FDNY S-55 CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS:
CITYWIDE FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS JUST RELEASED
1. Which type of signal is generated when a fire protection system component, such as a
sprinkler valve, is in an abnormal state?
A. Trouble Signal
B. Alarm Signal
C. Supervisory Signal
D. Fault Signal
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A supervisory signal indicates that a system monitored by the
FACP is in an abnormal condition, such as a closed water supply valve or low air pressure
in a dry pipe system.
2. An S-55 Certificate of Fitness holder is required to perform a visual inspection of the Fire
Alarm Control Panel (FACP) at what minimum frequency?
A. Monthly
B. Weekly
,C. Daily
D. Annually
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The S-55 COF holder or an authorized person must visually
inspect the FACP daily to ensure the system is in a normal condition (e.g., green power light
is on).
3. How many years must the fire alarm logbook be maintained on the premises for inspection
by the FDNY?
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: All fire alarm logbook records must be kept for a minimum of 3
years from the date of the last entry.
4. A ‘Trouble Signal’ on a Fire Alarm Control Panel typically indicates which of the following?
A. A fire has been detected by a smoke sensor
B. The elevator recall system has been triggered
C. The building’s sprinkler system has been activated
, D. A break in the system’s wiring or a power failure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A trouble signal indicates a fault with the fire alarm system’s
circuitry, such as a wire break, battery failure, or loss of primary power.
5. When a manual pull station is activated, what type of signal is transmitted to the FACP?
A. Supervisory Signal
B. Alarm Signal
C. Trouble Signal
D. Pre-action Signal
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Manual pull stations are initiating devices that trigger an ‘Alarm
Signal,’ which indicates an immediate emergency.
6. Which type of heat detector responds to a rapid increase in temperature, regardless of the
actual temperature level?
A. Fixed-Temperature Heat Detector
B. Ionization Heat Detector
C. Photoelectric Heat Detector
D. Rate-of-Rise Heat Detector
CITYWIDE FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS JUST RELEASED
1. Which type of signal is generated when a fire protection system component, such as a
sprinkler valve, is in an abnormal state?
A. Trouble Signal
B. Alarm Signal
C. Supervisory Signal
D. Fault Signal
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A supervisory signal indicates that a system monitored by the
FACP is in an abnormal condition, such as a closed water supply valve or low air pressure
in a dry pipe system.
2. An S-55 Certificate of Fitness holder is required to perform a visual inspection of the Fire
Alarm Control Panel (FACP) at what minimum frequency?
A. Monthly
B. Weekly
,C. Daily
D. Annually
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The S-55 COF holder or an authorized person must visually
inspect the FACP daily to ensure the system is in a normal condition (e.g., green power light
is on).
3. How many years must the fire alarm logbook be maintained on the premises for inspection
by the FDNY?
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: All fire alarm logbook records must be kept for a minimum of 3
years from the date of the last entry.
4. A ‘Trouble Signal’ on a Fire Alarm Control Panel typically indicates which of the following?
A. A fire has been detected by a smoke sensor
B. The elevator recall system has been triggered
C. The building’s sprinkler system has been activated
, D. A break in the system’s wiring or a power failure
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A trouble signal indicates a fault with the fire alarm system’s
circuitry, such as a wire break, battery failure, or loss of primary power.
5. When a manual pull station is activated, what type of signal is transmitted to the FACP?
A. Supervisory Signal
B. Alarm Signal
C. Trouble Signal
D. Pre-action Signal
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Manual pull stations are initiating devices that trigger an ‘Alarm
Signal,’ which indicates an immediate emergency.
6. Which type of heat detector responds to a rapid increase in temperature, regardless of the
actual temperature level?
A. Fixed-Temperature Heat Detector
B. Ionization Heat Detector
C. Photoelectric Heat Detector
D. Rate-of-Rise Heat Detector