Testing, and Service Principal Citywide

FDNY S97 Fire Alarm Systems Inspection, Testing, and Service Principal (Citywide) Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which NFPA standard governs the installation of fire alarm systems?

A. NFPA 10

B. NFPA 13

C. NFPA 72

D. NFPA 70

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

which sets requirements for the installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems.

2. The minimum signal duration for a fire alarm evacuation signal is:

• 5 seconds
• 60 seconds 1 / 4

• 120 seconds
• 30 seconds

Rationale: NFPA 72 requires that the audible evacuation signal last

at least 60 seconds to ensure occupants have sufficient time to respond.

3. A supervised fire alarm system indicates:

• Only manual pull stations are monitored
• All circuits and devices are continuously monitored for faults
• Only sprinkler flow switches are monitored
• Only smoke detectors are monitored

Rationale: A supervised system continuously monitors all connected

devices and circuits for operational integrity.

• Which device is NOT required to be inspected monthly?
• Fire alarm control panel
• Annunciator panel
• Smoke detectors in air ducts
• Fire extinguisher in the building

Rationale: Fire extinguishers are not part of the fire alarm system

and are inspected according to NFPA 10, not monthly under NFPA 72.

5. When testing a manual pull station, the inspector should:

• Activate it with water
• Inspect visually only
• Operate the lever to verify system response 2 / 4

• Press the test button on the panel only

Rationale: Testing requires actual operation of the pull station to

confirm proper system response.

• Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a Fire Alarm

Systems Service Principal?

• Selling alarm equipment
• Supervising fire drills
• Ensuring inspections, testing, and maintenance comply with codes
• Installing fire extinguishers

Rationale: The Service Principal is responsible for the proper

inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems according to regulations.

• How often must smoke detectors in commercial buildings be tested?
• Weekly
• Daily
• Annually
• Every 5 years

Rationale: NFPA 72 requires functional testing of smoke detectors at

least once per year.

8. The term “trouble signal” in a fire alarm system refers to:

• Fire alarm activation
• A fault or abnormal condition in the system
• Sprinkler flow 3 / 4

• Fire drill

Rationale: A trouble signal indicates a problem in the system such as

a wiring fault, power loss, or device malfunction.

• Which of the following types of fire alarm system circuits require

supervision?

• Only smoke detector circuits
• Only manual pull stations
• All initiating and notification appliance circuits
• Only sprinkler water flow circuits

Rationale: Supervision ensures that all circuits are monitored for

integrity to guarantee reliable operation.

10. NFPA 72 requires batteries in a fire alarm system to be tested:

• Weekly
• Annually
• Every 5 years
• Monthly

Rationale: Batteries must be tested annually to ensure proper

capacity and system reliability.

11. A central station alarm system transmits signals to:

• Local police department
• An approved monitoring station
• Building owner only
• Fire extinguisher company
• / 4