SOUTH CAROLINA (SC) Burglar Alarm License Exam
1. What is the maximum allowed voltage for low voltage systems under South
Carolina regulations?
A. 24 volts
B. 48 volts
C. 60 volts
D. 120 volts
Answer: B. 48 volts
Explanation: Low voltage systems, including burglar alarms, are defined under South
Carolina regulations as those operating at 48 volts or less.
2. Which of the following is a primary purpose of a burglar alarm system?
A. To provide lighting in dark areas
B. To detect unauthorized entry and alert occupants or authorities
C. To control temperature within a building
D. To facilitate communication between rooms
Answer: B. To detect unauthorized entry and alert occupants or authorities
Explanation: The primary purpose of a burglar alarm system is to detect unauthorized entry
into a building or area and to alert occupants and/or law enforcement.
3. Under South Carolina law, a licensed burglar alarm installer must have
which of the following?
A. A high school diploma
B. A valid low voltage contractor license
C. No specific license required
D. Only a business license
Answer: B. A valid low voltage contractor license
Explanation: In South Carolina, installing burglar alarm systems requires a valid low voltage
contractor license to ensure installers are qualified and comply with state regulations.
4. What is the minimum separation distance required between a burglar
alarm control panel and potential sources of electrical interference, such as
fluorescent lights?
A. 1 foot
B. 3 feet
1
, SOUTH CAROLINA (SC) Burglar Alarm License Exam
C. 5 feet
D. 10 feet
Answer: B. 3 feet
Explanation: To prevent electrical interference, the control panel should be separated by at
least 3 feet from potential sources like fluorescent lighting.
5. Which component of a burglar alarm system is responsible for initiating the
alarm when a breach is detected?
A. Control panel
B. Sensor
C. Siren
D. Power supply
Answer: B. Sensor
Explanation: Sensors detect breaches such as door or window openings, and they send
signals to the control panel to initiate the alarm.
6. What type of wiring is typically used in low voltage burglar alarm systems?
A. THHN
B. NM-B
C. 22 AWG twisted pair
D. BX cable
Answer: C. 22 AWG twisted pair
Explanation: Low voltage systems commonly use 22 AWG twisted pair wiring for
communication between sensors, control panels, and other components.
7. According to South Carolina regulations, how often must a burglar alarm
system be tested after installation?
A. Every month
B. Every 6 months
C. Annually
D. Every two years
Answer: C. Annually
2
, SOUTH CAROLINA (SC) Burglar Alarm License Exam
Explanation: South Carolina requires that burglar alarm systems be tested annually to ensure
proper operation and compliance with safety standards.
8. What is the purpose of a supervisory signal in a burglar alarm system?
A. To activate the siren
B. To indicate a fault or tampering in the system
C. To increase the volume of the alarm
D. To communicate with police directly
Answer: B. To indicate a fault or tampering in the system
Explanation: Supervisory signals monitor the integrity of the system, alerting to issues such
as wiring problems or tampering that could compromise the alarm's effectiveness.
9. In low voltage systems, what is the role of a transformer?
A. To convert AC to DC
B. To step down voltage to a level suitable for the system
C. To amplify the signal from sensors
D. To provide backup power during outages
Answer: B. To step down voltage to a level suitable for the system
Explanation: A transformer reduces the mains voltage to a lower level appropriate for low
voltage burglar alarm systems.
10. Which South Carolina regulation dictates the installation standards for
low voltage burglar alarm systems?
A. South Carolina Building Code
B. South Carolina Electrical Code
C. South Carolina Fire Code
D. South Carolina Business Regulations
Answer: B. South Carolina Electrical Code
Explanation: The South Carolina Electrical Code contains the specific standards and
requirements for installing low voltage systems, including burglar alarms.
11. Which of the following is NOT a type of burglar alarm sensor?
A. Motion sensor
B. Glass break sensor
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, SOUTH CAROLINA (SC) Burglar Alarm License Exam
C. Smoke detector
D. Magnetic contact sensor
Answer: C. Smoke detector
Explanation: Smoke detectors are part of fire alarm systems, not specifically burglar alarm
sensors.
12. What is the typical operating frequency for wireless burglar alarm
systems?
A. 433 MHz
B. 2.4 GHz
C. 900 MHz
D. 5 GHz
Answer: B. 2.4 GHz
Explanation: Many wireless burglar alarm systems operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency band,
suitable for short-range communication.
13. In South Carolina, what authority must a burglar alarm company register
with before commencing operations?
A. Local police department
B. South Carolina Department of Labor
C. South Carolina Department of Revenue
D. South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs
Answer: D. South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs
Explanation: Businesses, including burglar alarm companies, must register with the
appropriate state authority, often the Department of Consumer Affairs.
14. What is the purpose of a tamper switch in a burglar alarm system?
A. To detect movement
B. To notify if a component is being tampered with
C. To reset the system
D. To control the alarm volume
Answer: B. To notify if a component is being tampered with
Explanation: Tamper switches alert the system if someone attempts to interfere with or
disable components of the alarm system.
