Security Science Quiz

1. Chronologically identify the respective years NFPA 72 was published:

a) 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2006, 2011
b) 1993, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2007, 2010
c) 1974, 1985, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010
d) 1979, 1987, 2002, 2007, 2009, 2012

2. NFPA 72 is primarily …

a) A prescriptive document
b) Performance based
c) Required by the local authority having jurisdiction
d) Lists nonstatutory requirements

3. How do you test a nonrestorable heat detector according to NFPA 72?

a) Replace the detector after 15 years, otherwise no test is required by the AHJ
b) Short out the detector
c) Remove the detector and send it out to a NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) for independent testing
d) Use a flame/heat gun for no longer than 15 seconds

4. NFPA 72 requires an installer to provide the following supervision features on a four-wire smoke detector:

a) End-of-line resistor and fire wire
b) End-of-line resistor and power supervision relay
c) End-of-line resistor and double-throw double-pole line seizure
d) Normally open feed and return circuit with no end-of-line resistor

5. NFPA 72 requires a remote station operator how many seconds to notify the fire department after receipt of a fire alarm signal?

a) 10 seconds
b) 60 seconds
c) 90 seconds
d) 200 seconds

6. The purpose of a household fire alarm system is to:

a) Notify the fire department
b) Notify the fire and police department
c) Both a and b
d) Allow time for the occupants to evacuate the premises

7. Household fire alarm control units shall:

a) Be ground dependent
b) Not be ground dependent
c) Have a siren driver
d) Have at least three smoke detectors

8. Building occupants cannot exceed the following travel distance from any point to the nearest exit without passing a manual station:

a) 100 feet
b) 200 feet
c) 350 feet
d) 2,000 feet

9. A duct detector shall be tested in accordance with NFPA standards and:

a) The equipment manufacturer’s specifications
b) By using UL-Listed canned smoke
c) By initiating the equipment supplied test button
d) All of the above

10. NFPA 101 is a standard that relates mostly to:

a) Sprinkler systems
b) Halon systems
c) Beam detectors
d) Exit safety for building occupants

11. The best location for a single smoke detector to be installed in a household occupancy is:

a) In the center of the home, on the second floor, if present
b) In the kitchen
c) In the bedroom
d) There is no “best location” for a single smoke detector in a one- and two-family home

12. What are the four stages of a fire?

a) Incipient, smoldering, flame, heat
b) Smoldering, heat, flume, explosion
c) Hot, warm, very hot, flame
d) Particles of combustion, scorching, flame, heat

ANSWER KEY: 1) B; 2) A; 3) B; 4) B; 5) C; 6) D; 7) B; 8) B; 9) A; 10) D; 11) D; 12) A

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.

If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

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.

Security Is Our Business, Too

For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.

A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.

Subscribe Today!

Get Our Newsletters