Which device is an example of a supervisory device?

Which device is an example of a supervisory device?

• A. Valve tamper switch
• B. Sprinkler head
• C. Smoke detector
• D. Heat detector

Answer: (A)

Supervisory devices monitor the status of important system components and send a signal to indicate something isn’t in its normal state, without starting a full fire alarm. A valve tamper switch fits this role because it watches the sprinkler control valve and alerts the system if the valve is closed or tampered with. This helps ensure the water supply is available and correctly positioned, and it invites maintenance attention before a fire occurs. Smoke detectors and heat detectors are initiating devices—they detect conditions that indicate a fire and trigger the alarm. A sprinkler head also acts as an initiating device when it activates in response to heat, releasing water. So the supervisory example among these is the valve tamper switch.

Supervisory devices monitor the status of important system components and send a signal to indicate something isn’t in its normal state, without starting a full fire alarm. A valve tamper switch fits this role because it watches the sprinkler control valve and alerts the system if the valve is closed or tampered with. This helps ensure the water supply is available and correctly positioned, and it invites maintenance attention before a fire occurs.

Smoke detectors and heat detectors are initiating devices—they detect conditions that indicate a fire and trigger the alarm. A sprinkler head also acts as an initiating device when it activates in response to heat, releasing water. So the supervisory example among these is the valve tamper switch.