Alarm is a notification of improper temperature or other condition existing in a building. Which option best defines an alarm?

• A. A routine data log entry with timestamp.
• B. A notification of improper temperature or other condition existing in a building.
• C. A scheduled maintenance reminder.
• D. An audio alarm that only indicates power status.

Answer: (B)

An alarm signals that something in the building is outside its normal or safe range and needs attention. It’s more about prompting a response to a condition, such as improper temperature, rather than simply recording data or scheduling tasks. In building control systems, alarms trigger alerts to operators so they can investigate and take corrective action, often via audible or visual indicators and messages.

The other options describe different things. A routine data log entry is just a record of what happened with a timestamp, not a live alert requiring action. A scheduled maintenance reminder is an administrative cue to perform upkeep, not a real-time condition notification. An audio alarm that only indicates power status may warn about power availability, but it doesn’t convey the specific building condition like temperature that would require intervention.