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FDNY COF for Fire Alarm Systems Inspection, Testing and Service Technician (S-98) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Fire Alarm Systems Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide course image
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  • Which statement correctly describes the three locations that may be used to recall elevators for firefighter service recall?
  • If a monitored conductor experiences a single open or ground fault, what indication is expected?
  • What is the purpose of an addressable fire alarm device?
  • For elevator recall in firefighter service, which three detector locations are used to recall elevators, unless the AHJ requires otherwise?
  • An impairment coordinator is:
  • Name two common fire detector types used to detect smoke.
  • Which document confirms acceptance testing by the FDNY in NYC after a system is installed?
  • Visible signaling appliances installed in corridors less than 20 feet long must be installed within what distance of the end of the corridor, with what maximum separation between appliances?
  • What describes a circuit where signals from multiple devices are transmitted without identifying the activated device?
  • When installing heat detectors on ceilings, a row detector should be located within how many feet of the ceiling peak?
  • In NYC, which document confirms the fire alarm system has passed acceptance testing by the FDNY?
  • A bean is defined as a structural member that could drop into the room’s base more than how many inches and be located more than how many feet apart on center?
  • What is the role of an addressable fire alarm device?
  • Explain the difference between Initiating Device Circuits (IDC) and Notification Appliance Circuits (NAC).
  • During an inspection, which item helps maintain traceability for uninstalled devices?
  • What information should be included on a fire alarm system test tag or report?
  • If a fault is recorded in the trouble memory, what is the recommended action?
  • The ongoing maintenance obligation for fire and life safety systems is assigned to which party?
  • Which of the following are initiating devices?
  • Which statement best describes the two common smoke detector types?
  • All of the following are good conductors of electricity except which material?
  • What is the purpose of maintaining a detailed service log for a fire alarm system?
  • Which test validates that a newly installed or modified fire alarm system meets code and is acceptable to the AHJ?
  • Travel distance to the nearest fire alarm box shall not exceed how many feet?
  • What is the purpose of tagging an uninstalled device during inspection?
  • Who may require deviation from the standard locations for elevator recall detectors, if applicable?
  • What is the maximum distance allowed for a shunt loop circuit?
  • Which detector type is typically more sensitive to slow, smoldering fires?
  • Which statement best describes the proper handling of unused devices until installation or removal?
  • If heat detectors shut down elevator power prior to sprinkler operation, the detector shall be placed within how many feet of each sprinkler head?
  • What does sensitivity testing of smoke detectors ensure?
  • Complete records of all signals received at a supervising station must be retained for at least how long?
  • Which labeling requirement is also required for Autubel devices besides sound pressure level?
  • What is a functional test and what should it verify in a fire alarm system?
  • Which type of document is included among the required information to be provided on site?
  • What is central station monitoring?
  • What is the primary purpose of the smoke detector maintenance log?
  • In the typical sequence of operation when a smoke detector is triggered in an automatic fire alarm system, what is the first action?
  • What type of detector is primarily used for fast detection of flaming fires?
  • A listed relay used to initiate fire safety functions shall be located within how many feet of the controlled circuit or appliance?
  • For visible signaling appliances, the flash rate shall not exceed and shall not be less than what values across the listed voltage range?
  • If you fail the written test you will not be permitted to retest for how many days?
  • The owner is primarily responsible for what aspect of fire and life safety systems?
  • A S98 certificate of fitness holder may perform all the following functions except:
  • What is a Class B circuit in fire alarm wiring?
  • What is the maximum candela (cd) rating allowed for a visible signaling appliance?
  • What is an elevator recall and when is it used?
  • Which statement accurately reflects the location requirement for essential documents?
  • Which statement about the trouble memory is false?
  • Wall mounting of visible signaling appliances must place the lens within what height range above the finished floor?
  • What type of permit is typically required to perform any work on a fire alarm system in NYC?
  • Which option is NOT part of the recommended handling of unused devices?
  • In ceiling detector layouts, heat detectors should be placed so that row detectors are within how many feet of the peak?
  • During inspection, how should uninstalled or unused devices be handled?
  • Which circuit provides power to audible/visual notification appliances?
  • Public mode audible devices shall have a sound level at least how many decibels above the average ambient sound level, or above the maximum sound level for 60 seconds, whichever is greater?
  • The phrase 'as built design and installation documents and equipment specifications' refers to which type of content?
  • In the same room scenario, how many visible appliances are required?
  • What is the purpose of a permit-to-test in NYC and why is it required?
  • According to NFPA 72 Chapter 9, where must the shunt circuit conductors of auxiliary fire alarm systems be installed?
