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

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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DACTs must attempt communication within a certain number of tries. If all attempts fail, the panel must initiate atrouble condition.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 26.6.4.4.4.2.1:

“A maximum of 10 attempts on one line and 2 attempts on the other line shall be permitted before a trouble signal is indicated.”

That totals12 attemptsbefore declaring communication failure.

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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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

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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Semiannualvisual inspectionof notification appliances checks theirphysical condition, mounting, visibility, and labeling— not candela or flash rate.

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

“Visible and audible notification appliances” → Frequency: Semiannually

Method: Verify proper location and physical condition

Correct answer: C. Verify location and condition

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Testing of engine-driven generators is governed byNFPA 110, not NFPA 72. NFPA 72 references this standard for standby power systems.

NFPA 110 (2022), Section 8.4.1:

“Diesel generator sets shall be exercised at least once weekly.”

This includes running the generator under load and verifying automatic start capability.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.3.2:

Refers to NFPA 110 for testing of standby/emergency power systems.

Correct answer: A. Weekly

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Asupervisory signalindicates a condition thatrequires attention but is not an alarm. In sprinkler systems, one of the most common supervisory signals comes from avalve tamper switch, indicating a partially closed valve, or sometimes awaterflow switch resetissue.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 3.3.269:

"Supervisory Signal — A signal indicating the need for action in connection with the supervision of guard tours, the fire suppression systems, or equipment or maintenance features of related systems."

Also:Table A.10.14.2.1

Shows thatwaterflow valves and tamper switchesare typical sources of supervisory signals.

So the correct answer — awaterflow alarmimplies something abnormal with the fire protection system, possibly indicating a tamper switch or system supervisory issue.

Correct answer: D. A waterflow alarm has been activated

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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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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

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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Sound level readings for fire alarm audible notification appliances must be taken at a consistent, standardized height to ensure compliance with required dBA levels.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 18.4.6.1:

“Sound pressure level measurements shall be taken with a sound level meter positioned 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor in the area required to be served by the system.”

This applies to bothpublic mode(e.g., schools, offices) andprivate mode(e.g., staff-only zones like hospitals).

Correct answer: B. 5.0 feet (1.5 meters)

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In aClass Afire alarm circuit, asingle opencondition does not affect communication but must still be annunciated as atroublesignal.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 12.3.1.1.1.4:

“A single open condition on a Class A pathway shall result in a trouble signal.”

This maintains system operation while alerting of a wiring fault.

Correct answer: D. Trouble

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If smoke detectors are installed during construction, they are likely exposed to dust or debris. NFPA 72 requires that these becleaned and tested for sensitivitybeforefinal commissioningof the system.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.7.1.11:

“Where detectors are used for protection during construction, they shall be cleaned or replaced prior to final system commissioning.”

This ensures proper performance and prevents false alarms.

Correct answer: B. Final commissioning

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Duct detectors are used to shut down air handling systems to prevent smoke from circulating. NFPA 72 requires that these detectors and their shutdown functions be testedannually.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.4.3.2 – Testing Frequencies:

"Duct-type smoke detectors with HVAC shutdown" → Frequency: Annually.

The test must verifydetector functionandHVAC control activation.

Correct answer: D. Annually

DACTs (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitters) are required to supervise their telephone communication paths. If theprimary line is disconnected, the system must detect and transmit a trouble signal quickly.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 26.6.4.4.4.2.3:

“Loss of the primary means of transmission shall be annunciated at the protected premises within 4 minutes.”

This ensures prompt identification and correction of communication issues.

Correct answer: C. 4

This question is referring tosupervisory signaling for control valvesin sprinkler systems. When a valve begins to move from its normal (open) position, the fire alarm system must detect and signal thisbefore it reaches too far out of position.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.16.1.3:

"Off-normal signal shall be initiated during the first one-quarter (1/4) of the valve travel distance from its normal position."

This ensures timely detection if someone begins to close a sprinkler valve, which could disable the fire suppression system.

Correct answer: B. 1/4

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NFPA 72 defines a time requirement for how quickly a waterflow switch must respond when a sprinkler system activates. The waterflow initiating device (typically a paddle-type switch) must send an alarmwithin 90 seconds, but the system may have aretard delayof up to90 seconds, making the total allowable time120 seconds.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 17.13.2:

“Waterflow alarm-initiating devices shall be set to operate within 90 seconds after the flow begins. Retard devices shall not delay the signal more than an additional 90 seconds.”

Thus, the maximumtotal activation timeis:

90 seconds operation + 90 seconds retard =120 seconds max

Correct answer: C. 120 seconds

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This question focuses on estimatingsystem impairment time, which is a key planning function when coordinating fire alarm inspections.

Step-by-step breakdown:

45 devices × 2 minutes =90 minutes

FACU testing and restoration =20 minutes

Total = 90 + 20 =110 minutes

110 minutes =1 hour and 50 minutes

While NFPA 72 doesn't specify how to calculate impairment time, NICET expects Level I technicians toplan and communicate system impairmentsaccurately — part of their responsibilities under:

NICET Level I Content Outline – Domain: Plan and Coordinate Work

“Estimate and communicate the time required to perform inspection and testing tasks while minimizing system impairments.”

Therefore, the correct choice is:

D. 1 hour, 50 minutes

Heat detectors that arenonrestorablemust either be replaced after 15 years or undergo sample testing. If testing is chosen,at least 4 detectors per 100of the same model and environment must be tested in an approved lab.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.4.4.1:

“After 15 years from the date of installation, all fixed-temperature, nonrestorable heat detectors shall be replaced or tested using a laboratory method... A minimum of 4 detectors shall be tested for each 100 detectors installed.”

This ensures detector reliability over time.

Correct answer: B. 4

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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.”

Household fire alarm systems have different performance requirements from commercial systems, but still must support essential alarm functions under loss of primary power.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 29.10.5.1.1:

“The secondary power supply shall be capable of powering the system under quiescent load for 24 hours and then capable of operating the system during alarm for a period of 4 minutes (for general fire alarm) or 10 minutes (for household fire alarm systems).”

Correct answer: C. 24 hours in the normal condition followed by 10 minutes of alarm

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