How should manual alarm boxes be mounted?

• A. On a white surface
• B. Next to the door
• C. On a beige surface
• D. On a contrasting color

Answer: (D)

The important idea here is quick visibility. A manual alarm box must be easy to locate in an emergency, so you want it to stand out from the wall it's mounted on. Mounting it on a contrasting color creates a strong visual cue that catches the eye at a glance, helping anyone activate it quickly. If the wall color blends with the box, such as white or beige blending with a light-colored box, it can be harder to spot under stress or in poor lighting. While placing the box near an exit can be convenient, that alone doesn’t ensure visibility; the key factor is contrast. So the best choice is mounting the box on a surface that contrasts with its color.