Security Science Quiz

1. What type of detectors are more technically responsive to invisible particles produced by most flaming fires?

a) Pneumatic

b) Heat

c) Photo-electronic

d) Ionization

2. NEMA manuals covering fire alarm systems are produced by the …

a) National Electronics Manufacturing Association

b) National Electrical Manufacturing Association

c) National Enterprise Manufacturing Association

d) National Electrical Manufacturers Association

3. Can calibration tests be performed on all smoke detectors?

a) Yes

b) No

c) Only for detectors manufactured after 2004

d) Only for detectors manufactured before 2004

4. The Life Safety Code has the purpose of establishing maximum requirements that will provide a reasonable degree of safety from fire in buildings and structures.

a) This is a true statement

b) It depends on the type of occupancy so the statement is false

c) This is a false statement

d) This statement does not apply to the Life Safety Code so it is false

5. With regard to smoke detectors connected to an addressable fire alarm control unit, a calibration test and a functional test are the same.

a) This is only true for conventional systems

b) This statement is false

c) This statement is true

d) This is only true for fire alarm systems manufactured after 1993 in accordance with NFPA 72 of the National Fire Alarm Code

6. Conductors and equipment, with leads or wiring more than 12 inches long shall be protected by an overcurrent device that is not rated over …

a) 10 amps

b) 1 amp

c) 24 amps

d) 20 amps

7. Generally, the types of hazards associated with Class 1, 2 and 3 locations are:

a) Gases; metals; fibers

b) Gases; fibers; dusts

c) Dusts; gases; radioactivity

d) High voltage electrical; high amperage electrical and high risk arc flash locations

8. When installing wiring between an RJ31X jack into the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which article or articles of the National Electrical Code shall be followed?

a) Article 730

b) Articles 725 and 760

c) Articles 300 and 800

d) Article 731

9. Metal pipe grounding electrodes shall be …

a) Not less than six feet in length

b) Not more than six feet in length

c) Not less than eight feet in length and if rock-bottom is encountered, the electrode shall be driven in at an oblique angle not to exceed 45 degrees from the vertical or shall be buried in a trench that is at least 21⁄2-feet deep

d) If rock- bottom is encountered, the electrode shall be driven in at an oblique angle not to exceed 45 degrees from the vertical

10. One kilowatt equals …

a) 10,000 watts

b) 1,000 watts

c) 1,000 kilowatts

d) 1 watt

11. The total resistance of a series circuit is equal to the sum of the …

a) Resistances of all the parts of the circuit

b) Resistances of the protective loop wiring between the control panel set and the first device

c) Resistances of the protective loop wiring between the control panel set and the last device

d) Resistances of the protective loop wiring from the system ground to the control panel set

12. The total voltage in a series circuit is equal to the sum of the voltages across …

a) The highest levels of voltage of the circuit

b) Lowest levels of voltage of the circuit

c) All parts of the circuit

d) Lowest levels of the resistance and voltage of the circuit


Verifying Fire Alarms

Consider this scenario: You are knowingly or unknowingly provided with a cellphone number for a residential subscriber and the remote station receives a fire alarm signal. The central station operator then calls the subscriber (cellphone rather than home number) in an attempt to verify the signal. The operator is told by the subscriber not to dispatch the fire department and/or to disregard the signal, but in actuality the client is not at home. This could pose a risk to the alarm company and/or central station for taking that instruction, even though they thought the phone number called was located at the protected premises.

Additionally, alarm companies and/or central stations should proactively warn the subscriber upfront and in writing that if the subscriber is not at home, it would never be acceptable for the subscriber to advise the central station to cancel or disregard any fire alarm signal it receives.

Jeffrey D. Zwirn, CPP, CFPS, CFE, DABFET, CHS-III, SET, CCI, 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.

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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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