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1. What is the maximum allowed voltage for low voltage systems under South
Carolina regulations?
A. 24 volts
B. 48 volts
C. 60 volts
D. 120 volts
Answer: B. 48 volts
Explanation: Low voltage systems, including burglar alarms, are defined under South
Carolina regulations as those operating at 48 volts or less.
2. Which of the following is a primary purpose of a burglar alarm system?
A. To provide lighting in dark areas
B. To detect unauthorized entry and alert occupants or authorities
C. To control temperature within a building
D. To facilitate communication between rooms
Answer: B. To detect unauthorized entry and alert occupants or authorities
Explanation: The primary purpose of a burglar alarm system is to detect unauthorized entry
into a building or area and to alert occupants and/or law enforcement.
3. Under South Carolina law, a licensed burglar alarm installer must have
which of the following?
A. A high school diploma
B. A valid low voltage contractor license
C. No specific license required
D. Only a business license
Answer: B. A valid low voltage contractor license
Explanation: In South Carolina, installing burglar alarm systems requires a valid low voltage
contractor license to ensure installers are qualified and comply with state regulations.
4. What is the minimum separation distance required between a burglar
alarm control panel and potential sources of electrical interference, such as
fluorescent lights?
A. 1 foot
B. 3 feet
1
, SOUTH CAROLINA (SC) Burglar Alarm License Exam
C. 5 feet
D. 10 feet
Answer: B. 3 feet
Explanation: To prevent electrical interference, the control panel should be separated by at
least 3 feet from potential sources like fluorescent lighting.
5. Which component of a burglar alarm system is responsible for initiating the
alarm when a breach is detected?
A. Control panel
B. Sensor
C. Siren
D. Power supply
Answer: B. Sensor
Explanation: Sensors detect breaches such as door or window openings, and they send
signals to the control panel to initiate the alarm.
6. What type of wiring is typically used in low voltage burglar alarm systems?
A. THHN
B. NM-B
C. 22 AWG twisted pair
D. BX cable
Answer: C. 22 AWG twisted pair
Explanation: Low voltage systems commonly use 22 AWG twisted pair wiring for
communication between sensors, control panels, and other components.
7. According to South Carolina regulations, how often must a burglar alarm
system be tested after installation?
A. Every month
B. Every 6 months
C. Annually
D. Every two years
Answer: C. Annually
2
, SOUTH CAROLINA (SC) Burglar Alarm License Exam
Explanation: South Carolina requires that burglar alarm systems be tested annually to ensure
proper operation and compliance with safety standards.
8. What is the purpose of a supervisory signal in a burglar alarm system?
A. To activate the siren
B. To indicate a fault or tampering in the system
C. To increase the volume of the alarm
D. To communicate with police directly
Answer: B. To indicate a fault or tampering in the system
Explanation: Supervisory signals monitor the integrity of the system, alerting to issues such
as wiring problems or tampering that could compromise the alarm's effectiveness.
9. In low voltage systems, what is the role of a transformer?
A. To convert AC to DC
B. To step down voltage to a level suitable for the system
C. To amplify the signal from sensors
D. To provide backup power during outages
Answer: B. To step down voltage to a level suitable for the system
Explanation: A transformer reduces the mains voltage to a lower level appropriate for low
voltage burglar alarm systems.
10. Which South Carolina regulation dictates the installation standards for
low voltage burglar alarm systems?
A. South Carolina Building Code
B. South Carolina Electrical Code
C. South Carolina Fire Code
D. South Carolina Business Regulations
Answer: B. South Carolina Electrical Code
Explanation: The South Carolina Electrical Code contains the specific standards and
requirements for installing low voltage systems, including burglar alarms.
11. Which of the following is NOT a type of burglar alarm sensor?
A. Motion sensor
B. Glass break sensor
3
, SOUTH CAROLINA (SC) Burglar Alarm License Exam
C. Smoke detector
D. Magnetic contact sensor
Answer: C. Smoke detector
Explanation: Smoke detectors are part of fire alarm systems, not specifically burglar alarm
sensors.
12. What is the typical operating frequency for wireless burglar alarm
systems?
A. 433 MHz
B. 2.4 GHz
C. 900 MHz
D. 5 GHz
Answer: B. 2.4 GHz
Explanation: Many wireless burglar alarm systems operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency band,
suitable for short-range communication.
13. In South Carolina, what authority must a burglar alarm company register
with before commencing operations?
A. Local police department
B. South Carolina Department of Labor
C. South Carolina Department of Revenue
D. South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs
Answer: D. South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs
Explanation: Businesses, including burglar alarm companies, must register with the
appropriate state authority, often the Department of Consumer Affairs.
14. What is the purpose of a tamper switch in a burglar alarm system?
A. To detect movement
B. To notify if a component is being tampered with
C. To reset the system
D. To control the alarm volume
Answer: B. To notify if a component is being tampered with
Explanation: Tamper switches alert the system if someone attempts to interfere with or
disable components of the alarm system.
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