ITFAS-Level-1 Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems Level I Exam Questions and Answers

NFPA 72 defines a time requirement for how quickly a waterflow switch must respond when a sprinkler system activates. The waterflow initiating device (typically a paddle-type switch) must send an alarmwithin 90 seconds, but the system may have aretard delayof up to90 seconds, making the total allowable time120 seconds.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.13.2:

“Waterflow alarm-initiating devices shall be set to operate within 90 seconds after the flow begins. Retard devices shall not delay the signal more than an additional 90 seconds.”

Thus, the maximumtotal activation timeis:

90 seconds operation + 90 seconds retard =120 seconds max

Correct answer: C. 120 seconds

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Semiannualvisual inspectionof notification appliances checks theirphysical condition, mounting, visibility, and labeling— not candela or flash rate.

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

“Visible and audible notification appliances” → Frequency: Semiannually

Method: Verify proper location and physical condition

Correct answer: C. Verify location and condition

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Manual fire alarm boxes (pull stations) are required to be easily accessible near exits so that occupants can quickly initiate an alarm when leaving the area. The specific distance requirement is found in:

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.14.6.3:

"Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located within 5 ft (1.5 m) of each exit doorway on each floor."

So thecorrect distance is 5 feet, not 33 feet. That makes the correct answer:

Correct answer: A. 5 feet (1.5 meters)

Forsealed lead-acid batteries, NFPA 72 specifies that their condition be verified by checkingspecific gravity, which indicates battery charge status and health.

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

Lead-acid batteries shall be tested semiannually by measuring specific gravity.

If batteries are sealed and specific gravity cannot be tested, voltage and visual checks are used instead.

Correct answer: C. By verifying specific gravity

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Control valve supervisory switches must be tested to verify that they send a signal when the valve position changes (e.g., valve is closed). NFPA 72 requires this to be doneannually.

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

Control valve supervisory switch:

Frequency:Annually

Method:Operate valve control; verify signal annunciation.

Correct answer: D. Annually

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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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Thefunctional test of the primary power supplyensures that the fire alarm system responds properly to a loss of power and transitions to secondary power.

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

Primary power supply is required to be testedannually, which equates toevery 12 months.

Correct answer: D. Every 12 months

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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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Ground-fault monitoring circuits are required on many fire alarm systems to detect when a wire has unintentionally contacted a grounded surface. During testing, the inspectorintentionally introduces a groundto verify that the panel can detect it.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.17.1:

"Ground-fault conditions shall be annunciated in accordance with the requirements of this Code."

Testing method:

Thestandard functional testis tointentionally ground a circuit(typically using a known resistor) and verify the control panel indicates aground-fault supervisory signal.

Correct answer: D. Verify the ground-fault indication when circuits are grounded

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Animpairmentis a formal condition defined in NFPA 72 when a system or portion of it is not functional and may fail during an emergency. This is a critical safety concern.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 3.3.149 – Impairment (Fire Alarm Systems):

“A condition where a fire protection or life safety system or a portion thereof is out of service.”

Also supported by Section 10.21.1:

Which details handling of system impairments and the need for proper management, notification, and restoration.

Correct answer: A. Impairment

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When a fire alarm system isimpacted for any period of time, certain parties must be notified bothbeforeandaftertesting or impairment. When the impairment isless than 8 hours,NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.21.3.6applies.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.21.3.6:

"Where a system has been impaired for less than 8 hours, notification shall be made to the system owner or the owner's designated representative when the system has been returned to service."

This section makes it clear that thesystem owneris the responsible party to be notified upon restoration in these shorter impairments.

Correct answer: D. System owner

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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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NFPA 72 requires that the secondary power supply be capable of powering the fire alarm system underquiescent or supervisory loadfor 24 hours, followed by full alarm load for a minimum time (typically 5 or 15 minutes depending on system type).

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 (supervisory condition) for a minimum of 24 hours…”

Testing should verify operation under thissupervisory (normal monitoring)condition.

Correct answer: D. Supervisory load

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In aClass Afire alarm circuit, asingle opencondition does not affect communication but must still be annunciated as atroublesignal.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 12.3.1.1.1.4:

“A single open condition on a Class A pathway shall result in a trouble signal.”

This maintains system operation while alerting of a wiring fault.

Correct answer: D. Trouble

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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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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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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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NFPA 72 mandates that fire alarm system documentation be stored in a dedicated cabinet, and that cabinet must be clearly labeled. Theexact phraserequired is:

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 7.7.2:

"The cabinet shall be prominently labeled 'SYSTEM RECORD DOCUMENTS.'"

This ensures that anyone — including inspectors, AHJs, or technicians — can easily identify where critical system information is stored.

Correct answer: D. System record documents

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

When a system monitors sprinklerwaterflow(alarm) andvalve tamper switches(supervisory), the system must send the following to the supervising station:

Alarm signals(from flow)

Trouble signals(e.g., open circuits)

Supervisory signals(e.g., valve partially closed)

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 26.2.2.1:

"A fire alarm system connected to a supervising station shall transmit alarm, trouble, and supervisory signals..."

There isno requirementfor phone line failure or primary power loss to be transmitted unless required by local code.

Correct answer: B. Alarm, trouble, and supervisory

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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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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