm system.

c) To provide audible signaling only to those persons directly concerned with the implementation and direction of emergency action initiation and procedure in the area protected by the fire alarm system.

d) To alert the entire premises that a fire alarm system has activated within the occupancy.

2) On a low power radio transmitter the fire alarm control unit shall cause a latching trouble within …

a) 180 seconds

b) 4 minutes

c) 200 seconds

d) 100 seconds

3) What National Electrical Safety Code shall be used as a guide for the installation of outdoor circuitry?

a) ANSI/IEEE C2

b) ANSI/IESE CS

c) ANSI/IEED C2

d) ANSI/INFPA C4

4) According to OSHA Standards, the Permissible Noise Exposure time for 100dB is …

a) 3 hours

b) 1.5 hours

c) 240 minutes

d) 78 minutes

5) For design guidance purposes, the typical average ambient sound levels for a tower occupancy are … 

a) 55dB

b) 40dB

c) 25dB

d) 35dB

6) For design guidance purposes, the typical average ambient sound levels for a places of assembly are …

a) 45dB

b) 55dB

c) 65dB

d) 75dB

7) Voice transmissions from boxes for emergencies shall be recorded with the capability of …

a) delayed playback

b) modulated playback

c) instant playback

d) playback upon command

8) Trouble conditions and their restoration to normal shall be indicated within …

a) 160 seconds

b) 110 seconds

c) 24 hours and 5 minutes

d) 200 seconds

9) When recordkeeping and reporting for a supervising station alarm system:

a) All partial records of signals shall be retained for one year

b) All complete records of signals shall be retained for one year

c) All complete records of signals shall be retained for two years

d) It depends on the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)

10) The acronym VIFD stands for …

a) Video Image Fire Detection

b) Video Image Flame Detection

c) Verified Initiating Fire Detection

d) Video Image Fire Alarm Detection

11) Photoelectric Light-Scattering Smoke Detection is more responsive to visible particles larger than …

a) surrounding levels of smoke obscuration

b) 1 micron in size

c) smoldering particles normally associated with the invisible particles of combustion

d) surrounding levels of light smoke obscuration

Jeffrey D. Zwirn, CPP, CFPS, CFE, DABFET, CHS-III, SET, RI, is a forensic alarm industry expert and President of Teaneck, N.J.-based IDS Research & Development Inc. He can be reached at (201) 287-0900 or [email protected]. This column is not intended as legal advice and should not be construed as such.


Achieving Clarity in CCTV Contracts

  • When designing and installing CCTV systems it is an important function to have the subscriber approve in writing upfront, each of the viewing areas of the installed cameras that you install, before permanently mounting same. This is best achieved by using a video test monitor, which helps minimize customers stating afterwards that they are unhappy with the video image and/or the installed location of the camera.
  • To the extent cameras you install at a protected premises do not pan, tilt, zoom or auto-focus it is crucial you note the aforementioned within your contract so that there are no ambiguities or misunderstandings with your subscriber.
  • Never use verbiage in your proposal or contract regarding the camera capabilities you install that are unrealistic. Examples would be: the cameras provide crystal-clear imaging; the cameras can see with no surrounding light; and/or that the cameras will be able to identify a perpetrator(s) in every instance.
  • Also notable in the fine print of your contract should be a disclaimer that the cameras you install do not see through fog, snowstorms and other uncontrollable weather-related conditions.

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About the Author

Contact:

Jeffrey D. Zwirn, CPP, CFPS, CFE, FACFEI, CHS-IV, SET, CCI, FASI&T, MBAT, writes Security Sales & Integration’s “Security Science” column. He is also president of IDS Research and Development, an alarm and security consultation, expert witness and training authority providing nationwide services on all issues related to alarm and security matters. He can be reached at (201) 287-0900.

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