ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

Magnetic door contacts and photoelectric beams are classified as what type of devices?

1. Control devices

2. Alarm systems

3. Detection devices

4. Power sources

The correct answer is: Detection devices

Magnetic door contacts and photoelectric beams are classified as detection devices because their primary function is to identify changes in a specific area, thereby indicating the presence of a security event, such as an unauthorized entry or an obstruction. Magnetic door contacts work by using a magnet and a sensor to detect whether a door is open or closed. When the door is opened, the magnetic field is disrupted, triggering an alarm or alert system. This functionality places them squarely in the realm of detection devices, as they are designed to detect and signal the state of a door. Photoelectric beams operate similarly by emitting a beam of light between a transmitter and a receiver. If the beam is interrupted, it indicates that an object, such as a person, is crossing the beam, triggering an alarm response. This interruption is another form of detection, as it identifies a specific change in the environment that signals a potential security breach. In contrast to the chosen classification of detection devices, control devices typically manage or regulate the operation of various alarm systems rather than detect unauthorized activities. Alarm systems refer to the overall setup that might include detection devices, control panels, and notification systems but do not classify the individual components by their detection function. Power sources are the electrical components that supply