ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

What are the two categories of power sources used in alarm systems?

1. Primary and Backup

2. Primary and Secondary

3. Main and Auxiliary

4. Direct and Alternating

The correct answer is: Primary and Secondary

In alarm systems, categorizing power sources into primary and secondary is crucial for ensuring reliability and functionality. The primary power source typically refers to the main power supply, which can be from the electrical grid or a dedicated power source, like batteries or transformers. This source is responsible for powering the system during regular operation. The secondary power source, often referred to as the backup, comes into play in scenarios where the primary source fails, such as during a power outage. This could involve batteries or generators that ensure the alarm system remains operational even when the main power is unavailable. Having a reliable secondary power source is critical for maintaining security, as it ensures that alarms can still be triggered and monitored during emergencies or outages. The other possible options focus on various terminologies that do not convey the specific roles of power sources in alarm systems as effectively as primary and secondary do. Terms like auxiliary typically describe supporting components rather than the main sources of power, and direct versus alternating refers more to types of electrical currents than to categories of power sources in alarm systems.