Free NICET FA I flashcards

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Flashcard · Installation

Initiating device vs notification appliance

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Initiating device vs notification appliance: An initiating device tells the panel something happened (detector, pull station, waterflow switch). A notification appliance tells people (horn, strobe, speaker).NFPA 72-2022 ch.17 and ch.18
Waterflow switch vs valve tamper switch: Waterflow reports water moving in a sprinkler pipe: an alarm signal. Tamper reports a valve moved off normal: a supervisory signal.NFPA 72-2022 ch.17
Why use a heat detector instead of a smoke detector?: Where smoke detectors would false alarm: kitchens, mechanical rooms, dusty or humid spaces.NFPA 72-2022 ch.17
What does supervision mean on a fire alarm circuit?: The panel constantly checks the wiring is intact, usually by passing a small current through to an end-of-line device.NFPA 72-2022 ch.12
Why break the wire at each device terminal?: If an unbroken wire is looped under a screw and slips off, the circuit still looks complete while the device is disconnected.NFPA 72-2022 ch.12; device installation sheet
Why no T-taps on a conventional supervised circuit?: The branch has no end-of-line device, so a break on the branch never shows at the panel.NFPA 72-2022 ch.12
How does a NAC stay quiet in standby?: The panel reverses polarity and a diode in each appliance blocks current; in alarm the polarity flips and appliances operate.Appliance and panel installation manuals
Two-wire smoke detectors and the panel: They must be listed as compatible with the panel. Check the compatibility list in the panel manual.Panel installation manual
Class B under a single open: Trouble at the panel; every device past the open stops working.NFPA 72-2022 ch.12
Class A under a single open: Trouble at the panel; every device keeps working because the panel reaches it from the other end. No EOL in the field.NFPA 72-2022 ch.12
FPL, FPLR, FPLP: Power-limited fire alarm cable: general use, riser (vertical shafts), plenum (air-handling spaces).NFPA 70 (2020) Art. 760
Cable substitution direction: Higher rating replaces lower: FPLP can replace FPLR or FPL; FPLR can replace FPL. Never the other way.NFPA 70 (2020) Art. 760