Alberta Apprenticeship Electrician Technical
Training - Year One - Mini Study Guide Review for
2026 - Lab Fundamentals Version
1. Describe the difference between series and parallel connections in terms of
how they affect voltage and current measurements.
Series connections are used for all types of meters, while parallel
connections are only for voltmeters.
In a series connection, the same current flows through all
components, while in a parallel connection, the voltage across each
component is the same.
Series connections allow for higher voltage readings, while parallel
connections allow for higher current readings.
In a series connection, the voltage is the same across all components,
while in a parallel connection, the current is the same.
2. Describe how pilot light relays contribute to the operation of electrical
systems.
Pilot light relays operate at high voltage levels.
Pilot light relays close contacts to indicate that a circuit is
energized.
Pilot light relays measure the current flowing through a circuit.
Pilot light relays are used exclusively for smoke detection.
3. Describe how a glass break detector functions in a security system.
A glass break detector listens for the specific frequency of breaking
glass to trigger an alarm.
, A glass break detector monitors the electrical current in window
frames.
A glass break detector uses infrared sensors to detect movement.
A glass break detector measures the weight of objects near windows.
4. Describe how photoelectric smoke alarms function in detecting smoke.
Photoelectric smoke alarms detect smoke through heat changes in
the environment.
Photoelectric smoke alarms use ionization to detect smoke particles
in the air.
Photoelectric smoke alarms use light lasers to detect smoke by
measuring changes in light intensity caused by smoke particles.
Photoelectric smoke alarms rely on carbon monoxide levels to signal
smoke presence.
5. All of the following are proper places for installing smoke detectors except:
In air return ducts of a building
In water drains on the floor
In the ceiling of a building
Under the raised floor
6. If a homeowner installs a new signalling device but does not connect it to a
monitoring service, what might be a potential consequence?
The device will automatically call the police.
The homeowner may not receive immediate alerts about intrusions.
The device will function without any power supply.
The homeowner will save on monitoring fees.
, 7. If a building's cold air return system fails to function properly, what impact
might this have on the effectiveness of emergency sirens?
The sirens will automatically shut off to prevent damage.
The sirens will operate independently of the cold air return system.
The sirens will become louder and more effective.
The sirens may not be heard clearly, reducing their effectiveness in
alerting occupants.
8. What is the primary function of a low voltage relay?
To convert AC to DC.
To measure electrical resistance.
To control a circuit by using a low voltage signal.
To amplify electrical signals.
9. According to the Fire Code, Part 6, Section 6.3.3. smoke alarms -
maintenance and testing; which is correct with regarding the duty to maintain
in operating condition?
If the Building Code requires a visual signaling component that is
integral with or connected to a smoke alarm, the visual signaling
component shall be maintained in operating condition
Smoke alarms shall be maintained in operating condition
Primary and secondary power supplies that serve smoke alarms shall
be maintained in operating condition
All of the above
10. Describe the role of the control panel in a fire alarm system.
The control panel is used to install smoke detectors.
Training - Year One - Mini Study Guide Review for
2026 - Lab Fundamentals Version
1. Describe the difference between series and parallel connections in terms of
how they affect voltage and current measurements.
Series connections are used for all types of meters, while parallel
connections are only for voltmeters.
In a series connection, the same current flows through all
components, while in a parallel connection, the voltage across each
component is the same.
Series connections allow for higher voltage readings, while parallel
connections allow for higher current readings.
In a series connection, the voltage is the same across all components,
while in a parallel connection, the current is the same.
2. Describe how pilot light relays contribute to the operation of electrical
systems.
Pilot light relays operate at high voltage levels.
Pilot light relays close contacts to indicate that a circuit is
energized.
Pilot light relays measure the current flowing through a circuit.
Pilot light relays are used exclusively for smoke detection.
3. Describe how a glass break detector functions in a security system.
A glass break detector listens for the specific frequency of breaking
glass to trigger an alarm.
, A glass break detector monitors the electrical current in window
frames.
A glass break detector uses infrared sensors to detect movement.
A glass break detector measures the weight of objects near windows.
4. Describe how photoelectric smoke alarms function in detecting smoke.
Photoelectric smoke alarms detect smoke through heat changes in
the environment.
Photoelectric smoke alarms use ionization to detect smoke particles
in the air.
Photoelectric smoke alarms use light lasers to detect smoke by
measuring changes in light intensity caused by smoke particles.
Photoelectric smoke alarms rely on carbon monoxide levels to signal
smoke presence.
5. All of the following are proper places for installing smoke detectors except:
In air return ducts of a building
In water drains on the floor
In the ceiling of a building
Under the raised floor
6. If a homeowner installs a new signalling device but does not connect it to a
monitoring service, what might be a potential consequence?
The device will automatically call the police.
The homeowner may not receive immediate alerts about intrusions.
The device will function without any power supply.
The homeowner will save on monitoring fees.
, 7. If a building's cold air return system fails to function properly, what impact
might this have on the effectiveness of emergency sirens?
The sirens will automatically shut off to prevent damage.
The sirens will operate independently of the cold air return system.
The sirens will become louder and more effective.
The sirens may not be heard clearly, reducing their effectiveness in
alerting occupants.
8. What is the primary function of a low voltage relay?
To convert AC to DC.
To measure electrical resistance.
To control a circuit by using a low voltage signal.
To amplify electrical signals.
9. According to the Fire Code, Part 6, Section 6.3.3. smoke alarms -
maintenance and testing; which is correct with regarding the duty to maintain
in operating condition?
If the Building Code requires a visual signaling component that is
integral with or connected to a smoke alarm, the visual signaling
component shall be maintained in operating condition
Smoke alarms shall be maintained in operating condition
Primary and secondary power supplies that serve smoke alarms shall
be maintained in operating condition
All of the above
10. Describe the role of the control panel in a fire alarm system.
The control panel is used to install smoke detectors.
