Texas Fire Alarm License Practice Test

Which of the following is true regarding the installation of P.F.L.A conductors?

1. P.F.L.A conductors need special insulation

2. P.F.L.A conductors can be strapped to other cables

3. P.F.L.A conductors must be routed through accessible areas

4. P.F.L.A conductors cannot be attached to exterior surfaces

The correct answer is: P.F.L.A conductors cannot be attached to exterior surfaces

When installing Protected Fire Alarm (P.F.L.A) conductors, one of the requirements is that they cannot be attached to exterior surfaces. This guideline is in place to ensure that the integrity and reliability of the fire alarm system are maintained. Exterior surfaces expose the conductors to environmental factors such as moisture, temperature fluctuations, UV radiation, and physical damage, which could compromise their functionality. Fire alarm systems must be highly reliable, and protecting the conductors from these risks is crucial in maintaining a system that ensures optimal operation and can deliver a timely response in emergencies. In contrast, other options suggest practices or requirements that are not applicable or are less critical. For instance, while P.F.L.A conductors might need certain considerations for their installation—such as being accessible or insulated in specific ways—those details don’t reflect the core requirement related to external surface attachment, which is vital for safety and functionality.