What is a fire alarm supervisory signal?

A fire alarm supervisory signal serves as a crucial alert within a fire alarm system, specifically indicating that the system is not operating under normal conditions. This includes scenarios where there may be tampering, malfunction, or a need for maintenance on the fire alarm components. Such signals are essential to ensure the reliability of the fire protection system, as they prompt necessary attention from fire safety personnel to troubleshoot and maintain the system, thereby ensuring it functions properly in an emergency. This type of signal is distinct from alerts related to actual fire conditions or signals that indicate the presence of smoke or heat.