Which option best describes a Supervisory Signal?

• A. A Tamper Signal
• B. A Fault in a Monitored Circuit
• C. A Signal Indicating Readiness Status of the System and Devices
• D. A General Alarm

Answer: (C)

A Supervisory Signal carries information about the status of a monitored device or circuit that could affect the system’s readiness, but it isn’t an active fire alarm or fault. It tells the operator that a component the system relies on is not in its normal state and needs attention to maintain readiness—for example, a valve position, a monitored power supply, or a device that must be supervised to ensure the system can operate correctly. This is different from a general alarm (which signals an actual emergency), a fault in a monitored circuit (which indicates a trouble or malfunction requiring service), or a tamper condition (which signals unauthorized access). So, describing it as a signal indicating the readiness status of the system and devices best captures its purpose: it communicates that while no emergency is active, a monitored element could affect readiness and requires corrective action.