Which type of signals must take priority over all others in a fire alarm system?

In a fire alarm system, fire signals take priority over all other types of signals because they are critical for ensuring the safety of occupants and the protection of property. Fire signals indicate an active fire condition or the presence of smoke, heat, or other hazardous conditions that require immediate response.

The priority given to fire signals is rooted in the essential need to alert individuals to evacuate the premises and to summon emergency services without delay. This urgency is crucial to prevent loss of life and to allow for swift action to mitigate potential damage caused by fire.

Additionally, while there are other types of signals such as security, maintenance, and supervisory signals which play important roles in operational functionality and system integrity, these are secondary to the immediate risk posed by fire. Security signals, for example, deal with unauthorized access and are important for safety, but they do not pose a direct risk to life like fire signals do. Maintenance and supervisory signals monitor the health of the fire alarm system itself and while important for ensuring reliable operation, they do not convey immediate life safety concerns.

Therefore, fire signals are prioritized in alarm systems to ensure that any potential fire threat is addressed as quickly and effectively as possible.