ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

What is defined as an output that uses power from the panel for an external device?

1. Dry output device

2. Wet output device

3. Passive output device

4. Active output device

The correct answer is: Wet output device

The correct definition for an output that uses power from the panel for an external device is a wet output device. This type of output provides a voltage source or power directly from the alarm panel to operate an external device, such as a siren or strobe light. The term "wet" signifies the presence of power, as it can be used to energize connected devices. In contrast, a dry output device does not provide any power; instead, it serves as a relay or switch that closes a circuit to allow an external device to operate, relying instead on its own power source. Passive and active output devices are terms that do not specifically relate to how power is supplied but rather refer to the general functionality of the devices in terms of their requirement of external power or activity in operation. Understanding these distinctions helps in correctly identifying how various outputs interface with alarm systems.