Signaling Systems Practice Exam

FDNY F40 Operators Of Central Station Signaling Systems Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary role of a central station signaling operator?
• Responding directly to fires on site
• Monitoring alarm systems and notifying the fire department
• Conducting fire drills in buildings
• Inspecting fire equipment

Rationale: The operator's main responsibility is to monitor alarm systems

and notify authorities when an alarm is triggered.

2. When a central station receives a fire alarm signal, the operator must:

• Attempt to extinguish the fire remotely
• Notify the FDNY immediately 1 / 4

• Call the building manager only
• Ignore false alarms

Rationale: Immediate notification of FDNY ensures prompt emergency

response.

• What is the most common type of signal monitored in a central

station?

• Motion sensors
• Fire alarm signals from buildings
• Security door alarms
• Burglar alarms

Rationale: Central station operators primarily monitor fire alarm signals

from protected premises.

• If a central station alarm is received from a high-rise building, the

operator should:

• Wait for verification from building staff
• Dispatch the alarm to FDNY immediately
• Send a maintenance crew
• Reset the alarm panel

Rationale: High-rise buildings have a high risk, so immediate FDNY

notification is critical.

• Which code must central station operators follow when dispatching

alarms? 2 / 4

• OSHA regulations

B. NFPA 72

• NYC Fire Code
• EPA guidelines

Rationale: The NYC Fire Code outlines procedures for reporting fire alarms

from central stations.

• How often should central station operators test alarm communication

lines?

• Daily
• Weekly
• Monthly
• Annually

Rationale: Annual testing is required to ensure reliability of alarm

communication systems.

7. A “trouble signal” from an alarm system indicates:

• A confirmed fire
• A malfunction or issue in the system
• Normal operation
• A false alarm

Rationale: Trouble signals indicate a problem with the system, such as

wiring faults or low battery. 3 / 4

8. If multiple alarms are received simultaneously, the operator should:

• Respond to the first one only
• Dispatch all alarms according to priority
• Wait to see if they repeat
• Ignore minor alarms

Rationale: Operators must handle all alarms systematically, prioritizing life

safety.

9. When receiving a hold-up alarm, the operator should:

• Notify FDNY only
• Notify the police immediately
• Attempt to confront intruders
• Reset the alarm panel

Rationale: Hold-up alarms are criminal events; police response is required,

not FDNY.

• Which component is essential in a central station fire alarm

system?

• Fire extinguisher
• Sprinkler system
• Control panel
• Smoke detector

Rationale: The control panel is the central hub for monitoring signals from

all devices.

• / 4