Systems Exam Practice Questions And

FDNY S95 Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a fire alarm control panel (FACP)?
• To monitor sprinkler water pressure
• To provide emergency lighting
• To detect and signal fire or smoke conditions
• To control HVAC systems

Rationale: The FACP serves as the central hub for receiving signals from

detection devices and activating alarms to alert occupants and the fire department.

• Which type of detector responds to heat changes rather than smoke?
• Ionization smoke detector 1 / 4

• Heat detector
• Photoelectric smoke detector
• Carbon monoxide detector

Rationale: Heat detectors activate when a set temperature is reached or

when there is a rapid rise in temperature, rather than detecting smoke particles.

• In an addressable fire alarm system, what does each device have?
• A separate power supply
• A unique identifier or address
• A backup battery
• A manual reset switch

Rationale: Addressable systems assign a unique address to each device,

allowing the FACP to identify the exact location of an alarm or fault.

• What NFPA standard governs the installation of fire alarm systems in

the U.S.?

A) NFPA 13

B) NFPA 25

C) NFPA 72

D) NFPA 101

Rationale: NFPA 72 is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code that

establishes requirements for system design, installation, and testing. 2 / 4

• Which signaling method is typically used to notify the fire department

automatically?

• Horn and strobe lights
• Voice evacuation
• Central station or remote station monitoring
• Fire extinguisher alarms

Rationale: Fire alarm systems often use central or remote station

monitoring to transmit alarm signals directly to the fire department or monitoring company.

6. A water flow switch in a sprinkler system is used to:

• Measure water temperature
• Control the sprinkler system manually
• Detect flow when a sprinkler head activates
• Shut down the water supply automatically

Rationale: Water flow switches detect the movement of water caused by

sprinkler activation, triggering the fire alarm system.

• What is the typical response time advantage of photoelectric smoke

detectors?

• Detects smoldering fires faster
• Detects flaming fires faster
• Detects heat changes faster
• Detects carbon monoxide faster 3 / 4

Rationale: Photoelectric detectors are more sensitive to larger smoke

particles typical of smoldering fires, providing earlier warning in such scenarios.

• What type of battery is commonly used as backup power for fire alarm

systems?

• Lithium-ion
• AA alkaline
• Sealed lead-acid (SLA)
• Nickel-cadmium

Rationale: SLA batteries provide reliable backup power and are widely

used in fire alarm systems for long-term standby operation.

• What is the function of a notification appliance in a fire alarm system?
• Detect smoke
• Monitor water pressure
• Alert occupants through audible and/or visual signals
• Transmit signals to the central station

Rationale: Notification appliances include horns, strobes, and speakers

designed to warn building occupants of a fire emergency.

• Which device is most effective at detecting fast-flaming fires?
• Ionization smoke detector
• Heat detector
• / 4