The maximum end-to-end communication time between the initiation of an alarm signal at the protected premises to the display and recording of the alarm signal at the supervising station shall not exceed how many seconds?

The maximum end-to-end communication time between the initiation of an alarm signal at the protected premises to the display and recording of the alarm signal at the supervising station shall not exceed how many seconds?

• A. 10
• B. 30
• C. 60
• D. 90

Answer: (D)

End-to-end communication time is the total duration from when an alarm is initiated at the protected premises to when the supervising station displays and records that alarm. This path includes the initiating device, the transmission channel (whether wired, cellular, radio, or network), and the central station’s receiving and logging equipment, plus any operator processing time. The standard sets a maximum of ninety seconds for this overall time to ensure the signal is received promptly for quick dispatch, even with different communication methods and potential busy-line conditions. Shorter intervals like ten, thirty, or sixty seconds would be too restrictive given the variety of transmission paths and processing delays that can occur; ninety seconds provides a practical upper bound that still supports timely response.

End-to-end communication time is the total duration from when an alarm is initiated at the protected premises to when the supervising station displays and records that alarm. This path includes the initiating device, the transmission channel (whether wired, cellular, radio, or network), and the central station’s receiving and logging equipment, plus any operator processing time. The standard sets a maximum of ninety seconds for this overall time to ensure the signal is received promptly for quick dispatch, even with different communication methods and potential busy-line conditions. Shorter intervals like ten, thirty, or sixty seconds would be too restrictive given the variety of transmission paths and processing delays that can occur; ninety seconds provides a practical upper bound that still supports timely response.