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

Emergency voice/alarm communication systems must continue functioning after a loss of primary power for aminimum of 24 hours in standby, followed by15 minutes of alarmoperation.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.7.2.1.1 (Exception):

“…followed by 15 minutes of alarm for emergency voice/alarm communication systems.”

This ensures that occupants can still hear evacuation messages even during a power outage.

Correct answer: D. Minimum of 15 minutes

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Normally, smoke detector sensitivity testing is requiredevery two years, butNFPA 72 allows extension up to five yearsif thedetectors have not experienced frequent nuisance alarmsand accuraterecords of performanceare maintained.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.4.3.2:

“Where detectors are cleaned and maintained and where records of nuisance alarms and changes in detector locations are kept, the sensitivity testing interval shall be permitted to be extended to 5 years.”

Keeping a log of nuisance alarms helps assess the reliability of the detectors over time.

Correct answer: C. Records of nuisance alarms shall be maintained

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

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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Elevator recall typically generates analarm signal, but under specific circumstances, theAHJ may approve the use of a supervisory signalinstead.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 21.3.3.3 (Exception):

“Where permitted by the AHJ, activation of elevator recall initiating devices shall be permitted to result in a supervisory signal.”

This allows flexibilitywith AHJ approval, not at the discretion of designers or owners.

Correct answer: A. Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction

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When performingannual testingof notification appliances such as strobes or horns, NFPA 72 mandatesfunctional testing— which means checking that they operate correctly when activated.

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

Under "Notification Appliances," the required method for both audible and visible devices is:

"Functional test — verify proper operation."

While things likesound levelsandcandela settingsare verified duringacceptance testing or design review, the annual requirement issimply to verify that they work.

Correct answer: C. Verify proper operation

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Room temperature switches are used to detectfreezing conditionsin environments such as sprinkler valve rooms. An off-normal (supervisory) condition is triggered if the temperature dropsbelow 40 °F (4.4 °C).

NFPA 72 (2022), Section A.17.16.1.1:

“Low-temperature supervisory signals shall be initiated when the temperature falls below 40 °F (4.4 °C) unless otherwise specified.”

This signal helps prevent system damage or failure due to freezing.

Correct answer: B. 40 °F (4.4 °C)

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Elevators must beshut downwhen there iswater dischargein the hoistway to prevent electrical hazards and damage. This shutdown is done using ashunt trip breaker.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 21.4.2:

“Where sprinklers are located in the elevator machine room, control space, or hoistway, means shall be provided to automatically disconnect the main power supply to the elevator prior to the application of water.”

This is triggeredby a waterflow switch or heat detector, but the standard design uses thesprinkler head activationas the point of shutdown via heat detector.

Important: While the heat detector usually triggers the shunt trip, thesprinkler head activationis the condition being detected.

Correct answer: D. When a sprinkler head is activated

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Radio transmitters used in fire alarm systems for off-premises signal transmission must be inspected to verify physical condition, connections, and proper operation. The requiredinspection interval is quarterly.

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

"Radio transmitters" → Frequency: Quarterly

Correct answer: B. Quarterly

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Replacement batteries used in fire alarm systems must meet strict safety and documentation requirements:

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.10.1.2:

“Batteries shall be marked with the month and year of manufacture.”

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.10.2:

“Batteries shall be listed for the intended purpose by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL).”

There isno requirementthat replacement batteries must be the same make/model, though compatibility must be ensured.

Correct answers:

Batteries shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory

Batteries shall be marked with the month and year of manufacture

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