Certified Alarm Technician 1 Study Guide

1. Safety & PPE

Always disconnect all power sources before servicing alarm equipment.
Wear PPE (gloves, eye protection, etc.) as needed.
Use fiberglass or wooden ladders near electrical equipment; ensure ladder is stable and on flat ground.
Check for hidden wires, plumbing, or hazards before drilling walls/ceilings.
When unplugging, always pull on the plug, not the cord.
Attics: Beware of insulation, nails, high heat, and avoid stepping between joists.
Dispose of old batteries per local regulations—never in regular trash or fire.

Use plenum-rated cable (CMP) in plenum spaces.
Twisted pair reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Route wires away from AC power lines to prevent interference and false alarms; if crossing, do so at a 90-degree angle.
Wire color code: Red (+), Black (–), White (sometimes signal), Green (ground).
Secure cables inside walls, use grommets/bushings through studs, and support in open ceilings.
Dress and label all wires for easy ID and troubleshooting.
Never conceal splices—make them accessible and use approved connectors.
Avoid tight bends and kinks; protect from sharp edges and moisture.
Supervision: EOL resistor at end of loop allows detection of open/short/tamper faults.
Supervised loops can detect both open and short faults; EOL must be at the device, not panel.
Always use correct wire gauge for the run length to avoid excessive voltage drop.
Use armored cable or conduit in areas with rodents/pests or where protection is needed.

Common Wiring Issues	Effect
Undersized wire	Excessive voltage drop, unreliable operation
Loose terminals	Intermittent faults, unreliable operation
Damaged insulation	Ground faults, shorts
Unlabeled wires	Difficult troubleshooting

Control panels use a rectifier and voltage regulator to convert AC to DC (usually 12VDC output).
Backup power: Sealed lead-acid battery is most common; must maintain system during primary power loss.
Check battery annually or per manufacturer—test by removing AC and confirming operation.
Polarity matters: Verify (+) and (–) before connecting battery or sensors.
Proper fuse sizing prevents overcurrent damage; a blown fuse is often caused by short circuit/overload.
Paralleled batteries: Increases amp-hour capacity, not voltage.
Grounding protects from surges and reduces noise—always follow NEC requirements.

Power Problem	Possible Cause
System won’t power up	Blown fuse, loose terminals, bad transformer
Trouble indication	Loose/corroded terminals, battery failure, AC loss

Control panel: Coordinates input from all sensors and manages system response.
Keypad: Main user interface; used for arming/disarming, programming, bypassing zones.
Zoning: Grouping sensors for faster troubleshooting and pinpointing alarms; separate zones help ID fault locations.
Zone expander: Adds more input zones to panel.
Bypass function: Temporarily disables a specific zone (e.g., for maintenance).
Partitioning: Allows separate control of different areas (on advanced systems).
Display: Modern keypads show open zones, faults, and sometimes sensor ID.
Always label wires and zones for future service.

Perimeter:
- Magnetic contacts: Doors/windows, reliable, not affected by temp changes.
- Glass break detectors: Acoustic type (detects frequency), may false alarm with thunder/dogs.
- Tamper switches: Supervise for box/panel opening.
Interior:
- Passive Infrared (PIR): Detects motion by body heat. Pet-immune versions available.
- Ultrasonic/microwave: Detect motion, but more false alarm prone (air drafts, heat, sunlight).
- Key: PIRs are most susceptible to false alarms from air drafts, heating vents, sunlight. Mount away from these.
Proper alignment and manufacturer-approved mounting is critical for all sensor types.
Always verify correct zone operation after installation or replacement.

NEC (NFPA 70): Covers low-voltage wiring, ampacity, color coding, and installation standards.
NFPA 72: Fire alarm systems; required for commercial fire applications.
UL 681: Burglar alarm system standards.
All wiring through fire-rated walls must be sealed with approved firestop materials.
Label and document all wiring and zone assignments; maintain accurate as-builts.
Always install in a “neat and workmanlike manner.”

Code/Standard	Area Covered
NFPA 70 (NEC)	Wiring, safety, ampacity, color code
NFPA 72	Fire alarm design and installation
UL 681	Burglar alarm installation

Relay: Allows low-voltage signal to switch higher current loads.
Normally open (NO) contacts: Most common for external device activation.
Auxiliary outputs: Used to trigger strobes, sirens, or lights based on alarm/trouble events.
Always test relay operation after installation—check continuity when relay is activated.

Always test every zone and sensor after installation, repair, or modification.
Continuity test: Confirms wire path is complete (use continuity tester or ohmmeter).
Voltage drop test: Measure voltage at panel and at the device under load.
Blown fuse: Most often caused by a short circuit or overload.
Intermittent faults: Check for loose terminals, wiring damage, or ground faults.
Ground fault: Often due to insulation damage letting wire touch metal.
Always check event logs and keypad fault codes before starting repairs.
If zone won’t restore: Inspect wiring, check for stuck device, then reset panel.
Label and document every change for future troubleshooting.

Test Instrument	Function
Digital voltmeter	Measure voltage at terminals/devices
Clamp-on ammeter	Check current draw on circuits
Continuity tester	Test for open or short circuits
Tone generator/probe	Trace unknown wires in panels

Dress, label, and document all wires—makes troubleshooting and future mods easy.
Use correct gauge wire for distance and load; always check manufacturer specs for sensors and panels.
Secure excess wire neatly, away from moving parts or heat sources.
Use manufacturer-approved mounting and hardware—preserves warranty and function.
Seal fire-rated wall penetrations with approved firestop.
Never run alarm wires parallel to AC wiring; cross only at 90 degrees.
Recycle all batteries and dispose per local law.
Keep complete documentation of as-builts, zone lists, test results, and service records.

Wire Color	Common Use
Red	+ Voltage
Black	– Voltage (Ground)
White	Signal or alternative
Green	Earth ground or secondary function