  • When is the NFPA 72 record of completion prepared?
  • How should a technician document a system modification or addition to the fire alarm system?
  • What two actions must a digital alarm communicator transmitter perform?
  • What is the purpose of testing the response of notification appliances during a functional test?
  • What component is used to test water flow devices by allowing water to flow during testing?
  • NFPA 72 requires manual fire alarm boxes to be conspicuous, unobstructed, and ________.
  • Who is responsible for making entries in the smoke detector maintenance log if no Fire Safety Director is appointed, according to fire rules?
  • Why is it important to maintain records indicating the status of unused devices?
  • Who is responsible for reporting an out-of-service fire protection system to the fire department and when must it be reported?
  • Which of the following is NOT a typical sign that a fire alarm battery is failed and needs replacement?
  • What is one of the name plate requirements for audible appliances?
  • What does a Signaling Line Circuit (SLC) do in addressable fire alarm systems?
  • Which action is described as incorrect for control station handling of an alarm signal?
  • Name the three types of signals created by a fire alarm system.
  • Which statement is NOT a qualification for the S98 certificate of fitness?
  • Which drawing is specifically used to convey the vertical distribution of circuits and conductor counts across floors?
  • Why is a 'trouble' signal important in fire alarm supervision?
  • Ionization smoke detectors are examples of which type of detection in this context?
  • What is the minimum distance, in feet, from an air diffuser for a spot-type smoke detector?
  • Which statement about remote supervising station staffing is correct?
  • Which statement best describes the function of the trouble memory in a fire alarm panel?
  • What is the recommended wording in records to reflect the status of an uninstalled device?
  • Which device labeling requirement is specifically associated with Autubel devices?
  • Which authority has the stated role in approving pre-signal system installations?
  • Why is it important to avoid disturbing a system that is in alarm or being reset without proper authority or procedure?
  • Which person is charged with ensuring proper safety precautions when a fire protection system is out of service?
  • What is an acceptance test?
  • The time period before you may retake the written exam after a failure is 90 days.
  • Why is coordination with the building's life safety team important during testing?
  • What unit of measurement is used to express the output rating of visible signaling devices?
  • Which documents are included as part of the required information to be provided?
  • When reporting uninstalled devices, what should be included in the records?
  • If multiple visible signaling appliances are in the same field of view, how must they operate relative to one another?
  • Fire pumps shall be supervised for which supervisory signal?
  • The term 'Stooped' describes which type of ceiling?
  • Which standard forms the basis for fire alarm system design, installation, testing, and maintenance referenced by the FDNY S-98 exam?
  • What are the three main subsystems of a typical fire alarm system?
  • Which of the following is an example of an initiating device?
  • Where is an annunciator panel typically located in a fire alarm system?
  • Under NFPA chapter 4, which information must be permanently marked on batteries?
  • What type of tests are commonly performed to verify the functionality of all initiating devices?
  • What is the role of a notification appliance in a fire alarm system?
  • Is a digital alarm communicator transmitter serving an office building, owned by the building owner and connected to tenant-owned telephone lines, compliant with NFPA 72?
  • In NYC, what is the purpose of documenting test results with a next due date on each device?
  • What does FACP stand for in typical fire alarm systems?
  • Where shall inspection, testing, and maintenance instructions and related documents be provided?
  • What type of drawing typically shows correct conductor counts?
  • The occurrence of a single open or single ground fault condition in installation conductors must be automatically indicated within how many seconds?
  • In a Class B circuit, what happens if a fault occurs?
  • How many water flow switches are allowed on a single IDC?
  • NFPA 72 sets a maximum travel distance to the nearest fire alarm box from any point as which of the following?
  • When heat detectors are used to shut down elevator power prior to sprinkler operation, the detector shall have both a ________ ________ ___________ and a __________ _____________ as compared to the sprinkler.
  • Who is typically the AHJ for fire alarm permits in NYC?
  • What information should technicians record on a test tag or report for each device tested?
  • An initiating device that is destroyed as a result of its operation is what type?
  • After a trouble condition is cleared, what is the recommended step before signaling or testing again?
  • During the sequence of operation, what is activated after the initiating device signals the control panel?
  • What is the importance of maintaining a clean test environment and not contaminating detectors during testing?
  • Which wiring methods are permitted for shunt circuit conductors of auxiliary fire alarm systems?
  • Which of the following is a primary purpose of the trouble memory?
  • To assure proper calibration, which method is NOT permitted for testing a smoke detector?
  • If a digital alarm communicator transmitter calls a number that is forwarded to the receiver, how often must the integrity of the call forwarding be verified?
