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

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

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

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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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

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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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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For smoke detectors that allow field sensitivity adjustment, NFPA 72 provides a minimum allowable sensitivity range to ensure the detector still provides proper protection.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.7.3.2.1.1.3:

"If a detector has a field-adjustable sensitivity, the range shall be not less than 0.6 percent/ftobscuration (1.95 percent/m)."

This means theminimum range must include 0.6%/ft— detectors can be more sensitive, but not less.

Correct answer: A. No less than 0.6% per foot (1.95% per meter)

After an initiating device (like a smoke detector or pull station) is triggered, NFPA 72 limits how long thecontrol unit can delay its responseto initiating notification appliances and/or signal transmission.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.11.1.1:

“Fire alarm and emergency alarm initiating devices shall be arranged to initiate the intended alarm or response within 10 seconds unless otherwise permitted. The total delay shall not exceed 30 seconds.”

Correct answer: C. 30 seconds

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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 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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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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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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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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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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Signal priorities determine the order in which events are processed and displayed by the fire alarm system.

NFPA 72 (2022), Annex A.10.14.3 and system programming guidelines:

While not directly listed in a table, systems are programmed such that:

Alarm (including pre-alarm)has the highest priority

Followed bysupervisory, thentrouble, and finallyrestoral

Pre-alarm is part ofalarm initiation logicand is treated as high-priority due to its potential escalation.

Correct answer: A. Pre-alarm

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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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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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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

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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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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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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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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