Free NICET ITFAS-Level-1 Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 2

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

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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Visible notification appliances used in fire alarm systems (like strobes) must be eitherclear or redto distinguish them from other building systems.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.5.1.4:

“Visible signals used in fire alarm systems shall be clear or nominal red in color.”

This ensuresstandardized visual recognitionduring fire emergencies.

Correct answer: D. Clear or red

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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

Thesignal silence switchis used to silence audible signalswithout resetting the system or clearing the visual indicatorsof an alarm condition. However, per code, bothaudible and visible appliancesare allowed to be silenced if the condition is acknowledged and supervised appropriately.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.11.5.2.1:

“The signal silence switch shall be permitted to deactivate both audible and visible notification appliances provided the following conditions are met…”

Conditions include that:

The system must remain inalarm state

Thecondition must be supervised

Manual reset is required to restore full function

Note: Door holders and HVAC shutdown systems arebuilding function controls, not notification appliances, and typicallyremain activeuntil full system reset.

Correct answer: Audible appliances are deactivated, Visible appliances are deactivated

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

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

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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To verify that smoke detectors are operating within their listed sensitivity range, NFPA 72 provides three approved testing methods. These ensure proper functionality and compliance with safety requirements.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.4.3.1:

"Sensitivity shall be checked using any of the following methods:

(1) Calibrated test method approved by the authority having jurisdiction

(2) Listed control equipment arranged for the purpose

(3) Calibrated sensitivity test instrument of the smoke detector manufacturer"

The option "test approved by the engineer" isnot listedamong the approved sensitivity test methods in NFPA 72, and therefore is not acceptable for compliance.

NFPA 72 specifies a strict timeframe for the automatic switchover tosecondary powerafter loss of primary power.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.7.1.2:

“Transfer to secondary power shall occur within 30 seconds after loss of primary power.”

This ensures uninterrupted monitoring and alarm functions during outages.

Correct answer: B. 30

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