Which wiring topology is described by running a separate wire from each alarm component back to the control panel?

• A. Star topology
• B. Daisy chain
• C. Bus topology
• D. Ring topology

Answer: (A)

In alarm wiring, the way devices are connected defines the topology. Running a separate wire from each alarm component straight back to the control panel describes a star topology. Each device has its own direct connection to the central panel, making it a hub-and-spoke arrangement. This setup makes troubleshooting easier because a problem in one leg usually doesn’t affect others, and failures are localized to a single connection. It does use more cable and can be more costly.

For comparison: a daisy chain links devices in a series along one path, so a fault or break can affect multiple devices; a bus shares a single backbone cable with tapping points along it; and a ring forms a closed loop where signals travel around the ring. The described wiring matches the star topology.