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

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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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 assigns theresponsibility for maintaining inspection and testing recordsto the owner or their designated representative. This ensures records are available when needed by the AHJ or for future inspections.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.6.1:

"The property or building owner or the owner's designated representative shall be responsible for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of the system and for maintaining the records."

This responsibility cannot be offloaded to the contractor or fire marshal unless formally designated by the owner.

Correct answer: D. Owner

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Amaster boxis a type of manual fire alarm box connected directly to a public emergency reporting system (typically a municipal or fire department network). NFPA 72 requires these to be testedannuallyto ensure they still properly send signals to the public system.

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

UnderPublic Emergency Alarm Reporting Systems→Master Boxes:

Test Frequency:Annually

Method:"Manual operation and verification of signal receipt at the public communication center."

The test confirms the box functions mechanically and that the signal is received by the appropriate monitoring point (e.g., fire department dispatch).

Correct answer: D. Annually

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Visible notification appliances (strobes) must flash at aminimum rate of one flash per secondto meet visibility and perceptibility requirements.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.5.3.4.1:

“The flash rate shall be not less than 1 flash per second and not more than 2 flashes per second.”

Correct answer: A. 1

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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

When a system monitors sprinklerwaterflow(alarm) andvalve tamper switches(supervisory), the system must send the following to the supervising station:

Alarm signals(from flow)

Trouble signals(e.g., open circuits)

Supervisory signals(e.g., valve partially closed)

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 26.2.2.1:

"A fire alarm system connected to a supervising station shall transmit alarm, trouble, and supervisory signals..."

There isno requirementfor phone line failure or primary power loss to be transmitted unless required by local code.

Correct answer: B. Alarm, trouble, and supervisory

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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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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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