Free NICET ITFAS-Level-1 Practice Exam with Questions & Answers

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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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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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 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 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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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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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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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 sets a maximum time limit for verifying that signals frominitiating devicesreach thesupervising stationduring testing. The purpose is to ensure that communication paths and processing do not introduce unsafe delays.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.3.4.2:

"Where connected to a supervising station, the signal shall be confirmed as received at the supervising station within 90 seconds of initiating device activation."

Correct answer: C. 90 seconds

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Elevator alternate level recall is a life safety feature designed to prevent passengers from arriving at a smoke-compromised floor. NFPA 72 and elevator codes dictate that this function must activatewhen smoke is detected at the primary recall level (designated lobby).

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 21.3.3.1:

“When the elevator lobby smoke detector required for the designated recall level is activated, the elevator shall be recalled to an alternate level.”

This action prevents elevators from opening at a smoke-filled lobby.

Correct answer: A. In response to activation of a smoke detector located at the designated elevator lobby

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