  • The time from off-hook to on-hook per attempt for a digital alarm communicator transmitter must not exceed how many seconds?
  • What does 'supervision' mean in fire alarm circuits?
  • Which component processes signals from initiating devices and coordinates alarm responses?
  • If maintenance documents need to be accessed readily during work, where should they be located?
  • In combined fire protection systems, what is the function of a water flow switch?
  • Secondary power supplies for emergency voice evacuation systems must operate in a non-alarm condition for how many hours and, under maximum load, for a minimum of how many minutes?
  • What is the purpose of including a 'next due date' on a fire alarm test tag or report?
  • What is the minimum interval for automatic test transmissions by a digital alarm communicator transmitter?
  • Secondary power supply shall automatically provide power to the protected premises fire alarm system within how many seconds when primary power fails?
  • What does SLC stand for in addressable fire alarm systems?
  • What is the difference between 'quarterly test' and 'annual test' in routine inspection schedules?
  • What is the function of the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)?
  • What is the primary purpose of a heat detector in a fire alarm system?
  • Which candela rating would be used for a visible alarm appliance in a 20' × 20' room?
  • Which of the following statements about the trouble memory is false?
  • Pre-signal systems may be installed under which condition?
  • Which candela reading and how many visible appliances are required for a visible alarm in a 20' × 20' room?
  • How should water flow devices be tested?
  • Within how many hours after batteries have been fully discharged should the control panel charging apparatus be recharged?
  • Building evacuation signals must meet the ANSI 53.41 Temporal 3 signal for which type of system notification?
  • Remote supervising stations are required to be manned at all times; what is the minimum number of trained persons on duty?
  • Which option would be a compliant approach for pre-signal system installations?
  • Before stepping away from a system in trouble condition, what is the recommended practice?
  • What is the maximum number of water flow switches permitted on a single IDC?
  • What is the smallest conductor size allowed for shunt type circuits?
  • Where should a listed relay that initiates fire safety functions be located in relation to the controlled circuit?
  • A coded alarm signal shall consist of not less than how many rounds, and each round shall have not less than how many impulses?
  • Which statement best describes the goal of a functional test in a fire alarm system?
  • Pre-signal system installations require approval from which official?
  • When a modification or addition is made to a fire alarm system, which action is essential to maintain regulatory compliance?
  • A digital alarm communicator transmitter shall automatically initiate and complete a test signal transmission to its associated receiver at least once every how many hours?
  • What is the purpose of the 'trouble' memory in a fire alarm control panel?
  • Who is responsible for making entries in the smoke detector maintenance log if there is no Fire Safety Director?
  • Which statement best reflects the required minimum hours for non-alarm operation of a standard fire alarm secondary power supply?
  • What is a Class A circuit in fire alarm wiring?
  • What is the minimum distance for mounting a spot-type smoke detector from an air supply diffuser?
  • Secondary power supplies are required to have sufficient power to operate the fire alarm system in a non alarm condition for how many hours and then be capable of operating all notification devices for a minimum of how many minutes?
  • Who is responsible for ensuring fire and life safety systems are maintained in good working order at all times?
  • Which statement about permit-to-test is true?
  • Which device is used to manually initiate a fire alarm?
  • According to NFPA chapter 4, batteries shall be permanently marked with which information?
  • Records of inspections, testing, servicing, or maintenance must be retained on site for how long?
  • Which of the following is NOT an example of line-type detection?
  • How should you approach a fire alarm system that is in trouble condition before performing further work?
  • Which statement accurately lists the three signals produced by a fire alarm system?
  • What is the purpose of labeling and identifying devices during inspection?
  • During a field inspection, a fault is recorded in the trouble memory. What is the appropriate action?
  • Under the New York City Fire Code, which testing method is not permitted for smoke detectors?
  • A signaling line circuit is a circuit to which automatic or manual initiating devices are connected where the signal received does what?
  • When testing for proper calibration of smoke detectors, which option would be disallowed?
  • According to fire code and fire rules, who is responsible for preventing unnecessary and unwanted alarms?
  • According to section 901.6.2, records of system inspections, testing, servicing or other maintenance must be maintained on the premise for a period of years?
  • Upon receipt of a trouble signal, within how many hours must maintenance personnel arrive to initiate service?
  • Based on FC802 definitions, which is not a cause of an unwarranted alarm?
  • A digital alarm communicator transmitter shall be connected to how many separate means of transmission at the protected premises?
  • Which metal is commonly used as a reliable electrical conductor in wiring?
  • What is an annunciator in a fire alarm system?
  • Electrical equipment must be capable of operating at what percentage of its nameplate voltage?
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