1. The local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) makes the final determination on appropriate fire alarm installations.
   a. True
   b. False
   
   
2. When designing a fire alarm system, which national code should be considered?
   a. NFPA 70
   b. NFPA 72
   c. NFPA 101
   d. All of the above
   
   
3. Which article of the National Electric Code addresses the installation of fire alarm systems?
   a. 110
   b. 760
   c. 770
   d. 800
   
   
4. When selecting SLC cables, which of the following should be considered?
   a. Environment
   b. Resistance of cable
   c. Capacitance of cable
   d. All of the above
   
   
5. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) has no bearing on fire alarm design and installation.
   a. True
   b. False
   
   
6. Which of the following is an advantage of an addressable fire alarm system?
   a. Alarm/trouble notification by device
   b. Reduced cabling
   c. Combining input and output devices on a single loop
   d. All of the above
   
   
7. Analog addressable systems allow smoke detectors to notify the control if their sensitivity drifts outside the proper range.
   a. True
   b. False
   
   
8. In an addressable fire alarm system, initiating devices are connected to the initiating device circuit (IDC).
   a. True
   b. False
   
   
9. Which of the following cable types can be used within an air plenum for smoke detectors?
   a. CL2
   b. CL2R
   c. CL2P
   d. Any of the above
   e. None of the above
   
   
10. The Internet is not approved for remote fire alarm monitoring.
    a. True
    b. False
    
    
11. All addressable smoke detectors:
    a. require a four-wire cable.
    b. have a unique address.
    c. require shielded cable.
    d. All of the above
    e. None of the above
    
    
12. In an addressable fire alarm system, control modules are connected to the notification appliance circuit.
    a. True
    b. False
    
    
13. Whenever any elevator lobby smoke detector is activated, the elevator should be sent to the primary egress floor.
    a. True
    b. False
    
    
14. An elevator shunt trip can stop an elevator even if it is between floors.
    a. True
    b. False
    
    
15. Output modules can be used to:
    a. shut down HVAC systems.
    b. control elevators.
    c. control smoke doors and dampers.
    d. Any of the above
    e. None of the above

What’s Wrong with This?

Wally `Larman installed a fire alarm system for a single-story commercial account that included smoke/duct detectors, manual pull stations, HVAC shutdown, a remote annunciator, and horns/strobes. Wally carefully selected the appropriate number and type of devices, calculated the correct AWG size for all cables based upon the manufacturer’s instructions and filed for the work. After receiving approval for his plans, Wally ran the cables for the devices in the air plenum above the drop ceiling, occasionally tie-wrapping them to the ceiling grid. When the installation was completed, Wally tested each device and all seemed to be in order, but when the job was inspected, the inspector and customer were not happy. Can you determine what Wally did wrong and what he must do to satisfy the inspector and customer?

5-Minute Tech Quiz Answers

1.         a — The AHJ has the final say in the design, installation and servicing of fire alarm systems. Although typically embracing the national codes, they sometimes will add their own requirements that may exceed the national codes.

2.         d — In addition to these national codes, you also should consider any local codes and the ADA.

3.         b

4.         d — All these factors must be considered when selecting cables for signaling line circuits (SLCs) as well as the manufacturer’s recommendations, and codes.

5.         b

6.         d — Because each detector in an addressable system has its own unique identifier, alarms/troubles show which device is activated, thereby reducing false alarms and service times. Additionally, addressable systems allow T-tapping and combining initiation and output modules on the same loop, which can greatly reduce cable runs.

7.         a

8.         b — In an addressable system, initiating devices are connected to the SLC. Conventional systems use an initiation device circuit (IDC) to connect initiating devices.

9.         e

10.       b

11.       b — Although all addressable smoke detectors have a unique address, the type of cable used depends upon the manufacture and length of the cable run.

12.       b — In an addressable system, control modules are connected to the SLC, not the notification appliance circuit.

13.       b — If the elevator lobby smoke detector on the primary egress floor is activated, the elevator should be sent to the alternate floor.

14.       a

15.       d

Answer to: What's Wrong with This?

Wally has two problems: first, he used the wrong type of cable, and second, he improperly secured the cables. Because the space above the drop ceiling is used as a return air plenum, Wally must use cables that are rated for use inside a plenum. FPLR (fire power limited riser) is suitable for vertical risers, but not for use within an air plenum, which requires a plenum-rated cable such as FPLP (fire power limited plenum). Tie-wrapping to the ceiling grid also violates NFPA 70 300.11, which requires that cables and raceways must have their own support, independent of other systems. To correct these problems, Wally must remove the FPLR cable and replace it with FPLP, securing the cables with some type of independent mechanical device, such as J hooks.