- Design Considerations
- Location Considerations when Designing a Security or Fire Alarm System
- Physical Devices
- Configuration and Settings
- Device Connectivity
- In-house Services
- External Services
- Industry Standards for Home Security and Surveillance Systems
- Installation Plans
- Maintenance Plans and Procedures
- Exam Prep Questions
- Need to Know More?
Exam Prep Questions
Question 1
What is the name of the device that allows four surveillance camera images to be viewed on a monitor at the same time?
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A video splitter
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A modulator
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A quad switcher
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A photoelectric sensor
Answer C is correct. A quad switcher is designed to provide simultaneous viewing of four cameras on one monitor using a split-screen display. Answer A is incorrect because a video splitter is used with TV antenna systems and is not an active component required with four-camera surveillance systems. Answer B is incorrect because a modulator is not required for viewing images. Answer D is incorrect because a photoelectric sensor is used to monitor ambient light conditions for security systems and is not required as a component in a video surveillance system.
Question 2
Which type of jack is required to be installed to allow the security system to seize the line when an alarm condition exists?
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RJ-11x
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RJ-45
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RJ-12
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RJ-31x
Answer D is the correct answer. The RJ-31x jack is used to disconnect all the phones in the home when an alarm condition is initiated. This enables the alarm panel to have priority over all uses of the phone when it needs to call the outside monitoring facility. Answers A and C are incorrect because both types of RJ-11 jacks are used for standard telephone four-wire connections and are not applicable to security system connections. Answer B is incorrect because RJ-45 connectors are used for four-pair UTP cabling in local area network networks and are not required for security system applications.
Question 3
Which TIA/EIA standard describes the requirements for residential security system cabling?
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568-A
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568-B
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570-A Addendum 1
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570-A Addendum 3
Answer C is correct. Addendum 1 to 570-A is the standard that references residential security system cabling. In 2002, Addendum 1 to the 570-A standard was released covering residential security system wiring. Answers A and B are incorrect because the 568-A and B standards cover commercial building telecommunications wiring standards. Answer D is incorrect because Addendum 3 to the 570-A standard is applicable to whole home audio cabling for residences and is not used to specify security system wiring.
Question 4
What is the term used to describe the amount of light required to obtain a reasonable image with a surveillance video camera?
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Lux rating
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Candlepower rating
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Resolution
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Pixels
Answer A is correct. Video surveillance cameras are usually designed to work in low-light conditions and are rated in lux. 1 lux is approximately the light from one candle measured from 1 meter. Typical camera ratings range between 0.5 and 1.0 lux. Answer B is incorrect because the candlepower rating is the measure of light intensity and is not a specification parameter used with video cameras. Answers C and D are incorrect because resolution and pixels are terms relating to video imagery quality and are not applicable to light measurement for a video surveillance camera.
Question 5
How many wires are normally required for connecting a passive sensor to the control panel?
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1
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4
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2
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3
The correct answer is C. A passive sensor requires two wires because no power is applied to a passive security system sensor. An active sensor requires four wires because, by definition, an active sensor requires a power source. Answers A, B, and D are incorrect because they each represent the incorrect number of wires required to connect a passive sensor to a control panel.
Question 6
Which type of sensor is used for door installations?
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PIR
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Contact sensor
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Active
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Magnetic switch
Answer D is the correct answer. Magnetic switches are used for doors because of their low cost and capability to be hidden.
Question 7
Which types of cable are used when installing video surveillance components?
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RG-6 and RG-58
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RG-8 and RG-59
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RG-59 and RG-6
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RG-59 and RG-58
Answer C is correct. RG-6 and RG-59 are both 75-ohm types of cable. RG-6 is a higher grade used for low loss applications, whereas RG-59 is satisfactory for short runs. RG-8 and RG-58 are rated at 50 ohms of impedance and are not compatible with most CCTV equipment impedances of 75 ohms, making answers A, B, and D incorrect.
Question 8
What is the minimum separation required between security wiring and AC power wiring when they are installed in parallel wire runs?
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18''
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2 feet
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6''
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12''
Answer D is correct. The ANSI/TIA/EIA-570-A Amendment 1 standard indicates the minimum spacing for security and power wiring is 12'' when installed in parallel runs. Answers A and B are incorrect because any spacing between security wiring and power wiring in excess of 12'' would be in excess of the minimum requirement. Answer C is incorrect because the answer is less than the minimum spacing of 12'' required between power wiring and security wiring.
Question 9
Which type of residential location is typically classified as a perimeter security location when designing a security system? (Select two.)
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Windows
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Basements
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Driveways
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Doors
Answers A and D are correct. The sensors typically connected to a single monitoring circuit that surrounds the perimeter of a residence are placed on the doors and windows. This provides protection for any opening in the primary structure. Answer B is incorrect because the basement is not normally included as a perimeter protected area but would use interior motion detectors. Answer C is incorrect because driveways are normally protected by exterior surveillance monitors such as video surveillance or motion detector systems.
Question 10
Which of the following is true regarding the use and installation of smoke detectors? (Select all that apply.)
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For all new residential construction, battery-powered smoke detectors are acceptable for some locations.
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For all new home construction, fire alarm sensors must be powered by the home AC power electrical wiring.
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For homes built prior to 1979, battery-powered smoke alarms are permissible.
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Smoke detectors must be installed near windows and doors to provide alerts for escape routes in case of fire.
Answers B and C are correct. The NFPA rule 72 requires smoke detectors for new residential construction to be powered by AC wiring as the primary power source of power with battery power used only as a backup source in case of a power failure. Answer C is correct because battery-powered smoke detectors are permitted for homes built prior to 1979. Answer A is incorrect because the NFPA rules make no allowance for smoke detectors powered by batteries in specific locations in new residential construction. Answer D is incorrect because smoke detectors are designed to alert the residents of a potential fire condition. Smoke detectors are not designed to aid in locating an escape route from the home in case of fire.