Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers

FDNY S86 Certificate of Fitness for Professional Certification of Fire Alarm System Design Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which type of fire alarm system is designed to provide signals directly

to a central station for monitoring?

• Local alarm system
• Proprietary system
• Central station system
• Auxiliary system

Rationale: Central station systems transmit signals to a central

monitoring station for immediate response.

• What is the primary purpose of a fire alarm control panel (FACP)?
• To detect smoke
• To receive and process signals from initiating devices and control 1 / 4

notification appliances

• To supply emergency power
• To supervise sprinklers

Rationale: The FACP serves as the hub of the fire alarm system,

managing signals from detectors and activating alarms.

• Which device is primarily used to detect smoke in a fire alarm system?
• Heat detector
• Smoke detector
• Manual pull station
• Horn/strobe

Rationale: Smoke detectors sense smoke particles and trigger the fire

alarm system.

• According to NFPA 72, how often must fire alarm system batteries be

tested?

• Monthly
• Annually
• Weekly
• Daily

Rationale: NFPA 72 requires weekly inspections of batteries to ensure

system readiness.

• What is the main function of a manual pull station?
• Detect heat
• Allow occupants to manually initiate a fire alarm 2 / 4

• Provide emergency lighting
• Monitor sprinklers

Rationale: Manual pull stations let building occupants trigger the

alarm in case of fire.

• Which type of detector is most suitable for a dusty or smoky industrial

environment?

• Ionization smoke detector
• Photoelectric smoke detector
• Heat detector
• Carbon monoxide detector

Rationale: Heat detectors are less sensitive to dust and smoke,

reducing false alarms in industrial settings.

• What does a NAC (Notification Appliance Circuit) control?
• Fire pumps
• Sprinkler valves
• Horns, strobes, and speakers
• Smoke vents

Rationale: NAC circuits supply power and control to notification

devices like horns and strobes.

• Which type of fire alarm system is monitored by the building owner

but not connected to a central station?

• Proprietary system
• Central station system 3 / 4

• Auxiliary system
• Local system

Rationale: Proprietary systems are self-monitored by the building

management.

• In a fire alarm system, what is the purpose of an addressable device?
• To detect only heat
• To provide unique identification and location information to the

FACP

• To monitor water flow
• To supply battery backup

Rationale: Addressable devices communicate their specific location

to the control panel for precise alarm identification.

• What is the minimum sound level required for audible

notification appliances in sleeping areas according to NFPA 72?

• 50 dBA
• 70 dBA
• 75 dBA
• 85 dBA

Rationale: NFPA 72 specifies 75 dBA at the pillow location in sleeping

areas for effective notification.

• Which type of detector responds fastest to flaming fires?
• Ionization smoke detector
• Photoelectric smoke detector
• / 4