New Jersey Burglar Alarm Contractor
Licensing Examination Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. A burglar alarm system installed in a commercial warehouse uses a
combination of passive infrared (PIR) and microwave detectors in a dual-
technology configuration. Which of the following scenarios would most
likely cause a false alarm from this specific sensor setup?
A. A sudden increase in ambient temperature from the building's HVAC
system cycling on.
B. A metal storage rack being moved by a forklift within the detection zone.
C. A large cardboard box being placed directly in front of the sensor's lens.
D. A small spider building a web over the PIR lens element.
Answer: B
*Rationale: Dual-technology sensors require both a PIR signal (change in infrared
energy) and a microwave signal (Doppler shift from motion) to trigger an alarm.
While a spider web (D) can affect the PIR, it does not generate a microwave signal.
A cardboard box (C) may block the PIR but does not create a false microwave
signature. An HVAC cycle (A) may cause a PIR trip but not a microwave trip.
Moving a large metal object like a rack (B) creates a significant, rapid change in
the microwave field (Doppler shift) and, if the PIR also detects the change in heat
signature, will cause the alarm. Metal is an excellent reflector of microwave
energy, making it a common cause of false alarms in such configurations.
2. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72, which of
the following is a primary requirement for the supervision of a fire alarm
, control unit (FACU) that is part of a combined burglar and fire alarm
system?
A. The system must be monitored by a central station that is listed for both
fire and burglary.
B. The system must have a secondary power supply that can operate the
system for a minimum of 24 hours.
C. The system must have a trouble signal that indicates a loss of primary
power within 60 seconds.
D. The system must be capable of transmitting an alarm signal to a
supervising station within 5 seconds.
Answer: A
*Rationale: NFPA 72 requires that a fire alarm system be monitored by a listed
central station. When a burglar alarm system is integrated with a fire alarm
system, the entire monitoring entity must meet the stringent standards for fire
alarm supervision. This often means the central station must be listed for fire
alarm service (e.g., UL 827). While secondary power (B) is required, the standard is
24 hours of standby plus 5 minutes of alarm. Trouble signals for power loss (C)
typically have a longer delay (e.g., 60 seconds for audio/visual, up to several hours
for a loss of AC power if a battery is present). Alarm transmission time (D) is a
critical factor but is typically not as low as 5 seconds for general fire alarm
signaling.
3. In the context of wiring for a security system, what is the primary advantage
of using a twisted pair cable for data transmission between the control
panel and remote keypads?
A. It reduces the overall resistance of the wire run, allowing for longer cable
distances.
B. It provides physical shielding against moisture and physical damage.
C. It minimizes the effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and
crosstalk.
D. It simplifies the installation process by allowing for daisy-chain
topologies.
,Answer: C
*Rationale: Twisted pair cabling's primary benefit is its ability to reject common-
mode interference. By twisting the two conductors together, any electromagnetic
noise induced in one conductor is also induced in the other, effectively canceling it
out at the differential receiver. This is critical for reliable data communication in
environments with significant EMI. Reduced resistance (A) is more a function of
wire gauge (AWG). Physical protection (B) is provided by the outer jacket and
insulation. Topology support (D) is a function of the protocol, not the cable type
itself.
4. A business owner requests a perimeter protection system. You recommend
an active infrared photoelectric beam system. Which of the following
installation considerations is most critical for ensuring the system's
reliability and minimizing nuisance alarms?
A. Ensuring the transmitter and receiver are mounted at the same height
and precisely aligned.
B. Using a beam frequency that operates in the radio frequency (RF) band
to reduce interference.
C. Orienting the beam path to be perpendicular to the path of the sun for
most of the day.
D. Positioning the receiver so that it is partially shaded from direct sunlight.
Answer: C
*Rationale: Direct sunlight can saturate the receiver of an active infrared beam,
causing it to fail or generate false trouble/restoral signals. Orienting the beam
path to avoid the sun's direct alignment during its arc is critical. Alignment (A) is of
course important, but it is a basic installation step; the sun's effect is a subtle,
time-dependent factor that often gets overlooked. Active infrared does not use RF
(B). Shading the receiver (D) can reduce the signal strength, potentially causing a
false trouble condition.
