TFM 12 FIRE ALARM TECHNICAL Exam
(Latest 2026 Update) | Complete Guide with
Questions and Verified Answers | 100%
Correct | Graded A+
‣ What does P.L.F.A stand for? Answer: Power Limited Fire Alarm
‣ What does N.P.L.F.A stand for? Answer: Non-Power Limited Fire
Alarm
‣ What is the difference between P.F.L.A and N.P.F.L.A? Answer: an
N.P.L.F.A can operate at up to 600v, and the power output isn't limited
a P.L.F.A has the voltage and power limited by a listed power source.
‣ What material must N.P.F.L.A circuit conductors be made from?
Answer: ONLY solid stranded copper is permitted.
‣ What does A.W.G stand for? Answer: American Wire Gauge
‣ What size conductors are permitted? Answer: Size 18 A.W.G and 16
A.W.G are permitted, provided they do not exceed certain capacities.
,‣ What is used to protect transformers or other devices supplied from
power-supply conductors? Answer: An over-current device not rated
over 20 amperes.
‣ When located within 7 feet of the floor, how shall cables be fastened?
Answer: Cables shall be fastened in an approved manner at intervals of
not more than 18 inches.
‣ Single conductors shall not be smaller than ___ A.W.G? Answer: 18
‣ Conductors of 28 A.W.G shall only be permitted in which
circumstance? Answer: Spliced with a connector listed as suitable for 26
to 24 A.W.G
‣ How shall P.F.L.A conductors NOT be installed? Answer: P.F.L.A
conductors shall not be strapped, taped, or attached to the exterior of any
conduit or raceway.
‣ What is Plenum cable? Answer: Cable that can be installed in ducts,
plenums, or other spaces used for environmental air.
‣ What is a Riser cable? Answer: Cable to be used in vertical wire runs
in shafts between floors. Not to be used where Plenum cable is required.
It is capable of preventing fire from rising from floor to floor.
, ‣ What is general purpose cable? Answer: Cable for general purpose fire
alarm use. Not to be used where plenum cable or riser cable is required.
It is resistant to the spread of fire.
‣ Why 'type' shall plenum cable be? What substitutions are allowed?
Answer: Power Limited Fire Alarm Plenum (F.P.L.P) C.M.P can be
substituted.
‣ Why 'type' shall riser cable be? What substitutions are allowed?
Answer: Power Limited Fire Alarm Riser (F.P.L.R) C.M.P, F.P.L.P.
C.M.R can be substituted.
‣ What 'type' shall general purpose wire be? What substitutions are
permitted? Answer: Power Limited Fire Alarm (F.P.L) C.M.P, F.P.L.P,
C.M.R, F.P.L.R, C.M.G
CM can be substituted (all types)
‣ What is the maximum voltage permitted through multi-conductor
N.P.F.L.A cables? Answer: 150 volts
‣ What is the voltage rating marked on P.F.L.A cables? Answer: Not less
than 300 volts
(Latest 2026 Update) | Complete Guide with
Questions and Verified Answers | 100%
Correct | Graded A+
‣ What does P.L.F.A stand for? Answer: Power Limited Fire Alarm
‣ What does N.P.L.F.A stand for? Answer: Non-Power Limited Fire
Alarm
‣ What is the difference between P.F.L.A and N.P.F.L.A? Answer: an
N.P.L.F.A can operate at up to 600v, and the power output isn't limited
a P.L.F.A has the voltage and power limited by a listed power source.
‣ What material must N.P.F.L.A circuit conductors be made from?
Answer: ONLY solid stranded copper is permitted.
‣ What does A.W.G stand for? Answer: American Wire Gauge
‣ What size conductors are permitted? Answer: Size 18 A.W.G and 16
A.W.G are permitted, provided they do not exceed certain capacities.
,‣ What is used to protect transformers or other devices supplied from
power-supply conductors? Answer: An over-current device not rated
over 20 amperes.
‣ When located within 7 feet of the floor, how shall cables be fastened?
Answer: Cables shall be fastened in an approved manner at intervals of
not more than 18 inches.
‣ Single conductors shall not be smaller than ___ A.W.G? Answer: 18
‣ Conductors of 28 A.W.G shall only be permitted in which
circumstance? Answer: Spliced with a connector listed as suitable for 26
to 24 A.W.G
‣ How shall P.F.L.A conductors NOT be installed? Answer: P.F.L.A
conductors shall not be strapped, taped, or attached to the exterior of any
conduit or raceway.
‣ What is Plenum cable? Answer: Cable that can be installed in ducts,
plenums, or other spaces used for environmental air.
‣ What is a Riser cable? Answer: Cable to be used in vertical wire runs
in shafts between floors. Not to be used where Plenum cable is required.
It is capable of preventing fire from rising from floor to floor.
, ‣ What is general purpose cable? Answer: Cable for general purpose fire
alarm use. Not to be used where plenum cable or riser cable is required.
It is resistant to the spread of fire.
‣ Why 'type' shall plenum cable be? What substitutions are allowed?
Answer: Power Limited Fire Alarm Plenum (F.P.L.P) C.M.P can be
substituted.
‣ Why 'type' shall riser cable be? What substitutions are allowed?
Answer: Power Limited Fire Alarm Riser (F.P.L.R) C.M.P, F.P.L.P.
C.M.R can be substituted.
‣ What 'type' shall general purpose wire be? What substitutions are
permitted? Answer: Power Limited Fire Alarm (F.P.L) C.M.P, F.P.L.P,
C.M.R, F.P.L.R, C.M.G
CM can be substituted (all types)
‣ What is the maximum voltage permitted through multi-conductor
N.P.F.L.A cables? Answer: 150 volts
‣ What is the voltage rating marked on P.F.L.A cables? Answer: Not less
than 300 volts
