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Revised on 12/2021 (update to standard NOE and AIP procedure)FIRE DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEW YORKSTUDY MATERIAL FOR THECERTIFICATE OF FITNESSSUPERVISION OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMSS-95This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS BOOKLET YOU WILL FIND THE FOLLOWING: NOTICE OF EXAMINATION (NOE) APPENDIX 7/2014 New York City Fire Department - All rights reserved
TABLE OF CONTENTSEXAM SPECIFIC INFORMATION FOR S-95 CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS .4ABOUT THE STUDY MATERIAL .71. SUPERVISION OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS.122. FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS .133. COMPONENTS OF THE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM .143.1 FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL (FACP).143.2 THREE TYPES OF SIGNALS INITIATED BY FACP.143.3 SUB-SYSTEM .164. IN CASE OF AN ALARM .164.1 ACKNOWLEDGE SWITCH OR BUTTON .164.2 ALARM SILENCE SWITCH OR BUTTON .174.3 SYSTEM RESET SWITCH OR BUTTON .174.4 TYPES OF DEVICES, AND SIGNALS THEY GENERATE .185. FIRE ALARM SYSTEM POWER SUPPLIES .195.1 PRIMARY POWER SOURCE.195.2 SECONDARY POWER SOURCE .196. INITIATING DEVICES .216.1 SMOKE DETECTORS .216.2 COMBINATION SENSING TECHNOLOGY SMOKE DETECTORS .246.3 HEAT DETECTORS.276.4 SPRINKLER WATERFLOW ALARM-INITIATING DEVICES .286.5 CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS.296.6 MANUALLY ACTUATED ALARM-INITIATING DEVICES .296.7 FLAMMABLE/COMBUSTIBLE GAS DETECTORS .317. SPRINKLER SYSTEM.32This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.2
8. OTHER RELATED DEVICES .328.1 AUDIO AND VISUAL NOTIFICATION DEVICES .348.2 REMOTE ON-SITE ANNUNCIATOR PANEL .348.4 ACTIVATION OF AUDIO/VISUAL NOTIFICATION DEVICES.349. COMMUNICATION SYSTEM .3610. TESTS, INSPECTIONS, AND REPAIR PROCEDURES FOR FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS .3710.1 INSPECTIONS.3710.2 ALARM LOG BOOK .3710.3 MANUAL (PULL) STATIONS .4310.4 SMOKE DETECTORS .4310.5 CENTRAL STATION .4310.6 FIRE ALARM SYSTEM OFF-LINE .4410.7 OUT-OF-SERVICE SITUATIONS & IMPAIRMENT COORDINATOR .4411. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS .4611.1 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER TAGS .4711.2 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTIONS .48APPENDIX A: SAMPLE OF THE “LETTER OF APPROVAL” .50This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.3
EXAM SPECIFIC INFORMATION FORS-95 CERTIFICATE OF FITNESSSave time and submit application online!Applicants who submitted and paid online for an exam before arriving atthe FDNY will not need to wait in line to enter the FDNY.It can take about 30 minutes to complete. Completing application andpaying online will eliminate waiting outside in the long lines.Simplified instructions for online application and payment can be found reate an Account and Log in EMENTS FOR CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS APPLICATIONGeneral requirements:Review the General Notice of /business/general-notice-of-exam-cof.pdfSpecial requirements for the S-95 Certificate of Fitness: The individuals who have obtained the F-89/T-89/F-80/F-53 Certificate ofFitness will be exempt from having to obtain a separate S-95 Certificate ofFitness for the same premises. The applicants who possess the F-89/T-89/F-80/F-53 Certificate of Fitnessare allowed to obtain the S-95 Certification of Fitness for a different premiseswithout taking the S-95 exam. However, employer recommendation letter andpayment ( 25) are still required.Application fee (Cash is NO LONGER ACCEPTED):Pay the 25 application fee online or in person by one of the following methods: Credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa)Debit card (MasterCard or Visa)In person: Personal or company check or money order (made payable to theNew York City Fire Department)A convenience fee of 2% will be applied to all credit card payments.This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.4
For fee waivers submit: (Only government employees who will use their COFfor their work- related responsibilities are eligible for fee waivers.)A letter requesting fee waiver on the Agency’s official letterhead statingapplicant full name, exam type and address of premises; AND Copy of identification card issued by the agency REQUIREMENTS FOR ALTERNATIVE ISSUANCE PROCEDURE (AIP)This Certificate of Fitness can be obtained by the alternative issuance procedure.Qualified applicants should review and complete the S-95 Certificate of FitnessAlternative Issuance Procedure Application Affirmation f/business/cof-s95-aip.pdfThe AIP applicants must submit the application, required documents andpayment on FDNY pdfEXAM INFORMATIONThe S-95 exam will consist of 35 multiple-choice questions, administered on a“touch screen” computer monitor. It is a time-limit exam. Based on the amount ofthe questions, you will have 53 minutes to complete the test. A passing score of atleast 70% is required in order to secure a Certificate of Fitness.Call (718) 999-1988 for additional information and forms.Please always check for the latest revised booklet at FDNY website before you takethe /business/cof-s95-noe-study-materials.pdfThis book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.5
