Testing and Service Technician Citywide

FDNY S98 Fire Alarm Systems Inspection, Testing and Service Technician (Citywide) 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 system?
• To extinguish fires automatically
• To alert occupants and the fire department of a fire
• To inspect building electrical systems
• To prevent smoke from spreading

Rationale: Fire alarm systems are designed to provide early warning

to occupants and notify emergency services.

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

A) NFPA 10

B) NFPA 72

C) NFPA 72 1 / 4

D) NFPA 13

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

providing requirements for installation, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems.

• What does “SLC” stand for in a fire alarm system?
• Signal Line Circuit
• Signaling Line Circuit
• Supervisory Loop Connection
• Standard Line Control

Rationale: SLC refers to the Signaling Line Circuit used to connect

intelligent devices to the fire alarm control panel.

• Which device is a heat detector?
• Smoke detector
• Pull station
• Fixed temperature detector
• Horn/strobe

Rationale: Heat detectors respond to temperature changes and can

be either fixed temperature or rate-of-rise types.

• How often must smoke detectors in commercial buildings be tested

according to NFPA?

• Monthly
• Weekly
• Annually 2 / 4

• Every 5 years

Rationale: NFPA requires annual testing of smoke detectors, with

periodic functional checks as defined by the manufacturer.

• What is the function of a fire alarm control panel (FACP)?
• To supply water to sprinklers
• To monitor inputs from detection devices and control outputs
• To detect fire directly
• To inspect fire extinguishers

Rationale: The FACP monitors detection devices, processes signals,

and initiates alarms or notifications.

7. A “trouble” signal on a fire alarm panel indicates:

• Fire in progress
• A system malfunction or fault
• Normal operation
• Battery replacement needed only

Rationale: Trouble signals notify that a component or circuit is not

functioning correctly, requiring maintenance.

• Which type of fire alarm notification appliance is visible?
• Horn
• Bell
• Strobe
• Pull station 3 / 4

Rationale: Strobes provide visual alert for hearing-impaired

occupants.

• What is a supervisory signal?
• Alarm for fire
• Indicates an abnormal condition in a system requiring attention
• Pull station activation
• Malfunction of smoke detectors

Rationale: Supervisory signals indicate conditions like valve closures

or power loss in life-safety systems.

• How should batteries in a fire alarm system be tested?
• By opening them
• By disconnecting the system
• Using a load test according to manufacturer instructions
• By measuring voltage only

Rationale: Load testing ensures the battery can supply power under

actual operating conditions, not just voltage presence.

• Which device initiates an alarm manually?
• Smoke detector
• Heat detector
• Manual pull station
• Horn/strobe

Rationale: Manual pull stations allow building occupants to activate

the alarm manually.

• / 4