Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

Which type of signal from a fire alarm system requires immediate actions due to fire danger?

1. Supervisory

2. Pre-alarm

3. Alarm

4. Trouble

The correct answer is: Alarm

The correct response is based on the clear distinction between different types of signals that a fire alarm system can emit. An alarm signal represents an active indication of a fire or smoke condition requiring immediate action, usually including evacuation and the notification of emergency services. This signal is triggered when the system detects conditions that suggest a fire is present, such as smoke, heat, or manual activation by personnel. In contrast, supervisory signals involve monitoring system components or activities that do not represent immediate fire danger but rather issues requiring attention, such as tampering or maintenance concerns. Pre-alarm signals can denote a potential fire condition but do not indicate an immediate threat, as they typically serve as a warning that the situation may need heightened vigilance. Trouble signals alert to system malfunctions or faults within the alarm system itself, indicating that the system may not be functioning properly but again do not reflect an immediate fire danger. Thus, the nature of the alarm signal directly correlates to an urgent need for action, making it the appropriate choice when assessing fire danger.