EXAM SITE:FDNY Headquarters, 9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY. Enterthrough the Flatbush Avenue entrance (between Myrtle Avenueand Tech Place).RENEWAL REQUIREMENTSGeneral renewal requirements:Review the General Notice of f/business/general-notice-of-exam-cof.pdfSpecial renewal requirements. S-95 Certificate of Fitness: NoneQUESTIONS?FDNY Business Support Team: For questions, call 311 and ask for the FDNYCustomer Service Center or send an email to [email protected] book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.6
ABOUT THE STUDY MATERIALThis study material will help you prepare for the examination for the Certificate ofFitness for Fire Alarm Systems. The study material includes information takenfrom the NFPA 72 (2010 edition), the new 2014 New York City Fire Code and theexisting Fire Rules of the City of New York (RCNY). The study material DOES NOTcontain all of the information you need to know to perform your job. It is yourresponsibility to learn anything else that is needed to work with fire alarmsystems. It is also your responsibility to become familiar with all applicable rulesand regulations of the City of New York, even if they are not covered in thismaterial. You should become fully knowledgeable in the fire alarm systeminstalled on your premises. This study material covers all different types of alarmsystems.All questions on the Certificate of Fitness examination are multiple choices, withfour alternative answers to each question. Only one answer is correct for eachquestion. If you do not answer a question your answer will be scored as incorrect.A score of 70% correct is required on the examination in order to qualify for theCertificate of Fitness. Read each question carefully before marking your answer.There is no penalty for guessing.This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.7
SAMPLE QUESTIONSThe following questions represent the “format” of the exam questions,not the content of the real exam.1. Which of the following are allowed to be used while taking a Certificate ofFitness examination at 9 Metro Tech Center?I. cellular phoneII. study material bookletIII. reference material provided by the FDNYIV. mp3 playerA. III onlyB. I, II, and IIIC. II and IVD. I onlyOnly reference material provided by the FDNY is allowed to be used during Certificate ofFitness examinations. Therefore, the correct answer would be A. You would touch “A”on the computer terminal screen.2. If the screen on your computer terminal freezes during your examination,who should you ask for help?A. the person next to youB. the firefighters in the testing roomC. the examiner in the testing roomD. the computer help deskIf you have a computer related question, you should ask the examiner in thetesting room. Therefore, the correct answer would be C. You would touch “C” onthe computer terminal screen.3. If you do not know the answer to a question while taking an examination, whoshould you ask for help?A. the person next to youB. the firefighters in the testing roomC. the examiner in the testing roomD. you should not ask about test questions since FDNY staff can not assist applicantsYou should not ask about examination questions or answers since FDNY staff cannotassist applicants with their tests. Therefore, the correct answer would be D. You wouldtouch "D" on the computer terminal screen.This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.8
DEFINITIONSACCESSIBILITY: As defined in NFPA admitting close approach: not guarded bylocked doors, elevation, and other effective means.ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE: A fire alarm system component, such as abell, horn, speaker, light, text display or vibration device that issues an audible,tactile, and/or visual alert.ALARM SIGNAL: A signal indicating an emergency requiring immediate action,such as a signal indicative of fire.ANNUNCIATOR. A unit containing one or more indicator lamps, alphanumericdisplays, or other equivalent means in which each indication provides statusinformation about a circuit, condition or location.APPROVED CENTRAL STATION COMPANY: A central station company that hasbeen issued a valid certificate of operation from FDNY.ARCS (Auxiliary Radio Communications System): In-Building EmergencyRadio Communication Systems. ARC system is a wireless two-way buildingcommunication system for Fire Department use only.CENTRAL STATION: A facility that receives alarm signals from a protectedpremises and retransmits or otherwise reports such alarm signals to the FireDepartment.DEFINED FIRE ALARM SYSTEM: A fire alarm system or any sub-system thereofthat automatically transmits signals to the department or a central station andthat is installed in premises which are required to have a fire alarm system.DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE: A person or entity designated by thesubscriber who shall be responsible for receiving notifications from the centralstation company concerning the status of the protective signaling system at theprotected premises and who is authorized to take action with respect to suchsystem.FIRE ALARM CONTROL UNIT (FACP, FCS): A system component that receivesinputs from automatic and manual fire alarm devices and is capable of supplyingpower to detection devices and transponder(s) of off-premises transmitter(s). Thecontrol unit is capable of providing a transfer of power to the notificationappliances and transfer of condition to relays of devices.FIRE ALARM SIGNAL: A signal initiated by a fire alarm-initiating device such asa manual fire alarm box (pull station), automatic fire detector, water-flow switch,or other device whose activation is indicative of the presence of a fire or firesignature.This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.9
