ITFAS-Level-1 Questions and Answers

When a fire alarm system isimpacted for any period of time, certain parties must be notified bothbeforeandaftertesting or impairment. When the impairment isless than 8 hours,NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.21.3.6applies.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.21.3.6:

"Where a system has been impaired for less than 8 hours, notification shall be made to the system owner or the owner's designated representative when the system has been returned to service."

This section makes it clear that thesystem owneris the responsible party to be notified upon restoration in these shorter impairments.

Correct answer: D. System owner

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Ground-fault monitoring circuits are required on many fire alarm systems to detect when a wire has unintentionally contacted a grounded surface. During testing, the inspectorintentionally introduces a groundto verify that the panel can detect it.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.17.1:

"Ground-fault conditions shall be annunciated in accordance with the requirements of this Code."

Testing method:

Thestandard functional testis tointentionally ground a circuit(typically using a known resistor) and verify the control panel indicates aground-fault supervisory signal.

Correct answer: D. Verify the ground-fault indication when circuits are grounded

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If you choosenot to send a sample of devices to a lab for testing, thenall nonrestorable, fixed-temperature spot-type heat detectorsmust be replaced after 15 years.

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 method approved by the manufacturer.”

If testing isnot performed, thenreplacement of all devices is required.

Correct answer: D. Replace all devices

NFPA requiresdaily visual inspectionof fire alarm control equipment if it isnot monitored(not connected to a supervising station). This is to manually check for trouble lights, alarms, or other fault indications.

NFPA 72 (2022), Table 14.3.1 — Control Equipment (not monitored):

Visual inspection frequency: Daily

Correct answer: A. Daily

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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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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 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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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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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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Animpairmentis a formal condition defined in NFPA 72 when a system or portion of it is not functional and may fail during an emergency. This is a critical safety concern.

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 3.3.149 – Impairment (Fire Alarm Systems):

“A condition where a fire protection or life safety system or a portion thereof is out of service.”

Also supported by Section 10.21.1:

Which details handling of system impairments and the need for proper management, notification, and restoration.

Correct answer: A. Impairment

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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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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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Secondary power supplies must meet minimum performance durations to ensure alarm operation when primary power fails. According to NFPA 72, the system must be able to:

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.7.2.1.1:

“The secondary power supply shall have sufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent load for a minimum of 24 hours, followed by 5 minutes of alarm (for emergency voice/alarm communication systems, 15 minutes of alarm), unless otherwise permitted by 10.6.7.2.1.2.”

However, thedefault minimumfor most systems (non-voice) is:

24 hours in normal (quiescent) mode

Followed by 5 minutes of full alarm operation

Correct answer: A. 5 minutes

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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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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.

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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NFPA 72 requires that the secondary power supply be capable of powering the fire alarm system underquiescent or supervisory loadfor 24 hours, followed by full alarm load for a minimum time (typically 5 or 15 minutes depending on system type).

NFPA 72 (2022), Section 10.6.7.2.1.1:

“The secondary power supply shall have sufficient capacity to operate the system under quiescent load (supervisory condition) for a minimum of 24 hours…”

Testing should verify operation under thissupervisory (normal monitoring)condition.

Correct answer: D. Supervisory load

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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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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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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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