5. You are designing a system for a jewelry store with a large glass storefront.
Which type of glass break detector would be most appropriate for
protecting the entire glass window, considering its ability to detect the
, specific frequencies of breaking glass while ignoring ambient noise?
A. A single-station acoustic glass break detector mounted on the ceiling.
B. A foil tape system applied directly to the glass surface.
C. A dual-technology glass break detector that combines acoustic and
shock/vibration sensing.
D. A magnetic reed switch mounted on the door adjacent to the glass.
Answer: C
*Rationale: Dual-technology glass break detectors are designed to reduce false
alarms. They require both an acoustic signature (the sound of breaking glass) and
a shock/vibration signature (the physical impact on the glass) within a specific
time window to trigger an alarm. This is superior to a single acoustic sensor (A)
which can be triggered by loud noises, or a foil tape system (B) which is expensive,
aesthetically unpleasant, and can be easily defeated. A magnetic contact (D) does
not protect the glass itself.
6. What is the maximum allowable resistance for a zone on a fire alarm system
that uses a conventional, end-of-line resistor (EOLR) supervisory circuit?
A. 100 ohms
B. 1,000 ohms
C. 10,000 ohms
D. It is determined by the control panel manufacturer's specifications.
Answer: D
*Rationale: The EOLR value is not a generic standard; it is set by the control panel
manufacturer. The panel is designed to measure a specific resistance (e.g., 2.2k,
4.7k, 10k ohms) to supervise the circuit. Using a resistor of the wrong value will
cause the panel to register a fault or not supervise the circuit properly. Options A,
B, and C are typical values but are not universally applicable.
7. A key component of a professional burglar alarm installation is the proper
grounding of the system. What is the primary purpose of grounding the
alarm control panel and its associated equipment?
A. To prevent static electricity from damaging the circuit boards.
B. To provide a path for lightning strikes to safely dissipate into the earth.
Licensing Examination Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. A burglar alarm system installed in a commercial warehouse uses a
combination of passive infrared (PIR) and microwave detectors in a dual-
technology configuration. Which of the following scenarios would most
likely cause a false alarm from this specific sensor setup?
A. A sudden increase in ambient temperature from the building's HVAC
system cycling on.
B. A metal storage rack being moved by a forklift within the detection zone.
C. A large cardboard box being placed directly in front of the sensor's lens.
D. A small spider building a web over the PIR lens element.
Answer: B
*Rationale: Dual-technology sensors require both a PIR signal (change in infrared
energy) and a microwave signal (Doppler shift from motion) to trigger an alarm.
While a spider web (D) can affect the PIR, it does not generate a microwave signal.
A cardboard box (C) may block the PIR but does not create a false microwave
signature. An HVAC cycle (A) may cause a PIR trip but not a microwave trip.
Moving a large metal object like a rack (B) creates a significant, rapid change in
the microwave field (Doppler shift) and, if the PIR also detects the change in heat
signature, will cause the alarm. Metal is an excellent reflector of microwave
energy, making it a common cause of false alarms in such configurations.
2. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72, which of
the following is a primary requirement for the supervision of a fire alarm
, control unit (FACU) that is part of a combined burglar and fire alarm
system?
A. The system must be monitored by a central station that is listed for both
fire and burglary.
B. The system must have a secondary power supply that can operate the
system for a minimum of 24 hours.
C. The system must have a trouble signal that indicates a loss of primary
power within 60 seconds.
D. The system must be capable of transmitting an alarm signal to a
supervising station within 5 seconds.
Answer: A
*Rationale: NFPA 72 requires that a fire alarm system be monitored by a listed
central station. When a burglar alarm system is integrated with a fire alarm
system, the entire monitoring entity must meet the stringent standards for fire
alarm supervision. This often means the central station must be listed for fire
alarm service (e.g., UL 827). While secondary power (B) is required, the standard is
24 hours of standby plus 5 minutes of alarm. Trouble signals for power loss (C)
typically have a longer delay (e.g., 60 seconds for audio/visual, up to several hours
for a loss of AC power if a battery is present). Alarm transmission time (D) is a
critical factor but is typically not as low as 5 seconds for general fire alarm
signaling.