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM: Any system, including any interconnected fire alarmsub-system, of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate thestatus of fire alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices.FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM: Approved devices, equipment and systems orcombinations of systems used to detect a fire, activate an alarm, extinguish orcontrol a fire, control or manage smoke and products of a fire or any combinationthereof, including fire extinguishing systems, fire alarm systems, sprinklersystems and standpipe systems.IMPAIRMENT COORDINATOR: The person responsible as designated by theowner for ensuring that proper safety precautions are taken when a fireprotection system is out of service.INITIATING DEVICE: A system component that originates transmission of achange-of-state condition, such as in a smoke detector, manual fire alarm box, orsupervisory switch.SMOKE DETECTOR MAINTENANCE: Work, including, but not limited to, repair,replacement, and service, performed to ensure that equipment operates properly.SHALL. Indicates a mandatory requirement.NUISANCE ALARM: Any alarm caused by mechanical failure, malfunction,improper installation, or lack of proper maintenance, or any alarm activated by acause that cannot be determined.OUT OF SERVICE SYSTEM: A fire protection system that is not fully functional;or whose operation is impaired or is otherwise not in good working order.PLENUM: The open space that carries air between the ceilings and floor above.PROTECTED PREMISES: A building, occupancy or structure located in the citythat is equipped with a fire alarm system that transmits an alarm signal to thedepartment or a central station that monitors such system for the purposes ofreporting fire alarms to the department, whether or not the installation of suchsystem on the premises is required by law.SINGLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM: An assembly incorporating the detector, thecontrol equipment, and the alarm-sounding device in one unit, operated from apower supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.SMOKE ALARM: A single-or multiple-station alarm responsive to smoke and notconnected to a fire alarm system.SMOKE DETECTOR: A listed device that senses visible or invisible particles ofcombustion that is connected to a fire alarm system.This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.10
SMOKE DETECTOR MAINTENANCE COMPANY CERTIFICATE: A certificateissued by the commissioner to a person engaged in the business of performingsmoke detector cleaning and testing, which authorizes such person to engage insuch business and supervise the performance of such cleaning and testing bycertificate of fitness holders.TROUBLE SIGNAL. A signal initiated by the fire alarm system or device indicativeof a fault in a monitored circuit or component.UNNECESSARY ALARM: An alarm signal transmitted by a fire alarm systemwhich functioned as designed, but for which a department response provedunnecessary. An example of an unnecessary alarm is an alarm triggered bysmoke from a lit cigarette in a non-smoking area, when the presence of suchsmoke does not implicate fire safety concerns.UNWARRANTED ALARM: An alarm signal transmitted by a fire alarm systemwhich failed to function as designed as a result of improper installation, impropermaintenance, malfunction, or other factor. Examples of unwarranted alarms arealarms resulting from improper smoke detector placement, improper detectorsetting for installed location, lack of system maintenance, and control panelmalfunction. It is important to know that the alarm verification feature reducesthe number of unwarranted alarms.This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.11
1. SUPERVISION OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMSThe Fire Code that was adopted in July 2008 vastly changed the requirements forthe supervision of all fire alarm systems. The code prior only required supervisionfor Interior Fire Alarm Systems. The 2008 Fire Code affects thousands of firealarm systems in buildings which previously did not require a Certificate ofFitness holder (C of F). Fire Alarm Systems installed in New York City are subjectto the regulations enforced by the FDNY. This study material will provideinformation so that applicants can properly prepare for the examination.An approved fire alarm system might typically be found in assembly occupancies(e.g. theaters, school auditoriums), business occupancies, education occupancies,factories, malls, hotels, etc. Any approved fire alarm system must be supervisedby a Certificate of Fitness holder depending upon the nature of the occupancyand/or the type of fire alarm system. See the table below for various examples.Fire alarm system