IFSTA ESSENTIALS OF FIRE FIGHTING
- CHAPTER 10: SCENE POWER,
LIGHTING, AND SUPPORT TOOLS
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
2026/2027
1. Which device is designed to convert a vehicle’s 12- or 24-volt direct current (DC) into 110-
or 220-volt alternating current (AC)?
A. Portable generator
B. Inverter
C. Alternator
D. Transformer
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Inverters are used when small amounts of AC power are needed
and convert the vehicle’s DC power into AC power.
2. What is a primary disadvantage of using vehicle-mounted generators?
A. Limited power output compared to portable units
,B. Inability to power fixed lighting systems
C. Noise and exhaust fumes may contaminate the scene
D. They require separate fuel tanks that take up space
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While powerful, vehicle-mounted generators can be noisy and
produce exhaust that can affect rescuers if not properly positioned.
3. According to NFPA 70, what safety feature is required for all electrical equipment used in
wet or damp locations?
A. Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
B. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
C. Double-insulated wiring
D. Twist-lock connectors
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: GFCIs are critical for preventing electric shock in the wet
environments common to firefighting operations.
4. Portable lights used at emergency scenes typically range from what wattage?
A. 100 to 250 watts
B. 1,500 to 3,000 watts
, C. 300 to 1,000 watts
D. 5,000 to 10,000 watts
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Portable lights generally range from 300 to 1,000 watts to
provide adequate illumination without overloading portable circuits.
5. Which type of rescue tool is specifically designed for pushing and pulling but is most
efficient at pushing?
A. Spreader
B. Extension ram
C. Cutter
D. Combination tool
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Extension rams are primarily used for pushing objects apart,
such as a dashboard during a vehicle extrication, though they have limited pulling
capability.
6. What is the maximum distance a high-pressure air bag should be inflated to before its
stability is significantly compromised?
A. Half its length
B. Twice its width
- CHAPTER 10: SCENE POWER,
LIGHTING, AND SUPPORT TOOLS
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
2026/2027
1. Which device is designed to convert a vehicle’s 12- or 24-volt direct current (DC) into 110-
or 220-volt alternating current (AC)?
A. Portable generator
B. Inverter
C. Alternator
D. Transformer
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Inverters are used when small amounts of AC power are needed
and convert the vehicle’s DC power into AC power.
2. What is a primary disadvantage of using vehicle-mounted generators?
A. Limited power output compared to portable units
,B. Inability to power fixed lighting systems
C. Noise and exhaust fumes may contaminate the scene
D. They require separate fuel tanks that take up space
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: While powerful, vehicle-mounted generators can be noisy and
produce exhaust that can affect rescuers if not properly positioned.
3. According to NFPA 70, what safety feature is required for all electrical equipment used in
wet or damp locations?
A. Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)
B. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
C. Double-insulated wiring
D. Twist-lock connectors
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: GFCIs are critical for preventing electric shock in the wet
environments common to firefighting operations.
4. Portable lights used at emergency scenes typically range from what wattage?
A. 100 to 250 watts
B. 1,500 to 3,000 watts
, C. 300 to 1,000 watts
D. 5,000 to 10,000 watts
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Portable lights generally range from 300 to 1,000 watts to
provide adequate illumination without overloading portable circuits.
5. Which type of rescue tool is specifically designed for pushing and pulling but is most
efficient at pushing?
A. Spreader
B. Extension ram
C. Cutter
D. Combination tool
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Extension rams are primarily used for pushing objects apart,
such as a dashboard during a vehicle extrication, though they have limited pulling
capability.
6. What is the maximum distance a high-pressure air bag should be inflated to before its
stability is significantly compromised?
A. Half its length
B. Twice its width
