What does a supervisory signal indicate in a fire alarm system?

• A. The device status is not normal but not an immediate fire condition
• B. An actual fire has occurred
• C. The system is in testing mode
• D. Power supply has failed

Answer: (C)

A supervisory signal communicates that a monitored device or condition is not in its normal state, but it isn’t an active fire condition. When the system is placed in testing mode, the control panel uses a supervisory indication to show that the system is under test and alarms are temporarily controlled to allow verification. This helps technicians check devices, wiring, and control functions without triggering an actual fire alarm. In contrast, an actual fire would trigger an alarm signal, and a loss of power or other faults typically produce a trouble indication rather than a supervisory one.