and/or building occupancyC of F requirementFire alarm system has two-way voice communicationFLSDsystem with warden phoneFire alarm system installed in a commercial/mixed highFLSDrise buildingFire alarm system with one and/or two wayFLSDcommunication, installed in a hotel building contains 50or more sleeping rooms above ground floor.Fire alarm system in a homeless shelter not requiring aF-80FLSDFire alarm system with one way communication systemF-53(public announcement system), not requiring an FLSD/F80Fire alarm system without voice communication systemS-95and not requiring an FLSD/F-80/F-53F-80: Coordinator of Fire Safety and Alarm System in Homeless SheltersF-89/T-89: FLSDS-95: Supervision of Fire Alarm SystemsAs the table mentioned above, if there is no FLS Director or F-80 C of F holderrequired on the premises, any approved fire alarm system without voicecommunication system must be under supervision of an S-95 Certificate ofFitness holder.A fire alarm system may include but not limit to one/some of the followingsystems:1. Standpipe fire pump2. Sprinkler booster fire pump3. Standpipe(limited service fire pump)This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.12
4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18.Other (specify)Emergency voice/alarm communication systemFire Department communication systemCarbon monoxide alarms and detectorsAutomatic sprinkler systemsAlternative automatic fire-extinguishing systemAutomatic fire alarm systemsManual fire alarm systemsManual and automatic fire alarm systemsEmergency alarm systems (gas detection system)Smoke control systemsFire command centerPost-fire smoke purge systemsSub-systems (Range hood, halon and FM200 etc.)Auxiliary Radio Communication System (ARCS)All Certificate of Fitness holders should ensure that their respective premiseshave fire alarm systems approved by the FDNY. For further questions, you cancontact your Building owner or Property Manager. (See sample of the “Letter ofApproval” in the Appendix A of this study material).2. FIRE ALARM SYSTEMSThe scope of each Certificate of Fitness title differs and it is critical that holders ofeach category know their limitations. Holders of the S-97or S-98 may perform theresponsibilities of holders of the S-78/F-78 C of F; however, S-78/F-78 holderscannot perform the functions of an S-97/S-98 holder (see chart below).May be performed byDuties can be performed by C of FHoldersS-95S-78/F-78S-97/S-98Visual inspection of smoke detectorsYesYesYesVisual inspection of other fire alarm systemcomponentsYesNOYesSmoke detector inspection, testing andcleaningNOYesYesSmoke detector maintenanceNONOYesProgram, service, clean, test, repair and/orreplace low voltage fire alarm systemcomponentsNONOYesThis book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.13
Fire alarm systems are required in many premises as part of a fire protectionsystem. The new Fire Code has expanded the requirements for fire alarm systemswhich include but are not limited to the following buildings: OFFICE BUILDINGS COMMERCIAL SHELTERS HOTELS HOSPITALS MOTELS MARINAS SCHOOLS APARTMENT BUILDINGS which may be high-rise or low-rise, or asspecified in New York City Building Code section 309.1.A Fire Alarm System is a system consisting of components and circuits arrangedto monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm and supervisory signalinitiating devices, and to initiate the appropriate response to these signals.THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS WITHIN PROTECTEDPREMISES IS TO WARN BUILDING OCCUPANTS AND TRANSMIT SIGNALSINDICATING A FIRE CONDITION TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT VIA ANFDNY APPROVED CENTRAL STATION COMPANY.Fire alarm systems are required in various types of occupancies. Some examples ofsuch occupancies are hotels, shelters, hospitals, office buildings and mercantileoccupancies. If a fire emergency occurs the alarm system notifies the occupantsof the building.3. COMPONENTS OF THE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM3.1 FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL (FACP)FACP is a system component that monitorsinputs and control outputs through variouscircuits. The primary purpose of the fire alarmcontrol panel is to process signals receivedfrom initiating devices and to activateappropriate signals and outputs.3.2 THREE TYPES OF SIGNALS INITIATEDBY FACP3.2.1 Fire Alarm Signal: A signal initiated bya fire alarm initiatingdevice such as amanual fire alarmpull station, smokedetector, water-flowswitch, or otherdevice in which activation is indicative of the presenceof a fire or fire signature.Water-flow SwitchThis book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.14