3. In the context of wiring for a security system, what is the primary advantage
of using a twisted pair cable for data transmission between the control
panel and remote keypads?
A. It reduces the overall resistance of the wire run, allowing for longer cable
distances.
B. It provides physical shielding against moisture and physical damage.
C. It minimizes the effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and
crosstalk.
D. It simplifies the installation process by allowing for daisy-chain
topologies.
,Answer: C
*Rationale: Twisted pair cabling's primary benefit is its ability to reject common-
mode interference. By twisting the two conductors together, any electromagnetic
noise induced in one conductor is also induced in the other, effectively canceling it
out at the differential receiver. This is critical for reliable data communication in
environments with significant EMI. Reduced resistance (A) is more a function of
wire gauge (AWG). Physical protection (B) is provided by the outer jacket and
insulation. Topology support (D) is a function of the protocol, not the cable type
itself.
4. A business owner requests a perimeter protection system. You recommend
an active infrared photoelectric beam system. Which of the following
installation considerations is most critical for ensuring the system's
reliability and minimizing nuisance alarms?
A. Ensuring the transmitter and receiver are mounted at the same height
and precisely aligned.
B. Using a beam frequency that operates in the radio frequency (RF) band
to reduce interference.
C. Orienting the beam path to be perpendicular to the path of the sun for
most of the day.
D. Positioning the receiver so that it is partially shaded from direct sunlight.
Answer: C
*Rationale: Direct sunlight can saturate the receiver of an active infrared beam,
causing it to fail or generate false trouble/restoral signals. Orienting the beam
path to avoid the sun's direct alignment during its arc is critical. Alignment (A) is of
course important, but it is a basic installation step; the sun's effect is a subtle,
time-dependent factor that often gets overlooked. Active infrared does not use RF
(B). Shading the receiver (D) can reduce the signal strength, potentially causing a
false trouble condition.
5. You are designing a system for a jewelry store with a large glass storefront.
Which type of glass break detector would be most appropriate for
protecting the entire glass window, considering its ability to detect the
, specific frequencies of breaking glass while ignoring ambient noise?
A. A single-station acoustic glass break detector mounted on the ceiling.
B. A foil tape system applied directly to the glass surface.
C. A dual-technology glass break detector that combines acoustic and
shock/vibration sensing.
D. A magnetic reed switch mounted on the door adjacent to the glass.
Answer: C
*Rationale: Dual-technology glass break detectors are designed to reduce false
alarms. They require both an acoustic signature (the sound of breaking glass) and
a shock/vibration signature (the physical impact on the glass) within a specific
time window to trigger an alarm. This is superior to a single acoustic sensor (A)
which can be triggered by loud noises, or a foil tape system (B) which is expensive,
aesthetically unpleasant, and can be easily defeated. A magnetic contact (D) does
not protect the glass itself.
6. What is the maximum allowable resistance for a zone on a fire alarm system
that uses a conventional, end-of-line resistor (EOLR) supervisory circuit?
A. 100 ohms
B. 1,000 ohms
C. 10,000 ohms
D. It is determined by the control panel manufacturer's specifications.
Answer: D
*Rationale: The EOLR value is not a generic standard; it is set by the control panel
manufacturer. The panel is designed to measure a specific resistance (e.g., 2.2k,
4.7k, 10k ohms) to supervise the circuit. Using a resistor of the wrong value will
cause the panel to register a fault or not supervise the circuit properly. Options A,
B, and C are typical values but are not universally applicable.
7. A key component of a professional burglar alarm installation is the proper
grounding of the system. What is the primary purpose of grounding the
alarm control panel and its associated equipment?
A. To prevent static electricity from damaging the circuit boards.
B. To provide a path for lightning strikes to safely dissipate into the earth.
