When aDACTis the only method of off-premises signal transmission, itmustbe connected totwo separate telephone linesto ensure redundancy in case one line fails.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 26.6.4.4.4.1:

“DACTs shall be connected to two separate phone lines (one primary, one secondary). Loss of the primary line shall result in a supervisory signal.”

This redundancy ensures system reliability when using traditional telephone-based communication.

Correct answer: D. Two separate phone lines are required

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NFPA 72 requires annual testing to ensuretrouble signalsare correctly transmitted to the off-premises monitoring location (e.g., central station).

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.4.3.2 – Testing Frequencies and Methods:

Under “Off-Premises Transmission Equipment,”trouble signalsare testedannually.

This ensures that the system will properly report malfunctions.

Correct answer: D. Annually

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 requiressound pressure level measurementsto verify that audibility meets code requirements. This must be done duringinitial acceptanceandreacceptance testing(e.g., when system changes occur).

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.4.7.2:

"Sound pressure level measurements shall be taken and documented during acceptance and reacceptance testing."

Correct answer: B. Sound pressure levels are required to be taken during initial acceptance and reacceptance testing.

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NFPA 72 requires thattrouble signalsbe inspectedweeklyon monitored fire alarm systems toensure the system can detect and report problems in a timely manner.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.3.1 — Inspection Frequencies:

"Supervising station systems — Trouble signals"→Weekly

This ensures any open circuits, ground faults, or system issues are discovered promptly.

Correct answer: A. Weekly

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Engine-driven generators used for emergency power arenot governed directly by NFPA 72. Instead, their installation and testing requirements are found in:

NFPA 110 – Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems

NFPA 110 (2022), Chapter 8details howengine-driven generatorsmust be tested, including runtime, load testing, and maintenance intervals.

NFPA 72 references NFPA 110whenever standby/emergency power is used for fire alarm systems.

Correct answer: D. NFPA 110

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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NFPA requiresdaily visual inspectionof fire alarm control equipment if it isnot monitored(not connected to a supervising station). This is to manually check for trouble lights, alarms, or other fault indications.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.3.1 — Control Equipment (not monitored):

Visual inspection frequency: Daily

Correct answer: A. Daily

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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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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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Inspection intervals are detailed inNFPA 72, Table 14.3.1, which outlines the maximum intervals for various components. Most fire alarm system components require inspectionat least annually, which equals12 months.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.3.1 – Frequency of Inspection Tasks:

You’ll see that the default maximum inspection interval for initiating devices, control equipment, and notification appliances is12 months.

Unless specifically stated otherwise (e.g., by manufacturer instructions or performance-based design), you cannot exceed that.

Correct answer: C. 12 months

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Duct smoke detectors must be inspected visually to check for cleanliness, mounting condition, and airflow alignment. The minimum frequency isquarterly.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.3.1 — Visual Inspection Frequencies:

"Duct detectors (smoke)" → Frequency: Quarterly

This helps ensure proper functionality in HVAC systems.

Correct answer: B. Quarterly

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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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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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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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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 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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Remote annunciators provide fire alarm system status at secondary locations. NFPA 72 mandatesannual functional testingof these devices to ensure they correctly display and sound appropriate signals.

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

Category:Annunciators (remote)

Frequency:Annually

Test Method:“Verify correct visual/audible indication of alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals.”

Technicians must activate actual alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals and confirm they display correctly at the remote annunciator.

Correct answer: D. Annually

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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

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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NFPA 72 requires theinstallation dateof batteries to be clearly marked for maintenance and service life tracking.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.10.1.1:

“Each battery shall be marked with the month and year of installation.”

This helps ensure timely testing, maintenance, and replacement based on age.

Correct answer: C. Month and year of installation

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