When a fire signal is generated, the FACP activates the building audible andvisual devices connected to the fire alarm (i.e. horn/strobes), sends a signal to anFDNY approved central station, and actuates control of certain buildingfunctions.Central station operators shall monitor and process all fire alarm signals beforeany other signals, regardless of the order in which they are received. When theyreceive fire alarm signals, operators at the central station re-transmit thosesignals to the Fire Department.Alarm signals shall be re-transmitted to the Fire Department immediately uponreceipt of the signal at the central station. A signal is deemed to be received at thetime it is processed by the automation software. The operator shall also notify thepremises after retransmitting the signal to the Fire Department. Alarm signalstransmitted to the Fire Department shall indicate the type of alarm received (e.g.,automatic, valve, manual or carbon monoxide). EVERY fire alarm signal must bere-transmitted immediately to the FDNY as a fire alarm signal even if it isautomatically restored by the premise fire alarm system. There are NOEXCEPTIONS.3.2.2 Supervisory Signals: A supervisory signal indicates that a system or devicebeing monitored has been compromised or is in an abnormal state. A supervisorysignal will audibly and visually annunciate at the FACP to indicate thesupervisory condition needs to be investigated and corrected. The FACP will alsosend a supervisory signal to an FDNY approved central station.Supervisory signals are generated from initiating devices such as:1. Valve supervisory switch on a sprinkler system2. High/Low water level switch on a gravity tank feeding a sprinkler system3. Low air pressure switch from a dry pipe sprinkler system4. Fire pump running/pump failure/pump phase reversalNote: The FDNY is not dispatched to respond to supervisory signals.Supervisory signals are not indicative of a fire condition.3.2.3 Trouble Signals: Fire Alarm Control Panels are provided with means todetect and signal trouble conditions. Trouble signals indicate that the alarmsystem, transmitter, or communications path is wholly or partially out of service.Common trouble conditions monitored by a Fire Alarm Control Panel are batterycondition, AC failure, ground fault, open or short circuit on a wire, phone linefailure, or internal component failure.Upon receipt of trouble signals or other signals pertaining solely to equipmentmaintenance of an alarm system, the central station shall communicateimmediately with persons designated by the subscriber. Routine handling shouldThis book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.15
take a maximum of four minutes from receipt of a trouble signal by the centralstation until initiation of the investigation by telephone.A Central Station will occasionally experience unusual circumstances resulting inan inordinate amount of trouble signals received simultaneously, such as a powerfailure encompassing a large area.A trouble signal will ordinarily annunciate audibly and visually at the Fire AlarmControl Panel to indicate the trouble condition, which needs to be investigatedand corrected.Note: The FDNY is not dispatched to respond to trouble signals. Troublesignals are not indicative of a fire condition.LAMP TEST: This function is used on some FACP’s to check the condition of thelight emitting diodes (LEDs) on the FACP.REMOTE ANNUNCIATOR PANEL: A remote annunciator panel when installedshall function for visual notification of alarm, supervisory or trouble conditionsonly.3.3 SUB-SYSTEMA Sub-System is an activating (voluntary or required) system installed in aspecific area or floor for a specific purpose in a building that has a required(mandated) base building fire alarm system.All Sub-Systems include but are not limited to the following; Halon, FM200,Water Mist, Pre-Action, Range Hood, Carbon Dioxide, Foam system, DryChemical, Smoke Detection, Clean Air Agents or Thermostatic Systems shallbe subject to Fire Department inspection and test for issuance of Letter ofApproval for such Sub-System(s).All such Sub-Systems shall be maintained in proper working order, and a personholding a Certificate of Fitness shall be in charge of the supervision andmaintenance of all such activating system. All Sub-Systems shall beinterconnected to the base building fire alarm system for alarm and troublesupervision and shall annunciate specific type and location of such subsystem(s). Activation of the sub-system shall activate the base building audibleand visual appliances and notify the Fire Department via the base buildingCentral Station.4. IN CASE OF AN ALARM4.1 ACKNOWLEDGE SWITCH OR BUTTONAn acknowledge button, also abbreviated as (ACK) is used to acknowledge alarm,trouble or supervisory conditions. The sequence and procedures may differ inThis book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY.16
every fire alarm system; however, it is important for the C of F holder, whenpresent and practical, to report to the FACP location whenever the alarm isactivated.4.2 ALARM SILENCE SWITCH OR BUTTONThe alarm silence switch is used to silence the building audible and visualdevices (such as sirens, bells or gongs) after an evacuation is complete while thesource of alarm is being investigated. Never reset the fire alarm system until thecondition is verified by the FDNY personnel. Depending on the configuration ofthe alarm system, this function will either silence the system's notificationappliances completely, or will
FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS. S-95 . This book is provided to the public for free by the FDNY. . This study material will help you prepare for the examination for the Certificate of Fitness for Fire Alarm Systems. The study material includes information taken from the NFPA 72 (2010 edition), the new 2014 New York City Fire Code and the .
