ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a requirement set by the ADA for visual signaling devices?

1. Must be able to be seen from all angles

2. Be red or amber

3. Must flash at specific intervals

4. Must provide a consistent output

The correct answer is: Be red or amber

The requirement regarding the color of visual signaling devices under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not stipulate that they must be red or amber. Instead, the ADA focuses primarily on the effectiveness of the signaling device for alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Visual alarms established by the ADA must be capable of being seen from various angles, which ensures their visibility regardless of the viewer's position. They also must flash at specific intervals to ensure their deliberate recognition, thereby avoiding confusion with ambient light. Additionally, consistent output is critical, as it ensures that the signaling devices perform reliably over time. Colors like red and amber are typically associated with warning signals in general safety regulations but are not a specified requirement in the ADA guidelines for visual signaling devices. Thus, stating that visual signaling devices must be red or amber reflects a misunderstanding of the specific ADA requirements.