Pass the NICET Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems ITFAS-Level-1 Questions and answers with CertsForce

Fire alarm systems that communicate via telephone lines are required to monitor those lines for disconnection. If theprimary line fails, it must be reported as asupervisory condition, and the system will attempt communication via thesecondary line.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 26.6.4.4.4.1:

"A single communications technology shall be monitored for integrity. Loss of the supervising line shall result in a supervisory signal..."

So, if theprimary phone line is disconnected, the correct system response is to issue asupervisory signal, not a general alarm or just a local alert.

Correct answer: D. Supervisory condition

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Testing of engine-driven generators is governed byNFPA 110, not NFPA 72. NFPA 72 references this standard for standby power systems.

NFPA 110 (2022), Section 8.4.1:

“Diesel generator sets shall be exercised at least once weekly.”

This includes running the generator under load and verifying automatic start capability.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.3.2:

Refers to NFPA 110 for testing of standby/emergency power systems.

Correct answer: A. Weekly

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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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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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Amultimeteris the standard tool used by fire alarm technicians to measure bothbattery voltageandcharging current.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.4.3.2 – Testing Methods for Batteries:

Testing includes checking the voltage and current — commonly done using a multimeter.

Multimeters are capable of readingDC voltage(for battery levels) andamperage(for charge current).

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 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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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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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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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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