Fire Alarm Fundamentals

How well do you understand the fire alarm fundamental requirements in the 2025 edition of NFPA 72? Take this quiz and test your knowledge.

1. The purpose of fire alarm and signaling systems shall be primarily to _____.

Provide notification of alarm, supervisory and trouble conditions

Alert the occupants

Summon aid

Control emergency control functions

All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

2. Equipment constructed and installed in conformity with this code shall be listed for _____.

Fire alarm use

The purpose for which it is used

A and B

Correct Answer: The purpose for which it is used

3. Equipment shall be designed so it is capable of performing its intended functions at a relative humidity of _% and an ambient temperature of _°F.

75, 86

85, 86

86, 85

95, 85

Correct Answer: 85, 86

4. Control unit displays, visible indicators or controls shall be mounted such that the distance to the highest switch, lamp or top of any textual display does not exceed _____ feet above the finished floor.

Correct Answer: 6

5. Smoke or heat detector(s) _____ be required to be installed at the location of dedicated function(s) fire alarm control unit(s) that are not required to provide local or supervising station notification signals.

Shall

Shall Not

Correct Answer: Shall Not

6. The secondary power supply shall automatically provide power to the protected premises system within _____ seconds whenever the primary power supply voltage is insufficient for required system operation.

Correct Answer: 10

7. After 24 hours, the secondary power supply for an emergency voice communication system shall be capable of operating the system during a fire or other emergency condition for a period of _____ minutes at maximum connected load.

Correct Answer: 15

8. Battery charging equipment shall be provided to recharge batteries within _____ hours after fully charged batteries have been subject to a single discharge cycle.

Correct Answer: 48

9. Emergency mass notification signals and messages shall be permitted to have priority over fire alarm notification signals in accordance with the requirements in Chapter 24.

True

False

Correct Answer: True

10. Actuation of alarm notification appliances or emergency voice communications, emergency control function interface devices and annunciation at the protected premises shall occur within _____ seconds after the activation of an initiating device.