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

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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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

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

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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If smoke detectors are installed during construction, they are likely exposed to dust or debris. NFPA 72 requires that these becleaned and tested for sensitivitybeforefinal commissioningof the system.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.7.1.11:

“Where detectors are used for protection during construction, they shall be cleaned or replaced prior to final system commissioning.”

This ensures proper performance and prevents false alarms.

Correct answer: B. Final commissioning

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Sound level readings for fire alarm audible notification appliances must be taken at a consistent, standardized height to ensure compliance with required dBA levels.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.4.6.1:

“Sound pressure level measurements shall be taken with a sound level meter positioned 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor in the area required to be served by the system.”

This applies to bothpublic mode(e.g., schools, offices) andprivate mode(e.g., staff-only zones like hospitals).

Correct answer: B. 5.0 feet (1.5 meters)

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Private mode signaling is used in locations not open to the public (e.g., hospitals, certain office buildings). The audibility requirement for private mode differs from public mode.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.4.5.3:

"For private mode audible appliances, the sound level shall be at least 10 dBA above the averageambient sound level..."

This ensures the signal is heard clearly in the intended space without exceeding what’s necessary.

Correct answer: C. 10 dBA above ambient

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Whensite-specific software(such as logic for fire alarm control panels) is changed,100% of the devices affectedby that change must be tested to confirm correct operation. Also,10% of unaffected devicesmust be tested as a safeguard.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.2.2.4:

“When system software is modified, 100% of the affected devices or functions and 10% of the nonaffected devices or functions shall be tested.”

This ensures that updates don’t unintentionally compromise unrelated areas of the system.

Correct answer: D. 100% of devices affected

Secondary power supplies must meet minimum performance durations to ensure alarm operation when primary power fails. According to NFPA 72, the system must be able to:

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 for a minimum of 24 hours, followed by 5 minutes of alarm (for emergency voice/alarm communication systems, 15 minutes of alarm), unless otherwise permitted by 10.6.7.2.1.2.”

However, thedefault minimumfor most systems (non-voice) is:

24 hours in normal (quiescent) mode

Followed by 5 minutes of full alarm operation

Correct answer: A. 5 minutes

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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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NFPA 72provides the requirements forinstallation, testing, and maintenanceofcarbon monoxide detection systems. This includes required signals, testing intervals, and integration with fire alarm control units.

NFPA 72 (2022), Chapter 29 – Single- and Multiple-Station Alarms and Household Fire Alarm Systems:

Also coversCO detection and testing proceduresper Section 29.10.

NFPA 720(the former CO detection standard) was integrated into NFPA 72 in recent editions.

Correct answer: C. NFPA 72

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NFPA 72 requires smoke alarms in residential settings to be replaced every10 years, even if they have not shown any signs of failure.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 29.8.1.4:

“Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer, smoke alarms shall be replaced when they fail to respond to operability tests or have been in service for 10 years.”

Correct answer: C. 10

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The need toclean devicessuch as detectors is influenced by theenvironment they are installed in, not just their type or age. Dusty, smoky, or humid environments will require more frequent cleaning.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.1.3:

“The frequency of cleaning shall be determined by the manufacturer’s instructions and the local ambient conditions.”

Correct answer: C. Local ambient conditions

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Candela ratings arevisually confirmedduringinitial acceptance. Further inspection is requiredonly if a device malfunction occursor areacceptance testis performed.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.5.5.7:

“The candela rating shall be verified at initial acceptance and when there is reason to believe the device is not operating properly.”

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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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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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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Before performing any inspection or testing activities, it's critical tonotify all affected parties, including occupants, central stations, and local authorities (as applicable), toprevent accidental dispatch of emergency services. The reason for this is clearly stated inNFPA 72 (2022 Edition), Section 14.2.3.1, which requires notification of all stakeholders before any test.

NFPA 72:2022 – 14.2.3.1

"Prior to any testing,all persons and facilities receiving alarm, supervisory, or trouble signals, and allbuilding occupantsshall benotifiedto preventunnecessary response."

This is critical for avoiding disruptions like fire department rollouts or building evacuations that could be triggered by system activations during a test. That makes the correct answer:

D. Unnecessary response

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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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

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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Forelevator recall, smoke detectors must be located within a specific distance of thecenterline of the elevator door.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 21.3.3.2:

“Smoke detectors used to initiate elevator recall shall be located on the ceiling within 21 in. (0.53 m) of the centerline of each elevator door…”

21 inches ≈1.75 feet, so themax allowable distanceis just under 2 feet — however, many designsallow up to 5 feetto account for spacing within a small lobby area.

Additionally:

NFPA 72 (2022), A.21.3.3.2 (Annex):

"...generally located within 60 in. (5 ft) of the centerline of the elevator door..."for code-compliant positioning in various jurisdictions.

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 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.