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

NFPA 72 identifies severaltypes of fire alarm control units (FACUs)based on their function and scope.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 3.3.103 — Fire Alarm Control Unit (FACU):

Dedicated Function FACU: Performs a specific fire alarm role (e.g., elevator recall or sprinkler monitoring).

Protected Premises FACU: Installed on-site to monitor and signal within that building.

Releasing Service FACU: Activates fire suppression systems like gas or foam.

"Central station" is asupervising station, not a control unit.

Correct answers:

Dedicated function

Protected premises

Releasing service

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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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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 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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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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Manual fire alarm boxes (pull stations) must bevisually inspected monthlyto ensure accessibility, visibility, and no physical damage.

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

"Manual fire alarm boxes"→Monthly

The inspection verifies the handle is not blocked and the device is clearly labeled.

Correct answer: A. Monthly

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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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Thedesignated level recallfunction is triggered when a smoke detector is activated in that same elevator lobby. This returns the elevator to that floor (usually the ground or main level) for emergency evacuation,unless smoke is present there, in which case thealternate recallfloor is used.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 21.3.3.1:

“Activation of the smoke detector installed at the designated level shall cause all elevators that serve that level to return to an alternate level.”

But:

“Smoke detector activation in any other elevator lobby shall recall elevators to the designated level.”

So:

If smoke isin the ninth-floor lobby, and that lobby isnotthe designated level → elevator recalls to designated level.

Therefore,activation of the ninth-floor smoke detector (not the designated level)causesdesignated level recall.

Correct answer: B. Designated level recall

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Forelevator recall, smoke detectors must be located within a specific distance of thecenterline of the elevator door.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 21.3.3.2:

“Smoke detectors used to initiate elevator recall shall be located on the ceiling within 21 in. (0.53 m) of the centerline of each elevator door…”

21 inches ≈1.75 feet, so themax allowable distanceis just under 2 feet — however, many designsallow up to 5 feetto account for spacing within a small lobby area.

Additionally:

NFPA 72 (2022), A.21.3.3.2 (Annex):

"...generally located within 60 in. (5 ft) of the centerline of the elevator door..."for code-compliant positioning in various jurisdictions.

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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Radio transmitters used in fire alarm systems for off-premises signal transmission must be inspected to verify physical condition, connections, and proper operation. The requiredinspection interval is quarterly.

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

"Radio transmitters" → Frequency: Quarterly

Correct answer: B. Quarterly

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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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Projected beam smoke detectors are testednot with actual smoke, but by simulating obscuration usinglisted toolssuch as atest switchoroptical filter.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 14.4.2.2.6.2:

“Projected beam-type smoke detectors shall be tested by introducing an obscuration in the beam path using an optical density filter or a method approved by the manufacturer.”

Some systems includelisted test switchesfor functional checks without disrupting alignment.

Correct answer: Using a listed test switch, Using an optical filter

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Elevators must beshut downwhen there iswater dischargein the hoistway to prevent electrical hazards and damage. This shutdown is done using ashunt trip breaker.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 21.4.2:

“Where sprinklers are located in the elevator machine room, control space, or hoistway, means shall be provided to automatically disconnect the main power supply to the elevator prior to the application of water.”

This is triggeredby a waterflow switch or heat detector, but the standard design uses thesprinkler head activationas the point of shutdown via heat detector.

Important: While the heat detector usually triggers the shunt trip, thesprinkler head activationis the condition being detected.

Correct answer: D. When a sprinkler head is activated

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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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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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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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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)

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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Before performing any inspection or testing activities, it's critical tonotify all affected parties, including occupants, central stations, and local authorities (as applicable), toprevent accidental dispatch of emergency services. The reason for this is clearly stated inNFPA 72 (2022 Edition), Section 14.2.3.1, which requires notification of all stakeholders before any test.

NFPA 72:2022 – 14.2.3.1

"Prior to any testing,all persons and facilities receiving alarm, supervisory, or trouble signals, and allbuilding occupantsshall benotifiedto preventunnecessary response."

This is critical for avoiding disruptions like fire department rollouts or building evacuations that could be triggered by system activations during a test. That makes the correct answer:

D. Unnecessary response

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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