In alarm terms, what does Supervisory mean?

• A. Is making sure the alarm still has contact with a switch/zone
• B. Ensures the keypad is responsive
• C. Refers to supervisor sign-off on maintenance
• D. Ensures the battery is charged

Answer: (A)

Supervisory signals mean the system is actively monitoring that a monitored device’s contact remains intact and the circuit to that zone is still connected. It’s about ongoing verification of the path from the sensor (like a door/pressure switch) back to the panel, so a fault in the loop (a break in wiring, a switch left open, or a failing device) is reported even if no alarm condition is triggered. That’s why the description fits best: the system is ensuring the alarm still has contact with a switch or zone.

The other options describe different concepts: keypad responsiveness is about user interface input, not circuit supervision; supervisor sign-off on maintenance is an administrative action, not a field-device signal; and battery charge relates to power status, not the integrity of the monitored contact or zone.